R.E.M. Shine on New Live Recording
Songs from their initial independent EP, Chronic Town, shine here as four of the five are performed in a way unfamiliar to fans: Michael Stipe’s lyrics are intelligible.
Sting Brings Bleakness and Beauty with ‘If On a Winter’s Night…’
Sting, If On a Winter’s Night… (Deutsche Grammophon/Universal Music Classical) Whenever musical artists stray from their customary paths, there is invariably an outcry from fans around the world. People, in general, fear change. They thrive in their comfort zones. But it is only with change that one can […]
Liam Finn Hits a Homer With Sophomore Effort
Liam Finn & Eliza-Jane Barnes, Champagne In Seashells (Yep Roc Records) On the new EP Champagne In Seashells, New Zealander Liam Finn has again created a fresh and cutting-edge collection of songs. For the follow-up to his 2008 debut, the critically acclaimed I’ll Be Lightning, Finn shares billing […]
CD Review: The Lonely Forest, ‘We Sing The Body Electric!’
(Burning Building Recordings, released April 21, 2009) The sources of new music for me are many. Recommendations from friends, reading music reviews, and once in a while, a chance radio experience. While listening to the local college station here in Atlanta recently, I heard a song that I […]
Review: U2’s ‘No Line On The Horizon’
Let’s put aside, if we can, the years of accolades this band has earned. Let’s forget about Rolling Stone Magazine’s five-star rating for this album (giving it “classic” status). Ignore the aging rock stars that have been written off more than once. And pay no attention to the […]
R.E.M. Return to Rock On ‘Accelerate’
New Music: R.E.M.’s Accelerate (Warner Bros. Records) Legend has it that guitarist Peter Buck was working at Wuxtry Records in Athens, Georgia when Michael Stipe strolled in. They talked about music and bands. The rest is history. Twenty-eight years and fourteen albums later R.E.M. has become the little […]
Liam Finn Releases Debut ‘I’ll Be Lightning’
New Music: Liam Finn, I’ll Be Lightning (Roundhead Music) Some things are just meant to be. For example, Liam Finn was meant to create a musical career for himself. Forget about his place in the Finn Dynasty. He can confidently stand his own merits and talents. This is […]
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