Calexico’s name and sound reflects a fusion of influences from both sides of the US–Mexico border. Hence, this album with its feet firmly north of the border could disappoint – but it doesn’t.
A change of direction certainly, but a very finely crafted slice of Wilco-esque Americana this is.
Ranging from warm acoustic harmonies to epic […]
Second outing by this eight-voice family ensemble is a captivating, complete realization of the group’s “in the blood” vocal blend, hook-heavy material and Hammond’s dead-on production. The family brings together generation-spanning influences, creating a distinct, compelling signature all its own. With each member equally gifted as a soloist and an ensemble singer, the group […]
This Austin-based sextet has become one of the happening bands in a town where attracting ears is no small feat. The Del Castillo brothers, Rick and Mark, play Spanish guitars, which gives the group a distinctive string sound, underwritten by a heavyweight rhythm section. “Brotherhood” features songs in English and Spanish, and includes Willie Nelson […]
In case you can’t remember your last New Year’s, here is a chance to relive the evening with Bradley and a muscled-up Blackwater Surprise. This live double-CD, recorded at the Bluebird in Bloomington, Ind., is powerful. Bradley and his fine band have always managed an uncanny blend of soul, rock, blues and funk in the […]
Smithsonian Folkways is sweeping away the veil from Central Asian music with this new series exploring the richly diverse and entirely beautiful musical traditions of the region. Each gorgeously packaged set contains a disc of newly recorded music performed by master musicians, excellent liner notes (including full English translations of song texts) and a DVD […]
Candi Staton has covered much musical ground in her decades-long career, from blues and soul to R&B and disco. Since the ’80s, she has concentrated on gospel, but on “His Hands,” Staton returns to her Southern soul roots. Joining her for the ride is Lambchop’s Mark Nevers, who produced the sublime set. He lovingly surrounds […]
On his new studio album, Dutch DJ/producer Tom “Junkie XL” Holkenborg does away with the big-name theatrics that populated his previous collection, “Radio JXL — A Broadcast From the Computer Hell Cabin.”
This time around, XL spotlights one voice only, newcomer Nathan Mader. Like others in the electronic world, XL has likely been paying attention to […]
Lawrence concludes his 15-year, hit-filled collaboration with the 35-voice Tri-City Singers with this live collection, reprising a formidable portion of the group’s classic repertoire (”Seasons,” “Never Seen the Righteous,” “I Am God,” “When Sunday Comes”). The set offers an equal helping of strong, stirring new material, led by “The Blessing of Abraham,” which is No. […]
Davis has been turning out extraordinary records for Red House since 1995, but “Skunkmello” is one of his most compelling to date. The album is loaded with originals, some inspired by family members. “Hooking Bull at the Landing” is based on an expression Davis’ late father, the actor Ossie Davis, was fond of repeating. Davis […]
“Lunatico” opens with a blast of feedback, an electronic clarion call that dissolves into one of the loveliest sounds civilization offers: the tango. Solal, Muller and Makaroff — a Frenchman, a Swiss and an Argentine — offered a bold new take on tango on the Gotan Project’s debut, 2002’s “La Revancha Del Tango.” The new […]
Shooter Jennings’ sophomore release is far less sophomoric than his debut last year. These 11 songs showcase a confident artist very comfortable in an outlaw’s boots. The title cut busts lose with a Texas rock ass-whuppin’ that pretty much sets up what’s to follow on the pounding “Little White Lines” (a vice Daddy Waylon was […]
Wilson produced by T Bone Burnett seemed like a great idea on paper, but “Thunderbird” is at best inconsistent. The Wilson-penned opener “Go to Mexico” has an addictive club groove out of the Dust Brothers’ playbook, but other originals (”Poet,” “Tarot”) are listless. Wilson is usually a savvy interpreter, but her choices here fall short, […]
Newcomer Daniel Powter dominated international charts in 2005 with this debut album and its lead single, “Bad Day.” These days, he is well on his way to repeating the process in the United States, with “Bad Day” topping the Billboard Hot 100 and Pop 100 charts last week. With his self-titled full-length release, Powter firmly […]
Michael Bublé’s assured debut and the tireless year of globe-trotting touring he spent promoting it elevated the 20-something Vancouver native into the first rank of pop crooner revivalists. His sophomore studio follow-up largely turns on the same formula that helped make his considerable vocal prowess so attractive to mainstream audiences, mixing the nigh […]
