Scott McLennan

March Short Fuses – Materia Critica

March 3, 2022
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Each month, our arts critics — music, book, theater, dance, and visual arts — fire off a few brief reviews.

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Rock Concert Review: 2022’s Fear Inoculum Tour — Peak Tool

February 22, 2022
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Wading in the deep end of the Tool pool.

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Arts Feature: Music That Sustained Us Through (Another) Year of the Pandemic

December 26, 2021
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Canadian singer/songwriter Allison Russell’s Outside Child made two lists. And so did Little Simz’s Sometime I Might Be Introvert.

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Rock Concert Review: Bob Dylan X 2 — Performing in Boston and Providence

November 28, 2021
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At 80 years old, Bob Dylan sounds imperturbable and fierce.

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Coming Attractions: November 29 Through December 12 — What Will Light Your Fire

November 28, 2021
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As the age of Covid-19 wanes (or waxes?), Arts Fuse critics supply a guide to film, dance, visual art, theater, and music. Please check with venues about whether the event is available by streaming or is in person. More offerings will be added as they come in.

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Concert Review: Billy Strings — “A Big Ball in Boston”

November 18, 2021
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Once again, Billy Strings pulled an exhilarating assemblage of musical influences under a big tent.

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Arts Reconsideration: The 1971 Project – Celebrating a Great Year in Music (November Entry)

November 12, 2021
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Arts Fuse writers continue their countdown of great music celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. This month’s diverse list includes John Lee Hooker, Víctor Jara, The Grateful Dead, Grand Funk Railroad, and Yes.

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Country Album Review: Billy Strings’s “Renewal” — Bluegrass’s Brightest New Star

September 24, 2021
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This is an amazing follow-up to Billy Strings’s Grammy-winning Home album.

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Rock Concert Review: The Black Crowes — Flying High

September 17, 2021
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You would never suspect from this big ol’ rock ’n’ roll show that The Black Crowes was essentially toast just a few years ago.

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Concert Review: Dead and Company Still Alive and Kickin’

September 4, 2021
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This was a generous two-set show whose imaginative pacing spotlit exploratory jams and interesting reconstructions of classic Dead fare.

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