AltWeeklies Wire
Evaluating a Five-Star Albumnew
Time was, a Rolling Stone magazine five-star "classic" rating meant something. Here are the criteria for making those stars relevant again.
Jackson Free Press |
Rob Hamilton |
04-09-2009 |
Commentary
Tags: music reviews, Rolling Stone
Can the Best Original Song Oscar Be Saved?new
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences should have pulled the plug on this award when Disney stopped making quality musicals 15 years ago.
Jackson Free Press |
Rob Hamilton |
03-02-2009 |
Commentary
Tags: Oscars, film music
Are These the Good Times?new
While the Presidents of the United States maintain their sunny optimism with “These Are the Good Times People," the album is not nearly enough to nudge them out from under Weird Al’s imposing shadow.
Jackson Free Press |
Rob Hamilton |
02-29-2008 |
Commentary
Constructing the Authentic Love Songnew
There is something to be said for the love songs that understand the incredible amount of yourself you invest in another person and the choices and sacrifices you must make to keep the relationship strong.
Jackson Free Press |
Rob Hamilton |
02-14-2008 |
Commentary
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
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
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
