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Farmer Dave & The Wizards Of The West – FDWOW

January 26, 2021January 25, 2021 ~ Roberto Johnson ~ Leave a comment

Farmer Dave's latest musical venture is an enthralling exhibit of Cosmic American space rock.

Desert Skies: Modern California Country-Rock Essentials

January 13, 2021January 13, 2021 ~ Roberto Johnson ~ 1 Comment

We teamed up with Petal Motel to put together a list of 15 albums that capture the essence of modern California country-rock in all its variations.

Pearl Charles Wants You to Look Into the ‘Magic Mirror’

January 11, 2021January 11, 2021 ~ Roberto Johnson ~ Leave a comment

We spoke with Pearl Charles about her kaleidoscopic new album, writing process, and looking within for guidance.

Charley Crockett – “I Can Help”

January 9, 2021January 9, 2021 ~ Roberto Johnson ~ Leave a comment

Featuring a twangy organ-laden groove, the country crooner croons taps into his soulful side to bring forth an earnest interpretation of Billy Swan's classic 1974 love song.

Acres Even – “Earl Greyson” (Music Video)

January 8, 2021January 8, 2021 ~ Roberto Johnson ~ Leave a comment

The band channels their feel-good beach rock through playful costume arrangements and set designs that range from all-too-awkward prom pictures to quirky kitchen adventures.

Stephen Heath’s ‘Gavin Gruesome’ Embraces Chaos With Open Arms

January 2, 2021January 11, 2021 ~ Roberto Johnson ~ Leave a comment

The veteran guitarist speaks on recording his first solo album, playing guitar for Weyes Blood and other stalwart songwriters, and taking ownership of his ideas.

Patti Smith Live at Montreux Jazz Festival (2005)

December 30, 2020December 28, 2020 ~ Roberto Johnson ~ Leave a comment

The iconic poet and punk-rocker turns 74 today.

Ryan Pollie – Museum At The End of Time

December 18, 2020December 18, 2020 ~ Roberto Johnson ~ Leave a comment

Side-stepping his usually warm and twangy aesthetic, Ryan Pollie's latest project marks a foray into the ambient realm and is accompanied by an entrancing film.

Emmylou Harris & The Hot Band – Live on The Old Grey Whistle Test (1977)

December 13, 2020December 14, 2020 ~ Roberto Johnson ~ Leave a comment

The 40-minute concert features performances of "Pancho & Lefty," "Tulsa Queen," and other country and rock classics.

Riffs & Rhymes Albums of the Year 2020

December 10, 2020December 23, 2020 ~ Roberto Johnson ~ Leave a comment

The new albums that moved us most this year. Starring Blu & Exile, Colter Wall, HAIM, Jess Williamson, North Americans, Tan Cologne, and more.

Riffs & Rhymes EPs of the Year 2020

December 9, 2020December 10, 2020 ~ Roberto Johnson ~ Leave a comment

Releases that, while short in length, made bold artistic statements, splashing introductions, and exciting forays into unique sounds.

Riffs & Rhymes Community Albums of the Year 2020

December 8, 2020December 14, 2020 ~ Riffs & Rhymes Staff ~ Leave a comment

We asked our staff, friends, and other fellow writers to chime in on the new albums they loved most this year.

Rich Jones & Montana Macks – How do you sleep at night?

December 4, 2020December 5, 2020 ~ Roberto Johnson ~ Leave a comment

The Chi-town veterans reunite their musical partnership and heritage for a jazzy affair that confronts 2020's social turmoil from a blunt point of view.

Barry Walker Jr. – Shoulda Zenith

December 2, 2020December 5, 2020 ~ Roberto Johnson ~ Leave a comment

On his latest solo project, the Portland pedal steel player blends New Age, psychedelia, exotica, and cosmic country while pushing the outer limits of his instrument's traditional vocabulary.

Emilee Emiko – Emilee Emiko

November 30, 2020November 29, 2020 ~ Roberto Johnson ~ Leave a comment

The singer's debut EP crafts a serene and bubbly folk-pop sound somewhere between a more rustic Mazzy Star and Jenny O.'s sensual indie-rock.

romæo – “stare”

November 25, 2020November 25, 2020 ~ gabriellejohnsen ~ Leave a comment

The second single by the Sydney-based artist flips between two modes of insecure heartache.

Where have all the angry bands gone?

November 25, 2020November 25, 2020 ~ Cable Writes ~ 2 Comments

Ironic memes are the new anger.

Chris Stapleton – Starting Over

November 23, 2020November 23, 2020 ~ Alex Johnson ~ 1 Comment

The Nashville star is in his element on his fourth album.

Meet Acres Even: L.A.’s Most Lovable Indie Rock Band

November 20, 2020December 23, 2020 ~ Roberto Johnson ~ 1 Comment

L.A.'s tonal dreamboats tell us about recording their first EP, creativity during the pandemic, and why they love the band dynamic.

Bedroom Country: How Matthew J. Ross Pieced Together His Dreamy Debut Album

November 11, 2020November 10, 2020 ~ Roberto Johnson ~ Leave a comment

We chat with the Montreal-based songwriter about recording his first album, giving himself permission to write country songs, singing saws, how his church background influenced his art and more.

Gram Parsons & The Fallen Angels – “A Song For You” (Live)

November 4, 2020November 29, 2020 ~ Roberto Johnson ~ Leave a comment

The Cosmic American singer and songwriter would have turned 74 today.

Kevin Morby – Sundowner

October 29, 2020December 5, 2020 ~ Roberto Johnson ~ Leave a comment

The Kansas City songwriter's sixth record is packed full of elemental guitar songs that feel warm and of the woods.

Eva B. Ross – “Jim Beam Moonbeams”

October 28, 2020December 5, 2020 ~ Roberto Johnson ~ Leave a comment

The new track is accompanied by a dreamy lyric video that lends a faded atmosphere to the song's delicate grooves.

i know i’ve written about this before but

October 28, 2020October 27, 2020 ~ Cable Writes ~ Leave a comment

Guitar riffs, drum fills, beer cans opening: life started again here. These were the sounds of liberation.

Dex Wolfe – Lightness

October 22, 2020December 5, 2020 ~ Roberto Johnson ~ Leave a comment

The Minneapolis musician's debut EP is a culmination of several years spent honing his diverse technical skill set and embracing the ups and downs of living a creative life, overcoming personal grief, and learning self-love.

FELIVAND on Her Smooth, Immersive EP ‘Nerve’

October 16, 2020December 23, 2020 ~ Roberto Johnson ~ Leave a comment

The Brisbane singer-producer shares on the making of her dazzling new project, sonic influences, taking a singles-focused approach to releasing music and more.

Are Online Festivals the Future of Entertainment?

October 15, 2020October 27, 2020 ~ rosajameson ~ Leave a comment

Musicians and event organizers have utilized the digital space so that audiences from all over the world can enjoy live music from the comforts of their homes. Are online concerts and virtual festivals the future or just another passing fad?

Travis Scott’s “FRANCHISE” and the Lasting Impact of “White Tee” by Dem Franchize Boyz

October 14, 2020October 27, 2020 ~ tblankin ~ Leave a comment

While the white t-shirt has been a cultural staple for decades, Dem Franchize Boyz turned the unassuming article of clothing into a statement piece and became a permanent part of the hip-hop lexicon.

The Neighbourhood – Chip Chrome & The Mono-Tones

October 13, 2020October 13, 2020 ~ gabriellejohnsen ~ 1 Comment

The band's fourth project considers a new perspective – that of the striving performer, a lens which automatically invites autobiographical speculation.

Great Peacock Find Themselves in Top Form on Their Lustrous Third Album ‘Forever Worse Better’

October 7, 2020November 19, 2020 ~ Roberto Johnson ~ Leave a comment

We spoke with frontman Andrew Nelson about his band's new album, drawing from personal trauma to write songs, his relationship with the road and more.

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Such an empty surprise to feel so alone

Jackson Browne // “Late for the Sky”

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Recent Posts

  • Farmer Dave & The Wizards Of The West – FDWOW January 26, 2021
  • Desert Skies: Modern California Country-Rock Essentials January 13, 2021
  • Pearl Charles Wants You to Look Into the ‘Magic Mirror’ January 11, 2021
  • Charley Crockett – “I Can Help” January 9, 2021
  • Acres Even – “Earl Greyson” (Music Video) January 8, 2021
  • Stephen Heath’s ‘Gavin Gruesome’ Embraces Chaos With Open Arms January 2, 2021
  • Patti Smith Live at Montreux Jazz Festival (2005) December 30, 2020
  • Ryan Pollie – Museum At The End of Time December 18, 2020
  • Emmylou Harris & The Hot Band – Live on The Old Grey Whistle Test (1977) December 13, 2020
  • Riffs & Rhymes Albums of the Year 2020 December 10, 2020
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  • Facebook
  • Spotify
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