In this column I review new audio titles featuring Nelson Bragg, Kelsey Waldon, The Band Of Heathens and Brandon Santini.
Title: Mélodie de Nelson: A Pop Anthology (Big Stir Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Brian Wilson, The Beach Boys, XTC, Pugwash
Tell me more: Singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Nelson Bragg's aptly titled collection Mélodie de Nelson: A Pop Anthology is much more than a "greatest hits" or "best of" collection; indeed the 15-track set compiles rarities and freshly remixed tracks from the Los Angeles-based artist's rich solo catalog. The emphasis here is on Bragg's most melodic material, stretching from ascending power pop gems to tuneful folk-styled originals. The wonderful title includes the brand new opener "We're Gonna Laugh About It," which soars via a dynamic arrangement, urgent lead vocals, jangly guitar and an undeniable melodic arc. The lyrically darker "No One's Home In Hollywood" recalls the magic of the Smithereens' Green Thoughts period, with the lovely acoustic foray "Tell Me I'm Wrong," heart-rending "She Used To Love Me," enchanting "Forever Days" and 12-string guitar-anchored "I'm In No Mood" among other early standouts on Mélodie de Nelson: A Pop Anthology. The magic of the self-produced collection continues via the far-flung likes of the ornate "Every Minute Of The Day," Beatlesque "Whitechapel Girl," euphoric rocker "Lost All Our Sundays," sweeping "Glorious Days" and glorious closer "Death Of Caroline." Released on June 20, Mélodie de Nelson: A Pop Anthology is available via vinyl, audio CD and streaming platforms. Information: bigstirrecords.com.
Title: Every Ghost (Oh Boy Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Tanya Tucker, Tammy Wynette, Susan Raye
Tell me more: Celebrated Americana-country artist Kelsey Waldon' latest album Every Ghost finds the Kentucky songstress exploring her life and the world around her with bona fide authenticity and depth. "Ghost of Myself" is a probing track where the singer reflects on the determination to forge ahead. "I had to get tough so I could get wise / I've been a thousand women in my own time / Been a thousand women and loved them all / I had to get low so I could walk tall...so I could walk tall."
"Comanche" is another highlight on the nine-track album, the breezy and uptempo song featuring some wonderful fiddle and pedal steel guitar adorning Waldon's rich soprano as she reminisces about the past: "That's why I like to ride around alone / Think about everyone I love / Remember most, forget some / Just like the first time." An album filled with songs that challenge and invite the listener with an expansive country music soundscape, this writer's other favorites include the world-tormented "Nursery Rhyme," confessional "My Kin" and "Ramblin' Woman," Bakersfield-flavored romp "Let It Lie," bittersweet "Tiger Lilies" and destructive tale of a man's addiction on the moving "Falling Down."
Waldon is bringing her "Every Ghost Tour" to Pappy & Harriet's in Pioneertown, CA on Oct. 6, 2025. Information: kelseywaldon.com.
Title: Live At Rockpalast 2009 (Made In Germany Records)
You might like if you enjoy: The Jayhawks, The Band
Tell me more: The Band Of Heathens is one of North America's greatest-ever Americana outfits, ranking alongside The Band and The Jayhawks. The group's beloved lineup of Colin Brooks (vocals, guitar, lapsteel), Gordy Quist (vocals, guitar), Ed Jurdi (vocals, guitar, keyboards, harmonica), John Chipman (drums) and Seth Withney (bass) that was completed in 2007 was captured at the height of their powers at Rockpalast in Bonn, Germany in November 2009. Now that concert is featured on a new CD+DVD aptly-titled Live At Rockpalast 2009 available now. The concert recording showcases the individual and collective talents of Brooks, Quist and Jurdi — all of whom impress with their signature lead and vocal harmonies, as well as their virtuoso chops delivered in the service of incredible songcraft. The title features one knockout performance after another, each exploring another aspect of the quintet's magical blend of Americana, blues and roots with power and sophistication. Among this writer's favorite performances are the melodic opener "What's This World," countrified "Nine Steps Down" with its masterful instrumental break, the mood-swept "Judas' Scariot Blues," ambitious "Hey Rider," rootsy rocker "Heart On My Sleeve" with its Rolling Stones "Exile on Main St." era vibe, and the acoustic closer "40 Days." The two-disc title features the track listing on audio CD, as well as on DVD where you catch watch the filmed performances of the selections; an eight-page color booklet also is included. Information: mig-music.de.
Title: Which Way Do We Go? (MoMojo Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Charlie Musselwhite, Kim Wilson, John Németh
Tell me more: Illinois-based bluesman Brandon Santini' is back with Which Way Do We Go?, an outstanding album featuring material that will certainly appeal to discerning fans of traditional and classic blues. Born in the Piedmont region of North Carolina and raised on historic Beale Street in Memphis, Tennessee, Santini's powers as a top-tier singer, songwriter and blues harp master shine across the 11-track disc. Among my faves are the gospel-meets-blues opener "Which Way Do We Go?," uptempo Delta romp "The War Ain't Over," Texas-flavored "See That Pony" and fiery "Do What Comes Naturally" — the latter bolstered by some potent electric guitar work from Timo Arthur. Other standouts on the album include the hypnotic "Mile After Mile" and "Blues So Bad," infectious blues rock sortie "Working On A Mystery" and joyful closer "She Got The Way." Information: www.brandonsantini.com and momojorrecords.com.
Robert Kinsler
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