Music journalism, books and more

The digital home of music journalist Nicholas Jennings, author of Lightfoot, the bestselling biography of Gordon Lightfoot. Includes a searchable database of current and archived work, including thousands of record reviews and feature articles.

The Grates - Gravity Won’t Get You High

The Grates - Gravity Won’t Get You HighHailing from Brisbane, this Aussie power-pop trio (singer Patience Hodgson, guitarist John Patterson and drummer Alana Skyring) boasts a childlike charm. From the cartoon giraffe on the album cover to the bubblegum romp of “19-20-20” and the bouncy frivolity of “Trampoline,” it’s clear the band doesn’t take itself too seriously. Even more serious numbers, like the banjo-driven “Sukkafish” and the angst-ridden “Feels Like Pain,” sound like moonshine-fuelled mountain music or wicked Nirvana send ups. Giddy stuff.

Aug. 29

Feist - Fantastic Feist
Feature Article: John Prine - Fair & Square