Jason M. Rubin

Rock Album Review: Ian Hunter’s “Defiance Part I” — Miles To Go Before He Sleeps

May 22, 2023
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Now an octogenarian, Ian Hunter remains a gifted songwriter, a distinctive vocalist, and a man who truly has a rock and roll heart.

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Concert Review: A Fireball Performance from Styx at the MGM Music Hall

May 16, 2023
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I am happy to report that Styx 2023 is a powerhouse outfit, wielding the most exciting aspects of progressive rock with radio-friendly hooks, riffs, and rhythms that set it apart from many of its peers.

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Television Review: “History of the World, Part II” — D Grade “History”

March 10, 2023
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Hulu’s History of the World, Part II — the damn thing isn’t funny.

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Arts Remembrance: David Crosby — An Appreciation

January 20, 2023
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For people who grew up on his music in the ’60s and ’70s, David Crosby’s passing, especially on the heels of Jeff Beck’s death last week, is tough to take.

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Country Album Review: Robin Lane’s Current and Cathartic “Dirt Road to Heaven”

October 26, 2022
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Channeling equal parts Lucinda Williams and Levon Helm, the album features Robin Lane’s rich, earthy voice supported by sparse instrumentation.

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Comedy Review — Paul Reiser at the Cabot

October 26, 2022
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Like a magic show where you know you’re being duped and enjoy it all the same, Reiser’s act was something you just settled back and enjoyed without analyzing it too much.

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Jazz Album Review: Marco Pignataro’s Superb “Chant For Our Planet”

October 19, 2022
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Chant For Our Planet is a great recording full of exciting ensemble playing, with lots of tasty solos and, if you want to listen in that way, an important theme that expresses deep concern for the state of our environment.

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Jazz Album Review: Kirsten Lambert, “From A Window To A Screen” — Tomorrow’s Standards Today

October 18, 2022
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Sultry, smart, and sweet, From a Window To A Screen will be a perfect accompaniment to romantic winter nights.

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Concert Review: Nick Mason’s Fabulous Saucerful of Secrets

October 10, 2022
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Unlike the slow, spacy stonerism of the 1973-77 era, early Pink Floyd is a much more rocking experience, and those foundational tunes of English psychedelia take on the excitement of punk to modern ears when heard live.

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Rock Album Review: “Melt Away: A Tribute to Brian Wilson” — A Summery Pleasure

August 11, 2022
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I applaud She & Him’s selection of Brian Wilson tunes while at the same time feeling that some are not well-suited to their loungey, languid pop stylings.

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