Review

Classical CD Reviews: Thomas Adès’s Orchestral Works, Aaron Copland’s Symphony no. 3, and Leonard Bernstein’s “Songfest”

April 14, 2020
Posted in , , ,

A terrific release showcases the Boston Symphony Orchestra and composer Thomas Adès. Michael Tilson Thomas and the San Francisco Symphony deliver a radiantly honest recording of Aaron Copland’s Symphony 3.

Television Review: Marc Maron’s “End Times Fun” — Getting Creative About Extinction

April 13, 2020
Posted in , ,

One thing that gives Marc Maron’s comedy a certain punch is that he is an equal-opportunity crank.

WATCH CLOSELY: “Killing Eve” Season 3 — Still Suspenseful, But More Muddled

April 12, 2020
Posted in , ,

Killing Eve is as exciting and compelling as ever. But its narrative structure is becoming somewhat fractured and increasingly odd.

Book Review: “The Heart: Frida Kahlo in Paris” — The Mystery of Art and Love

April 8, 2020
Posted in , ,

Marc Petitjean seamlessly moves from describing intimate scenes to discussing Frida Kahlo’s art and its significance.

Television Review: Netflix’s “The English Game” — The Sport of Class Warfare

April 7, 2020
Posted in , ,

For those averse to sports, The English Game is focused more on attitudes and mores of the time than on the game itself.

Book Review: “The Mountains Sing” — The Power of Witnessing

April 6, 2020
Posted in , ,

This is a love letter, told honestly and poignantly, to the Vietnamese people, an homage to their dedication to remembrance, during and after a painful time.

Rock Album Review: Phish — Comfortably Optimistic at Home

April 6, 2020
Posted in , , ,

Sigma Oasis is one of Phish’s better albums since the group reunited in 2009 after a five-year breakup.

Book Review: “Shakespeare in a Divided America” — Illuminating the Bard’s Influence on Our History

April 5, 2020
Posted in , ,

Shakespeare’s role in American history is not immediately apparent — at least it wasn’t to me. Part of the considerable pleasure of reading this book is seeing how James Shapiro draws the connections.

Jazz CD Reviews: Lakecia Benjamin & Dave Liebman Group — Rejuvenating the Past

April 5, 2020
Posted in , , ,

I’d have to give the edge to Dave Liebman in terms of innovative creative reach. But Lakecia Benjamin more than holds her own in how she gives re-vitalizing attention to some very important musical roots.

Music Review: Childish Gambino’s “3.15.20” — The Best (And Worst) of Both Worlds

April 4, 2020
Posted in , , ,

Childish Gambino is hamstrung by ambition, but 3.15.20 still contains a bevy of enjoyable songs, including one or two tracks that brush against brilliance.

Recent Posts

Popular Posts

Categories

Archives