Music Reviews

Music & Culture

Lydia Loveless Mixes Desire With Distraction In 'Real'

3:47pm August 23, 2016

by Ken Tucker

The singer-songwriter began performing at age 14 in a band with her sisters and her father. Critic Ken Tucker says the songs on Loveless' latest solo album, Real, have a "tough edge."

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Frank Ocean's raw, bleeding, diaristic storytelling guides Blonde.

Music & Culture

Detangling Frank Ocean's 'Blonde': What It Is And Isn't

7:07pm August 22, 2016

We got two writers, Ann Powers and Jason King, going back and forth on what they've found in the reclusive singer's third album.

Music & Culture

Stunned Silence, Then A Standing Ovation For 'Let Me Tell You'

1:38pm August 22, 2016

by Lloyd Schwartz

Danish composer Hans Abrahamsen explores questions of time, memory, nature and human isolation. His recent collaboration with soprano and conductor Barbara Hannigan has garnered worldwide attention.

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Barbra Streisand performs onstage at the Verizon Center in Washington, D.C.

Music & Culture

The Enduring Fabulousness Of Barbra Streisand

5:24pm August 19, 2016

by Tom Huizenga

The 74-year-old star provided thrilling moments of spectacular singing – and a few political jokes – in Washington, D.C.

Music & Culture

'Unheard Bird' Gives Fresh Insight Into Charlie Parker's Musical Genius

1:26pm August 19, 2016

by Kevin Whitehead

Decades after Parker's death, a new album compiles previously unknown performances by the alto sax legend. Critic Kevin Whitehead says the record will please both jazz experts and casual listeners.

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Music & Culture

Bossacucanova's 'Best Of' Album Pulses With Lovely, Lively Music

1:28pm August 18, 2016

by Milo Miles

The Brazilian trio, which won a Grammy in 2002, is known for mixing new and classic bossa nova tunes with electronica. Critic Milo Miles says The Best of Bossacucanova has a "captivating flow."

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Music & Culture

Earls Of Leicester Mix Bluegrass With Gospel And Honky-Tonk On 'Rattle & Roar'

1:44pm August 17, 2016

by Ken Tucker

The band, which began as a tribute to the The Foggy Mountain Boys, won a Grammy for their debut album in 2015. Critic Ken Tucker says the Earls' new record, Rattle & Roar, lives up to its title.

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The members of The Westerlies call themselves "an accidental brass quartet."

Music & Culture

Songs We Love: The Westerlies, 'Saro'

11:50am August 15, 2016

by Tom Huizenga

Hear the self-described "accidental brass quartet" put a new spin on an old British ballad in an evocative arrangement by Nico Muhly and Sam Amidon.

Music & Culture

Music Review: 'Lovers,' Nels Cline

6:00pm August 11, 2016

by Tom Moon

You might know Nels Cline from his epic solos as a guitarist for the band, Wilco. Now Cline is out with a solo project — a mood album called Lovers. It's a project he's been working on for over 25 years.

Soprano Anna Netrebko's new album, Verismo, is out Sept. 2.

Music & Culture

Anna Netrebko's Mournful 'Mamma Morta'

10:54am August 11, 2016

by Tom Huizenga

Opera geeks always surge with excitement when a favorite singer releases a new album. Hear a heart-rending sneak preview from Verismo, from the acclaimed Russian soprano.