Rock
This album may be too mellow, too grim, too serious for the average listener but hear me: This is an amazing and important work of art, quite possibly the legendary songwriter’s own elegy.
On Remedy, Gozu sharpens and refines the strengths in its earlier recordings as it infuses into these new songs a finesse that doesn’t undercut the power of the music’s brute force.
Among its many virtues, this archival live release from Stephen Stills reminds us of an era when great music was human-generated — written and performed with love.
Now an octogenarian, Ian Hunter remains a gifted songwriter, a distinctive vocalist, and a man who truly has a rock and roll heart.
A documentary about the female band Fanny asks why the talented LA hard rockers missed out on the big time.
Neighbor is steeped in what could be considered rock ’n’ roll’s golden era — the ’70s. That is when bands could be — and were damn well expected to be— both technically dazzling and broadly appealing.
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.
Maybe The Zombies are not quite as elaborately visionary as they used to be, but after all this time that is no great sin. And Colin Blunstone and Ron Argent’s breathy but soulful voices have held up magnificently.
The saxman and his usual band (including vocalist Patrice Quinn instead of the billed Ami Taf Ra) easily adapted to the 200-seat venue, barely modulating their visceral delivery while also highlighting their softer dynamics and a personal rapport.
Horse represents a victory lap (pun intended), a confident follow-up to the artist’s astonishing success with his self-release of Powderhorn Suites.
Arts Commentary: In Memoriam, Michael Tilson Thomas (1944-2026)