The best album not on CD…is finally on CD. Rhino Records rescued Warren Zevon’s classic live album from Asylum’s vaults and released an expanded and remastered version in late March. This album isn’t just live; it’s ALIVE — a vicious assault on songs taken (mostly) from Zevon’s first (and best) two albums. Almost without exception, […]
Kevin Lawson, On the Radar
It’s unlikely that you’ll find me in the Christian section of the record store. Its not that I’m anti-Christian. To the contrary, I’m quite comfortable and proud of my faith. Its more a case of my lack of knowledge in Christian music. Unlike my friend Stephen over at Fishtones.net (shameless plug) I haven’t been exposed […]
Grant-Lee Phillips & More, Album Previews
Grant Lee Phillips “Soft Asylum (No Way Out)” Grant-Lee Phillips, Strangelet (Zoe/Rounder) Out with his fifth solo recording titled “Strangelet”, Grant-Lee Phillips looks to cosmic abnormalities to inspire a “record for strange times”. Check out the Grant-Lee Phillips’ MySpace profile for song previews. File under: Rock, Acoustic, Alternative. ALSO LOOK FOR: Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, […]
Low Stars, On the Radar
Harmony, harmony, harmony. Apparently, its back in style and it sounds great. Witness foursome Low Stars with their debut album. I know what you are thinking… these guys are a CSN ripoff. You’d be right, but they don’t hide from this. In fact, they embrace it. “We wanted to make an authentic-sounding record that was […]
Ted Leo & More, Album Previews
Ted Leo and the Pharmacists, Living With the Living (Touch & Go Records) If I’m telling the full truth, Jesse Malin would have been my pick of the week if I could locate a full album stream. The good news is that Ted Leo and the Pharmacists are more than second best. Fans of Spoon […]
The Young Dubliners – The Irish Sessions
Though they orginated in Dublin, the Young Dubliners’ turbo charged sound owes more to Alternative Pop than Irish Pub Rock. Over the years, they have merely peppered their six albums and their concerts with traditional Irish tunes; but when they DO perform authentic Irish, the results have been outstanding, and fans have cried out for […]
Grace Potter & The Nocturnals “Mystery Train”, a Video
One act I’m really going to try to see this year at SXSW is Grace Potter & The Nocturnals. They’re playing at 1am on Thursday night at the Cedar Street Courtyard. Check ’em out. Grace Potter and the Nocturnals – “Mystery Train” Thanks, John!
Son Volt & More, Album Previews
Son Volt, The Search (Legacy) Their previous release, Okemah and the Melody of Riot, landed at #3 on my top ten list of 2005. Its fair to say I’m biased when talking about Son Volt. Jay Farrar and Mike Heidorn created Son Volt out of the ashes of Uncle Tupelo who along with Whiskeytown should […]
The Return of Matthew Sweet?
Matthew Sweet’s 1991 album Girlfriend burst through like a breath of fresh air. During a time when grunge ruled the airwaves and Nirvana was leading the charge, Sweet took the roughness of grunge and married it with southern California harmonies and pop sensibilities. Sweet has quietly reemerged in recent years, most notably collaborating with Susanna […]
Southern Culture on the Skids, Album Preview
Southern Culture on the Skids, Countrypolitan Favorites (Yep Roc) I got the opportunity to see SCOTS last year in San Francisco for the first time. They are fantastic live. I got hit by a flying piece of fried chicken and I loved it. I don’t know much about the new album but I expect it […]