Album: Mississippi Fred McDowell Vol. 2

Artist: Fred McDowell

Year: 1966 (2016 re-issue)

Label: Arhoolie

Tested On: Grado Black – Realistic LAB 400 – Luxman R-1050 – Dynaco A-25

Nearly a decade has passed since Manchester’s Dutch Uncles made their entrance on the scene with their self-titled debut album. However, the group’s newly released fifth album, Big Balloon, has critics calling it their best album to date. Shortly before the album’s release, Alex from Ashes to Ashes interviewed Robin Richards, bassist and main songwriter for Dutch Uncles, about the new record, “Dad rock,” and what advice he would have given to his 16-year-old self.

Image credit: Sebastian Matthes

It’s been five years since Peter Peter’s breakthrough album, Une version améliorée de la tristesse, was released, with the native Quebecer decamping to France in the interim. However, the artist has finally released his third album, Noir Éden, which has received glowing reviews since its release—thanks to its deft melange of pop structures and experimental sonics. Peter Peter kindly took the time to discuss the new album, songwriting, and more.

Image credit: Paul Rousteau

This Monday, two CJLO contributors, Genaro Peña Cruz and Paul Brown, had the chance to see Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears as they performed at La Sala Rossa, as part of the Montréal en Lumière festival going on until March 11. Here’s the story of one single show, told by two different music lovers.

Genaro Peña Cruz’s story