In the wake of the arrival of COVID-19, it's not a surprise that a growing list of terrific studio albums written and recorded during the pandemic are being released. In my latest column, I feature four very different albums that collectively provide a lesson in how artists are able to capture adversity and cast it into song.
Title: Pressure Machine (Island Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Bruce Springsteen, Band of Horses, Dawes
Tell me more: In a year that has yielded a bumper crop of incredible albums created during the global pandemic, The Killers' 7th studio album Pressure Machine takes a especially introspective look at life today albeit through the prism of the small town of Nephi, Utah (where band singer Brandon Flowers spent most of his youth). While the modern rock heroes were spawned out of Las Vegas, the sound of this album draws favorable comparisons with Bruce Springsteen's Western Stars and Band of Horses' 2010 masterwork Infinite Arms. The songs were borne out of real life stores — they take aim at religious faith and discontent, death, cynicism, sacrificed dreams, the ravages of opioids and a myriad of observations about rural America. The musical tapestry is rich and beautiful; the lovely opener "West Hills," driving melodic harmonica- and piano-adorned "Quiet Town," tuneful "Sleepwalker," shimmering "In Another Life" and gorgeous "Runaway Horses" (the latter a duet between Flowers and Phoebe Bridgers) are among the masterful original tracks on the outstanding LP. Each of the tracks is introduced via spoken word segments that add to the power of the concept album. Information: TheKillersMusic.com.
Title: The Day The Earth Stood Still (River House Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan
Tell me more: Singer-songwriter Willie Nile's outstanding 14th album The Day the Earth Stood Still may be named after the classic Robert Wise-directed 1951 sci-fi classic but is firmly rooted in the here and now. Listen close and the currents of the coronavirus' terrible toll on the world emerge via sharp songcraft; but there is an even larger canvas on display here as Nile's biting lyrics touch on social injustice, love, loss, hate and the mountain of troubles that divide and enrage the world — a sharp comedic wit further enhancing the collection. The piercing title track, searing "Blood On Your Hand" (featuring guest vocals from Steve Earle), lovely Baroque ballad "I Will Stand" and hope-filled anthem "Way of the Heart" reflect Nile's enduring prowess to bring diverse musical styles into his strong song-centered vision. "The Justice Bell" is a beautiful and affecting tribute to the late civil rights activist / U.S. Congressman John Lewis, who sadly passed away in July 2020. Information: WillieNile.com.
Title: ATBPO (Frontiers Music Srl Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Night Ranger, Damn Yankees
Tell me more: Night Ranger is back with a winning album of melodic rock sure to please fans of the band's blend of melodic and hard rock. ATBPO (which stands for "And The Band Played On," a nod to soldiering on during the pandemic) delivers a mix of signature rockers and power ballads. Anyone who has seen the quintet or knows their full discography will be thrilled that their 12th album continues to showcase breathtaking tandem lead guitar work (Brad Gillis and Keri Kelli), strong lead vocals (courtesy of bassist Jack Blades and drummer Kelly Keagy) and creative keyboards (Eric Levy). The prog rock-mining brisk rocker "Breakout," modern country-tinged "Hard To Make It Easy" and "Lucky Man," harmonies-rich power ballad "Can't Afford A Hero," hard-edged kiss-off "Cold As December," rowdy "Monkey" and inspired "Tomorrow" are among the standouts on the 11-track album. Released on Aug. 6, ATBPO is available on audio CD, color vinyl (a variety of limited edition versions) and digital; the CD and LP versions include the bonus track "Savior." Information: NightRanger.com.
Title: Home All Day, Home All Night (Stonegarden Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Chris Hillman, Glen Phillips, Smart Brown Handbag, Pop Art
Tell me more: Set for release on Aug. 20, 2020, the title of The Furious Seasons' album says it all — Home All Day, Home All Night. As if the ravages of COVID-19 haven't been tough enough on their own, the coronavirus presented a huge hurdle for David Steinhart (guitar, vocals, drums), Jeff Steinhart (upright bass, keyboards, piano) and P.A. Nelson (guitar, vocals, dobro) because the trio is "...an acoustic band whose approach relies heavily on listening to each other in tight quarters," admitted Steinhart in press notes. " We went from sitting in a circle and recording live to sitting in three different studios miles apart." The good news is that the members of The Furious Seasons and five-time Grammy winning producer/engineer Alfonso Rodenas have a triumph with Home All Day, Home All Night, a testament that even a prolonged quarantine and working remotely couldn't get in the way of the creation of a dozen memorable tracks. With the exception of an artful reworking of David Bowie's "Changes," the material is truly original even while showcasing Americana sounds spanning classics from the '70s through this decade. The mournful "Is This Happening," intimate "We Go Down," melancholy-filled "Birthday Song" and desolate "The North Valley" are among my favorites on the stunning release. Information: TheFuriousSeasons.com.
Robert Kinsler
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