AltWeeklies Wire
Singing For a New Southnew
On Jan. 22, the Drive-By Truckers released their seventh studio album, “Brighter Than Creation’s Dark,” which perfectly matches the energy and quality of their live displays, and shows the band’s gradual shift from southern arena rock to country.
Jackson Free Press |
Rob Hamilton |
02-04-2008 |
Commentary
Britney Spears, Music Artistnew
The topic of Britney Spears' sanity has recently begun to overshadow what made her famous in the first place: music. Hamilton reviews her two career-making singles.
Jackson Free Press |
Rob Hamilton |
01-17-2008 |
Commentary
Digging Through the Ruinsnew
It can be a depressing task to sort through the last year that was pop. Digging through the ruins, though, we do find a few songs that were willing to fight the banality of what radio offered us.
Jackson Free Press |
Rob Hamilton |
01-03-2008 |
Music
The Darker Side of Christmasnew
In a time of terror alert levels, a war seeing American kids dying overseas daily and division within the country unlike that seen in decades, maybe American listeners are ready for a thoughtful song reminiscent of simpler times of Christmas' past.
Jackson Free Press |
Rob Hamilton |
12-11-2007 |
Commentary
The Blind Hatred of Three Brothersnew
As a middle-school boy, I felt this maniacal surge of fury (since pegged as jealousy), and felt compelled to find the kids who were buying Hanson's albums and smash their CD players. Today, I think I'm finally ready for their bubble-gum goodness.
Jackson Free Press |
Rob Hamilton |
11-28-2007 |
Commentary
This Wheel's Still on Firenew
While nothing on Dirt Farmer is tantamount in quality to The Band's best-known songs, it demonstrates the passion Helm brought to the tunes that helped to elevate The Band to "immortal" status.
Jackson Free Press |
Rob Hamilton |
11-20-2007 |
Reviews
Tags: Dirt Farmer, Levon Helm
Punk Purity and Political Protestnew
The Stiff Little Fingers earned the unfortunate billing "The Irish Clash" after Inflammable
Material, but in the two minutes and 45 seconds of "Alternative Ulster," they made The Clash sound like the English version of them.
Jackson Free Press |
Rob Hamilton |
10-25-2007 |
Reviews
You Must Not Know 'Bout Menew
I like women-empowerment music because I'm a big fan of underdog art in general (one of the main reasons I like punk so much), and because I like music that encourages you to put your arms around your comrades and sing out with reckless abandon. Also, chicks dig it.
Jackson Free Press |
Rob Hamilton |
10-12-2007 |
Reviews
The 40-Year Testnew
Who will we go see in 40 years, singing along to their music next to our children and grandchildren? The choices these days are a bit hazy.
Jackson Free Press |
Rob Hamilton |
09-13-2007 |
Commentary
Prince's Guitar-Shaped Shadownew
Prince's third album in a string of "Neo-Prince" releases proves that he has lost his unforgettable edge, reducing him to just a shadow of what he once was.
Jackson Free Press |
Rob Hamilton |
08-06-2007 |
Reviews
Tags: Prince, Planet Earth
A Beastie 'Mix-Up'new
On The Mix-Up, the Beastie Boys' new instrumental album, the band focuses on their strength -- creating tight grooves that are perfect for a hot summer's afternoon.
Jackson Free Press |
Rob Hamilton |
07-25-2007 |
Reviews
Tags: Beastie Boys, The Mix-Up
'I Like Everything!'new
A new couple will likely unzip their pants for each other before unzipping their CD wallets.
Jackson Free Press |
Rob Hamilton |
07-11-2007 |
Music
Tags: The Beatles
