Spotlight

Tortoise's 'Beacons of Ancestorship' Provided Intriguing New Insights Into Post Rock

Tortoise’s ‘Beacons of Ancestorship’ Provided Intriguing New Insights Into Post Rock

‘Beacons of Ancestorship’ has been around for a decade now, and I still can’t decide about Tortoise’s very modern musical style.

How Dave Matthews Got His Groove Back on 'Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King'

How Dave Matthews Got His Groove Back on ‘Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King’

Before ‘Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King’ arrived 10 years ago today, I had pretty much given up on the Dave Matthews Band.

Could Jazz Be More Inclusive?: Commentary

Could Jazz Be More Inclusive?: Commentary

Jazz is an inclusive music. So why did an established British journal publish a piece containing a gay slur?

Vinyl

Trombone Shorty, “Long Weekend” (2013): One Track Mind

What better time to return to “Long Weekend,” the still-thumping advance track from Trombone Shorty’s ‘Say This to Say That’?

The Beatles, "Teddy Boy" (1969): Deep Beatles

The Beatles, “Teddy Boy” (1969): Deep Beatles

“Teddy Boy” may not rank as one of Paul McCartney’s best-known tracks, but it does preview his successful solo career.

Pat Metheny, May 16, 2019: Shows I'll Never Forget

Pat Metheny, May 16, 2019: Shows I’ll Never Forget

Two hours, spent with Pat Metheny during a solo show in New Hampshire, and I was exhausted.

How Robben Ford's 'The Inside Story' Introduced the Yellowjackets to the World

How Robben Ford’s ‘The Inside Story’ Introduced the Yellowjackets to the World

Released 40 years ago this month, Robben Ford’s ‘The Inside Story’ was more than just a crisp, well-executed fusion set.

Vinyl

The Black Keys Pushed Forward Without Losing Their Way on ‘Turn Blue’

The Black Keys released ‘Turn Blue,’ an album that refused to cling to past glory, five years ago today.

Drive-By Truckers' 'Pizza Deliverance' Provided an Early Showcase for Mike Cooley

Drive-By Truckers’ ‘Pizza Deliverance’ Provided an Early Showcase for Mike Cooley

Storytelling remains the Drive-By Truckers’ most awe-inspiring gift – and, 20 years ago today, Patterson Hood began to share those duties.

The Beatles, "How Do You Do It" (1962): Deep Beatles

The Beatles, “How Do You Do It” (1962): Deep Beatles

It may be known as the Beatles hit that wasn’t, but “How Do You Do It” embodies an era in pop music.