Don't let this trio of terrific releases escape your listen.
Title: #447 (Shiny-Tone)
You might like if you enjoy: Marshall Crenshaw, The Smithereens, Gin Blossoms
Tell me more: In 2020, Marshall Crenshaw launched a series of reissues focused on a handful of his classic albums beginning with the release of his 1996 album Miracle of Science. On Feb. 4, 2022, a deluxe and expanded edition of his 1999 masterwork #447 will be available. This was an ambitious effort featuring Crenshaw on lead vocals, guitar, bass, drums, percussion and vintage keyboards; the album was bolstered by the contributions of Bill Lloyd, Greg Leisz, Andy York and former E. Street Band member David Sancious. Remastered with perfection by engineer Greg Calbi, the new edition of #447 allows listeners to rediscover a parade of outstanding selections including the melodic "Television Light," Americana "Glad Goodbye," jazzy instrumental "Eydie's Tune," power pop gem "T.M.D." and Irresistible "Tell Me All About It" along with two new bonus tracks (the terrific roots rocker "Will of the Wind" and a wistful cover of Gregg Turner's "Santa Fe"). Information: MarshallCrenshaw.com.
Title: Tomorrow (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: The Rave-Ups, The Beat Farmers, Walter Clevenger & The Dairy Kings, The Blasters
Tell me more: Roots rock troupe The Rave Ups are back with the must-hear Tomorrow, the quartet's first new album since 1990. The original Rave-Ups lineup — singer-songwriter Jimmer Podrasky, guitarist Terry Wilson, bassist Tommy Blatnik and drummer Timothy Jimenez — have crafted a return that is truly a glorious and uplifting listen; Tomorrow is filled to the brim with explosive rockers and affecting more restrained Americana (notably the beautiful "Roll" and reflective "Cry"). The driving opener "So You Wanna Know The Truth?" and melodic pedal steel-adorned "How Old Am I?" (whose affecting lyrics focus on the relationship between father and son) and shimmering "Coming After Me" are among my early favorites on the 11-track album, while late-disc entries "The Dream of California," blues-flavored "When I Write Your Name" and countrified "Tomorrow" shine just as bright. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.
Title: Blues Approved (Schoolkids Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Eric Clapton, Alvin Lee
Tell me more: Singer-songwriter/guitar great Sam Moss' legacy and talent cast a strong and lasting influence on the Winston-Salem, North Carolina music scene during his lifetime and even after his death in 2007. Listening to his so-called "great lost" album titled Blues Approved it's easy to hear why. Although the majority of the tracks on the wonderful album were originally recorded on 4-track analog equipment, their magic and fidelity sound great. These priceless recordings were originally produced by Moss, who would travel from his home in Winston-Salem to nearby Chapel Hill to record with Mitch Easter (who played drums and engineered on the sessions). In 2020, noted producer Chris Stamey discovered an old tape that featured many of the tracks heard on Blues Approved that were recorded in 1977. Although the majority of the selections on Blues Approved are anchored in blues (just listen to “Rooster Blood” and “King of My Hill”), the sounds of Memphis soul, ‘70s classic rock and R&B are artfully incorporated along the way. Kudos to Stamey (along with Easter and Gene Holder) for restoring and enhancing the older source tapes for today’s audiences. There is a myriad of great originals and covers on Blues Approved, including a tasty British blues-styled take on Mike Bloomfield's "If You See My Baby," the original classic rock-mining "To Those Still at Sea," and “Ain’t That Peculiar” (a buoyant and riveting cover of the Marvin Gaye 1965 classic), the latter with Mike “Wezo” Wesolowski’s harmonica adding to the magic. The crunchy original “Vida Blanche” recalls the might of Bad Company’s best work, with Moss’ fiery rhythm and lead guitar mastery on display. Moss ventures into psychedelic hard rock territory via the dazzling instrumental “Nightflight Over Berlin.” Among the other far-flung nuggets on the set is a rousing take on the Gerry Goffin and Carole King classic “Pleasant Valley Sunday” and infectious reading of the rare Rolling Stones cut “Who’s Driving Your Plane?” Listening to the album in 2022 is to discover an artist who possessed impressive and stylish talents as a lead singer, songwriter and guitarist. A 16-page booklet really provides a wealth of images and liner notes that tell the full story on Moss and how these tracks were readied for release in 2022. Information: SchoolkidsRecords.com.
Robert Kinsler
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