pop Archive
29 Sep 2019
Album Review: Young Mister — ‘Sudden Swoon’
Young Mister is the performing name of Steven Fiore, a Tryon-based singer songwriter. His background includes membership in the jazz band led by actor-musician Jeff Goldblum, co-writing experience with Art […]
28 Sep 2019
Single Review: The Embryos — Singles Club Volume 2
I was already predisposed toward liking this 45 before I heard it; The Embryos’ Open the Kimono (reviewed a few months back) is an instantly likable collection of chiming, catchy […]
19 Sep 2019
Hundred-word Reviews for September 2019, Part 1
Once again, it’s time for a passel of quick reviews. Twenty in all – ten today, as many tomorrow. All deserve a listen. Titles on vinyl are noted as such […]
09 Sep 2019
Book Review: A Voice of the Warm
Every so often, some of my Facebook friends and I engage in a little game. You might call it Dreadful Earworms: we try to outdo each other by rattling off […]
28 Aug 2019
Michael Franti: National Tour, Local Focus
Michael Franti is well known for many things.* The Oakland-born musician is a guitarist, rapper, songwriter and poet. He’s also renowned for his activism and commitment to social change, world […]
25 Aug 2019
Album Review: Stereospread — Beautiful Noise
Jumping ahead of critics who might apply their own subjective labels to the band’s music, Asheville-based Stereospread has taken on the task itself, calling the sounds it makes “indietronica.” Launched […]
14 Aug 2019
Hundred-word Reviews for August 2019, Part Three (Archival)
Time for a look at ten new albums featuring reissued, compilation and/or archival material. Rock, jazz and beyond. Collect ’em all, kids! Soul Asylum – While You Were Out / […]
12 Aug 2019
Hundred-word Reviews for August 2019, Part One
It’s that time again: reviews of new music that passes the rigorous “smash or trash” competition happening periodically at my CD changer. Diplomats of Solid Sound — A Higher Place […]
26 Jul 2019
Can’t Stop Running: Todd Rundgren’s ‘Nearly Human’ at 30
Being a serious fan of Todd Rundgren isn’t always an easy path, but it’s a rewarding one. The wunderkind from Upper Darby, Pennsylvania started his musical career out in relatively […]
23 Jul 2019
Confusion: A Look Back at ‘Identity’ by Zee (Richard Wright and Dave Harris)
Pink Floyd keyboardist Richard Wright was not what one would call a prolific artist. While he composed some superb songs for the Floyd – The Dark Side of the Moon‘s […]