Back in 2005, three veterans of the Austin, Texas music scene, bassist Steve Terebecki, drummer Josh Block and singer-guitarist James Petralli, joined forces for what would become White Denim. The band debuted with their 2008 release, Workout Holiday, and the single, “Let’s Talk About It” garnered them a healthy following in the UK. But it’s their latest album, Fits, that will give them some due attention back home.

Little Miss Taylor Swift.  We see her face everywhere these days. In fact, it wasn’t all that long ago that I saw the blonde country sensation hosting the VMA pre-show. I was actually beginning to wonder if she was just going to surrender her music career or not…
Turns out she didn’t.  Even if pop country singers are a dime a dozen, she’… Click to read more

Lenny Kravitz – It Is Time for a Love Revolution (2008)
EZ-livin’ faceless rock for dads under 40, courtesy of Lenny Kravitz, eternal favorite of the boxed-wine and Cracker Barrel circuit. I can’t seem to pinpoint the exact hatred I have for It Is Time for a Love Revolution – maybe it’s the bland title, or the brain-on-autopi… Click to read more

Erykah Badu – New Amerykah, Pt. 1: 4th World War (2008)
Badu rises from the nu-Soul wreckage as a nu-Funkateer, complete with blowout cover, jive spelling and “up with people” vibes. If the terms “retro” and “vintage” inspire you to burn down the closest Urban Outfitters in a storm of Nag Champa-fueled anger,… Click to read more

Lupe Fiasco’s debut album Food and Liquor showcased the quick-witted rapper’s penchant for good vibes and G.O.O.D. beats, following in the footsteps of Chicago’s pride and joy, Common and Kanye West. His ambitious coupling of diverse subjects and long narratives (summarized with his heartfelt paean to skateboarding, “Kick… Click to read more

Ever since Jay-Z made his not-much-of-a-comeback with Kingdom Come naysayers have lashed out on his depleted skills and tired subject matter. More than a dozen albums deep Jay has yet to return to the level of street-smarts and high-life elegance of his debut, Reasonable Doubt – then again not many have.
Unfairly written off as a Biggie clone, J-Hova’s… Click to read more