May’s batch of new releases from veteran artists brings into question the maxim of “respect your elders”. Continue reading
Author Archives: David Hyland
2001 / Interviews / Music
Interview: Texas Songwriter’s New Record Basks In Influences
With more than 25 years in music that have seen him evolve from a thrashing, “cowpunk” rocker to an alt-country bard, singer-songwriter Alejandro Escovedo has certainly watched some great songs pour out of his pen. His new record, “A Man Under The Influence,” is the ultimate example. Continue reading
2001 / Movie Reviews / Music
Review: Documentary Trails Rockers’ Search For Woody Guthrie
A newly released BBC documentary, “Man In The Sand,” takes viewers on the journey that saw Billy Bragg and Wilco attempting to put music to incomplete works by folk-music icon Woody Guthrie. In the process, the musicians literally follow in Guthrie’s footsteps, visiting the places that he stopped in America’s heartland and giving an insider’s view of the recording process. Continue reading
Review: April’s Record Review Roundup: A Classic Makes A Slight Return
While a reissue of Marvin Gaye’s masterpiece, “What’s Going On,” threatens to leave listeners in a a state of permanent excitation, two other new releases — Daft Punk and most of all, the Melvins — quickly quell that feeling. Continue reading
Review: Devendra Banhart Continues Free-Spirited Wanderings On New Disc
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
Review: Simon’s New Album Stresses Sounds Of Silence
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
2000 / Live Reviews / Music
Concert Review: Counting Crows, Live Prove They’re ‘Big Stars’
Both Live and Counting Crows are tried-and-true alternative rock bands who slid into heavy video rotation on MTV in the ’90s. At a co-headlining show in Minneapolis on Wednesday night, this double feature reinforced how they won mainstream appeal. Continue reading
Review: Victoria Williams Sheds Overalls For Cocktail Dress
For most of the last decade, singer-songwriter Victoria Williams has quietly released folk-oriented albums and collaborated with her husband Mark Olson (formerly of the Jayhawks). But, her newest effort, “Water To Drink,” threatens to alter the world’s musical perceptions of Williams and to bring her to a wider audience. Continue reading
Review: New Band Offers Classic Psychedelic Sound
On their self-titled debut, the new band Unified Theory — which features ex-members of alternative-rock stalwarts Blind Melon and Pearl Jam — has created a sound that borrows quite a bit from the frolicking 1960s, albeit with a modern twist. If only the songs were better. Continue reading
2000 / Movie Reviews / Music
Review: Bob Marley Film Shows How Star Is Born
A new “Classic Albums” documentary on Bob Marley’s major label debut, “Catch a Fire,” transports listeners back in time to see how an unknown Jamaican band -– with the help of Island Records guru Chris Blackwell –- designed a record to capture rock fans’ attention and brought reggae to a world audience. Continue reading
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