This live performance from '90... captures a snapshot of Birmingham from the gritty tour supporting the album.

 A fine live album that also includes the concert DVD, bringing Carlisle back to her natural environment, alternating punk bursts with microphone in hand, barefoot surf dances, and plenty of energy.

The review praises Belinda Carlisle's 1990 live concert from the Access All Areas series as a genuine display of her rock essence. It highlights her distinctive gritty voice and excellent band performance, showcasing hits from Runaway Horses and Heaven on Earth. The live setting restores her voice's original colors, contrasting with her more polished studio sound. The included concert DVD further captures the energy and professionalism of her performance. Discover Belinda Carlisle's raw live power—listen to Access All Areas and watch the concert DVD now!

 "Every track, every sound has its place and even 'Springfield'... assumes a purpose."

 "The whole picture is what truly matters and is the source of emotion and involvement."

The review praises Anathema's 'The Optimist' as a deeply emotional and atmospheric concept album. Despite initial skepticism due to the previous album, this release impressed with its cohesive storytelling and compelling music. It requires the right mood for full appreciation and connects thematically to their older work. The production enhances the immersive experience, making the album highly recommended. Dive into the immersive world of Anathema's The Optimist—listen now and experience its emotional depth and atmospheric richness.

 "Margo blends sensuality and innocence, purity and maturity, warmth and coolness."

 "The record has a precise lyrical theme, which is that of love found, lost, and betrayed, the journey of the black-eyed man, a persecuted man, faceless, nameless."

Cowboy Junkies' fourth album, Black Eyed Man, marks a shift towards a more vivid, character-driven sound blending country, blues, and folk. Inspired by Flannery O'Connor's vision of concrete relationships and mystery, the album explores themes of love, betrayal, and redemption. Margo Timmins' ethereal voice and Michael Timmins' personal songwriting enhance this evocative work. The album stands as a significant contribution to alternative country and slowcore styles. Discover the haunting tales and soulful soundscapes of Cowboy Junkies' Black Eyed Man—listen now and experience their evocative alternative country journey.

 Waves of electro dark ambient sounds settle into a funerary marble neo-classicism.

 Cold gothic litany, Nico lost among icy winds singing ancient legends among the fjords.

Demen's 'Nektyr' conjures a mysterious Nordic atmosphere through electro dark ambient sounds. The album features cold, gothic litany and neo-classical elements evoking icy winds and ancient legends with a modern synthetic edge. Listen to 'Nektyr' by Demen and dive into a cold, mystical electro ambient journey.

 The opening “That Day Will Come” is a beautiful piece that benefits from a splendid Mellotron intro and is characterized by moments that are at times calm and at times more intense.

 “The Bridge of Geese,” an evocative title, is one of the best moments in “Unexplored” with its medieval settings and its typically prog mood.

Phoenix Again’s album 'Unexplored' offers a mature and inspired journey into classic progressive rock, featuring mellotron-rich passages and evocative medieval atmospheres. Though occasionally lacking compositional peaks and slightly monotonous, the album balances calm acoustic moments with harder rock influences. The band honors its legacy while moving forward after the founder’s passing. Recommended for fans of Genesis, Camel, and traditional prog music. Dive into the timeless prog rock sounds of Phoenix Again's 'Unexplored'—listen now on Bandcamp and experience their rich musical journey!

 "The Glass Bead Game is a lethal embrace, a mysterious, non-substantial matter that engulfs and drags the listener into the recesses of the psyche."

 "Breathless wanted to offer a new, very personal and original interpretation of new wave, enriched by the psychedelic component but devoid of pleonastic captions."

Breathless' debut album 'The Glass Bead Game' is an original take on the new wave genre, blending it with neo-psychedelic sounds and dark atmospheres. The album captures the spirit of the 80s alternative scene with fresh and mysterious tracks that delve into deep, hypnotic moods. Rich in influences yet unique in style, it stands as a compelling musical exploration for fans of experimental post-punk music. Discover the hypnotic blend of new wave and psychedelia in Breathless' seminal album – listen now and dive into the 80s alternative soundscape!

 The Promise, a very touching piece that was left out of Darkness on the Edge of Town because it directly echoed the ugly story with the manager.

 To those who only know Springsteen’s rock or perhaps his folk side, I recommend rediscovering his pop vein with this excellent work.

The Promise, released in 2010, compiles previously unreleased songs from the late 70s when Bruce Springsteen regained creative freedom. These tracks showcase his versatility, blending rock, pop, soul, and rhythm and blues. The album offers alternate versions of classics and highlights Springsteen's personal and artistic struggles. Notable songs include The Promise, Because the Night, and Fire. A must-listen for anyone interested in the breadth of Springsteen’s musical prowess beyond his rock staples. Explore Bruce Springsteen’s hidden gems in The Promise and experience the depth of his 70s musical journey!

 I surrender ears and heart to the cavities of "Helleborine," among its thousand intricate baroque folds.

 If I had set aside a euro for every time this record moved me, today I would be a wealthy man.

Shelleyan Orphan's album Helleborine is celebrated for its intricate baroque folds and pastoral beauty. Inspired by Victorian literature and featuring superb orchestration, it remains a cult classic. The band’s unique sound bridges folk traditions and sophisticated pop, influencing many artists despite remaining under the mainstream radar. The review is a heartfelt tribute to Caroline Crawley and the lasting emotional impact of the album. Immerse yourself in the timeless charm of Shelleyan Orphan's Helleborine—listen now and discover a hidden folk classic.

 Melodic origami flying over percussive forests that unfold throughout the album and change from track to track.

 The opening triptych of the album alone is worth the price of admission.

Anchorsong's second album, Ceremonial, offers a rich listening experience blending African rhythms with digital sounds. Masaaki Yoshida masterfully crafts a fluid, elegant world music journey, influenced by legendary artists like Fela Kuti and Francis Bebey. The album stands out for its inventive compositions and sonic depth. The reviewer highly recommends it, particularly praising the opening tracks. Listen to Anchorsong's Ceremonial now and experience a mesmerizing fusion of world and digital sounds.

 The best rock band around and the only real great musical novelty regarding the underground and alternative sphere of the Western world at this specific historical moment.

 All this makes the Sleaford Mods simply the most significant thing to emerge from the United Kingdom since the explosion of the Rolling Stones.

This insightful review highlights Sleaford Mods' English Tapas as a vital and urgent artistic expression rooted in the UK’s contemporary social and political landscape. The Nottingham duo blends punk, hip-hop, and electronic influences to create socially charged music comparable to classic rock’s cultural impact. Praised as the best rock group currently, their work reflects the realities of Brexit-era Britain through sharp, polemical lyrics. English Tapas is lauded as a standout album of 2017 with lasting cultural significance. Listen to English Tapas now and experience the UK’s rawest musical voice of 2017!

 They took folk into the alchemical laboratory of the absurd, and records infused with a sense of freedom that leaves you breathless.

 I’ve always thought of them as gypsies of the imagination and as keepers of ultimate wisdom.

This review praises The Holy Modal Rounders' album as an underappreciated folk masterpiece that combines absurdity, freedom, and eccentricity. Starting as a unique folk duo in the 60s and later joining the Fugs, the band’s music is described as wild, inspiring, and unpretentious, with laughter woven through. The album blends offbeat sounds, strange instruments, and bizarre lyrics, resulting in a thrilling and unforgettable listening experience. It’s celebrated for pushing folk music into new and radical realms. Dive into the wild, absurd world of The Holy Modal Rounders—listen to The Moray Eels Eat and experience folk like never before!

 Light Japanese litanies, clouds and seraphim drone scented with kisses illuminated by peace.

 A suspended world, flying above the volcano among flower petals.

Satomimagae's Kemry album offers an intimate journey into suspended folk music, blending delicate Japanese litanies with peaceful, ethereal drone. The album evokes imagery of flying above volcanoes amid flower petals, creating a dreamlike, serene atmosphere. It invites listeners to immerse themselves in a world filled with calm and introspection. Discover Satomimagae's Kemry and drift into a dreamy, peaceful folk experience today.

 He writes his poetic thoughts in a notebook he almost always carries with him.

 Amid the banality of the everyday, small emblematic events also occur.

Jim Jarmusch's film Paterson delicately portrays the daily life of a bus driver and poet in New Jersey. Adam Driver shines as the introspective protagonist, capturing quiet moments of creativity and routine. The film highlights small but meaningful interactions, including a cross-cultural homage to poet William Carlos Williams. With poetic narration and subtle humor through the character's dog, Paterson reflects on art and life in a gentle, contemplative way. Discover the quiet beauty of Jim Jarmusch’s Paterson—watch the film and experience poetry in everyday life.

 Only Waters could lead it with his poetic sensitivity and absolute talent to such high levels.

 This act of subtraction ultimately took away quite a bit of oxygen and momentum from his latest creation.

Roger Waters’ album 'Is This The Life We Really Want?' is a contemplative, concept-driven work echoing Pink Floyd’s legacy while asserting his solo artistic vision. The album’s deliberate pace and absence of instrumental solos emphasize its lyrical messages and themes. While it lacks the musical freedom of earlier Floyd records, it remains a powerful, thought-provoking statement. Fans should approach it as Waters’ envisioned final Floyd album, rich in narrative and political commentary. Discover Waters’ powerful solo vision—listen and explore the deep themes of ‘Is This The Life We Really Want?’ today!

 Yield (1998) is the first production from the 'new' PJ and is one of the albums I personally prefer.

 Vedder proving to be a hypnotizing singer like we haven’t heard since the days of Morrison.

The review praises Pearl Jam's 1998 album Yield as a key milestone in their evolution from grunge to a unique fusion of hard rock, blues, and psychedelia. It highlights standout tracks like 'Do the Evolution' and 'Given to Fly' and notes Eddie Vedder's growing role as guitarist and hypnotizing vocalist. Yield is regarded as a personal favorite and a high point before the band continued exploring their matured sound. Listen to Pearl Jam's Yield and experience their timeless evolution in rock music!

 The group has produced an excellent work, and if you’re a fan of these types of sounds, there are plenty of interesting elements within it.

 There’s perhaps too much on the plate, and now, dear The Morning Is For Sleeping, comes the hard part... Bringing it all together with your next work, aiming for an artistically personal proposal.

The Morning Is For Sleeping's album 'In Truth And Lies' delivers solid metalcore with well-placed synth elements and skilled guitar work. While somewhat familiar in style, it showcases good ideas and energy. Highlights include the singles 'Hollywood' and 'King Of Nothing.' The band is encouraged to refine their sound further for a more distinctive artistic identity. Discover 'In Truth And Lies' by The Morning Is For Sleeping—explore their gritty metalcore fusion and hear standout tracks now!

 Unfortunately, this is the least successful work of Steve's entire enormous career.

 Wynn's sparse and minimalist poetic style, overloaded by a lush and pompous production, suffers greatly from an artificial and superfluous prolixity.

Steve Wynn's 'Dazzling Display' is a rarely misstep in his otherwise solid solo career. Despite ambitious production and a large cast of musicians, the album suffers from overproduction and lacks the raw immediacy of his earlier works. While some tracks show promise, the overall result is weighed down by excessive instrumentation and artificial sounds. The review concludes with a cautious three-star rating out of love for Wynn's legacy. Discover the highs and lows of Steve Wynn's Dazzling Display—listen to the album and decide for yourself!

 Junior lets his guitar shriek and laid-back gurgles resonate on the beach.

 Junior has not only perfected a very personal way of playing the guitar, but he has even built a new type all by himself.

Junior Brown's 12 Shades of Brown is a fusion of country, blues, bluegrass, and rock, delivered through his innovative guit-steel and warm, evocative vocals. The album captures a dreamy, atmospheric mood reminiscent of a quiet summer night, reflecting both technical mastery and emotional depth. Released in 1990, it transports listeners back in time while showcasing Brown's unique artistry. Discover the soulful sounds of Junior Brown's 12 Shades of Brown—listen now and dive into a uniquely dreamy blend of country and blues!

 The BLENDER SOLO (!) is one of the most wonderfully astonishing things one can ever hear in the phonographic realm.

 When at the seventieth second the (only) blender solo kicks in, you are truly petrified: and the beauty is that it fits wonderfully with marvel.

This review highlights Alice Donut's 1990s release 'Magdalene' on Alternative Tentacles, focusing on the surprising and brilliant blender solo on Side B. The reviewer praises the inventive mix of trombone and the unconventional solo, elevating an indie-rock cover into a timeless and unforgettable piece. The record's quirky charm and nostalgic vinyl experience are celebrated. Listen to Alice Donut's 'Magdalene' and experience the legendary blender solo that makes this 90s indie release unforgettable!

 Aged, stately, with tousled hair like the High Priestess of Rock, alone with an electric guitar and a piano.

 Motherhood has done her good, children do good… Continuing to listen to Cat Power can’t do me anything but good.

Cat Power's solo live show at Latteria Molloy is a deeply moving and intimate experience blending passionate vocals with sparse instrumentation. The reviewer connects the performance with personal memories and reflects on the artist's growth through motherhood. The concert leaves a lasting impression of sweetness and calm confidence, enchanting everyone present. Discover Cat Power’s soulful live performance and let her stirring melodies touch your heart.