A 2fer post. First, a 2008 release I missed out on, but wanted to write a little something about. Tracy Shedd makes elusive pop songs that are simple and direct. Her ’08 release, Cigarettes & Smoke Machines, sounds like it’s title: A little raw, slightly nebulous, and perfect for poker. Check it out: Never Too [...]

I thought the latest Rambo was underrated. It had terrific action sequences and incredible violence, plus Dexter’s wife.

Rachel Yamagata is a singer-songwriter/pianist from Arlington, Virginia (where I currently call home). Here’s a show where she teamed up with another, slightly better known singer/songwriter/pianist. A lad named Ryan Adams. Only Ryan’s on drums(!) Interesting for the novelty, but worth getting for the songs. Yamagata’s work is top notch. A few tastes and a [...]

Frank Turner’s sophomore album arrived at the end of 2008, so it will get consideration as a best of 2009 release. And deservedly so. This is one of the greatest albums I’ve heard in years. This is punk that doesn’t have to force a sneer or rely on powerpop. It’s rock that moves for resistance [...]

One of my favorite artists to hear live is Michelle Shocked. I’ve seen her at least three times, including when she went through her (regrettable) disco phase. Here, she’s acoustic and electirc with the The Tower Of Power for a horn section, from the Newport Folk Festival in Rhode Island, 1990. A few tastes and [...]

There aren’t too many women in modern rock with the kind of classic rock/blues chops of Erika Wennerstrom. She blows just about everyone off the stage, including Karen O. Ms. Wennerstrom has a desperate sensuality and wide range, that is as powerful on creeping barburners like “Witchy Poo” as it is on the long-player bluegrass [...]

Raise ‘em up if you were disappointed by 8 Diagrams! Anyone not raise their hands? Then you don’t know shit about Wu Tang Clan. I’m happy to say, though, that The Razor, a cornerstone of New York’s most talented collective, hasn’t lost his skillz. Released on the independent Wu Music Group, Afro Samurai: Resurrection, is [...]