Ken Tucker
'Wet Leg' hooks you with their prickly, raunchy way of looking at the world
Last year, a catchy song called "Chaise Longue" became a breakout hit for a duo of 20-something women from the Isle of Wight. Wet Leg's new self titled album is full of more clever entertainment.
Blueglass musician Del McCoury explores love gone bad on 'Almost Proud'
McCoury's been prominent in bluegrass since the 1960s, when he performed in Bill Monroe's Bluegrass Boys. His new album, with sons Rob and Ronnie, in an energetic work that also takes a dark turn.
Singer-songwriter Mitski brings surging energy and emotions to 'Laurel Hell'
Mitski claims new ground on her sixth album, spreading herself across different kinds of pop music with each new song. The result is more varied than anything she's created thus far.
Connie Smith shines as an interpreter of heartbreak on 2 new releases
No woman in the history of country has cried as eloquently as Smith has. The album title, The Cry from the Heart, is the answer she's given over the years when asked to define country music.
'30' is a complicated album that shows just how broad Adele's appeal is
Adele is a rare thing right now: an artist whose appeal cuts across genres and generations. Her new album about divorce features thrilling, exhilarating songs about being absolutely miserable.
Remixed Pere Ubu Albums Bring Fresh Intimacy To The Band's Vocals
Pere Ubu leader David Thomas remixed two of his favorite Ubu albums, 1998's Pennsylvania and 2002's St. Arkansas, saying that the remixes are so substantial, they amount to being two new albums.
Songs Of Summer, From Olivia Rodrigo, Willow And Japanese Breakfast
Critic Ken Tucker compiled his list of 2021 summer songs while traveling on vacation. His picks are "Brutal," by Olivia Rodrigo; "Transparent Soul," by Willow; and "Be Sweet," by Japanese Breakfast.
'Posthumously Released Prince Album Speaks To Today's America'
Six years before his death in 2016, Prince recorded — but did not release — Welcome 2 America. Who knows why Prince opted to hide it away in 2010; this album's sound is very much of-the-moment.
Albums By The Murlocs And King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard Explore New Sounds
The Murlocs are a side project of sorts to King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard, where Ambrose Kenny-Smith and guitarist Cook Craig join other musicians to amalgamate all different styles of pop.
3 New Songs Show How Veteran Musicians Keep Things Fresh Over The Long Haul
It's a quandary many musicians face: Create material that explores new territory or give variations of the same? Tom Jones, Jackson Browne and John Mayer each answer that question in new releases.