Last 10 Reviews
No Fun Aloud
The solo career that Eagles co-founder Glenn Frey navigated between the band’s 1980 breakup and 1994 reunion doesn’t get a lot of attention, possibly because the man himself never seemed to give it much of his own. Aside from a handful of memorable movie and TV soundtrack placements, his efforts during this period seemed mostly half-hearted, an already-successful artist passing the time until something more interesting comes along.That said, Frey’s solo debut No Fun Aloud—its title a snarky commentary on the humorless final days of the Eagles’ initial run—does have…
We Can’t Be Stopped (2026 vinyl reissue)
Originally released in 1991, this third album from Geto Boys (formerly called Ghetto Boys) reached platinum status and is considered one of the best rap albums of all time by some very important people. This reissue comes remastered and on colored double vinyl, a great vehicle for showing how well their Houston-influenced hip-hop ways have aged. “Rebel Rap City” opens with dense drums and a quick spoken word that sets the pace for the album. “We Can’t Be Stopped” then brings finger snapping fun to the beat-filled climate that showcases the trio’s…
Inner Secrets
Accurate or not, my impression is that a lot of people believe Santana—born as the Santana Blues Band and made famous by its imaginative melding of rock, Latin, jazz, and soul elements—first made a strong push to get in the charts with 1999’s megahit album Supernatural. But the truth is, bandleader Carlos Santana has always been a restless musical traveler, alternating jammy excursions and esoteric experiments with more commercially inclined collections of songs.Carlos broke up the founding Santana lineup after 1972’s smashingly successful III, regrouping with a smaller ensemble for…
Doll Domination (2026 vinyl reissue)
Both of The Pussycat Dolls albums were reissued this year on vinyl for the first time. This sophomore and final album from 2008 saw longtime member Carmit Bachar no longer in the band, but it didn’t seem to affect the impact of the record.“When I Grow Up” starts with the layered voices and firm beat making for a sleek version of pop, and “Bottle Up” follows with a more soulful approach that welcomes Snoop Dog’s unmistakable voice to the dance floor-ready mood.Another well known name makes a cameo on “Whatcha…
Pathways
Vancouver psych rock outfit Meltt’s third release Pathways is lush: swooshing synths, hazy guitars, breezy vocals, you name it.On the leading track “One Life,” the band takes its core sound and does something unique and exciting with it. Lead vocalist Chris Smith’s words could have been sung in just about any language, and they would still be as spellbinding. Jamie Turner’s drums have a special rhythmic force, where his rhythm is as captivating as the intensity of his drumming.Similarly, on “Never Let Go,” the chorus is heavenly and tender, and…
Live From Antone’s
Madam Radar are a four-piece band from Austin, Texas, consisting of husband and wife duo Jace Cadle and Kelly Green, alongside Kelly’s brother Kody Lee and his wife Violet Lea (who, according to the prelude to 4th track “That Love Song,” were married in the October after taping this live album, so let me wish Violet and Kody an early Happy Anniversary!) Their sound consists of rock and country elements, reminiscent of the likes of Eagles or Allman Brothers Band, with a dollop of Fleetwood Mac vocal harmony work from…
Brother Where You Bound (2026 Half Speed Mastered Vinyl Reissue)
This eighth studio album from British legends Supertramp arrived in 1985 and was their first without the original member Roger Hodgson. His departure didn’t stop fans from enjoying these six songs, which are half-speed remastered at Abbey Road Studios and on a 180 gram heavyweight slab of black vinyl for this reissue.“Cannonball,” which hit the Top 30, starts with Rick Davies’ bright keys and unmistakable voice, as Bob Siebenberg’s frisky drums and a trombone cameo from Doug Wintz complement the grooves and ’80s pop-rock fun.“Still In Love” follows with John…
Hello, I’m Dolly
With the recent passing of music legend Dolly Parton, it’s sometimes difficult to comprehend that Hello, I’m Dolly, her 1967 solo debut, is almost 60 years old. It’s also difficult to wrap one’s mind around the fact that she was only 21 when this was initially released, with some of the songs recorded when she was as young as her late teens.It’s also a challenge to not listen to this without having the fact that Parton recently died at the age of 80 cloud the experience, or make one want…
Light Beam
The Greek pianist and composer Markos Chaidemenos is joined by plenty of strings, a rhythm section and a vocalist for these seven detailed tracks that blend contemporary jazz and chamber music with much attention to detail, for his most ambitious recording to date.“Si-iS” starts with Chaidemenos’ pretty keys alongside the stirring violin thanks to Babis Karasavvidis for plenty of melodic structure, and “Light Beam” follows with a similar amount of sophistication, where Irini Arabatzi’s flowing vocals help illuminate Panagiotis Kostopoulous’ rhythmic drumming.“EGO” and “11 Stars” occupy the middle spots. The…
Hotel Usona
Sometimes, you look at the state of things in the world—let alone America—and wonder if it’s going to be okay.Promomartyr has an answer to that question: Probably not.The Detroit quartet doesn’t mince words or moods on its brilliant seventh album, which holds a mirror up to American society and politics in the modern age. I hesitate to say “in the Trump era” because, while things haven’t exactly improved since 2016, it’s not like we were living in a utopia prior to that. America is more than whoever sits in the…