Much to my regret, the recent outpouring of NPR-approved Americana cabaret music leaves me cold, with the exception of the deliciously loony Sam Beam (see below).  So while I admire the craft and just-plain-niceness that went into the Low Anthem’s Smart Flesh, the Civil Wars’ Barton Hollow,...

College prepares a person for life in the real world. It’s that magical time that urges kids to forget about cliques and “popularity” in exchange for individuality and maturity. It’s an exciting transitional stage. But it’s not just about preparation for a full-time job. ...