It’s a wonderful testimony that not only did Cool Blue Halo strike an emotional chord in many hearts when it first appeared on Passport in late 1987, but it remains…
Rob Ross
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Rob Ross
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I’ll start by being concise – this is one of the year’s best albums, hands down. Memphis legends Van Duren and Vicki Loveland team up to release a 12-track gem…
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Rob Ross
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It is nearly impossible for me to distinguish the reviewer from the fan; I will fail miserably in my job as the reviewer but succeed in saying, as a fan…
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Rob Ross
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Sam Phillips has been at this for a long time; a singer-songwriter who knows the value of taking the time to craft her work to a fine polish. On Push…
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Rob Ross
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This album actually came out in 2006, but as it is an undiscovered gem, I wanted to give it exposure. I was hipped to this album by the lovely Deirdre…
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Rob Ross
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I’ll get right to the point: this album is wonderful. Richard X. Heyman, the New Jersey-native/guitar legend delivers on every level with this, his tenth solo album, appropriately titled X. …
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Rob Ross
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This Chicago native makes his solo debut on Bar/None with The Year Of No Returning; a fine effort that immediately made me smile. This is a darkly funny album, intended…
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Rob Ross
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Released on August 27th, Bella Ciao is the fifth album by Barbez, a Brooklyn-based collective, led by avant-guitarist Dan Kaufman. The basis of the music lies in an eclectic mixture…
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Rob Ross
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A wonderfully warm and melodic new album from the core trio of Hannah Marcus, David Grubbs and novelist Rick Moody – rich in its simplicity with acoustic guitars, understated drums,…
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Rob Ross
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Indeed – Sound The Alarm is an apt title for an artist with the legend and magnitude of the great Booker T. Jones. Back on Stax Records, the label whose…
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Rob Ross
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As what is presumably the last of the incredible Rhino releases from the archives of The Monkees’ studio works, The Monkees Present is one of the most fascinating since it’s…
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Rob Ross
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So it came to pass that Maxwell’s in Hoboken closed on July 31st. This was difficult for me to digest, even after ample time had gone by since it was…
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Rob Ross
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I can’t lie. I love this album. Never mind that it’s Grant Hart, who never fails to deliver interesting and complete pieces of work when he releases something new –…
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I loved these two albums when they first came out in 1984 and 1986, respectively, through the good folks at A&M Records. This Atlanta band had that wonderful mix of…
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Rob Ross
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The Teardrop Explodes were as important to me as The Jam. Equally painful was their split at the same time as The Jam. Except The Teardrop never received the respect,…
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Rob Ross
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I’ve written about this movie previously, but now, with the film making its national premiere in theaters, on InDemand and iTunes on July 3rd, I had the opportunity to ask…
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Rob Ross
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This Seattle-based 3 piece pleases with this fine effort. Great sounding; has a very early-to-mid ’70’s feel which is fine with me. “Amy” is a quality starter; good, soulful and…
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Rob Ross
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Tasty riffs – good production and catchy songs put this band on my radar now. Starting off with “Here I Go”, this album is chock full of class-A/classic American power-pop…
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Rob Ross
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I don’t know why or what it is, but now this is the second new band I’ve heard in a week who seems to have used Big Star as a…
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Rob Ross
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This 12-track collection of lush rock melodies and introspective wordsmithery is the brainchild of Minneapolis’ Jon Herchert. Clean, “full” production and warmth made this a pleasure to take in. Of…
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Rob Ross
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Chris Stamey is the embodiment of the “thinking person’s musician”. His career is epic and storied: first as a member of The Sneakers with friend Mitch Easter, to playing bass…
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Rob Ross
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How can you miss with a title like Songs About Cars, Space and The Ramones? You can’t, especially if you’re Drivin’ N’ Cryin’ – who are back, yet again, with…
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Rob Ross
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What can be said about two legends getting together to combine forces on a double album? Beach Boys lyricist Stephen Kalinich and producer/musician/journalist Jon Tiven (with production help from no…
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Rob Ross
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I could go on for hours and I probably will about The Jam. Anyone who knows me knows how vital, important, sacred this band was to me. Next to The…
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Rob Ross
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I’m not sure why – I can’t put my finger on it, but this is a special album. Released during the long and sometimes dreary winter months, this album immediately…
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Rob Ross
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I first heard this track when I reviewed The Lonelyhearts’ new album, Years In The Great Interior. Now director Chris Ford adds a nice touch with this warm video for…