A diverse field of wonderful early 2022 albums are featured in my column this week.
Title: Skeletons: Deluxe (EMI Nashville)
You might like if you enjoy: Brothers Osborne's first two albums, the Zac Brown Band
Tell me more: Country music hitmakers Brothers Osborne (brothers T.J. Osborne and John Osborne) are set to release a deluxe expanded version of their acclaimed third album Skeletons on Jan. 21. The album is up for Best Country Album honors at the upcoming 64th annual Grammy Awards. Indeed, Skeletons features a myriad of strong tracks including the infectious opener "Lighten Up," playful "All Night," infectious "All The Good Ones Are," tender "High Note" and rocking title track. The trio of new tracks include the heavy countrified rocker "Headstone," genre-blending "Midnight Rider's Prayer" (which uses elements of Willie Nelson's "On The Road Again") and reflective synth-swept "Younger Me." Information: BrothersOsborne.com.
Title: Covers (Domino Record Co.)
You might like if you enjoy: Mazzy Star, Cat Power
Tell me more: Cat Power — the moniker for indie singer-songwriter Chan Marshall — is back with her third full-length album of completely reworked covers. The wide range of material on Covers is impressive, and Marshall is able bind the selections together via her signature sound. These are sparse, multi-layered forays where the mood is as vital as the melody and the artful approach consistently works. Marshall's version of "White Mustang" outdistances Lana Del Rey's original with its probing authenticity; she brings an otherworldly sheen to the Pogues' beloved "A Pair Of Brown Eyes" and Bob Seger's "Against The Wind." Other highlights on the album include a touching take on Jackson Browne's "These Days," reverb-heavy reading of J.D. Miller's country classic "It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels," a gorgeous run through The Replacements' "Here Comes a Regular" and dark version of Nick Cave's foreboding "I Had a Dream Joe." Information: CatPowerMusic.com.
Title: Darling Please (Big Stir Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Neil Young & Crazy Horse, Matthew Sweet, The War on Drugs
Tell me more: Fans of the most recent albums from Neil Young & Crazy Horse (2021's amazing Barn) and The War on Drugs (last year's acclaimed I Don't Live Here Anymore) will want to get a listen of Chris Church's epic Darling Please (available on Jan. 21). It is no easy feat to blend crunchy and feedback-swept guitars, soaring textures and undeniable melodies together with the stylish skill displayed by Church on the 10-song masterwork. Listening to this album, I was immediately impressed by the power and emotion of the songs; it is especially impressive that Church handles lead vocals as well as all the instrumental duties on the album. Standouts on the album abound include the majestic opener "History" (adorned by the sound of a church bell), dreamy rocker "We're Going Downtown," shimmering "Bad Summer" (the album's first single), luxurious "I Wish I Could Say I Was Sorry and wistful disc-closing "Triple Crown." "Darling Please" was actually recorded 11 years ago in Church's basement studio in the wake of the death of his late brother Mike Church (who had played drums on most of Chris Church's earlier work). The newly-remastered version is adorned with newly tracked backing vocals from Lindsay Murray (Gretchen's Wheel) on several cuts that add to the magic. Information: BigStirRecords.com.
Title: Tribute To A Friend (Bob Wolfman)
You might like if you enjoy: Jimi Hendrix, Sonny Landreth
Tell me more: Jimi Hendrix is rightly regarded as the best and most influential rock guitarist of all time. Even 51 years after his death, the late icon continues to inspire countless musicians around the world. Bob Wolfman — who befriended Hendrix as a 15-year-old teen in the late 1960s while on a chance visit to Manny's Music Store in New York City — has released the aptly-titled Tribute To A Friend that celebrates the song craft and influence of Hendrix with a detailed and masterful touch. Wolfman revisits a number of Hendrix-penned gems across the disc, including several lesser known nuggets; the grooving "Dolly Dagger" is bolstered by plenty of flashy lead guitar work and a funky vibe while "One Rainy Wish" erupts with a dynamic rhythm approach in its quiet and volcanic bursts. "Freedom," "Spanish Castle Magic" and "Gypsy Eyes" are among the well-known classics that Wolfman covers in stellar fashion. Wolfman brings an emotive and heartfelt firepower to the performances on the disc with his top-tier vocals and impressive guitar work. He is joined by a strong field of surrounding players including guitarist-bassist Jon Butcher (who also produced the LP), Louisiana slide guitar great Sonny Landreth, keyboardist Bruce Mattson and drummer Barry Lit. In addition to the eight Hendrix compositions featured on the album, a take on Earl King's "Come On (Let The Good Times Roll)" and his strong originals "Moon Candy" (enhanced by Landreth's amazing musicianship) and lovely instrumental "Parachute" round out the glowing track listing. Information: BobWolfman.com.
Robert Kinsler
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