Julian Ring

More than 75,000 albums are released in the US each year. In a perfect world, I’d listen to every single one. Email or find me on Facebook.
Album Reviews“Blonde” by Ghost Beach
March 04. 2014 | By Julian Ring

“Blonde” by Ghost Beach

You can wipe a layer of pure sugar an inch thick off the surface of Blonde, the new album from Brooklyn electronic duo, Ghost Beach.

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Album Reviews“Dialects” by Snowmine
February 04. 2014 | By Julian Ring

“Dialects” by Snowmine

Woven through with cinematic textures, Snowmine’s Dialects will please listeners who like a little sophistication with their pop.

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Live ReviewsLIVE REVIEW: Magik*Magik Orchestra + Guests @ Fox Theater,  Oakland, CA 1/31/14
February 03. 2014 | By Julian Ring

LIVE REVIEW: Magik*Magik Orchestra + Guests @ Fox Theater, Oakland, CA 1/31/14

The Magik*Magik Orchestra’s fifth birthday party gets off to a lumbering start and keeps its hands off the throttle.

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Album Reviews“Caught In A Summer Swell” by The Band In Heaven
September 17. 2013 | By Julian Ring

“Caught In A Summer Swell” by The Band In Heaven

A period piece of sorts, capturing the sound of a reluctant end to the most magical time of the year.

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Album Reviews“Gold Youth” by French Cassettes
August 30. 2013 | By Julian Ring

“Gold Youth” by French Cassettes

The emphasis is on the “youth” as this young California quartet ties together upbeat pop and sunny indie hooks for a cosilient first release.

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Album Reviews“Feels Weird” by Bent Shapes
August 20. 2013 | By Julian Ring

“Feels Weird” by Bent Shapes

Bent Shapes’ debut would have benefited from a longer gestation, but the best ideas float to the top.

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FeaturesOUT ON A LIMB: Searching For (The Next) Sugar Man
August 05. 2013 | By Julian Ring

OUT ON A LIMB: Searching For (The Next) Sugar Man

With the rise of the band-you’ve-never-heard-of rockumentary, who really benefits?

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FeaturesOUT ON A LIMB: Extreme Makeover, 2013 Edition
July 29. 2013 | By Julian Ring

OUT ON A LIMB: Extreme Makeover, 2013 Edition

As we enter the year’s second half, why so many artists at the top of their game are trying to start over again.

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