Candi Staton blends gospel and dance on new album
Tuesday, 26 July 2016, 14:40
Last update: about 10 years ago
Candi Staton blends gospel themes and messages of redemption and caution with dance music, funk and soul on "It's Time to Be Free," revisiting earlier hits and perhaps creating new ones. Staton,...
Aaron Neville shakes a funk feather on 'Apache'
Sunday, 24 July 2016, 16:50
Last update: about 10 years ago
Aaron Neville picks up the pace and delves into songwriting on "Apache," a lively album meshing New Orleans R&B with Brooklyn funk. Ably guided by Soulive's Eric Krasno and backed by members...
Michael Kiwanuka's 'Love & Hate' is emotional search
Friday, 22 July 2016, 16:48
Last update: about 10 years ago
Michael Kiwanuka takes a wide-screen approach to emotional distress on "Love & Hate," a collection of darting shadows rooted in straightforward melodies. Avoiding the sophomore slump, the...
Steven Tyler's country album shines
Thursday, 21 July 2016, 16:47
Last update: about 10 years ago
The opening stanza of Steven Tyler's move into country music includes references to Jesus, mama, bullets and whiskey. On paper, those clichés feed those who see the Aerosmith veteran's...
A fresh new voice in country leans into the moment
Wednesday, 20 July 2016, 16:46
Last update: about 10 years ago
One of the freshest new voices coming out of Nashville has actually been around for a while. His name is Sean McConnell, and though he's barely on the senior side of 30, he's been putting out...
The rescue of Eggs Over Easy from obscurity
Saturday, 16 July 2016, 16:56
Last update: about 10 years ago
No good band ever possessed a worse name, and Eggs Over Easy also had lousy luck. The 1970s group combined a loose vibe with tight harmonies thanks to three talented members who all sang and...
Avett Brothers' exquisite 'True Sadness' mixes new, classic
Friday, 15 July 2016, 16:55
Last update: about 10 years ago
A quiet, deep sigh opens the loveliest tune on The Avett Brothers' terrific new album, "True Sadness." It might reflect the wistful tale of a romance Seth Avett pines for in "I Wish I Was." But...
Sara Watkins branches out
Thursday, 14 July 2016, 16:54
Last update: about 10 years ago
Sara Watkins describes her latest venture as "a breakup album with myself," but it seems like there might have been someone else involved. The songs on "Young in All the Wrong Ways" have bite to...