Charley Ruddell
Music Writer
Charley Ruddell is a freelance music critic and journalist for WBUR. His work has appeared in Pitchfork, Aquarium Drunkard, Reverb, WGBH and others. Charley is also a touring musician and writing partner for Boston Music Award-winning artist Aubrey Haddard. He is currently based in Brooklyn, New York.
Recently published
7 albums to listen to this winter
From provocative jazz compositions to charged hip-hop, music critic Charley Ruddell recommends albums from artists that are managing to pull experiences from within themselves in a post-pandemic world.
The best local albums of 2023, according to our critics
From a Boston soul singer famous in South America to a pop band barely out of Berklee, the 10 albums on this list paint a pretty accurate picture of what’s...
7 albums by Mass. artists to listen to this fall
From Western Massachusetts indie rock to energetic pop-leaning projects in Boston, our Massachusetts-focused music guide showcases the state’s deep well of music diversity.
The Folk Implosion's score for cult classic film 'Kids' is back and better than before
Nearly 30 years after its debut, the iconic soundtrack is set to be reissued. Critic Charley Ruddell says, “The gritty, often hallucinatory compositions created by The Folk Implosion flawlessly embodied...
Billy Wylder’s new album 'Trying To Get Free' embraces a stirring global beat
The art rock quartet delivers powerful musings on nature and humanity on their African-inspired new release. Critic Charly Ruddell says, “If Salloway’s newest release is a monolith meant to represent...
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Sandy Bailey leans on her community in new country gospel album
The country singer’s first album in 13 years, "Daughter of Abraham," weaves together stories of working class struggles and racial identity in America. Critic Charley Ruddell says the involvement of...
In Somerville, a 'NICE' music festival continues to grow
Longtime talent buyer Alex Pickert spent years in Greater Boston’s DIY scenes before creating NICE, a fest. Now in its third year, the festival has expanded to include more bands...
Listen: Darlingside's 'Right Friend' is a pensive ode to friendship
The Massachusetts folk quartet explore memory and loss on a new single. Music critic Charley Ruddell says the song, which a meditation on the death of friend, sounds homespun and...
7 albums to listen to this summer
With a healthy handful of local albums, our summer music guide offers everything from indie-pop to noise rock and brooding folk for your summer playlists.
Indie-pop duo hex gf bands together against the world on debut album
Justine Bowe and Sam Vanderhoop Lee navigate their shared history as former Magic Man bandmates and their past relationship by rejecting convention and starting fresh on their new album "Haters."