Reviews of new CDs, concerts and films.
Exodus of the Deemed Unrighteous Lincoln Durham Droog Records Reviewed by Michael Lohr Lincoln Durham is a rare breed of musician, every note he plays, every song he sings feels honest, like it’s the truth, the dirt road gospel, just like Johnny Cash. As my Grandfather once said, “He’s as right as rain.” But Lincoln …
Live at the Winterland Ballroom, December 1, 1973 Quicksilver Messenger Service Cleopatra Records Reviewed by Michael Lohr From the dusty pages of musical history comes a previously lost concert from the legendary, if not severely underrated, Quicksilver Messenger Service. Recorded live in 1973 at the equally legendary Winterland Ballroom in San Francisco, California, this release …
Quicksilver Messenger Service: 1973 Concert Emerges Read More »
Alexis Kochan with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra Czarivna http://www.olesia.com/ This album is a hidden jewel in the classical Renaissance/Medieval musical scene and would make a tasteful addition to your Medieval/Classical musical collection. Kochan performs these festival songs and dance tunes with precision and emotion. Czarivna was arranged and conducted by Arthur Polson and performed by …
Alexis Kochan with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra Read More »
Neil Young Storytone Reprise Records Reviewed by Michael Lohr Neil Young has always done whatever he wants and taking risks much of the time is in his DNA. It’s who he is as a person and as an artist. But in 2015 who’d have thought that the “Godfather of Grunge” would do a Vegas-style Big …
The Vintage Caravan Voyage Nuclear Blast Records By Michael Lohr Of late, Germany’s Nuclear Blast Records, traditionally a heavy metal label, has been signing retro rock acts right and left. Bands like Austin, Texas-based Scorpion Child as well as Sweden’s Blues Pills and Free Fall have been spreading their retro-colored jams across the globe with …
The Slambovian Circus of Dreams A Box of Everything Red River Records http://www.Slambovia.com/ “A Box of Everything” is a splendid anthology of this Sleepy Hollow, New York-based ensemble’s best songs. With influences as diverse as The Decemberists, Jethro Tull and the Philadelphia’s Mummer Parade, this exciting Alt-Folk/Americana meets Renaissance Faire troubadours collection only just begins …
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Same Zgode …koje se ne mogu dogoditi! www.irijmusic.com Former Eluveitie fiddler, Meri Tadić, who was recently interviewed by yours truly in these pages, has released her first full length recording for her music project, Irij. “Same Zgode” is a beautiful mixture of Slavic/Pan-European Folk fiddle traditions and Croatian melodies. For those of you that are …
Soundways/Network http://www.burhanocal.com/ Turkish music specialist and multi-instrumentalist/composer Burhan Öçal is an expert on the Gypsy musical tradition of Thrace as well as that of the ancient Ottoman Empire. His CD, “Caravanserai”, recorded with the Istanbul Oriental Ensemble, takes the listener on an aural journey across time. Close your eyes and you’ll feel as if you …
Burhan Öçal and the Istanbul Oriental Ensemble – Caravanserai Read More »
Pain Is Beauty Chelsea Wolfe Sargent House Reviewed by Michael Lohr Chelsea Wolfe has been making a name for herself these last few years as a raven feathers-clad chanteuse of scrumptiously, stark soundscapes. She is a musical cross-pollination of Joni Mitchell, PJ Harvey and Nick Drake with just a touch of Marilyn Manson. There’s …
The Russian Wilds Howlin’ Rain American Reviewed by Michael Lohr This album has caused such a disparity of opinion among rock critics. Depending upon who you listen to, Howlin’ Rain is either the “second coming” or a bunch of retro hack Humble Pie/Cream wanna-be’s. In all honesty, neither scenario is the case. The once side …