Early 2022 has seen the release of a myriad of fantastic new albums, including essential titles featuring Tears For Fears, the Left Banke and Lannie Flowers.
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| An exclusive edition of Tears For Fear's new album "The Tipping Point" is available on audio CD and vinyl via Target stores or on the company's website HERE. |
Artist: Tears For Fears
Title: The Tipping Point (Concord Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Tears For Fears, The Beatles, Jason Falkner, Pugwash
Tell me more: The high-profile return of Tears For Fears courtesy of the duo's highly-anticipated The Tipping Point is definitely worth celebrating. The new masterwork — the first new album from Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith in more than 17 years — equals the ambition, sonic craft and artistic mastery of past classics like The Hurting (1983), Songs From The Big Chair (1985), The Seeds of Love (1989) and Everybody Loves a Happy Ending (2004). The album is filled with stellar cuts; the title track "The Tipping Point" is a deeply affecting song chronicling the feeling of helplessness of watching someone you love lose their battle with disease. Another favorite is the shimmering "Break The Man," which is a call for more equality between men and women. The beautiful and evocative "Rivers Of Mercy," grief-filled "Please Be Happy," swirling "Master Plan" (a yearning to understand God), the triumphant rocker "End of Night" and luxurious "Let It All Evolve" (the latter a bonus track available via a Target exclusive edition) are among the other treasures on the must--hear disc. Few artists have been able to mine Beatlesque soundscapes like Tears For Fears while charting their own inventive course. Information: tearsforfears.com.
Title: Strangers on a Train (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: The Zombies, The Hollies, Badfinger
Tell me more: Best known for their hit singles "Walk Away Renee" and "Pretty Ballerina," the Left Banke's story extended beyond those '60s radio favorites as evidenced on a newly-released expanded edition of the troupe's third and final album Strangers on a Train. The new remastered collection rightfully celebrates the New York-spawned baroque pop group's final recordings gathered together on an essential disc of 16 outstanding cuts. Originally featuring the talents of songwriter/keyboardist Michael Brown, lead singer Steve Martin Caro, bassist/vocalist Tom Finn and drummer/singer George Cameron, the Left Banke recorded two LPs in the late 1960s (Walk Away Renée/Pretty Ballerina and The Left Banke Too) before breaking up in 1969. However, the world was reintroduced to the Left Banke via Strangers on a Train issued in 1986; that album was actually a collection recorded in 1978 by Caro, Finn and Cameron. The final chapter came in 2001 when Brown invited Caro to lay down vocals on demos for a hoped-for Left Banke reunion — six of those songs complete the new Omnivore Recordings title. The enticing title track, melodic "Heartbreaker," Beatlesque "Hold On Tight" and wistful "Yesterday's Love" are among the strong early selections on the set. The chamber pop gem "And One Day," gorgeous "I Can Fly," harmonies-filled "Only My Opinion" and funk-meets-disco "Queen of Paradise" along with previously-unheard bonus tracks (notably the lovely "Airborne," confessional "I Don't Know" and gorgeous "Until The End") help keep the momentum soaring high. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.
Title: Flavor of the Month (SpyderPop Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Fountains of Wayne, Badfinger, Jellyfish, Jason Falkner, Dada
Tell me more: Texas-based singer-songwriter-guitarist Lannie Flowers is back with a marvelous new album Flavor of the Month. A compilation of his "March To Home" singles series issued in 2019, the 14-track album is an essential addition for fans of Flowers' trio of concept albums that loosely chronicle his life from teenager to touring rock and roller to settling down at home (2008's Same Old Story, 2010's Circles and 2021's Home) as well as anyone who loves great power pop. Flowers' songs are original, smart and performed with a master's touch — his signature sound a perfect blend of melody, shining songcraft and emotional heft. Additionally, it doesn't hurt that Flowers is a top-tier lead vocalist. The newly-remixed tracks on Flavor of the Month delight at every turn. The yearning rocker "Don't Make Me Wait," psychedelic-tinged "Lost in a Daydream," exuberant "Doin' Fine," romantic ballad "About You," tuneful "Day Glow All Night" and power pop nugget "Where Did All The Fun Go?" are among my faves on the disc. Listen to the flamenco touches on "Let It Go," fusion of harmonies and guitar crunch on the title track, and lavishly-layered "What Did I Know" and "Summer Blue" to further discover the myriad of wide-ranging talents displayed by Flowers. Information: spyderpop.com or https://bigstirrecords.com/lannie-flowers-spyderpop-records.
Robert Kinsler
1 comment:
Thanks for the heads up on the new Tears For Fears album. I am very curious to hear it.
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