It was during the first of two shows in Minneapolis on Sunday night — in the middle of “Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out” — that Bruce Springsteen and the reunited E Street Band’s self-appointed mission became clear. Continue reading
Only a year after the trailblazing hip-hop trio A Tribe Called Quest called it quits, its frontman Q-Tip steps out from the group’s considerable shadow and has released his debut solo effort, “Amplified.” Continue reading
New albums by Rage Against the Machine and their agit-rock forebears in the Clash follow the same star — musically and politically. Continue reading
Beck Hansen is rock music’s man of a thousand faces. As this week’s release of his new album, “Midnite Vultures,” shows, he is again heading in some surprising new directions. Continue reading
Following up her breakthrough debut album, Fiona Apple’s new disc, “When the Pawn …,” seems to be missing something. The album is not un-endearing or boring, but it lacks the focus and sense of restrained passion that made her first so great. Continue reading
But after spending the past few years helping other artists behind the scenes, hip-hop producer Dr. Dre is back with his sophomore solo album, “Dr. Dre 2001.” Continue reading
Beyond the music, the success of the Buena Vista Social Club project has been its story — that of older, forgotten musicians rediscovered as Cuba’s national treasures. With a string of albums and a documentary about the project celebrating this rebirth, members are currently touring the U.S., bringing with them almost a century of Cuban music. Continue reading
Soundbytes Music Column 