Critic's Notebook

After releasing his debut Dean Ray From Texas, the rising Americana artist uses his songs to capture everyday life.

“We’re Counterfeit Country,” the band says proudly, underselling the range and quality of their music.

The Kanye West co-writer performed most of his Dallas debut from a couch and dodged stage-diving demands.

Slow Joy performed at Thin Line Fest last month and wasn’t happy with one of our critiques. So we fact-checked it.

“When my mental state started to go, I let my physical body go as well,” says Reddick, who opened up about his journey.

The Dallas R&B singer is counting the days until his kidney transplant.

Dallas rapper BigXThaPlug’s “The Largest” is getting some love from Bey, who has a history of putting on other Texas artists.

The indie pop duo based in Dallas on their single, “Cigarettes and Brandy,” and the childhood memories that inspired their stage name.

The seminal female hip-hop group Salt-N-Pepa will be honored at the 39th annual ceremony in November.

This public service announcement is sponsored by the good folks at the Dallas Observer.

Jon Berman didn’t start making music until his 50s, but his songwriting was many years in the making.

Known in Dallas for decades for his big personality and permanent smile, Penn touched many with his love of music.

Even during a festival filled with stars, the North Texas genre-bender proved he’s in his own stratosphere.

The Tyler-bred, Dallas-honed indie pop group seized an opportunity with a gorgeous collection of songs.

At a show last week, a young audience member was revived with Narcan after suffering an overdose.

The beloved cowpunk band’s new single, “Life Behind Bars,” tells Rose’s story as a closeted trans woman in the country scene.

“I wanted to celebrate the forgotten Black artists of the ’70s and ’80s,” Dutch says. He has tips for how you can, too.

Free on bail and facing murder-for-hire charges, the Dallas rapper addresses the talk surrounding him.

The latest catchy country/rap hybrid involves one of our hometown heroes.

He famously rapped, “I ain’t beat the case.” He was wrong … again … this time in the slaying of a 23-year-old photographer in San Antonio.

Dezi 5, Atomic Youth, Curren$y and more help DFW celebrate 4/40 while there’s still something to celebrate in Texas.

There are many great record stores in North Texas, but these are our favorites.