James McMurtry sings about economic struggle, working class woes, and corrupt governments. Jen Cray was not the only Orlando fan who found his Southern Gothic folk rock soothing this holiday season.

Long Weekend (North Street). Review by Jen Cray.

Matt Parish looks into the eyes of soul at a recent Leon Russell show.

He declared “I’m A Man” and by damn, he was. Bo Diddley passes away at the age of 79, and James Mann takes a look at the man and the beat.

Broken Little Songs (Self-Released). Review by Kyrby Raine.

Wired (Marque Records). Review by Kyrby Raine.

The Town and the City (Hollywood). Review by Sean Slone.

Between Earth & Sky (EMI/Rethink). Review by Jen Cray.

Brit-pop smash Starsailor is working on a foothold in America. Chris Catania sat down with James Walsh to find out about breaking in a new country, Bright Eyes and why American crowds giggle during “Alcoholic.”

Sometimes, you have to weed through the junk to find the treasure. Well, here it is. Brittany Sturges meets Pawnshop Roses.

The Greatest White Liar (New West). Review by Sean Slone.

So maybe it doesn’t all fall on the same calendar. It all still merits a mention, or so James Mann thinks.

Action Pact (Koch). Review by Stein Haukland.

Mitch Easter, Let’s Active, the dBs, Rob Levy, interview

They don’t come more seminal than Mitch Easter, who has influenced music from both sides of the mixing board, with his band Let’s Active and as the producer for acts like REM, Pavement and Marshall Crenshaw. Rob Levy grabs a few moments with the busy man.

Me and Mr. Johnson (Reprise). Review by James Mann.

Me and Mr. Johnson (Reprise). Review by James Mann.

From Howlin’ Wolf to the Small Faces to Billy Bragg. One man has made the Hammond B-3 hoot and holler with all three – Steve Stav introduces us to the many faces of Ian McLagan.

The Bamboo Kids (Big Dipper). Review by Stein Haukland.

Bring ‘Em In (Mute). Review by Stein Haukland.