Son Volt frontman Jay Farrar has put out some clunky solo and side efforts lately, but “The Search” makes up for all these and then some. There’s a lot to be said for the sequencing, with seamless transitions from song to song — pensive, slow and midtempo songs are perfectly met with the country-tinged […]
You’ll never be able to take Korn home to mom, but the group really did reinvent itself for “MTV Unplugged.” Much of its dark ego is shed to flesh out melodies that eluded its older material. Hearing its black id simmer would have better suited “Blind,” but the flamenco treatment Korn’s first hit receives […]
This is the second U.S. release for the Spanish group Ojos de Brujo, and it more than realizes the promise shown on its 2002 American debut disc, “Bari.” The gypsy heart that animates the ODB vibe is undeniable. This band is the sound of al-Andalus today — flamenco, rock, rap, funk and the keyboard […]
Even though Mandy Moore’s first musical exploits were as a teen during the 2000 bubble-gum boom, she appeared to possess greater gifts that lent promise to adult artistic potential. Consider upcoming album “Wild Hope” the 22-year-old’s musical coming out — and first single “Extraordinary” every guest’s take-home party favor. Moore’s once-girlish vocals now project a […]
On the second single from “Hip-Hop Is Dead,” Nas rhymes a hip-hop chronicle over a sample of Nat “King” Cole’s “Unforgettable,” reflecting on moments in music and sports from the ’80s and early ’90s. Accompanied by Def Jam R&B newcomer Chrisette Michele and production by star helmer Will.i.am, “Can’t Forget About You” catapults Nas to […]
New music from Carly Simon qualifies as an event. The debut single from top 20 album “Into White” perhaps epitomizes a glance into the veteran artist’s current place in life, featuring her children Sally and Ben Taylor. “You Can Close Your Eyes,” which Simon produced — and ex-husband James Taylor (the kids’ papa) wrote — […]
The second single from Kellie Pickler’s striking debut, “Small Town Girl,” rips a page from her diary. The “American Idol” finalist co-wrote this revealing ballad about her mother, who left when Pickler was a child, and the artist now has no contact with her. In the lyric, Pickler reflects on missed moments (braiding hair, getting […]
In the spirit of indelible crossover ballads from Rascal Flatts and Lonestar is the second single from Christian band MercyMe’s “Coming Up to Breathe.” “Hold Fast” is a return to form following the Barenaked Ladies-like uptempo frolic “So Long Self,” which hit top 20 at AC. Akin to the group’s “I Can Only Imagine,” the […]
Who you calling a teen actor? It took time, but Jared Leto’s 30 Seconds to Mars has not only gained rock credibility, it is now setting records for the longest-charting single ever at modern rock, spending 50 weeks in the top 40. Smelling the fair fragrance of mainstream success, that song has a new vocal […]
Spanish R&B didn’t exist as a genre until the reggaeton explosion gave rise to Latin urban radio. Now a crooner like Rigo Luna has a place on the airwaves, and that can only open doors for other sexy balladeers. Luna’s boy band vocals are refreshingly low-key on this slow jam and the defined pacing on […]
The Girls Are Back in Town!
GIRL AUTHORITY are Rock n’ Roll Girl Tarr, age 14; All-Star Girl Jacqueline, age 14; Fashion Girl Alex, age 14; Glamour Girl Carly, age 14; Boho Girl Jess, age 13; Urban Girl Gina, age 13; Party Girl Kate, age 12; Country Girl Crystal, age 12; and Preppy Girl Zoe, […]
Bethany Yarrow and Rufus Cappadocia manage to get quite a bit out of not much at all. Their spare collaboration on 900 Miles references a wide swath of folk and jazz, but the nocturnal smokiness of Yarrow’s haunted alto and Cappadocia’s cello combine for a sound that’s slightly outside of the usual music universe. […]
“I’m gonna sing mostly new songs tonight,” Neil Young tells the rapt Massey Hall audience, “…I’ve written so many new ones that I can’t think of anything else to do with them other than sing ‘em.” He steps to the mic unadorned, distant from CSNY’s rippled harmonies or Crazy Horse’s yowl, hypnotically nailing […]
Recorded live, this Chopin program featuring three Impromptus, four Polonaises, and the Fantasie-Impromptu has all the electricity of a performance. Kissin, who captivated the world two decades ago as a sensational prodigy, is today a spectacular pianist and compelling personality. His virtuosity is by now taken for granted, but perhaps most extraordinary is his […]
