In this column I review the latest titles from Lainey Wilson, Mark Bacino and Colman Gota.
Title: Whirlwind (Broken Bow Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Miranda Lambert, Ashley McBryde, Lainey Wilson
Tell me more: Rising country music singer-songwriter Lainey Wilson's new album Whirlwind is sure to please fans with its infectious blend of uptempo material and heartfelt ballads. Produced by Grammy Award-winning producer Jay Joyce, the 14 tracks on Whirlwind showcase the Baskin, Louisiana native's knack for tapping into both traditional and contemporary strains of country music. From the high stepping opener "Keep Up With Jones" and aptly-aimed "Country's Cool Again" to the acoustic-flavored "Good Horses," aching ballad "Broken Hearts Still Beat" and lovely "Whiskey Colored Crayon," the album marks another bold step forward for Wilson. The rock mining title track, poetic power ballad "Call A Cowboy" (the latter featuring Wilson's top-flight vocals) and country rocker "Bar In Baton Rouge" are among the most ambitious tracks on the stellar release. Information: laineywilson.com.
Title: Top of the World (Parasol Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Randy Newman, Squeeze, Paul McCartney
Tell me more: New York-based singer-songwriter Mark Bacino has released his new full-length album Top of the World, a disc that offers up songs that blend melodic pop, music hall, Tin Pan Alley and other retro-aimed styles with a contemporary zeal; Bacino's winning vocals deliver insightful lyrics that bolster the musical strength of the album (available via audio CD, vinyl and all major streaming platforms). Enticing originals include the R&B-tinged "Kaylee Hughes," the retro-mining foray "Flop Of The World," lush "Shaky Hand," vaudeville-rock instrumental "He Never Saw It Coming" and breezy folk rocker "Young Heart." A who's who of guest players enhance the music making including Michael Leonhart (Steely Dan, Elvis Costello) on horns, Steve Peffer (Sara Evans, Martina McBride) on piano, Joe McGinty (Psychedelic Furs, Ryan Adams) on piano, Tim Horsley (Keith Urban) on drums and more. Top of the World was produced by Bacino and mastered by legendary engineer Greg Calbi (Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, David Bowie). Information: markbacino.com.
Title: Don't Stop Playing Guitar (Kool Kat)
You might like if you enjoy: Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, Mike Campbell & The Dirty Knobs
Tell me more: Crank it up! Spain's Colman Gota's aptly-titled fifth album Don't Stop Playing Guitar is a mostly rocking set of 17 tracks that find the talented singer-guitarist conjuring up classic rock stylings of pioneering greats ranging from Tom Petty and the Knack to Matthew Sweet and Weezer. The sizzling opener "Big In Taiwan," propulsive power pop gem "Always Late," introspective folk rocker "Glad That You Are Alive," fiery "Enemy," reflective "Check On Someone Else" and "Waning Light" explode with a single listen. A more nuanced listen awaits via the mid tempo "Crack The Code," shimmering title track, sumptuous "Higher Calling" and Americana sortie "If I Only Could." The disc closes with the otherworldly "Like You Always Have," a glistening track showcasing the artist's songwriting as well as his nuanced talents on guitar and wonderful lead vocals. Don't Stop Playing Guitar is one of the most exciting releases of 2024. Information: koolkatmusik.com.
Robert Kinsler
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