Eagerly-awaited returns from a trio of greats are out now.
Title: Play Loud (Concord Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Greta Van Fleet, Dirty Honey, The Record Company, Beck
Tell me more: The Record Company is back with another fantastic album, the genre-blending Play Loud. The Los Angeles trio's previous two albums were strongly rooted in blues and classic rock. This time Chris Vos (guitar, lead vocals), Alex Stiff (bass, backing vocals) and Marc Cazorla (drums, backing vocals) are boldly fusing new styles into that signature mix. Funk and soul are a key element in the intoxicating "Never Leave You," as well as the infectious single "How High" and aptly-titled "Get Up and Dance!" Other tracks more firmly mine blues and blues rock territory, including the memorable "Gotta Be Movin'," slide guitar-adorned "Awake" and shining "Midnight Moon." Modern and indie rock fans will find plenty to love in the muscular "Out Of My Head," inspired piano-anchored "Live As One" and enthralling album closer "Ain't Going Home." Information: TheRecordCompany.net.
Title: Any Such Thing (Edgewood Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: The Empty Hearts, Bright Blue Gorilla, The Jayhawks
Tell me more: Following the release of Loveland Duren's Bloody Cupid (2013) and "Next" (2016), the musical duo of Vicki Loveland and Van Duren has returned with the marvelous "Any Such Thing." This superb disc came in the wake of the duo's string of performances in 2019 in support of the documentary "Waiting: The Van Duren Story." The ear candy opener "Tumbledown Hearts" is positively melodic and is enhanced but the duo's glorious harmonies. Loveland's lead vocals soar on the horns rich "A Place Of No Place," a Memphis soul gem that grows in power with every measure. The soul ballad "Within Crying Distance," joyful "Ain't It Pretty To Think So" with Loveland and Duren's vocals locked in across its run and spellbinding "Skywriting (Tasmania)" are among early standouts on "Any Such Thing." A Baroque pop soundscape surrounds Loveland as she artfully addresses an unfaithful partner in the literate "Funny Way of Showing It." The tuneful countrified delight "Bridges I Had To Burn," observational "Everyone Is Out Of Tune" and gentle closer "Ending Again" further define the wide-ranging Any Such Thing. Information: lovelandduren.com.
Title: Arizone! (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: dada, Jellyfish, Fastball, classic rock
Tell me more: An absolutely sensational listen, Lizard Music's long-awaited return Arizone! marks the first new release from the New Jersey quartet in more than 25 years. Lizard Music (Mikael Jorgensen, Chris Apple, Craig Smith and Erik Paparozzi) released two LPs and toured the U.S. and U.K. during their initial run between 1989 and 1997; the COVID-19 pandemic afforded a period where the four members reconnected and unanimously agreed to begin exchanging ideas and songs beginning in summer 2020. The result is Arizone! — the album is a truly outstanding creative statement spanning the length of the 15-track audio CD (the album is also currently available via digital formats and will be released as a 2LP vinyl edition on Dec. 10, 2021). The mix of material spans from the artful rocker "The Crow Flies," straight-edged "The Mixtape," and experimental title track to the magical indie gem "Comes And Goes" and dreamscape sweep "Better Believe." The audio CD version (reviewed here) also includes the bonus track "Naked In Las Vegas," a lovely acoustic track that serves as a perfect closer on the album. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com and lizardmusic.net.
Robert Kinsler
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