(Self-released, CD)

Ska is back. Well, actually, it never really went anywhere. Though the ornery grandfather of reggae — that’s right, dreadies, ska came first — has undergone numerous evolutions since first appearing in Jamaican dancehalls some 60 years ago, the (up)beat goes on — even if it’s occasionally reduced to skanking solitarily in the forgotten corners of popular consciousness. Still, there have always been torchbearers.... Read more

(Intermediate Swing, CD)... Read more

(Inked Sound Records, CD)

Sometimes, songwriting is a puzzle. You can be blessed with an angelic voice, poetic depth and melodic grace. But until you learn to wield those abilities in concert with one another, the pieces never quite fit as a whole. With his third EP, Issue 3: Emily, Burlington’s Andrew Parker-Renga proves he has the requisite components. And he takes modest strides toward putting them all together.... Read more

(Self-released, CD)... Read more

(Self-released, CD)

Through the evolution of rock music, no instrument has had a tougher time than the piano. That pilot of classicism, architect of blues and luminary of jazz has, within the context of rock, often been carefully reduced to either delicate accentuation or atmospheric auxiliary. And sometimes Bruce Springsteen stands on one.... Read more

(Self-released, CD)... Read more

Is it me, or is Montpelier quietly becoming Vermont’s answer to Nashville? Per capita, and perhaps even in raw numbers, the state’s diminutive capital region surely must boast more twangy goodness than any other. From straight-up country and rockabilly, to alt-country and country rock, to bluegrass and old-time music, the rootsy fare found in the shadow of the Golden Dome is stunning, both in sheer volume and, more importantly, quality. Into the mix come Honeysuckle — transplants from Takoma Park, Md.... Read more

It’s been roughly five years since Burlington’s 2nd Agenda released their debut album, Connect. Though critical response was lukewarm at best, the group pressed on undeterred and have become something of a scene cornerstone — even if they are somewhat overlooked in the current flood of indier-than-thou mania.... Read more

Central Vermont’s Rusty Romance is back with Roots ’n’ Roll, a follow-up to Who Brought the Fun, the 2006 Times Argus “Tammie” award winner for Best Vermont Country Album. While fans of the band might enjoy bits and pieces of this latest effort, disappointing vocal performances largely define it.... Read more

The bustling local singer-songwriter scene gets a little more crowded as former Carlson front man Pete Schluter releases his debut album, As the Crow Flies. From the sound of things, he’ll be a welcome addition.... Read more