New Reviews for December 1, 2023

Violent Femmes [40th Anniversary Deluxe Edition]
Craft Recordings / Craft Records
The 40th anniversary edition of this groundbreaking alt-rock classic includes early demos and live recordings from concerts in 1981 and 1983.
- Fred Thomas
2 Ruff, Vol. 1
Casablanca / EMI Records
A brief but potent mixtape of drum'n'bass dancefloor heaters, with featured guests including Flowdan, Stefflon Don, and Clementine Douglas.
- Paul Simpson
Czartificial Intelligence
Silver Age
Rap
The comic-themed rap supergroup continue their saga, mixing playful bravado with moments of nostalgic reflection.
- Paul Simpson
Poulenc: La Voix humaine; Fiançailles pour rire
Aparte
Poulenc's late one-act phone opera seems more relevant than ever and is given a suitably stressed-out performance.
- James Manheim
Schubert: Die schöne Müllerin
Harmonia Mundi
A keyboard-dominant Die schöne Müllerin inaugurates a major new Schubert series.
- James Manheim
Fantasia
Sony Classical
A bold exploration of the fantasia idea with a towering performance of Busoni's difficult example.
- James Manheim
Bach: Goldberg Variations
Deutsche Grammophon
Brilliant, engrossing Goldbergs join superb virtuosity to crystal clarity in a subjective approach.
- James Manheim
Chausson, Ravel: Piano Trios
La Dolce Volta
Sharp performance of two trios that, although separated by just a few decades, inhabit different worlds.
- James Manheim
Alone With His Guitar
AllMusic Staff Pick - December 1, 2023
September 19, 2000
A real treat for Hank-o-philes who really drooled over the few gritty demo recordings that appeared on the extensive box set The Complete of Hank Williams. Ten of the 18 cuts here come from early '49 appearances on Shreveport, Louisiana's KWKH; and the rest are demo recordings made to pitch songs to his label. These provide a warm, intimate look at a man playing songs on his guitar that would change the world.
- Zac Johnson