Review: Robbie Robertson, How to Become a Clairvoyant
Originally published at Blogcritics.org
It has been more than ten years since Robbie Robertson, he of The Band, has put out a new record, but come April 5 that vacuum will be filled. He has a new album, How to Become a Clairvoyant, and it's a gem.
“South of the Border”: The Sexual Politics of Autry and Sinatra
I was listening to a Gene Autry record yesterday--by the way, if you don’t own any Autry recordings you should get your hands on some. I know I had heard him sing “South of the Border” (recorded in 1939) at some point, but I hadn’t thought too
The Holy Trinity of John Hartford
John Hartford is one of the most unique and creative artists in American music history. Frankly, I consider a distaste for John Hartford bordering on a character flaw. Among other things, I look at the venerable fiddler, banjoist, and songwriter as a unifying force for traditional music fans of differing
Ben Hall - Ben Hall!
Every Monday morning, I post a review on an attention-grabbing album submitted via ReviewShine, and this week I've had the privilege to review Ben Hall's debut album, Ben Hall!.
Guitarist Ben Hall is a native of Okolona, Mississippi. His Merle-Travis-style of guitar playing
Jimmie Rodgers, the Blue Yodel, and a Young America
I recently read Nick Tosches’s Country: The Twisted Roots of Rock 'n' Roll (New York: Da Capo, 1984), and his great work inspired me to revisit the recordings of Jimmie Rodgers. I was intrigued with the mysteries I found buried in those old recordings. I know that
The great untold story of the New Orleans gospel genius Raymond Myles
Raymond Myles was like a comet shooting across the sky. He was here one minute: brilliant, incandescent and unmistakably unique. And then, just as quickly, he was gone.
A TASTE OF HEAVEN: The Heartbreak Life of Raymond Myles, Gospel Genius of New Orleans
takes us on Raymond's dramatic