Author Archives: olneyce

50 songs for 50 states: New York

Posted on November 17, 2018 by olneyce

Picking one song for New York is an impossible task. There are probably a couple dozen that deserve the honor, with all-time classics from the likes of LCD Soundsystem, Nas, Paul Simon, They Might Be Giants (via Cub), Lou Reed, … Continue reading →

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Review: Restorations – LP5000

Posted on November 2, 2018 by olneyce

LP5000 by Restorations I don’t know what they’re putting in the water in Philadelphia, but it seems to be the heart and soul of modern American rock and roll. This record from Restorations is another strong entrant into the field. … Continue reading →

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Review: Alkaline Trio – Is This Thing Cursed?

Posted on October 23, 2018 by olneyce

Twenty years and almost a dozen albums into their prolific career, Alkaline Trio are putting out some of their best work in a very long time, maybe ever. On Is This Thing Cursed?, the trio bring all the propulsive energy … Continue reading →

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Review: Vanessa Peters – Foxhole Prayers

Posted on October 17, 2018 by olneyce

It’s always fraught to describe a record as ‘mature.’ Even with the best of intentions, the word conveys a certain listlessness. Artists make ‘mature’ records when the vibrant, provocative energy that used to drive them has faded away, we tend … Continue reading →

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Review: Nicki Minaj – Queen

Posted on October 15, 2018 by olneyce

Nicki Minaj is the Queen, with all the good and bad that implies. In this case, it means an album that could have used some heavy editing, but which still contains enough pieces of genius to deserve serious attention. Because … Continue reading →

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From inside of the ages through your eyes

Posted on October 12, 2018 by olneyce

I’ve been a big fan of Brandi Carlile for a long time. In fact, one of the very first posts on this very blog, all the way back in the spring of 2006, was an enthusiastic endorsement of her debut … Continue reading →

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Review: Dustings – Somatic Alterations

Posted on October 10, 2018 by olneyce

Somatic Alterations by Dustings A little bit dream pop, a little bit shoegaze, and a little bit ambient. It’s a time-tested combination, and while Dustings doesn’t add anything particularly new to the equation, that doesn’t make this album any less affecting. … Continue reading →

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Still hiding and waiting for the fall

Posted on October 8, 2018 by olneyce

Fall For You by Nancy Sin Twee pop always walks a bit of a tightrope. Done poorly, it can feel instantly nostalgic–a reference to youthful exuberance that lives far more in our memory than in real life. But done well, … Continue reading →

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Electricity runs down your spine

Posted on October 7, 2018 by olneyce

I Wasn’t Only Thinking About You… by Oh Pep! “What’s the Deal With David” is a glorious slice of indie pop, ready to warm your soul and soothe your fraying heart.  The engine of the song is a rollicking little … Continue reading →

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50 songs for 50 states: New Mexico

Posted on August 31, 2018 by olneyce

Plenty of decent options for New Mexico, but no standouts. I gave serious thought to  two old titans–Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings–but neither of their treatments really struck to the core of the state. To me, New Mexico is defined … Continue reading →

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