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2001 / Book Reviews / Music
Review: Dylan Bios Seek To Understand ‘How Does It Feel?’
Bob Dylan is a man of many mysteries. Answering those questions and uncovering the man behind the myth is the primary task of two new books, “Down the Highway: The Life of Bob Dylan” by Howard Sounes and the latest edition of Clinton Heylin’s biography, “Bob Dylan: Behind the Shades Revisited.” Continue reading
Review: June’s New Releases Show Artists Eluding Expectations
In the latest batch of new releases — Dave Navarro, Lucinda Williams, Whiskeytown, R.E.M. and D.J. Logic — there are artists in various stages of their careers, but all are attempting to break new ground and redefine themselves. Continue reading
2001 / Live Reviews / Music
Concert Review: Prince Ends Weeklong String Of Shows With ‘Celebration’
Two years ago, Prince strolled onto a stage in front of a Twin Cities crowd and grabbed everyone’s attention from the start by strumming the menacing riff that leads into “Sign ‘O’ The Times.” At Saturday night’s show in St. Paul, Minn., most people didn’t even notice him when he snuck onstage for a cameo appearance during the opening act. Continue reading
Review: May’s Record Review Roundup: Veterans Present Latest Efforts
May’s batch of new releases from veteran artists brings into question the maxim of “respect your elders”. Continue reading
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
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