AllMusic Blog

New Classical Reviews

AllMusic Staff — 2019-06-04T13:43+00:00

Chamber music took center stage in our editors’ look at classical music from the past month, highlighted by new music from Pulitzer-winning composer Caroline Shaw.

Keb’ Mo’ Tells the Story Behind His All-American New Track, “This Is My Home”

Chris Steffen — 2019-05-31T12:46+00:00

The Grammy-winning blues guitarist discusses the arrangement and inspiration that led to the song, which celebrates immigrants looking for better lives in America. The track comes from his upcoming album, Oklahoma.

Sebadoh’s Lou Barlow Faces and Embraces Hard Truths on ‘Act Surprised’

Chris Steffen — 2019-05-24T13:23+00:00

The Sebadoh frontman and Dinosaur Jr. bassist spoke about writing his songs on a modified ukulele, the unexpected influence he takes from hardcore punk music, and the strange life of his 1995 hit, “Natural One.”

John Dwyer of Oh Sees Flashes Back to His Early Albums With a Trio of Reissues

Chris Steffen — 2019-05-20T18:09+00:00

In an effort to combat secondary market price-gouging for his early output, the Oh Sees frontman is putting out a trio of reissues on his own Castle Face Records. He spoke to AllMusic about his trajectory from then to now, why he’s leaving the old music untouched, and what we can all learn from Iron Maiden.

Album Premiere: Jamie McDell, ‘Extraordinary Girl’

Chris Steffen — 2019-05-08T12:59+00:00

The singer/songwriter’s latest is a dozen tracks of rootsy country and Americana as filtered through a New Zealand lens.

New Classical Reviews, April 2019

AllMusic Staff — 2019-05-01T18:57+00:00

Our editors shine a spotlight on the many operas and anniversaries that were showcased in April’s classical releases.

Nils Lofgren Tells Tales of His Late ‘70s Lou Reed Collaboration, Shares its Final Tracks

Chris Steffen — 2019-04-24T13:21+00:00

The veteran sideman and solo artist shares stories and an exclusive first listen to his new album, which features the final unreleased songs from a long-distance writing session conducted with Lou Reed in the late 1970s.

How Rodrigo y Gabriela Tackled Pink Floyd’s Daunting “Echoes” With Two Acoustic Guitars

Chris Steffen — 2019-04-09T18:59+00:00

Gabriela Quintero shares her experience of coming up with a new arrangement for the 1971 prog epic, and flashes back to her childhood memories of hearing Pink Floyd and why she always returns to its profound emotions.

New Classical Reviews, March 2019

AllMusic Staff — 2019-04-01T19:10+00:00

During Women’s History Month, our classical editors celebrated women’s contributions, shining spotlights on the conductors, composers, and performers who continue to celebrate classical music’s past while pushing the form forward.

Blondie’s Chris Stein Illuminates a Bygone New York City in His Latest Photography Book

Chris Steffen — 2019-03-22T14:57+00:00

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame-inducted guitarist shares photos and memories of his hometown, along with reminiscences of his work on the influential Wild Style soundtrack, staying with William Burroughs in Kansas, and witnessing an iconic Rolling Stones performance.