Too long surrounded by an army of like-minded longhairs, singer-songwriter Devendra Banhart is beginning to outgrow his handle as the prophet of “freak folk.” His new album documents a maturing artist who has grown into a songwriter and performer of surprising utility. Continue reading
Paul Simon’s new album, “You’re The One,” carries a sense of the understated. The album’s serene songs, which seem to move and weave with a strong sense of effortlessness, hover only a bit louder than silence. They remain low-key, like shy wallflowers at a school dance. Continue reading
Soundbytes Music Column 