WFUV Music Review Podcast

Subscribe to the series [All links will launch iTunes]

Ben Sisario's Picks--Best Of The Year
12/27/10 5:44 minutes
The New York Times' Ben Sisario talks about his three favorite albums of the year--"Tassili" from Tinariwen; Laura Marling's "A Creature I Don't Know" and Jame Blake's self-titled debut.  

Josh Baron's Picks--Best Of The Year
12/20/11 4:59 minutes
In the second of our three "best ofs", Relix Magazine's Josh Baron talks with Claudia Marshall about three of his favorites from this year--Joan as Police Woman's "Deep Field", The Cave Singer's "No Witch" and "Days" from Real Estate. 

Anthony DeCurtis' Picks--Best Of The Year
12/13/11  5:37 minutes
Find out which 2011 albums stood out for critic Anthony DeCurtis when he talks with Claudia about his top 3 picks of the year -- Teddy Thompson's "Bella", The Civil Wars' "Barton Hallow" and "Winston Marsalis & Eric Clapton Play The Blues".   

"El Camino," by The Black Keys
12/6/11  4:50 minutes
This is an album, not a collection of songs. Claudia Marshall and Josh Baron take on The Black Keys' latest and the results are gold--on the ceiling, that is.

"Some Girls," (Reissue) by The Rolling Stones
11/29/11  3:38 minutes
It's called "the deluxe treatment": Claudia Marshall and Anthonuy DeCurtis discuss the revamped sound of the Stones' latest reissue, "Some Girls."

"Ceremonials," by Florence + the Machine
11/22/11  3:49 minutes
Big voice, big sound, big record: Claudia Marshall and Anthony DeCurtis talk Florence + the Machine's latest, "Ceremonials."

"Every Step's a Yes," by A Band of Bees
11/15/11  4:00 minutes
In England, they're known as the Bees. In the US, they're a Band of Bees. To Claudia, they're confusing. Claudia Marshall and Ben Sisario try to figure out just what's going on in the latest from A Band of Bees.

"Humor Risk," by Cass McCombs
11/8/11  3:54 minutes
His second album in less than a year, Cass McCombs approaches "Humor Risk" with the attitude of a 1970s singer-songwriter. Innovative, or boring? Claudia Marshall and Ben Sisario decide.

"The Speaking Clock Revue," presented by T. Bone Burnett
11/1/11  4:16 minutes
Claudia Marshall and Anthony DeCurtis sit down to discuss the live concert at the Beacon last year, T. Bone Burnett's "The Speaking Clock Revue." They talk benefits, performances, and posterity.

"Chesapeake," by Rachael Yamagata
10/25/11  4:49 minutes
Fan-funded and without a label, Rachael Yamagata gives us her new album, "Chesapeake." Anthony DeCurtis and Claudia Marshall discuss her updated, radio-friendly sound.

"Ashes and Fire," by Ryan Adams
10/11/11  4:32 minutes
Married, sober, and still makin' music: Josh Baron and Claudia Marshall explore the new, happy side of Ryan Adams in his latest, "Ashes and Fire."

"Minnesota," by Mason Jennings
10/4/11  4:37 minutes
Anthony DeCurtis and Claudia go west and discover "Minnesota," Mason Jennings latest album.

"The Whole Love," by Wilco
9/27/11  4:33 minutes
Claudia sits down with Josh Baron to discuss their new love--"The Whole Love," Wilco's latest. Tune in to hear how Wilco has come back in a big way.

"Mockingbird Time," by The Jayhawks
9/20/11  4:18 minutes
With their first new album since 1995, it seems like country-rock band The Jayhawks are poised to take over. But do Claudia and Ben think it sounds classic or nostalgic? Take a listen and find out.

"The Rip Tide," by Beirut
9/13/11  3:20 minutes
The indie group Beirut is known for blending quirky vocals with Eastern European rock fusion.  But how do Claudia and Ben feel about the pop sound of the latest album? Tune in to hear their thoughts on "The Rip Tide".

"Ghost On A Canvas," by Glen Campbell
9/6/11  4:03 minutes
At the age of 75, Glen Campbell says "Ghost On A Canvas" will be his final studio album. Claudia and Ben take a listen and discuss the work and legacy of the country music singer.

 "Junk of the Heart," by The Kooks
8/30/11  3:42 minutes
The British group The Kooks might be considered the definition of Britpop, but is their latest album full of new hits or is it just more of the same? Claudia and Josh weigh in on the group’s third release, "Junk of the Heart". 

"Mirror Traffic", by Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks
8/23/11  3:56 minutes
Stephen Malkmus takes a new approach on his latest album, “Mirror
Traffic”, produced by Beck.  There’s less jamming and more
concentration on melody.   Claudia and Josh discuss how these new songs
stack up against the previous work of the indie rock icon and former
Pavement front man.

"Sky Full of Holes", by Fountains of Wayne
8/09/11 4:11 minutes
Perfected pop songs and the familar style fans have come to love can be found in the latest one from Fountains of Wayne. As Ben and Claudia delve into this new album, they also try to uncover what makes Fountains of Wayne tick.

"Pint of Blood", by Jolie Holland and the Grand Chandeliers
8/02/11 3:57 minutes
This album features the ideosyncratic voice of Jolie Holland. Her unique sound might not be everyone's cup of tea, but a lot of cricits believe she is worth a listen. Ben and Claudia throw in their votes.

"Rave on Buddy Holly", by Various Artists
7/26/11 4:02 minutes
In this tribute album, popular artists put their own spin on some old favorites. Ranging from creative covers to perplexing sound, join Ben and Claudia as they figure out if the whole thing jives.

"Songs", by Thomas Dybdahl
7/19/11 4:09 minutes
Thomas Dybdahl is a Norweigan artist trying to make headway in the United States. Dybdahl experiments with both sound and songwriting in this new album. Anthony and Claudia discuss if this amitious artist has the potiential to make it.

"Lifes Rich Pageant", by REM
7/12/11 4:25 minutes
REM is reissuing their back catalog. This blast from the past includes some extras on the new two-disc edition. Anthony and Claudia take a trip back in time with this one.

"The Harrow and the Harvest", by Gillian Welch
7/5/11 4:10 minutes
It's been eight years in the making, but has it been worth the wait? Josh and Claudia talk about the many gems they found in the record.

"Bon Iver", by Bon Iver
6/28/11 4:13 minutes
Justin Vernon now features his flowing baritone, as well as his distinctive falsetto in this much-anticipated album. The songs are multi-layered and include quite the array of instruments -- everything from horns to organs to electic guitars. Does it hit the mark? Josh and Claudia throw in their two cents.

"Revelator", by Tedeschi Trucks Band
6/21/11 4:18 minutes
If the blues held a prom, the king and queen would most likely be the husband-wife duo of Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi. With an 11-piece band rounding out the court, all the cool kids will be listening - including Anthony and Claudia.

"Codes and Keys", by Death Cab for Cutie

6/14/11 4:17 minutes
On their seventh full-length, Seattle's indie-pop powerhouse takes a slight left turn. Abandoning their established reliance upon guitar, they've added piano, strings and even synth into the mix for a more mature sound. Does it work? Ben joins Claudia to suss it out.

"Stone Rollin'", by Raphael Saadiq
6/7/11 4:26 minutes
Multi-instrumentalist, producer and neo-soul crooner Raphael Saadiq brings the sexy on his latest - or attempts to, at least. Claudia and Ben explain why they're not quite buying it.

"The Road From Memphis", by Booker T. Jones
5/31/11 4:07 minutes
Master organist Booker T. Jones revisits his Memphis roots on a new album. With backing by a fantastic band - including ?uestlove of the Roots providing drums - there's a lot to love. Anthony and Claudia walk us through it.

"Helplessness Blues", by Fleet Foxes
5/24/11 4:06 minutes
On their sophomore album, Fleet Foxes stick to their familiar formula of harmony heavy folk. Is it too close to their previous work, or have they moved forward on this record? Josh and Claudia hash it out.

"40 Odd Years", by Loudon Wainwright III
5/17/11 4:20 minutes
A five-disk set anthologizes the work of the witty Westchester folkie, including rare and unreleased material. Claudia and Anthony answer the question on everyone's mind: is it worth the scratch?

"I Am Very Far", by Okkervil River
5/10/11 4:35 minutes
Gone is the established Okkervil River sound, replaced with a dense, monolithic album that just might collapse under its own weight. Do they go too far with this record, or can a few standout tracks salvage it? Josh and Claudia discuss.

"Hard Bargain", by Emmylou Harris
5/3/11 5:06 minutes
Emmylou's latest is filled with songs of heartbreak, loneliness and friends lost -- so how is it possibly NOT a total downer? Claudia and Josh explain.

"See My Friends", by Ray Davies
4/26/11 4:47 minutes
In his most recent effort to cash in on the Kinks legacy, Davies invites his "friends" to participate in this duets album. Ben joins Claudia to discuss the hits -- and misses.

 "101", by Keren Ann
4/19/11 4:53 minutes
Breathy chanteuse Keren Ann is back with a new album showcasing her soulful, folkish songwriting. Ben and Claudia discuss the merits of a record that is simultaneously bloody and bloodless.

"How to Become Clairvoyant", by Robbie Robertson
4/5/11 5:10 minutes
On his first album in a decade, Robertson gets by with a little help from his friends - among them Eric Clapton, Steve Winwood and Robert Randolph. Josh joins Claudia to chat about  whether the plethora of guests is a crutch, or if the album's got legs.

"Bootleg, Volume II: From Memphis to Hollywood", by Johnny Cash
3/29/11 5:23 minutes
Yet another anthology mines the Man in Black's back catalog, compiling rarities and unheard gems onto a whopping 57-track set. Claudia and Josh determine what's essential - and what's better left forgotten.

"Angles", by The Strokes
3/22/11 4:47 minutes
This new one from The Strokes has been the subject of a lot of speculation--now that it's finally out, does it live up to the hype? And if it does, is that a good or a bad thing? Claudia and Ben discuss. 

"Blessed", by Lucinda Williams
3/15/11 5:03 minutes
In a lot of ways, Lucinda Williams' new album is just pure Lucinda--and that's always a good thing. But that doesn't mean Claudia and Josh don't have a little affectionate constructive criticism.

"KMAG YOYO (& Other American Stories)", by Hayes Carll
3/8/11 4:03 minutes
Hayes Carll's earned a place among the funny, disaffected ranks of Todd Snider and John Prine...and as far as Anthony and Claudia are concerned, he's one of the greats, and although his cast of drunken couples, corrupt soldiers and all-around-down-and-outers might seem familiar, Hayes gives them new life.

"Let England Shake", by PJ Harvey
3/1/11 4:00 minutes
Polly's kind of got a love-her-or-hate-her quality, and this new album--all about England, its beauty, and its woes, is no exception. Anthony and Claudia both agree it's an interesting effort...but that may be where the agreement ends on this one. 

"The Long Surrender", by Over The Rhine
2/22/11 4:40 minutes
The latest album from the Ohio duo is gorgeous, lush, epic in spots, and...maybe a little boring? Anthony and Claudia hash out Over The Rhine's new one, produced by Joe Henry. 

"Go Go Boots", by Drive By Truckers
2/15/11 4:47 minutes
Southern losers, ex-cops and desperate family men populate this latest release from the Truckers...It gets a little dark, but what else do you expect from these guys? 

"Mission Bell", by Amos Lee
2/8/11 4:58 minutes
The most recent album from Amos Lee is produced by Calexico's Joey Burns, and was recorded in the band's Tucson studio. So what happens when you take a Philly boy to Arizona? Apparently, good things.

"Low Country Blues", by Gregg Allman
2/1/11 4:25 minutes
Gregg's new album is his first solo release in years, and it's an album mostly made up of covers of classic blues songs. But if it sounds a little familiar, that might not be the only reason why--it's another album with T Bone Burnett at the helm.

"The King Is Dead", by the Decemberists
1/18/11 4:10 minutes
Josh and Claudia agree that this is the Best. Album. Ever. by The Decemberists. What else is there to say? Oh yeah...it's really good. And it's good, too.

"City of Refuge", by Abigail Washburn
1/11/11 4:10 minutes
Abigail Washburn's second solo album, like her, is a mix--traditional, exotic, and clawhammer-y, and boasts appearances from a few music celebs--if not her husband Bela Fleck. But do Abigail's warm voice and diverse musical influences a consistently good album make?

Upcoming Albums from Female Artists: Ben's Picks
1/4/11 4:20 minutes
It's a new year and we're taking a look at some new albums coming out from female artists in the next few weeks--new stuff from neo-soul darling Duffy, alt-folk bombshell Nicole Atkins, and Wanda Jackson, the queen of Rockabilly. 

Anthony DeCurtis' Picks--Best Of The Year
12/28/10 4:45 minutes
It's the last music review of the year, and we're celebrating with Anthony's top three--Tracy Thorn's "Love and its opposite", Jakob Dylan's "Women and Country", and Mavis Staples'' "You Are Not Alone." Happy New Year!

Ben Sisario's Picks--Best Of The Year
12/21/10 5:10 minutes
End of the year madness continues as the New York Times' Ben Sisario talks about his three favorite albums of the year--Sleigh Bells' "Treats", Beach House's "Teen Dream", and Best Coast's  "Crazy For You."

Josh Baron's Picks--Best Of The Year
12/14/10 4:47 minutes
It's end of the year madness! In the first of our three "best ofs", Relix Magazine editor and WFUV music reviewer Josh Baron talks about his three favorites from this year--The Gaslight Anthem's "American Slang", The Black Keys' "Brothers", and Jonsi's "Go".  

"The Promise", by Bruce Springsteen
Reviewed by Anthony DeCurtis and Claudia Marshall
12/7/10 4:47 minutes
When Bruce released "Darkness On The Edge Of Town" in 1978, he left a bunch of stuff out, and it was never released...until now! This double album is part of a 3-CD, 3-DVD set--but is it a must any but the most hardcore fans?

"The Age Of Adz", by Sufjan Stevens
Reviewed by Ben Sisario and Claudia Marshall
11/30/10 4:25 minutes
Much more electronic than we're used to from Sufjan and full of otherworldly sounds and images, this is a bit of a departure. Do Sufjan's sublime melodies and "regular guy" lyrics pull it back from the edge?

"Le Noise", by Neil Young
Reviewed by Josh Baron and Claudia Marshall
11/23/10 4:50 minutes
"Le Noise" is Neil Young's 34th studio album (!) and on this one he's doing something new--and electronic--with famed producer Daniel Lanois (Le Noise? Get it?) But does it Le Work, or is it not so Le Good?

"National Ransom", by Elvis Costello
Reviewed by Ben Sisario and Claudia Marshall
11/16/10 4:53 minutes
Elvis' latest album is all over the place musically and topically -- and one thing's for sure, says Ben... Elvis wants you to know that evil is all around us. But are the musical joys worth the dark message? Claudia and Ben discuss.

"Come Around Sundown", By Kings Of Leon
Reviewed by Josh Baron and Claudia Marshall
11/9/10 4:19 minutes
Following the hyoooge success of Only By The Night, Kings of Leon are back with a new album. But do Josh and Claudia find it worthy of the legions of new fans the band has acquired?

"The Grand Theatre, Volume One" By The Old 97's
Reviewed by Anthony DeCurtis and Claudia Marshall
11/2/10 4:57 minutes

The new album was recorded after a week of live rehearsals at a possibly-haunted theatre in Dallas. Old 97's live sound can't be beat -- but is the songwriting getting lost in the shuffle?

"Lonely Avenue" By Ben Folds and Nick Hornby
Reviewed by Anthony DeCurtis and Claudia Marshall
10/26/10 4:58 minutes

Ben Folds has collaborated with novelist, critic and music lover Nick Hornby on his latest album. So how successful is the project? And does Ben Folds really need a lyricist? Also: What Would Little Richard Do?

"The Union" by Elton John and Leon Russell
Reviewed by Anthony DeCurtis and Claudia Marshall
10/19/10, 4:30 minutes

Elton John pays back a musical debt to the legendary singer/songwriter and sideman -- who helped him get his career going back in the '70s -- by recording an album with him. Noble intentions, surely...but how does it sound?

"Wake Up!" by John Legend and The Roots
Reviewed by Anthony DeCurtis and Claudia Marshall
10/12/10, 5:27 minutes

Smooth soul guy and live music/hip-hop experimentalists cover socially aware soul songs of the '60s and '70s...from Curtis Mayfield to Marvin Gaye. Can they make some of Claudia's favorites their own?

"The Sound of Sunshine" by Michael Franti and Spearhead
Reviewed by Josh Baron and Claudia Marshall
9/21/10, 4:52 minutes

It seems Michael Franti's looking to build on his faithful audience with this one, his major label debut with Spearhead -- Can he match the magic of his live sound with this latest studio effort?

"You Are Not Alone" by Mavis Staples
Reviewed by Josh Baron and Claudia Marshall
9/14/10, 5:05 minutes

 The legendary growl is back, with production by Wilco's Jeff Tweedy. Has the alt.country pioneer bitten off more than he can chew?

"Dream Attic" by Richard Thompson
Reviewed by Anthony DeCurtis and Claudia Marshall
9/07/10, 4:58 minutes

He's been making music now for five decades, but he's still tearing it up on this live album of new material -- Sure, Richard can get into the heads of all kinds of nasty characters... but can he find his way into Claudia's heart?

"Tomorrow Morning" by Eels
Reviewed by Josh Baron and Claudia Marshall
9/07/10, 4:55 minutes

The latest Eels album finds E in love, back on his meds, or both. Will any but his hardcore fans be wooed by the new, (relatively) cheerful Eels? And will we give him a pass for his less inspired moments?