Dan Kening

Tim Finn Before & After (Capitol) (STAR)(STAR) 1/2 "Before & After" is one of those frustrating albums that are inspired in spots and frustrating in others. Finn put in an...

Stormy Weather Vox Poppin (Street Gold) (STAR)(STAR)(STAR) It's been well over 30 years since the heyday of doo-wop music, but don't try telling that to northwest Indiana's Stormy Weather. For...

Shelby Lynne Temptation (Morgan Creek) (STAR)(STAR)(STAR) 1/2 Based on Shelby Lynne's previous three albums-pretty standard contemporary country fare-little prepares you for the revelations on "Temptation." Touted as possessing one of...

Michael McDermott From Chicago to Gethsemane (SBK) (STAR)(STAR) On his second album, Chicago singer-songwriter Michael McDermott has taken a marked turn toward preciousness in his lyrics. Songs like "Just West...

Michael McDermott From Chicago to Gethsemane (SBK) (STAR)(STAR) On his second album, Chicago singer-songwriter Michael McDermott has taken a marked turn toward preciousness in his lyrics. Songs like "Just West...

Barrence Whitfield with Tom Russell Hillbilly Voodoo (East Side Digital) (STAR)(STAR)(STAR) On the surface Boston-based soul shouter Barrence Whitfield and Texas country/folk singer-songwriter Tom Russell would seem to have little...

Darden Smith Little Victories (Chaos) (STAR)(STAR)(STAR) 1/2 Although not as celebrated as fellow Texas songsmiths Joe Ely, Butch Hancock and Nanci Griffith, Darden Smith has showed hints of greatness on...

Remainders The Remainders (Revolting) (STAR)(STAR)(STAR) 1/2 Unfortunate record-label name aside, local rockers the Remainders' self-titled debut is a glorious introduction that perfectly captures the excitement of their live shows. Like...

Warren Haynes. Tales of Ordinary Madness (Megaforce) (STAR)(STAR)(STAR) As a member of the Allman Brothers Band since 1989, Warren Haynes might be expected to pack his first solo album full...

Christine Lavin, Sally Fingerett, Julie Gold & Megon McDonough Life According to Four Bitchin' Babes, Vol. 2 (Philo) (STAR)(STAR)(STAR) 1/2 You'd be hard-pressed to find a collection of songs with...