Here we are at the crossroads of summer, the unofficial half-way point of a season long championed for its sense of outdoor invitation, vacation-inspired escape and, in all senses of the word, warmth.

Pop critics for The New York Times weigh in on most notable new songs and videos — and anything else that strikes them as intriguing. This week, Bettye LaVette covers Bob Dylan, Bill Frisell covers ...

Her high harmonies put an emotional charge into her work with George Jones and others. She also had solo hits, including “No Charge,” a country No. 1. By Bill Friskics-Warren Songs by Labi Siffre, ...