Doug Taylor

VariousSee You on the Moon: Songs for Kids of All Ages(Paper Bag)These tunes may not be annoying enough to win over the tots, but a stellar cast feels it’s worth a try; they mix in some excited young voices (Apostle of Hustle), act scary (Fembots), incorporate a music box (Mark Kozelek). Sufjan Stevens digs up […]

James HunterPeople Gonna Talk(Rounder)Singer-guitarist Hunter emerges from the shadow of employer Van Morrison, suave as Sam Cooke and weathered as John Hiatt—a combination previously encountered only in cats. The setup is so free of clutter that a dose of B3 organ and twin sax capability give proceedings a natty blue bounce.Doug Taylorcategories: Best of the […]

Linda ThompsonVersatile Heart(Rounder)Long divorced from Richard, Linda Thompson is a most worthy counterpart to him musically, even if she is not nearly as prolific. This is her first album in five years, her third in 25. On “Beauty,” by Rufus Wainwright, Antony of the Johnsons contributes angelic, mournful harmonies. Versatile Heart may not be packed […]

Mark BraggBear Music MapleIf following up one of the best Atlantic debuts in recent years seemed a daunting task, it only served to fire up Newfoundlander Bragg. Sure, some of his quirks have been directed into a more definable blend of swamp guitar and difficult women, but his voice is still a cross between a […]

NathanJimson Weed (Nettwerk)You don’t feel so bad for folks enduring Winnipeg winter if it enables them to fashion such a tasty bunch of tunes. When Keri McTighe and Shelley Marshall croon “It’s not always a blue sky” on “One Spend,” it feels like cows might be skateboarding in the clouds. “Red River Clay” expresses growing […]

The Black KeysChulahoma(Fat Possum)Fat Possum is the Mississippi-based label for blues that won’t wear a monkey suit, home for the late Junior Kimbrough and, more recently, of Akron, Ohio band the Black Keys. Kimbrough evidently sired 36 children. It’s these skinny white boys who revel in his musical legacy. Though there are vocals, the focus […]

The FratellisCostello Music(Drop the Gun)A thread flows from skiffle through the Small Faces, pub rock and the Sweet to make The Fratellis so identifiably British (two-thirds Scot, actually) that it’s refreshing. It’s like they can’t help it. The songs might change tempo from frenetic to jerky to flighty. Guitar aggression occurs with sparing but dramatic […]

Loudon Wainwright IIIHere Come the Choppers!(sovereign artists)Wainwright appears to be adjusting well to suddenly being known as the father of Rufus and Martha. His 21st album features perhaps the best band he’s ever had, including guitarist Bill Frisell and drummer Jim Keltner. That’s just as well, because the songs run more to bittersweet recollection than […]

Jonathan Richman Not So Much to Be Loved as to Love (Sanctuary/Vapor)Openness and innocence are what distinguish Richman, along with an engagingly flat vocal style. “Vincent Van Gogh” is brought back, to be joined by “Salvador Dali,” praised for being Richman’s “guide to the dream world.” Two tunes each in Spanish and French are a […]

April VerchTake Me Back(Rounder)As a child, the Ottawa Valley native won enough fiddling trophies to fill a garage. Her command is in evidence on the instrumentals, as is what separates Upper Canada and Cape Breton. Verch sets toes to tapping, but is less likely than Natalie or Ashley to inspire rhythmic convulsions. On her originals, […]

Greg BrownThe Evening Call(Red House)Midwest folkie Brown is entering a Delta impressionist phase, where the overall impact of his sound outweighs the fine points. Astute observations on the mess in America are down, as if he wishes not to repeat himself. The focus is more on aging, kindness, rural life and the voice, like a […]