This review is a little late coming. Locked Down, the latest album from Dr. John, has likely sat dusty on the shelves of many a record store without receiving the traction it deserves. In an ideal world — at least, in my ideal world — convertibles would rip through the summertime blasting “Revolution” instead of the illiterate sounds of modern pop, though I don’t see that happening anytime soon. Continue reading…
Lulu, the new collaboration between Lou Reed and Metallica, opens with a sparsely strummed acoustic guitar, Reed’s distinct voice, and a question: Will this misaligned collaboration surprise with unexpected merit? Once James Hetfield enters with his amplified chin-rock croon over a wall of guitars turned up to eleven and Reed sings the charming lyric “I would cut my legs and tits off when I think of Boris Karloff,” you have your answer. No. No it cannot. Continue reading…
“Chicago,” the opening track on Tom Waits‘ first studio release in seven years, starts with a sense of urgency, thanks to a driving, train-track rhythm, accents of banjo, sharp saxophone stabs, and a contemplative yet assured howl. “Maybe things will be better in Chicago,” Waits sings in his inimitable rasp. Continue reading…
Wilco‘s eighth studio album, The Whole Love, greets you like a Mack truck driving slowly and unexpectedly through your front door. Continue reading…