Author Archive
19 Jan 2026
Hundred-word Reviews for January 2026: Archival Releases
I’m still clearing out the decks full of great music released in 2025; each of the following is an archival or reissue release. The styles of music covered below vary […]
16 Jan 2026
The Fabulous Thunderbirds: Not Boxed in by the Blues
Though they’re often categorized as a blues outfit, the Fabulous Thunderbirds have always defied easy categorization. Vocalist, harmonica player and founding leader Kim Wilson says that’s by design. He admits […]
15 Jan 2026
30 Days Out, January 2026 #2: Mike Mattison, The Ocean Blue, Pete Yorn, Say She She
Nationally-touring artists are the focus of this edition of 30DO. Off we go! Artist: Mike Mattison Venue: Asheville Music Hall Date: Saturday, Jan. 17, 9 p.m. Door: $18.65 Grammy winner […]
14 Jan 2026
Take Five: Songs John Lennon Wrote for (or With) Other Artists
John Lennon’s body of work is staggeringly impressive. With the Beatles and as a solo artist, he created some of the most enduring music of the rock era. And though […]
13 Jan 2026
Music Blurbs, Vol. 18
The Darkness Glam rock experienced its apex in the early 1970s. Primarily a British phenomenon, glam rock was characterized by a heavy emphasis on boundary-pushing fashion, androgyny and over-the-top production […]
12 Jan 2026
Music Blurbs Vol. 17
The Beta Band The Beta Band’s “Dry the Rain” came to worldwide attention when it was featured in the 2000 film adaptation of Nick Hornby’s High Fidelity. The song wasn’t […]
09 Jan 2026
All Connected: Yes Through the Years (Part 2 of 2)
Continued from Part One… 2023’s Mirror to the Sky earned some of Yes’ best critical reviews of the last several years. With that kind of wind at your back, what […]
08 Jan 2026
All Connected: Yes Through the Years (Part 1 of 2)
The history of Yes is lengthy and byzantine. Since the progressive rock avatars began in London in 1968, more than 20 musicians have passed through its ranks. Through those changes, […]
07 Jan 2026
Take Five: Pop-leaning Tracks from the Velvet Underground
The Velvet Underground are one of rock’s paradoxes. During the group’s time together, the New York City based band never achieved widespread popularity; their most commercially successful album – the […]
06 Jan 2026
Colbie Caillat: A Sustained Overnight Sensation (Part 2 of 2)
Continued from Part One… You mentioned MySpace. When MySpace launched, it was touted as the Next Big Thing for artists. But for most of them, it wasn’t. Yet it worked […]