Momentary Setback is undeniably a strange choice for the title of one's debut release, hardly suggesting a vote of self-confidence. Yet this first release from southern Louisiana native Marc Broussard is brimming with confidence and self-assurance. Broussard sounds many, many years older than he was at the time of the album's recording, bearing a gritty, at times ferocious delivery that seems to channel street spirits. Or more likely, the spirits of still-kicking blues-rockers like {$John Hiatt...   [ read more ]

CD $10.43

With Come to Where I'm From, Joseph Arthur shows a willingness to ease up on the stifling angst that dominated his previous efforts. To be sure, the album still has more than its share of gut-wrenching misery -- there's no shortage of lines like "I feel like taking a razor blade and on my wrist write an invitation" -- but this time out, the anguish is balanced by healthy doses of self-awareness and a winking sense of humor. "Ashes Everywhere," a wistful guitar and harmonica breakup ballad, induces...   [ read more ]

CD $16.13