By Ashley Melzer, eMusic ContributorSharing made-up surnames and a rock 'n' roll wild side, Those Darlins defined themselves in their early days with a rollicking mix of garage, country and soul and a strict "no bullshit" demeanor. On their… more »
By John Morthland, eMusic Contributor[To celebrate his receiving the Outstanding Contribution to Music Award from the Association of Independent Music, we invited Billy Bragg to take control of eMusic's editorial for a week. He nominated the soulful Tennessee singer/songwriter… more »
By Paul Connolly, eMusic ContributorAs opening lines go, "I ain't fit to be no mother/ I ain't fit to be no wife" is certainly arresting. But then everything about Valerie June's latest album is startling. The line is from… more »
By Andy Beta, eMusic ContributorCountry music has created its fair share of superstars, icons and tragic figures, from Brooks & Dunn to Hank Williams to Patsy Cline; charlatans and chanteuses; white-hatted good guys like George Strait and black-clad firebrands… more »
By John Morthland, eMusic ContributorJohnny Cash, who would have been 80 on February 26, is still everywhere in American culture. He's on TV commercials and in videos, on radio and in what's left of record stores. From 1955, when… more »
By Lenny Kaye, eMusic ContributorIn the Big Bang of rock 'n 'roll, not to mention popular music of the twentieth century, there is Before Elvis and After Elvis. Other performers surely gave voice to the twining streams of rhythm… more »
By Peter Blackstock, eMusic ContributorNot just anyone could put out an album a few months before turning 80 and attract the likes of George Jones, Elvis Costello, Tom T. Hall, Marty Stuart, Jeff Tweedy, Tift Merritt and Will Oldham… more »