New Music: Brothers Osborne, Cat Power, Chris Church, Bob Wolfman

A diverse field of wonderful early 2022 albums are featured in my column this week.

Artist: Brothers Osborne

Title: Skeletons: Deluxe (EMI Nashville)

You might like if you enjoy: Brothers Osborne's first two albums, the Zac Brown Band

Tell me more: Country music hitmakers Brothers Osborne (brothers T.J. Osborne and John Osborne) are set to release a deluxe expanded version of their acclaimed third album Skeletons on Jan. 21. The album is up for Best Country Album honors at the upcoming 64th annual Grammy Awards. Indeed, Skeletons features a myriad of strong tracks including the infectious opener "Lighten Up," playful "All Night," infectious "All The Good Ones Are," tender "High Note" and rocking title track. The trio of new tracks include the heavy countrified rocker "Headstone," genre-blending "Midnight Rider's Prayer" (which uses elements of Willie Nelson's "On The Road Again") and reflective synth-swept "Younger Me." Information: BrothersOsborne.com. 

Artist: Cat Power

Title: Covers (Domino Record Co.)

You might like if you enjoy: Mazzy Star, Cat Power

Tell me more: Cat Power — the moniker for indie singer-songwriter Chan Marshall — is back with her third full-length album of completely reworked covers. The wide range of material on Covers is impressive, and Marshall is able bind the selections together via her signature sound. These are sparse, multi-layered forays where the mood is as vital as the melody and the artful approach consistently works. Marshall's version of "White Mustang" outdistances Lana Del Rey's original with its probing authenticity; she brings an otherworldly sheen to the Pogues' beloved "A Pair Of Brown Eyes" and Bob Seger's "Against The Wind." Other highlights on the album include a touching take on Jackson Browne's "These Days," reverb-heavy reading of J.D. Miller's country classic "It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels," a gorgeous run through The Replacements' "Here Comes a Regular" and dark version of Nick Cave's foreboding "I Had a Dream Joe." Information: CatPowerMusic.com. 

Artist: Chris Church

Title: Darling Please (Big Stir Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Neil Young & Crazy Horse, Matthew Sweet, The War on Drugs

Tell me more: Fans of the most recent albums from Neil Young & Crazy Horse (2021's amazing Barn) and The War on Drugs (last year's acclaimed I Don't Live Here Anymore) will want to get a listen of Chris Church's epic Darling Please (available on Jan. 21). It is no easy feat to blend crunchy and feedback-swept guitars, soaring textures and undeniable melodies together with the stylish skill displayed by Church on the 10-song masterwork. Listening to this album, I was immediately impressed by the power and emotion of the songs; it is especially impressive that Church handles lead vocals as well as all the instrumental duties on the album. Standouts on the album abound include the majestic opener "History" (adorned by the sound of a church bell), dreamy rocker "We're Going Downtown," shimmering "Bad Summer" (the album's first single), luxurious "I Wish I Could Say I Was Sorry and wistful disc-closing "Triple Crown." "Darling Please" was actually recorded 11 years ago in Church's basement studio in the wake of the death of his late brother Mike Church (who had played drums on most of Chris Church's earlier work). The newly-remastered version is adorned with newly tracked backing vocals from Lindsay Murray (Gretchen's Wheel) on several cuts that add to the magic. Information: BigStirRecords.com. 

Artist: Bob Wolfman

Title: Tribute To A Friend (Bob Wolfman)

You might like if you enjoy: Jimi Hendrix, Sonny Landreth

Tell me more: Jimi Hendrix is rightly regarded as the best and most influential rock guitarist of all time. Even 51 years after his death, the late icon continues to inspire countless musicians around the world. Bob Wolfman — who befriended Hendrix as a 15-year-old teen in the late 1960s while on a chance visit to Manny's Music Store in New York City — has released the aptly-titled Tribute To A Friend that celebrates the song craft and influence of Hendrix with a detailed and masterful touch. Wolfman revisits a number of Hendrix-penned gems across the disc, including several lesser known nuggets; the grooving "Dolly Dagger" is bolstered by plenty of flashy lead guitar work and a funky vibe while "One Rainy Wish" erupts with a dynamic rhythm approach in its quiet and volcanic bursts. "Freedom," "Spanish Castle Magic" and "Gypsy Eyes" are among the well-known classics that Wolfman covers in stellar fashion. Wolfman brings an emotive and heartfelt firepower to the performances on the disc with his top-tier vocals and impressive guitar work. He is joined by a strong field of surrounding players including guitarist-bassist Jon Butcher (who also produced the LP), Louisiana slide guitar great Sonny Landreth, keyboardist Bruce Mattson and drummer Barry Lit. In addition to the eight Hendrix compositions featured on the album, a take on Earl King's "Come On (Let The Good Times Roll)" and his strong originals "Moon Candy" (enhanced by Landreth's amazing musicianship) and lovely instrumental "Parachute" round out the glowing track listing. Information: BobWolfman.com.

Robert Kinsler

Concert Review: The Young Dubliners thrill at The Coach House

Keith Roberts of The Young
Dubliners at The Coach House.

For more than 30 years the Young Dubliners have been introducing and rewarding audiences with their high-energy and infectious brand of Celtic rock.

From left, Justin Pecot, Keith Roberts, Ethan Jones and Chas Waltz. 

Such was the case on Saturday night (July 24, 2021) when founding member/leader Keith Roberts (lead vocals, rhythm guitar) and his talented cast of players (fiddler/multi-instrumentalist Chas Waltz, lead guitarist Justin Pecot, drummer Dave Ingraham and bassist Ethan Jones) thrilled a near-capacity crowd at The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano, CA.

Keith Roberts leading The Young Dubs through a
powerful set at The Coach House on July 24, 2021.

Covering an Irish music-themed Battle of the Bands event at Old World Village in Huntington Beach at the dawn of the 1990s was not only my first-ever music-related assignment as a contributing writer for The Orange County Register but it was my bona fide introduction to Celtic rock music. In addition to the Los Angeles-based Young Dubliners being on the bill, Orange County's own rising the Fenians and New York's Black 47 took the stage and delivered rousing sets that day as well. I was hooked and have been a fan of the Young Dubs and Irish rock since.

Celtic rock heroes The Young Dubliners.

Fast forward 30 years and Roberts and company are as potent as ever. Over the course of 100 minutes on Saturday night, the quintet delivered 22 selections; I was not the only attendee at the Coach House impressed by a rich set showcasing material from across their strong discography. Essentially, the band has long been able to delight with both original songcraft and classic material using a mix of modern rock instincts with the additional flavors of traditional instruments such as fiddle and mandolin to enhance the approach.

The Young Dubliners headlining at
The Coach House on July 24, 2021.

When the house lights dimmed Roberts took the stage with his acoustic guitar in hand and began strumming via a long instrumental opening. One by one, the other members of the band joined him as the power of the instrumental "Open Sea." That inspired opener was a definite prelude of things to come, with the follow-up "Seeds of Sorrow" a rousing original with an uptempo sweep and sing-along chorus.

"We made it," Roberts said after that well-received track from the band's most recent studio album Nine - 9 -Naoi. "Shall we have some fun?"

The uptempo rocker "We The Mighty" and "Up in the Air" were other early highlights of the night, both showcasing the Young Dubs' ear for fusing melodic and indie rock with skillful firepower. Roberts was locked in with the audience and truly seemed to be enjoying every minute of being back at the venue after so long away during the pandemic lockdown.

The acoustic folk rocker "Come Back Home" (from the band's 2005 album Real World) was noteworthy for two impressive instrumental breaks where fiddler Waltz and guitar master Pecot dazzled with a tandem lead section bolstering the song. 

Fiddler Chas Waltz in action.

The band slowed things down for "Raglan Road," a ballad where Roberts sang accompanied by the keyboards in the opening section before the other members artfully joined in as the song grew in power. 

Waltz impressed throughout the night with his mastery playing fiddle, mandolin, harmonica and keyboards so it's no surprise he was given an extended fiddle solo late in the set too. 

Drummer Dave Ingraham. 

Other highlights of the night included a version of "The Leaving of Liverpool," with Waltz blasting harmonica and a blistering guitar solo from Pecot positioned atop a truly in-the-pocket groove provided by Jones and Ingraham; during the instrumental "Ashley Falls" Pecot stepped off the main stage and walked down one of the dinner tables to showcase his signature fret work closer to the crowd.

Lead guitarist Justin Pecot ventured out on a table during "Ashley Falls."

The closing selections of the night included a rollicking "Follow Me Up To Carlow," and encore that included the wild instrumental "Banshee," and powerful takes on the Pogues' 1988 Shane MacGowan-penned "If I Should Fall From Grace With God" and the traditional favorite "Follow Me Up To Carlow."

From left, Justin Pecot, Keith Roberts, Dave Ingraham,
Ethan Jones and Chas Waltz.

For more information on the Young Dubliners, visit the band's official website HERE.

The night's opener, Orange County area quartet Slim Freaky performed a 35-minute set of original material blending rock, jam, jazz rock and reggae into their own sonic brew. All four of the musicians were excellent players and they received plenty of cheers from the crowd at The Coach House.

The Young Dubliners setlist at The Coach House on Saturday, July 24, 2021

Open Sea / Seeds of Sorrow / We The Mighty / Up in the Air / Brown Dog / Come Back Home / Bodhran / Raglan Road / Chance / The Leaving of Liverpool / Howaya Girls / Tell Me Ma / Foggy Dew / Ashley Falls / Waxies / Brown Eyes / Chas Waltz fiddle solo / Rosie / Follow Me Up To Carlow

Encore 

Banshee / If I Should Fall From Grace With God / Rocky Road to Dublin

Review by Robert Kinsler

Photography by Bob Steshetz

Inbox Update: The Pogues, Mystery Science Theater 3000

Here are the latest noteworthy items to land in my inbox...

The 'Very Best of the Pogues' set for release by Shout! Factory on January 22, 2013

Los Angeles, CA – Shout! Factory has announced the January 22 release of The Very Best of the Pogues, a new collection of 18 stellar tracks by the beloved Irish-English punk band. The album features an 8-page book with new liner notes in which The Pogues' Spider Stacy writes “All these songs have something special and so have the Pogues. I’ve always known it.”



Many bands have tried but few have ever equaled the unique power of the Pogues. Nowadays, folk music is enjoying the spotlight as bands like Mumford & Sons have reached the top of the charts on both sides of the Atlantic . But back in the ’80s era of MTV, the wild, careening jigs and ballads of the Pogues were startling: the group was broadcasting from another planet. Their music was so alive, so vital that it retains its punch all these years later, as Shout! Factory’s new compilation The Very Best Of The Pogues vividly illustrates.


Chronicling the Pogues’ prime and containing many of the group’s best-known songs—songs that are threaded into popular culture, with “If I Should Fall From Grace With God” surprisingly soundtracking a recent Subaru ad, “Body of An American” heard in a memorable scene on HBO’s acclaimed urban drama The Wire, and the Kirsty MacColl duet “Fairytale of New York” existing as that rare modern holiday perennial—The Very Best Of The Pogues tells the story of one of the great Irish bands of modern times. And what a rich history it is.

Formed by singer/songwriter Shane MacGowan—a ruffian raised on punk rock who was famously photographed with a bloody ear in the front row of an early Clash gig—and guitarist/tin whistle player Spider Stacy in 1982, the Pogues took their name from a Gaelic phrase for “kiss my arse.” Quickly earning a reputation as an invigorating live act, the group signed with legendary British indie label Stiff in 1984, releasing their debut Red Roses For Me that year.


An underground sensation in the UK , Red Roses For Me showcased the Pogues’ gift for revitalizing traditional songs but also the wildly gifted pen of MacGowan, whose original “Streams of Whiskey” was one of the album’s highlights. With producer Elvis Costello, the Pogues quickly recorded a follow-up called Rum Sodomy And The Lash, a 1985 album that’s often cited as the band’s best and one of the great albums of the ’80s. MacGowan’s originals “A Pair of Brown Eyes” and “Sally MacLennane” reached the UK charts and the LP earned the band a cult audience in the U.S. Soon, the band made the leap from indies to the majors, signing with Island Records in 1987, and recording their next album If I Should Fall From Grace With God with Steve Lillywhite.
By many measures, If I Should Fall From Grace With God is the Pogues’ high watermark, generating a genuine UK hit single in “Fairytale of New York” and winding up as their most popular album in the U.S. , partially due to the title track being a college radio hit. Hot on the heels of this success, the band released Peace And Love in 1989, a record that included the Jem Finer-penned highlight “Misty Morning, Albert Bridge .” Despite their success, the band was struggling to deal with MacGowan’s alcoholism, eventually replacing him with ex-Clash singer Joe Strummer in 1991 during a tour in support of the album Hell’s Ditch. On 1993’s Waiting For Herb, Spider Stacy became the group’s lead singer with Finer writing the bulk of the material. After the release of Pogue Mahone in 1996, the band broke up. However, the disbandment was short-lived. In 2001, the Pogues reunited, complete with Shane MacGowan as their lead singer. Over the next decade, the group played regularly in the UK and the US , cultivating several new generations of fans. For those new listeners The Very Best Of The Pogues is an essential introduction; but for those who have stuck with the band through thick and thin, it’s a bracing reminder of just how damn good this band has always been.

The Very Best of the Pogues



1. Dirty Old Town

2. The Sunnyside Of The Street

3. If I Should Fall From Grace With God

4. The Irish Rover

5. Rain Street

6. A Pair Of Brown Eyes

7. Boys From The County Hell

8. Fairytale Of New York

9. Body Of An American

10. Thousands Are Sailing

11. Sally MacLennane

12. Misty Morning, Albert Bridge

13. Tuesday Morning

14. Rainy Night In Soho

15. Streams of Whiskey

16. The Sickbed of Cuchulainn

17. Young Ned Of The Hill

18. Love You ’Till The End

For more on Shout! Factory, visit www.shoutfactory.com

Speaking of Shout! Factory, the Santa Monica-based company is releasing Mystery Science Theater 3000: Volume XXV on Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2012.

Those who order the upcoming collection directly from ShoutFactory.com and receive an exclusive bonus DVD (available while supplies last).

Occasionally whenever the feature films ran too short, our luckless heroes aboard the Satellite of Love were forced to supplement their misery by watching installments of equally cheesy serials. Chapters of the 1952 serial Radar Men From The Moon were smeared over nine non-consecutive episodes during season one of Mystery Science Theater 3000. Now, for the first time ever, all nine chapters riffed on by Joel, Tom Servo and Crow T. Robot have been collected on one disc, including one chapter never before released on DVD.

Here at last is the entire MSTied version of the epically flawed filler for your completist satisfaction.

Includes new introduction by Season One's Tom Servo, J. Elvis Weinstein.

Click here for more details on how to get both special DVD collections!