Ben Allison has done it again, expertly guiding his ensemble, Medicine Wheel, through the labyrinths of these strong new compositions. There's a multifaceted brilliance at work here: a stunning display of melodic gifts and sheer instrumental ability, a mastery of orchestrational detail, and an aesthetic of celebration amid the music's high seriousness. As he has in the past, Allison succeeds in never repeating himself. Each track is its own universe, with a host of distinguishing sonic features an...   [ read more ]

CD $11.38

Dr. Hook's 1970s brand of country-flavored pop/rock was always at its best with a satirical edge, usually supplied by the songwriting talents of humorist and Playboy cartoonist Shel Silverstein. While it wouldn't be quite correct to call Dr. Hook simply a mouthpiece band, the fact remains that the group's most memorable songs were penned by Silverstein, from "Cover of the Rolling Stone" to "Sylvia's Mother," and with deadly satirical Silverstein tunes like {&"I Got Stoned and ...   [ read more ]

CD $20.88

Retreating from the skinned-knee production values of In on the Kill Taker, Red Medicine packs more rhythmic punch and shows more range. With more drive and playful goings-on, the arrangements sound much looser than on Kill Taker, while remaining just as gut-kicking and brainy. The experimentation, which adds liveliness, doesn't sound measured. Even Joe Lally is allowed to sing, and it just happens to be one of the best songs on the record. Running against the theory that Fugazi is a pack of ki...   [ read more ]

CD $11.38