Lauren Anderson-Love Again

As a lifelong fan of the blues, I’m always excited to hear about a new artist. Even if that artist is about a decade into her career, somehow flying under my radar. Lauren Anderson, Chicago native building her career in Nashville, has already received critical acclaim for her last album, Burn It All Down the third record in four years she’s released. Now she’s back … Continue reading Lauren Anderson-Love Again

Gloom Balloon-So Bergman Uses Bach To Get His Point Across, I Feel Like I Have Chosen Rock But At What A Cost

Every Gloom Balloon release is a cause for celebration. Whether it’s a single or an album, there is something intrinsically heartening in knowing Patrick Tape-Fleming is out there making music. More than any other musician, I feel like his songs speak directly to me. Be it our close proximity in age and midwest upbringing, or just a case of being caught in the same cultural … Continue reading Gloom Balloon-So Bergman Uses Bach To Get His Point Across, I Feel Like I Have Chosen Rock But At What A Cost

CIFF Capsule Review: Mr. Soul!

In 1970 Gil-Scott Heron unleashed his seminal spoken-word piece “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised.” I find that ironic, because it’s exactly the kind of piece Elliot Haizlip would feature on his PBS show, Soul!, which premiered in 1968. The program was a revolution in its own way, as the only show broadcast widely that was made for and about black Americans. Mr. Soul!, the … Continue reading CIFF Capsule Review: Mr. Soul!

The Top Songs Of 2017

I think we can all agree 2017 has been a long decade. For every step forward we took over the past eight years, it seems we’ve taken 2 giant steps back since January. Fortunately, music has continued to be a kind of refuge from the harsh reality we find ourselves inhabiting, and it’s been a pretty good 12 months in that regard. There were only … Continue reading The Top Songs Of 2017