Here are a handful of 2021 releases I somehow missed featuring in my column last year that are worth hearing.
Title: West Side Story -- Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (Hollywood Records)
You might like if you enjoy: West Side Story, composer Leonard Bernstein, Broadway musicals
Tell me more: One of the standout films of 2021, director Steven Spielberg's "West Side Story" has come out as an outstanding companion 21-track soundtrack. Featuring music by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, "West Side Story" is widely regarded as a a groundbreaking musical because of the creators' advances in music as well as bringing a gritty realism to musical theater upon its release in the late 1950s. Vocals on the soundtrack are provided by the stars of the new film, including Ansel Elgort, Rachael Zegler, Ariana DeBose, David Alvarez, Mike Faist and Rita Morena — the latter who played Anita in the 1961 film adaption. The powerful on-screen performances by the cast translate well on the audio CD. Gustavo Dudamel conducted the New York Philharmonic Orchestra during 2019, with additional recording completed by the Los Angeles Philharmonic during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The mix of jazz, Latin rhythms, classical orchestrations and broadway sensibilities is a delight across the soundtrack. The fully-illustrated booklet features photographs from the film, lyrics for the songs and liner notes from music consultant John Williams.
Read a review of the film from reviewer Jack Lyons on the Desert Local News HERE. For more information on "West Side Story," click HERE.
Title: Live from Blueberry Hill (Dualtone Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Chuck Berry
Tell me more: Pulled from live performances recorded at the 340-person capacity St. Louis venue Blueberry Hill between July 2005 and January 2006, Chuck Berry's Live from Blueberry Hill is a wonderful way to rediscover the Father of Rock & Roll. There is a joyful spirit across this collection of live tracks (Berry passed away at the age of 90 in March 2017). The freewheeling "Roll Over Beethoven," driving "Let It Rock" (featuring his daughter Ingrid Berry blasting away on harmonica), the spirited "Carol"/"Little Queenie" medley, rollicking "Around And Around" and disc-ending rocker "Johnny B. Goode" are among the terrific tracks on the album. "Bio" is a fascinating bluesy track where Berry poetically recalls his modest roots and magical rise. Information: Dualtone.com.
Title: It Won't Always Be Like This (Interscope)
You might like if you enjoy: U2, Simple Minds, Keane
Tell me more: Fans of U2, Keane and Coldplay will love Inhaler's debut album It Won't Always Be Like This. Featuring singer-guitarist Elijah Hewson (the son of U2 lead singer Bono), bassist Robert Keating, guitarist Josh Jenkinson and drummer Ryan McMahon, the Irish band delivers an album filled with winning and soaring anthems. The propulsive "My Honest Face," reflective "Slide Out The Window," bouncy "Cheer Up Baby" and expansive "My King Will Be Kind" are early disc nuggets. The album's power continues via late standouts "When It Breaks," "Totally," "Who's Your Money On? (Plastic House)" and "In My Sleep." Released in July 2021, the album entered the Irish Albums Chart and the UK Album Chart at number one. Information: www.inhaler.band.
Title: Cockadoodledeux (Alternative Tentacles Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Old Crow Medicine Show, Legendary Shack Shakers, J.D. Wilkes
Tell me more: Celebrating a 25 year run, J.D. Wilkes wanted to go all out to mark his Legendary Shack Shakers troupe on Cockadoodledeux. The 12-track set takes the listener on a tour of styles from across the country and Americana sonic universe. In addition to Wilkes, the talents of band mates guitarist Gary Siperko, bassist Fuller Condon and drummer Preston Corn are featured; notable guests include Jello Biafra, Chris Scruggs (Marty Stuart's Fabulous Superlatives), Cajun fiddler "Hillbilly" Bob Prather, dobroist Jack Martin and bassist Morgan Jahnig (Old Crow Medicine Show). The psychedelia meets spaghetti western-flavored cover of "Rawhide," Western swing nuggets "Tickle Yore Innards" and "I Told You So," Texas-fried "Godforsaken Town," tender "They Won't Let Me Forget (All The Things I Can't Recall)," wry "I Don't Remember Loving You" and Celtic-tinged closer "Farewell Ye Rovin' Eyed Girls" are among the fantastic tracks on the album. Information: AlternativeTentacles.com.
Title: Rare Bird (JTM Music)
You might like if you enjoy: Rosanne Cash, Whitney Rose, Brandi Carlile
Tell me more: Released in early 2021, songstress Sara Petite's sixth album Rare Bird magically delivers a batch of songs wrapped up with a perfect mix of heartland rock and Americana — each song bolstered by musical grace and bona fide power. There is a depth here that is the equal of the seasoned songcraft and nuanced arrangements found on all 11 of the album's tracks. The mystery and immediacy of love takes center stage on "Feeling Like an Angel." The wonderfully confessional acoustic rock foray "Scars" finds the artist revealing "I've learned to live with me." The tender "Floating with the Angels" is adorned by pedal steel and fiddle. Other standouts on the LP include the heartfelt "I Just Keep Moving On," rocking "The Misfits" and genre-defying "Working on a Soul." Information: SaraPetite.com.
Robert Kinsler
1 comment:
Inhaler's debut is a great album! It made my top 20 Best Albums of 2021.
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