Paul Robicheau

Contributor at The Arts Fuse

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Box Set Album Review: "Joni Mitchell Archives Vol. 4" -- At the Peak of Her Powers

Jan 15, 2025 | artsfuse.org | Paul Robicheau

By Paul RobicheauJoni Mitchell Archives Vol. 4 appears to be comparatively sparing in outtakes or demos, but it’s rich in what too many box sets skimp on: a wide-ranging spread of live recordings. In this case, they demonstrate how Mitchell’s songs evolved on stage as well as in the studio, documenting a genius at work. Joni Mitchell Archives Vol. 4: 6 CDs or 4 LPs, $99.98.
Concert Review: The Dresden Dolls and Gogol Bordello Rage Against the Machine

Nov 6, 2024 | artsfuse.org | Paul Robicheau

By Paul RobicheauSaturday’s finale of a two-night Roadrunner stand, the Dresden Dolls’ first Boston shows since 2017, raged as a celebration of camaraderie and catharsis. Amanda Palmer laid down two goals for fans packing Roadrunner on Saturday. The first was to “please, for the love of God,” vote.
Concert Review: Air's Electro-Pop -- In a Subdued Mood

Oct 18, 2024 | artsfuse.org | Paul Robicheau

By Paul RobicheauMost of the night’s visually tilted action took place within a tightly framed stage that made the presentation seem somewhat detached. Fans might have imagined they were watching a film, at least from a straight-on view. Yet, from other angles, Air’s show looked like a museum diorama of a late 1990s synth-rock band that came to life. Las Vegas has a huge multimedia dome Sphere to wrap bands in visual eye-candy that scales a virtual sky.
Concert Review: X -- Finishing Out With Versatility, Vitality, and Heart

Sep 23, 2024 | artsfuse.org | Paul Robicheau

By Paul RobicheauDespite some hiatuses and a non-lasting change in the guitar slot, X has amazingly soldiered on for four decades since its 1977 formation and 1980-1984 heyday to remain standing with its original lineup. A signpost declares “The end is near” in branding for X’s current tour, which the band warns will be their last — like the new Smoke & Fiction, billed as the final album that X will make. That’s not an unreasonable expectation given the punk-rock quartet’s age.
Concert Review: PJ Harvey at MGM Fenway -- A Combo of Choreographed Play and Edgy Rock Show

Sep 21, 2024 | artsfuse.org | Paul Robicheau

By Paul RobicheauMany of PJ Harvey’s fans at MGM came for a challenging ride, and the performer gave it to them with a stunning show. PJ Harvey rarely tours. Her last Boston concert before Wednesday’s stunning show at MGH Music Hall at Fenway came at House of Blues in 2017 — and that was her first in over a decade. Years before the music industry fell prey to the pandemic, she’d already shied from the typical cycle of recording and touring to shift her concentration to poetry.
Concert Review: Jane’s Addiction -- Fisticuffs at the Leader Bank Pavilion

Sep 14, 2024 | artsfuse.org | Paul Robicheau

By Paul RobicheauAt the Leader Bank Pavilion, Perry Farrell was tackled after he pushed and punched guitarist Dave Navarro, abruptly ending the show a few songs early and putting the reunion tour of Jane’s Addiction’s original lineup in limbo. Perhaps the first premonition came in Perry Farrell’s opening broadside after he took the Leader Bank Pavilion stage with a raised wine bottle.
Concert Review: Goose -- More Immersive Than Ever

Sep 7, 2024 | artsfuse.org | Paul Robicheau |Bill Marx

By Paul RobicheauGoose’s three nights seemed a bit hit-and-miss, which is not unusual for jam-bands, although that only made highpoints more exhilarating. Goose leads a new generation of jam bands, making the right moves to crack the genre’s elusive mainstream. That naturally includes different songs each night, arranged in two sets, and sporting expansive jams — and a trippy light show to match. But it’s not that easy.
Music Festival Review: The Newport Folk Festival -- Not Tired, By a Long Shot

Aug 1, 2024 | artsfuse.org | a Shot |Paul Robicheau

By Paul RobicheauThe Newport Folk Festival always pulls off unique, unexpected collaborations, while it embraces a head-spinning lineup of diverse genres that reflects its spirit of community. Surprise performances remain the norm at the Newport Folk Festival, where rumors fly over who might appear in addition to the announced lineup at Fort Adams State Park.
Concert Review: Phish at Xfinity Center -- Building a 2024 To Remember

Jul 24, 2024 | artsfuse.org | Paul Robicheau

By Paul RobicheauIt was a winding, ultimately exhilarating trip that spanned 51 songs, culminating on Sunday in a virtuosic clinic that sealed the quartet’s near-telepathic interplay across prog-leaning classics. It’s an ambitious year for Phish.
Concert Review: Wilco’s Solid Sound Festival -- Satisfaction for All

Jul 2, 2024 | artsfuse.org | Paul Robicheau

By Paul RobicheauDespite several great sets including Jason Isbell and Iris DeMent, Wilco stole its own show at Solid Sound with conceptual aplomb. Swag in a pop-up store proclaimed, “It always rains at Wilco’s Solid Sound.” And on Friday’s clear opening night of the band’s Berkshires festival at MASS MoCA, when Wilco leader Jeff Tweedy piped “This is the best weather we’ve ever had,” his words seemed ironic, given the weekend’s pending forecast.