Jon Cleary and the Absolute Monster Gentlemen, Pin Your Spin (Basin Street Records)

The Sounds of South Africa

Various Artists, Gospel Brunch Classics (Rounder)

On their first release of their new Classics series, Rounder has created a likable, if slightly unimaginative compilation of gospel music. I use the term “unimaginative,” because there are only […]

Mike Marshall & Chris Thile, Into the Cauldron (Sugar Hill Records)

Into the Cauldron brings together two of the most innovative mandolin players on the bluegrass fringe. Mike Marshall is a veteran of the progressive “pyschograss” movement, while Chris Thile has […]

Eric Lindell: An “Old Soul” from California Reinvents New Orleans R&B

There’s a new burrito joint in town. It’s across the river in Algiers Point, but don’t let the Mississippi stop you. Not only will you get a mammoth Mission-styled burrito, […]

Ryan Adams, LloR N kcoR & Love Is Hell Pt. 1 (Lost Highway)

Ryan Adams: LloR N kcoR & Love Is Hell Pt. 1 (Lost Highway)

The Strokes, Room on Fire (RCA Records)

The hype is justified. With nearly everyone assuming and praying the snotty rich Manhattan boys crumple and wither into Next Big Thing failures, they went out and bested their debut. […]

The Red Stick Ramblers, Bring It On Home (Memphis International Records)

Gillian Welch, Soul Journey (Acony Records)

Josh Rouse, 1972 (Rykodisc)