Tim Martin

Paperback Riders: Warren Zanes “Petty: The Biography”

May 1, 2024 Tim Martin 0

When Andy Davidson reviewed Warren Zanes’ recent book on the making of Springsteen’s Nebraska it reminded me of his biography of Tom Petty. For such a vital figure, Petty has not been well served by biographers, […]

Book Review: “The Beach Boys by The Beach Boys”

April 25, 2024 Tim Martin 1

When the Beach Boys’ “country” album ‘Stars and Stripes’ came out in 1995 Mike Love said, “Nothing’s much more Americana than the Beach Boys and country music combined”. In 2022, our Ljubinko Zivkovic made the case […]

More People Should Really Know About: Corb Lund

April 23, 2024 Tim Martin 0

I found Canadian singer songwriter Corb Lund in 2020, through reviewing his ‘Agricultural Tragic’ album. His appeal for me was the blend of wit, Nuggets style garage-rock, and the better sorts of country. He has recorded […]

Heather Little “By Now”

April 17, 2024 Tim Martin 1

Confessional words and a fine supporting cast make for one of the best country-based albums you’ll hear this year. Kicking in with a Ry Cooder style slide from Audley Freed and a gently plucked banjo Heather […]

Mark Knopfler “One Deep River”

April 16, 2024 Tim Martin 2

Another superbly crafted album, from one of the finest songwriters of our time. From the first bars of ‘Two Pairs of Hands’ this could only be Mark Knopfler. That signature lead guitar line over a chugging […]