New music: Strawberry Alarm Clock, Ruby James

Beloved 1960s psychedelic rockers Strawberry Alarm Clock and blues-rock songstress Ruby James are back with new albums set for release on Friday, Aug. 7.

Artist: Strawberry Alarm Clock
Title: Where's One? (Big Stir Records)
You might like if you enjoy: The Byrds, The Doors, The Turtles, Oingo Boingo
Tell me more: Strawberry Alarm Clock is back with their first new full studio album of new music since 1969! Where's One? (due Aug. 7 courtesy of Big Stir Records) is an outstanding 13-track disc that includes a truly authentic lineup featuring five of the original members of the 1960s psychedelic rock troupe on board for the remarkable return. The album was co-produced by band member and multi-instrumentalist Steve Bartek (also known as a founding member of Oingo Boingo). The first half of the album features a parade of terrific cuts including the a cappella harmonies-aplenty opener "Feel The Love," delightfully melodic rocker "Monsters," a spirited cover of the Beatles' "Day Tripper," the acid garage rocker "Blow Your Mind," and sumptuous single "I'm Not The One." The last half of the album includes an ambitious and euphoric reading of George Harrison's "Within You Without You," the Baroque romantic lament "Since You Have Gone Away," genre-bending "Live Water" (the latter bolstered by jazz and experimental stylings) and instantly-bewitching gem "The Sky Isn't Falling." The album closes out with the psychedelic foray "Galactic Symphony/Persian Skies." In addition to the aforementioned Bartek (guitar, flute, sitar), the lineup includes Mark Stephen Weitz (keyboards), Randy Seol (drums/percussion), George Bunnell (bass), Gene Gunnels (drums/percussion) and Howie Anderson (guitar). Where's One? will be available on deluxe double LP vinyl, audio CD and via streaming services. Information: strawberryalarmclock.com.

Artist: Ruby James
Title: Call It Rock & Roll (Mule Kick Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Sass Jordan, Concrete Blonde, 
Tell me more: Ruby James has a powerful voice, able to masterfully tackle rock, soul, roots and funk genres with artistic ease. She proves that across Call It Rock & Roll (due Aug. 7 via Mule Kick Records). Highlights on the seven-track disc include the rollicking opener "Voodoo Queen," the propulsive rocker "Gasoline," hypnotic "Novocaine," and the dance-minded "Boogiedown Town." Sure to please fans of the Supersuckers, is a track with that band's Eddie Spaghetti joins James for a duet of the Americana ballad "Punk Rock Love Song." Elsewhere, guitar great Rosie Flores adds some stylish fretwork to a fiery cover of LaVern Baker's mid-1950s cut "Bumble Bee." Information: rubyjamesmusic.com.

Robert Kinsler

Inbox Update: Bell X1, Concrete Blonde

It's rare that I get a chance to focus a post strictly on upcoming tours and special shows. No time like now to get one of those rare posts positioned front and center.

Bell X1 launches acoustic tour of North America

Bell X1 will launch an acoustic tour of North America in September 2012. The run follows the success of the band's sold-out 2010 acoustic tour and returns to many of the same regions, including Los Angeles where the band will perform at Hotel Cafe on Oct. 12.

Most shows go on sale this Friday and Saturday, July 13 and 14. Please go to www.bellx1.com for more details.


Concrete Blonde to play two shows in Southern California in August

Concrete Blonde announces two upcoming West Coast dates at the Belly Up in Solana Beach on August 28^thand The Troubadour in Los Angeles on August 29th. Currently working on new material for an upcoming album, these dates will give fans a chance to get a live sneak preview of some of the band’s new songs. 

Concrete Blonde will also offer a limited edition run of two of their latest originals, “Rosalie” and “I Know the Ghost,” with white vinyl 45 rpm copies available only on the road and downloads for sale on CDBABY. The Dallas band Menkena, will be the special guest openers.

Concrete Blonde came out of hiatus in 2010 for the 20th anniversary of Bloodletting (Concrete Blonde’s award-winning and best-selling album) with the band feeling more vital and creative than ever. In 2011 Concrete Blonde began writing, recording and creating monthly live broadcast concerts through StageIt.com, streaming classics, experimental and newly written songs from a different venue for each unique show. The band kicked off their ongoing streaming series live from Rancho de la Luna in Joshua Tree (Dave from Eagles of Death Metal’s place); with following shows at Soundbite Studios, Stagg Street Studios, and a Halloween show from Fitzgerald’s Houston, TX.

In a series of firsts, the band also played their very first show in China when they were asked to play the West Lake Music Festival in Taiziwan Park in the city of Hangzhou, capital of East China's Zhejiang Province. After taking the stage countless times all over the world during their successful and storied career, singer Johnette Napolitano expresses “this was one of the most important shows we've ever played, after 30 years. We were humbled and amazed.”

Concrete Blonde was originally formed in 1982 amidst the post-punk era that spawned such notable LA bands as X, Wall of Voodoo, Red Hot Chili Peppers and The Go Go’s. Lead singer, songwriter and bassist Johnette Napolitano founded the band along with guitarist Jim Mankey (a founding member of Sparks.)  Signed to I.R.S. Records, their 1989 sophomore album Free spawned the first among many college radio hits with “God Is A Bullet.” The song about the innocent victims of gang violence would set the tone for Napolitano’s earnest yet gritty lyrics detailing urban life. Bloodletting, released in 1990, would ultimately prove to be the album that earned Concrete Blonde national attention as the alternative rock anthem “Joey” broke the top 20. Johnette’s soulfully wounded voice was forever etched in our memory as she sang, “Joey I’m not angry anymore,” about a romance soured by alcoholism. With several more albums successfully under their belt and a considerable and loyal following, the band parted ways after touring for their critically acclaimed Mexican Moon release in 1994.

After six years apart, the new millennium brought the band back together. The album Group Therapy officially marked the band’s return and brought their first tour in 8 years. Armed with new drummer Gabriel Ramirez from the Roc En Espanol band Maria Fatal, the trio followed with 2003’s Live in Brazil and 2004’s desert inspired Mojave. Seven years after their last album, Johnette Napolitano, Jim Mankey and Gabriel Ramirez are back with a new album scheduled for release in 2012. 

For Concrete Blonde tour updates and music, go to http://www.myspace.com/vampiresrisecbofficial.

Tour Dates:
August 28                   The Belly Up                           Solana Beach, CA
August 29                   The Troubadour                      Los Angeles, CA