It’s been seven years since N.E.R.D. released an album. But, this music has always been there for me when I needed it. In high school, songs like “Rock Star” helped bridge the gaps in my […]
Category: Music Reviews
Album and song reviews
The Highest Of The High Note – My 17 Favorite Albums Of 2017
I’m a big fan of albums. Does that sound as weird to you as it does to me? But I like the complete package; from the album art and the liner notes to the order […]
The Highest Of The High Note – Favorite Songs Of 2017
There are a lot of lists being thrown around now that it’s the end of the year. Looking back on 2017, it’s hard to create a comprehensive list of songs that I loved throughout the year. […]
Kamasi Washington Is Making Jazz Cool Again
Kamasi Washington is giving people a reason to listen to jazz. As America’s oldest music format, jazz has not held a prominent place in pop culture since bop-obsessed beats wrote about Charlie Parker. Of course, […]
Mordecai Puts It All Into ‘It’s Never Enough’
Blending complex and emotional beats with deep, introspective lyrics, the Portland-based band Mordecai has created a strong debut album, “It’s Never Enough.” The duo of multi-instrumentalist Andrew Alexander Endres and violinist Kate Kilbourne create an […]
Toro Y Moi Heals His Soul With ‘Boo Boo’
Toro Y Moi guides listeners on a psychedelic safari through lush landscapes of loops and synths on “Boo Boo,” released Friday, July 7. Chaz Bear, who performs under the moniker of Toro Y Moi, combines […]
Real Estate Creates A Suburban Sound On ‘In Mind’
With a lush landscape painted with beautifully layered guitars, “In Mind,” describes where the heady new Real Estate album puts its listeners. “In Mind” is like a modern “Our House” by Crosby, Stills, Nash and […]
Sundara Karma Feeds Off The Energy Of Teenage Tension
On its debut album, Sundara Karma nails 12 indie rock tracks that combine youthful play and smart songwriting.
Julie Byrne Paints A Lyrical Landscape On ‘Not Even Happiness’
Julie Byrne captured the natural beauty she uncovered during her journey across the country on her transcendent folk album, “Not Even Happiness.”
Foxygen Flaunts 70s Sound On ‘Hang’
Foxygen captures retro 70s Hollywood sounds using reel-to-reel recording and a 40-piece symphony orchestra on “Hang.”