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Learning to Bend

Sunday, November 16, 2008
Learning to Bend
Learning to Bend Ben Sollee Singer-songwriter-cellist Ben Sollee, 24, is at the beginning of what promises to be a very interesting American roots music career. Yes, you read that right—“cellist” and “roots music” in the same sentence. You hear “cello” and you think chamber music?

Life, Death, Love and Freedom

Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Life, Death, Love and Freedom
Life Death Love and Freedom, John Mellencamp (Hear Music, 2008)

The Geography of Light

Tuesday, September 2, 2008
The Geography of Light
Carrie Newcomer (Rounder, 2008) Back when I used to sort my CDs into categories (back when I still bought CDs), one section was devoted to inspirational female artists whose lyrics spoke to my life’s experiences. Too bad I didn’t know about Carrie Newcomer back then. She would have fit in perfectly with the Indigo Girls, Alanis Morissette, and Dar Williams.

Coal

Monday, August 25, 2008
Coal
Kathy Mattea (R.E.D. Distribution, 2008) Kathy Mattea has always been an odd country music star. She's an environmental activist in a genre that often glorifies gas-guzzling trucks. She's a classically trained singer with folk leanings in a business now dominated by simplistic pop-rock.

Washington Square Serenade

Thursday, July 3, 2008
Washington Square Serenade
Steve Earle (New West, 2007)Steve Earle is, without question, the most overtly political artist in American popular culture. For a long time his activism (and songwriting) focused on his opposition to the death penalty.

Brighter Than Creation’s Dark

Thursday, July 3, 2008
Brighter Than Creation’s Dark
Drive-By Truckers (New West, 2008) As a thoroughly hip Southern rock band in the 21st century, the Drive-By Truckers are either an oxymoron or a paradox. Start with their new album title. You might think, “A rock band with a poetic streak.” And you’re right. But that lofty phrase occurs as a description of Las Vegas at night.