Justin Cober-lake

The Southern, Charlottesville, VA 12/14/2025 “Just imagine you’re in a near-death experience and enjoy it,” said Rhett Miller. He was introducing his song “The Human Condition,” but he might as well have been offering a broader insight into life. The Old ... See more

After a long period of darkness, Nick Cave released Wild God, an album surprising in its exploration of joy. This joy wasn’t simple happiness, but the profound result of experience and wisdom turned toward a deeper reality. The songs practically yearned f... See more

Canadian rapper Shad — through both his music and his television/documentary work — established his voice long ago. After 20 years, listeners know what to expect: smart and funny takes with a social consciousness and solid backpacker beats. Two decades is... See more

Experimental duo Spaceheads appears to possess limitless energy. Andy Diagram (trumpet/electronics) and Richard Harrison (percussion) found each other through the Manchester music scene in the 1980s, playing with a series of bands doing jazz, pop, post-pu... See more

Colter Wall puts his mission statement (with a touch of irony) right there in his opening track. New album Memories and Empties begins with “1800 Miles,” noting the distance between Wall’s Saskatchewan home and Nashville. The singer’s about as country as ... See more