Harry Connick, Jr.’s “Smokey Mary” Review
Harry Connick, Jr. transports listeners to the Mardi Gras parade with his latest album “Smokey Mary.” Its release is timed perfectly to commemorate the 20th anniversary of his Krewe of Orpheus. This group is...
Bon Iver’s New Honesty
"I felt very exposed. ... Not that it was all bad, but it wore down these outer layers, and everything kind of hurt." That's Bon Iver frontman Justin Vernon in a recent interview with...
Picasso or Escobar: The Chronicles of Kanye West
Recently, a few of the most devoted Church of Kanye worshippers at the Highlander gathered and discussed the career of the Lord and Savior himself, Kanye West. What emerged from that discussion was the...
The confounding elegance of Frank Ocean’s “Endless”
This summer saw the release of not one, but two albums by elusive alt R-and-B artist Frank Ocean. Initially releasing “Endless,” the audiovisual album, only to release “Blonde” about 72 hours later. While many...
Katy Perry “Prism” Review
California girl Katy Perry’s fourth studio album, “Prism,” is full of hit songs which reflect her bubbly and eccentric personality. Although several of her lyrics are basic and simplistic, Perry’s messages are full of...
Ty Dolla $ign steps out of the club (briefly), and makes his voice heard...
During this pivotal election season, musicians and entertainers have gone above and beyond in making their voices heard not only through social media and spoken word, but also through their art. On his new...
Powerful hooks, emotive lyrics define the Fray’s “Helios”
From desperately attempting to save the soul of a person struggling with drug addiction to doubting the benevolence of a supposedly kind and nurturing God, the Fray have taken us through some of life’s...
“Drones” is Muse’s successful experiment
With 20 years and running under their belt, Muse have risen to be one of the biggest rock bands in the world. Their recent musical efforts have been experimental with orchestral sound in 2009’...
Kate Nash “Girl Talk” Album Review
In the years since Britain’s indie-pop queen Kate Nash’s international debut in 2007 with her breakout album “Made of Bricks,” the singer has become known for her signature plucky style. After a three-year period...
Kings of Leon “Mechanical Bull” Music Review
Kings of Leon’s recently-released sixth album, “Mechanical Bull,” delves into family issues, hardships and the personal troubles of lead vocalist, Caleb Followill. Despite these darker themes, “Mechanical Bull” is full of fun songs intertwined...