Peter Shapiro’s Turn the Beat Around.
A new book and an avalanche of CDs give Americans a clearer glimpse into the world of Balkan Gypsy music.
You Ain’t Talkin’ to Me: Charlie Poole and the Roots of Country Music.
Kanye West gets an honorary degree in Afro-American studies.
New collections of old sounds.
Sally Crewe and Wide Right’s Leah Archibald face the uncertain future.
Escapist CD sets gold standard for Congolese compilations.
Embracing and synthesizing the past with Rosanne Cash.
Navigating the poposphere now, totally.
Shakira’s Oral Fixation, Vol. 2.
Norah Jones tries to battle the sophomore slump and stay awake at the same time.
Five new records from West Africa explore their roots with surprising results.
Considering the Michael Jackson verdict.
Drive-By Truckers and Brooks & Dunn try to go home again.
Rhino’s new girl-group box set.
Born to Run: 30th Anniversary Edition.
How inclusive is Big & Rich’s country utopia, anyway?
A look back.
Shania Twain does it again!
Good lyrics, bad poetry, and the Old 97’s.
Beyonc頡nd Ashanti dont quite become their own women.
Keeping it real with the women of Nashville, however ersatz ‘real’ may be.
Antony & the Johnsons and the Arcade Fire.
