Hero Jr. — Backup Plan
This is my reaction to Hero Jr.’s debut album: holy shit. The debut track, “Ann Boleyn” is worth the price of admission alone. I picked the other two songs featured here basically at random — there is no dead weight…
Sonia Tetlow — Own Way Home
I apologize for the radio silence this past week. Public schools had Veterans’ Day off, and on Sunday I decided I’d simply ignore any and all obligations. That meant lots of work for my real job on Monday and catch-up…
Browan Lollar — For The Givers And The Takers
It doesn’t get much better than this. In five short songs, Browan Lollar spans the full range of rock’n’roll and nails it each time. The EP deserves more praise than I have time to write about it. However, it’s…
Creole String Beans — Shrimp Boots & Vintage Suits
It’s Election Night and I’m virtually biting my nails here. Good thing I have the Creole String Beans to calm me down. Co-founded by ex-Cowboy Mouth bassist Rob Savoy, the Creole String Beans have reportedly won a Grammy nomination (or…
Rebuild, Renew
I recently reviewed Paul Sanchez’s Nine Lives. As we learn more about the devastation caused by Sandy, the closing number is a prescient reminder of the work we need to do. If you can spare it, the Ali Forney Center…
The Delta Routine — Cigarettes and Caffeine Nightmares
The Delta Routine’s third album begins with a bold promise: “I won’t waste your time.” And the band delivers. Clocking in at 35 minutes, Cigarettes and Caffeine Nightmares is a kick in the pants of blues rock, garage rock, power…
MONARCH — Amber Waves of Cain
Hurricane Sandy’s finally starting to make her mark here in upper Manhattan. By a stroke of serendipity, the winds have set off a car alarm that just so happens to be in the same key and tempo as MONARCH’s “Keith’s…
Bill Evans — In Good Company
The thing I’ve most enjoyed about being a blogger is the opportunity to delve into subgenres that I hadn’t really listened to before. Bill Evans is a name I’ve heard tossed around, but didn’t know to seek out. If that’s…