Michigan Album Reviews: Empress Eyes, N8ure, Radio Vision, Larry D
The first Michigan album review round-up of 2026 spans the state and several genres. Check out the Local Spins takes on these fresh releases and listen to music from each recording.
Category: Album reviews
Michigan Album Reviews: 84 Tigers, G-Hollow, Silverstiles, Lost Magic
With the holidays fast approaching, Local Spins digs into four recent album and EP releases by Michigan artists. Check out our takes on these recordings and listen to tracks from all of them.
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Michigan Album Reviews: Spencer LaJoye, Caitlin Cusack, Lafayette Gunter Jr., Billy King
With the holidays fast approaching, Local Spins recaps several new releases by Michigan artists — not only to showcase their varied music, but give you ideas for the music lovers on your shopping list. Listen to tracks from all of the releases.
Album reviews · Audio · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Michigan Album Reviews: Accidentals, Tony Halchak, Greensky Bluegrass, Schrock Bros
Today, Local Spins not only reviews new albums by Michigan artists, but presents this week’s edition of the Michigan Music Showcase featuring the latest tracks from 11 Mitten State bands and solo acts. Check out the reviews, listen to the radio show podcast and see where some of these artists will be performing.
Michigan Album Reviews: Kate Hinote Trio, Sonny Ski, DJ Blaze 589, deadbeatdad
Our mid-October roundup of recent releases by Great Lakes State artists delves into indie-folk, hip hop and electro-pop. Check out the reviews and listen to the music at Local Spins.
Album reviews · Audio · Upcoming shows
Michigan Album Reviews: Larry McCray, The Fields, Mike Ward, Justin Avdek
Browse our takes on another roundup of new albums by Michigan artists, from blues to folk to indie-rock to ambient spaghetti Western, and listen to tracks from all of the releases.
Michigan Album Reviews: Lord Huron, Kanin Wren, Low Phase, Rodeo Boys
With Lord Huron returning for a home-state appearance Saturday in Rochester Hills, Local Spins reviews the band’s new album, along with releases from three other Mitten State artists. Plus, listen to tracks from all of the releases.
Album reviews · Audio · Upcoming shows
Michigan Album Reviews: Out of Favor Boys, Charlie Millard, RyneShyne, Death By Lions
This mid-July roundup of new releases by Michigan artists also recaps the latest hip-hop album from The Musalini & Henry Puffington and Eric Engblade. Check out the reviews, listen to tracks from all of the releases.
Michigan Album Reviews: Michigander, Melophobix, Frankie Ballard, Flexadecibel
Our early June roundup of new releases by artists from Michigan covers pop, country, funk, soul and much more. Check out the reviews and listen to tracks from all of the albums.
Album reviews · Audio · Upcoming shows
Michigan Album Reviews: Desmond Jones, Saxsquatch, DJ Blaze 589 and more
This week’s regional album roundup also includes Local Spins’ takes on releases by Finding Amelia and Jacob McLeod. Check out the reviews, listen to the music.
Album reviews · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Billy Strings adds star power to Ringo Starr’s ‘Look Up’ (Album Review, Radio Podcast)
Today, Local Spins spotlights Ringo’s new album featuring Michigan guitarist Billy Strings, kicking off its radio podcast with a key track while also showcasing new music by other Great Lakes State artists.
Album reviews · Audio · Upcoming shows
Michigan Album Reviews: Mustard Plug, Tunde Olaniran, The Bandwagon, Third Coast Swing
Our mid-January roundup of new releases by Michigan artists features everything from the alternative, guitar-driven new collection from Adam Main to folk’s Mad Hat Mojo. Check out the reviews and listen to tracks from each release.
Album reviews · Audio · Top Stories of the Year Countdown
Billy Strings’ ‘Highway Prayers’ filled with emotion, brilliance: Top ’24 Stories (No. 10)
Writer Ryan McCahill’s take on the virtuoso bluegrass guitarist’s new double-album ranked No. 10 on Local Spins’ countdown of the year’s top stories. Revisit it here today.
Album reviews · Top Stories of the Year Countdown · Videos
The power and glory of ‘Billy Strings Live’: Top Local Spins Stories of 2024 (No. 12)
Our July review of the bluegrass guitarist’s first live album got plenty of attention from Billy Strings fans, making it the No. 12 story of the year. The album has since been nominated for a Grammy Award. Revisit the review; check out tracks from the release.
Album reviews · Audio · Videos
Michigan stars jingle all the way with new holiday tunes: The Local Spins reviews
2024 has seen a flurry of releases of fresh Yuletide music by artists from across the state. Today, Local Spins presents its takes on these tunes, along with links to listen along.
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Michigan Album Reviews: Ficus, Whiskey Hunter, The Cosmoknights, Kylee Phillips
Check out Local Spins’ takes on several new releases by Michigan artists, from psych-rock to country to indie-pop and more. Plus, listen to tracks from all of the recordings.
Album Reviews: Tommy Schichtel, The Lasso/Graham Parsons, Don Julin get creative
Local Spins showcases several imaginative, boundary-pushing releases by Michigan artists in this week’s album-review roundup, which includes a collaborative project featuring Joey Gados Jr., Ben Steer and Noah Mercil.
Album Reviews: Jack White, Greg Nagy, Cal in Red, Lefty, Gianna Stansell, Hunter Noll Bell
From a Detroit rock icon to a rising Grand Rapids indie-pop duo to a veteran bluesman, this Local Spins roundup of Michigan releases digs into some enticing 2024 releases by regional artists. Check out the reviews, listen to tracks from each release.
Album Releases · Album reviews · Audio
Album Reviews: Crane Wives, Luke Winslow-King, Michigan Rattlers, Silver Creek Revival
As fall settles in, Local Spins turns its attention to new releases by Michigan artists. Check out reviews of six recordings, including The Brothers Crunch and Quilter, and listen to tracks from each release.
Album reviews · Audio · Upcoming shows
Billy Strings answers ‘Highway Prayers’ with transcendent tracks, a baby, Pine Knob run
Writer Ryan McCahill provides his take on the virtuoso bluegrass guitarist’s new double-album as Billy Strings celebrates fatherhood and prepares to play two nights at Michigan’s Pine Knob. Check out the review, listen to a track from the new release.
Album Reviews: In the Valley Below, Major Murphy, RyneShyne, Overdrive Orchestra
Michigan’s thriving music scene has spawned another intriguing volley of new releases reviewed at Local Spins, including fresh recordings from Josiah DeNooyer and Rabbit Fur. Learn more about these releases and listen to tracks from the albums.
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Album Review: The power and the glory of ‘Billy Strings Live, Vol. 1’
In less than three weeks, the bluegrass guitar phenom’s live album has racked up more than 1.1 million listens on Spotify and soared to No. 1 on the Bluegrass Chart. Check out the review, listen to tracks from this popular release by the Michigan-bred superstar.
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Album Reviews: MaRynn Taylor, Pablo Eskobear, Annie Bacon, Money Soup and more
Local Spins crisscrosses the state and traverse genres with this latest batch of releases by Michigan, including albums by Bruce Matthews Band and The Whiskey Charmers. Listen to tracks from all of the album and see where many of these artists will be performing this summer.
Album reviews · Audio · Upcoming shows
Michigan Album Reviews: Jordan Hamilton, Birdie Country, Eric Engblade, Sixman & more
This late May round-up of Local Spins’ takes on new releases by a half-dozen Michigan artists also includes The Heiden Underground and The Soods. Listen to tracks from each release and find out where some of these bands are performing in coming weeks and months.
Michigan Album Reviews: Skinny Limbs, Future Things, Alex Austin, Metzfire, more
This early May round-up of Michigan releases features new projects from DuPont Phillips and Elroy Meltzer, along with fresh recordings by some up-and-coming West Michigan bands. Read the reviews, listen to tracks from these releases.
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Michigan Album Reviews: Big Timmy, Samil, The Still Wonder, St. Joe Jack and More
This month’s round-up recapping new Michigan releases also takes a sneak peek into recordings by Laddermatch, Ryan Lynch and The J Hawkins Band. Plus, listen to tracks from all of the releases
Michigan Album Reviews: Full Cord, DJ Blaze 589, Snakeout, The Hired Hands and more
This mid-January round-up of Michigan albums also features Local Spins takes on a special re-release from Overdrive Orchestra as well as an ‘esoteric’ collection from Kalamazoo’s Handturner. Listen to tracks from all of the releases.
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Album Reviews: Hannah Rose Graves, Troy Ceasar, Short Panic, The Mollusks & more
2024’s first roundup of Michigan releases at Local Spins ranges from singer-songwriter charm to hip hop glory to funk to rock fervor, from Southeast Michigan’s Annie & Rod Capps to Holland’s Lost Magic. Check out the reviews; listen to the music.
Album Reviews: Roosevelt Diggs, J.Rob, Peekaboo, Izubel, Jon Hayes, Liz Townsend
As Thanksgiving approaches, Local Spins unfurls its takes on a half-dozen new releases by artists from across Michigan, covering Americana, hip hop, folk, jazz and electronic music. Check out the reviews and listen to tracks from all of the releases.
Album Reviews: Fake Baseball, Low Phase, Whorled, The Erly, American Hotel System
From rock and soul to world music and “Traditional Songs & Ballads of the Irish Diaspora” courtesy of Nick Veine and Ben Traverse, this mid-November round-up covers plenty of musical territory. Check out the reviews, listen to the music.
Album Reviews: Sufjan Stevens, Black Milk, Wills Piff & Samil, Free Hat and more
This November round-up features new releases by several acclaimed Michigan artists, from Feeding Grizzlies to Kitten & The Tonics, covering diverse music hatched in Detroit, Grand Rapids, Allegan and beyond. Check out the reviews and listen to tracks from all of the featured releases.
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Album Reviews: Greta Van Fleet’s ‘Starcatcher,’ plus Les Creatif, Silent Spirit, Aimcriers & more
Local Spins is back with another batch of reviews covering 2023 releases by regional artists, including Heart Dreams and After Ours. Check out the reviews, listen to selected tracks from the releases.
Album reviews · Audio · Upcoming shows
Album Reviews: Pablo Eskobear, Seth Bernard, Headband Henny, Schrock Bros and more
This early October roundup of 2023 releases by Michigan artists boasts a diverse mix of genres and artists, including new music by The Bloody Pickups and Round Creek String Band. Check out the reviews and listen to tracks from all of the releases.
Album reviews · Audio · Upcoming shows
Michigan Album Reviews: Max Lockwood, Jim Alfredson, The Bootstrap Boys & more
This May roundup of new releases by Michigan artists also features a look at recordings by Signal Quartet, The JR Band and Wowza in Kalamazoo. Listen to tracks from all of the releases and find out where these artists are performing.
Album reviews · Audio · Upcoming shows
Album Reviews: Pop Evil, Loren Johnson, Mike Ward, Sunny Bleau, Folias Duo and more
New releases from Michigan artists Cody Robert DeWindt, Story Cafe and Adam Main are also part of this Local Spins roundup of reviews. Check out Local Spins takes and listen to tracks from all of the recordings.
Album Releases · Album reviews · Audio · Upcoming shows
Reviews: May Erlewine, War & Treaty, Earth Radio, Eva Under Fire + More Michigan Albums
New recordings by Y-Not, Rob Jordan, Pink Sky and John Lamb also pump up this late March round-up of reviews of fresh music by Michigan bands and solo artists. Listen to tracks from all of the releases.
Album reviews · Audio · Upcoming shows
Album Reviews: Annie Capps, Rosewood 2055, Moon Orchids, Hominian & more
Another January round-up of fresh releases by artists from across the Great Lakes State also includes our takes on new offerings from Flint’s Heat Above and Detroit’s Superego. Check out our takes on these releases and listen to tracks from all of the recordings.
Album Reviews: DJ Blaze 589, Dede & The Dreamers, The Fever Haze and more
Our second January roundup of new albums and EPs by Michigan artists ranges from hip hop to jazzy indie-folk to rock, including Kings of Strings, Nathan K. and Big B & The Actual Proof. Listen to tracks from all of the releases.
Album reviews · Upcoming shows · Videos
Album Review: Otsego-bred Myron Elkins’ brutally honest, Americana masterstroke
The Allegan County native who now resides in Nashville hosts his album-release show in Grand Rapids tonight. Today, Local Spins reviews his impresses debut collection, plus view his latest music video.
Album Reviews: Vulfpeck, Citizen Keen, Weezil Malone, C.A.R.Ma Quartet and more
Local Spins kicks off the year by spotlighting yet another flurry of new releases by Michigan artists, including projects by Dana Nyson and The Heiden Underground. Read the reviews, listen to the music.
Album Reviews: The Concussions, Bronze Nazareth, Nathan Walton, Crazy Chestur, more
With Christmas just ahead, we review six new Michigan releases you might want to add to your shopping list, including fresh collections from Silver Creek Revival and The Dangling Participles. Delve into the recordings and listen to tracks from all of the releases.
Album reviews · Audio · Videos
Album Review: Billy Strings goes back to Ionia County roots with ‘Me/And/Dad’
Raised in Ionia County’s rural Muir, Billy Strings embraces the traditions he grew up with, featuring duets with his stepfather, Terry Barber, on his latest Rounder Records releases. The review at Local Spins.
Album Reviews: Austin Benzing, Cole Hansen, Bruce Madden, Conklin Ceili Band and more
This pre-Thanksgiving round-up of new releases by West Michigan artists also features Lisa Can’t Sing and The Good Old Days. Listen to tracks from all of the recordings at Local Spins.
Album Reviews: Nathan Walton, Eliza Thorp, Dreas, Aspen Jacobsen, Ethereal, Mercury Salad
The early November round-up of Michigan releases not only covers a wide swath of genres, but artists from Grand Rapids to the Detroit area to Petoskey. Listen to tracks from all of the recordings.
Album Reviews: Jordan Hamiliton, Songs of the Pumpkin Boy, Samil, Signal Quartet & more
This mid-October round-up of new Michigan releases includes creepy pre-Halloween fun and singer-songwriter charm from the Upper Peninsula’s Michael Waite to Detroit’s Mike Ward and more. Listen to tracks from all of the releases at Local Spins.
Album reviews · Audio · Upcoming shows
Album Reviews: Last Gasp Collective, B-Sides, Rachel Curtis, FlyLiteGemini, Keith Hall, more
This early October round-up of releases by Michigan artists features new collections covering rock, pop, hip hop, jazz and Grand Rapids singer-songwriter Cameron Blake’s return to the violin. Check out the reviews and listen to tracks from all of the releases.
Album reviews · Audio · Upcoming shows
Album Reviews: Lokella, The Accidentals, Djangophonique, Desmond Jones and more
After an insanely busy summer, Local Spins is back with a batch of reviews of 2022 releases by Michigan artists, from dark rock to folk to Gypsy swing to jam-band glory, plus a look at projects by Wild Honey Collective and Jeremy Ensley. Learn more about these diverse recordings and listen to tracks from each release.
Album Reviews: Carrie McFerrin, Jesse Ray, DJ Blaze 589, Elijah Russ, Laura Rain, Jeff Socia
Local Spins closes out April with another round-up of new releases by Michigan artists — ranging folk to hip hop to soul to robust rock. Listen to tracks from all of the albums and see where some of these artists will be performing in coming weeks.
Album Reviews: Jack White, Larry McCray, GR Symphony, Wuzee+Dusty Fingerz and more
It’s an uber-diverse, early April roundup of new Michigan albums, from blues to rock to hip hop to adventurous classical music and compelling gems from Annagail and Brian Koenigknecht. Check out the reviews and listen to tracks from all of the releases.
Album Reviews: Jake Kershaw, Ajax Stacks, American Hotel System, Fake Baseball & more
Today, Local Spins takes a deep dive into six recent, varied releases by artists from across West Michigan — Kalamazoo to Grand Rapids to Traverse City to Albion. Listen to tracks from all of the recordings.
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