Compact Capsulesby Dan Ferguson L.A. based indie Anti Records has terrific balance. It’s a label that pays heed as much to the old sages (Tom Waits, Ramblin’ Jack Elliot) and pioneers (Bettye LaVette) as it does contemporary movers and shakers …
Continue Reading “CD Reviews for 09/30/10 – Anti Records releases”
Compact Capsulesby Dan Ferguson Justin Townes EarleHarlem River BluesBloodshot Records The new Harlem River Blues marks Justin Townes Earle’s first recording since relocating to Brooklyn from Nashville. Ironically, Earle returned to Nashville to make the recording, though, draws heavily from …
Continue Reading “CD Reviews for 09/20/10 – Justin Townes Earle”
Compact Capsulesby Dan Ferguson Eilen JewellButcher Holler: A Tribute to Loretta LynnSignature Sounds Records If you’ve caught an Eilen Jewell Band show any time over the last several years, you’re probably aware of her fondness for Loretta Lynn. Frankly speaking, …
Continue Reading “CD Reviews for 09/07/10 – Eilen Jewell, The Steeldrivers”
Compact Capsulesby Dan Ferguson Recent releases from performers appearing at the 2010 Rhythm & Roots Festival happening Labor Day weekend at Ninigret Park in Charlestown are in the spotlight this week. A decade between albums is a long time. In …
Continue Reading “CD Reviews for 08/26/10 – Rhythm & Roots Fest releases”
Compact Capsules by Dan Ferguson The RussiansCrashing the PartyMoontower Records Bay State pop craftsmen Sam Janovitz offers up a highly engaging new album. Working under the name The Russians and pulling in an “A” team of Beantown band talent into …
Continue Reading “CD Reviews for 08/16/10 – Ty Segall, The Russians”
Compact Capsules for August 3, 2010by Dan Ferguson PhosphorescentHere’s to Taking It EasyDead Oceans Records DOC025Best country record of 2009? A strong case could sure be made for To Willie from Phosphorescent. A woozy beaut of an album, it found …
Continue Reading “CD Reviews for 08/03/10 – Phosphorescent, Sarah Jaffe”
Compact Capsulesby Dan Ferguson Andre WilliamsThat’s All I NeedBloodshot Records BS171 Live fast, love hard, die young? For 70-plus year old R&B legend Andre Williams, two out of three is only a plus for fans. With That’s All I Need, …
Continue Reading “CD Reviews for 07/13/10 – Andre Williams, Bobby Fuller”
Compact Capsulesby Dan Ferguson Peter CaseWig!Yep Roc Records YEP-2222 18 months after open heart surgery and with a new lease on life, singer/songwriter Peter Case demonstrates serious mojo on his latest called Wig! A trio configuration with Ron Franklin on …
Continue Reading “CD Reviews for 06/15/10 – Peter Case, Stone River Boys”
Compact Capsules for May 20, 2010by Dan Ferguson The annual South-by-Southwest confab in March is all about discovery and with a few months to let it soak in, releases from several folks who knocked the socks off are spotlighted this …
Compact Capsules for May 7, 2010by Dan Ferguson Drive-By TruckersThe Big To-DoATO Records ATO0084 New record label, same old Drive-By Truckers. On their ATO Records debut titled The Big To-Do, this well-oiled and highly seasoned machine comes out guitars-a-blazing. Nothing …
Continue Reading “CD Reviews for 05/07/10 – Drive-By Truckers, She & Him”
