Out Of The Box Cd Of The Week With Paul Shugrue

"AVTT/PTTN" finds both acts stepping out of their comfort zones to merge two seemingly disparate musical worlds into a unique and compelling third entity.

"Through This Fire Across From Peter Balkan" is a rock opera about a shipwreck and the men who survive on an deserted island.

“Everybody Scream” is a raw, visceral and cathartic masterpiece.

"Returning to Myself” is a way of getting back to the relatively intimate nature of her music.

Helen Ballentine has released her second album under the name that evokes something altogether different than the ghostly, ambient soundscapes she creates on “And Your Song is Like a Circle.”

"Steppin' Out" is their 20th album and features, for the first time, a female lead singer, D. D.Bastos, who adds new life to their infectious spirit.

The former Virginia Beach high school English teacher's new release is a concept album called "Angels and Other Magical Creatures" and it's his best one yet

On his third studio album “Hard Road” he finds a balance between traditional blues and more contemporary styles without sacrificing his original rootsy integrity.

“Bleeds” brilliantly follows up the twin successes they have had with their last album in 2023 and bandmate M.J. Lenderman’s solo release last year

“I Believe in You My Honeydew” shows that, with imaginative turns of phrases and catchy musical hooks, substantial, complicated themes can be delivered in a meaningful and understandable way.

“Feels Like Home” is a deeply personal collection of songs, some of which have been years in the making.

“Straight Line Was a Lie” is influenced by a diagnosis of an autoimmune disorder that lead singer Liz Stokes received recently and the medication-influenced change in her brain chemistry that affected her ability to write songs

Her unique blend of conversational lyrics and edgy Americana is in full bloom on her sixth album, “Billionaire.”

She has conquered the progressive bluegrass world with her inventive guitar playing, expressive songwriting and vocal dexterity. On her new release, “So Long Little Miss Sunshine” she’s moved past those boundaries with her most daring album yet.

Following closely on the heels of their last album, "No Rain, No Flowers" finds them stretching out and experimenting while not losing the gritty blues rock of their past albums.

On his 89th birthday the living legend released “Ain’t Done with the Blues” an album of classic riffs, storytelling, and heavyweight collaborations

She's had her share of crises during the six years since her last album, making “Crown of Roses” a triumph.

“Tracks 2” is a jaw dropping box set of seven completed albums that have never been released until now

I talked with him about his latest album “The Black Dog and the Wandering Boy”

On “Talking to the Trees” he swings from grungy guitar workouts, to gentle country rockers to sweet folkie tales with the same passion he has devoted to his music for over 60 years.