album reviews
Ambrosia Parsley (Shivaree) Talks Todd Rundgren, Emil Nikolaisen and Hans-Peter Lindstrøm’s Runddans
A Todd Rundgren superfan hitches a ride on the pop visionary’s latest trip, Chex Mix in hand.
Norman Brannon (Texas Is the Reason) Talks Mac McCaughan’s Non-Believers
The former Texas Is the Reason member contemplates the legacy of Mac McCaughan and Superchunk, secret emo progenitors.
Meshell Ndegeocello Talks Passion Pit’s Kindred
The weary songwriter finds relief from a troubled world on Passion Pit’s nostalgic new album.
Jay Ferguson (Sloan) Talks Mikal Cronin’s MCIII
From multi-song suites to playing most of the instruments himself, Mikal Cronin gets ambitious on the triumphant MCIII.
Lyrics Born Talks Alabama Shakes’ Sound & Color
No second-album slickness here; instead, Alabama Shakes are taking us on an emotional journey.
Joel Cummins (Umphrey’s McGee) Talks Built to Spill’s Untethered Moon
They’re not shy about their influences, but Built to Spill remain American originals.
Tony Dekker (Great Lake Swimmers) Talks Calexico’s Edge of the Sun
Calexico’s Edge of the Sun is a testament to the ease with which music crosses borders.
Dean Spunt (No Age) Talks Wire’s Wire
How to explain the wonder that is Wire, the iconic post-punk band now on their 13th album? Perhaps they are like a Japanese game show.
Nicole Atkins Talks Speedy Ortiz’s Foil Deer
With its wit and melancholy, Speedy Ortiz’s new album is the sound of a woman stomping the sad feelings and then wearing them like a badge of honor.
Zachary Lipez (Freshkills, Publicist UK) Talks 311’s Stereolithic
The human soul is invisible, but the sound it makes when it leaves the body, even if it leaves before the body dies, just forced out or fleeing...
Matthew Shipp Talks Keith Jarrett, Gary Peacock and Jack DeJohnette’s Somewhere
I have struggled long and hard to evaluate the position that Keith Jarrett's music occupies in the hierarchy of the jazz industry. I have always...
Charlotte Church Talks the Flaming Lips’ With a Little Help From My Fwends
The Welsh renaissance woman explains why the Flaming Lips’ Sgt. Pepper tribute album is like filling prophylactics with mashed potato.











