New music: Ventilator, Zach Bryan, Bruce Cockburn

In this column I celebrate the latest titles featuring the music of indie rock outfit Ventilator, country music hitmaker Zach Bryan and Canadian singer-songwriter/guitar great Bruce Cockburn.

Artist: Ventilator

Title: Reseda Spleen (Bar/None Records)
You might like if you enjoy: The Beatles' "White Album," Permanent Green Light, Altered State, Radiohead

Tell me more: The 1990s was a decade where a myriad of emerging bands released terrific and groundbreaking titles that sadly went mostly unnoticed by commercial radio and even the alternative music press upon their release. Psychic Rain, Altered State, Bright Blue Gorilla, Vinnie James and Scarlet Crush were among some of my personal favorite artists to emerge that decade that have largely been forgotten. Add to that list Los Angeles proto-Dream Pop troupe Ventilator, whose 1996 debut Reseda Spleen has thankfully just been reissued by Bar/None Records. Recorded with a used Tascam 388 1/4-inch tape recorder, lead singer-songwriter Matt Devine (formerly of Permanent Green Light) – joined by Byron Reynolds (Possum Dixon), Jeff Caruana and specialist guest Brad Laner (Medicine) – crafted the indie masterwork in a second bedroom of his North Hollywood apartment. The parade of enticing originals on the disc includes the euphoric opener "The Tailor's Lament," dreamy Baroque pop-tinged "Lansdowne," genre-defying gem "Happy New Year," rollicking power pop sortie "In Mysterium," sumptuous acoustic foray "Jericho's Pool," and epic melody-adorned experimental rocker "The Daily Drag." Information: bar-none.com.

Artist: Zach Bryan

Title: Young Manhood and Other Donatable Organs (Warner Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Zach Bryan, Turnpike Troubadours, Lana Del Rey, Phosphorescent

Tell me more: Country music hitmaker Zach Bryan has returned with Young Manhood and Other Donatable Organs, an eight-song EP that finds the singer-songwriter exploring far-flung corners of his sonic universe with bona fide skill and sentiment. Standouts on the EP include the timely Americana countrified rocker "Robot Killed The Working Man," tender ballad "Lies" where he shares lead vocals with Lana Del Rey, the country blues nugget "Backwards," rock meets roots genre-blending "Is The Blue Tangled In You?" and bewitching "Plainsman," the latter a winning red dirt previously-rumored collaboration with fellow Oklahomans Turnpike Troubadours. Bryan will bring his upcoming "Young Manhood and Other Donatable Organs" Tour to Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on July 16, 2027, and to SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on July 20, 2027. The physical release of Young Manhood and Other Donatable Organs includes a retail CD and vinyl. Direct-to-consumer limited edition vinyl and hardcover book are already sold out. Click HERE for details. Information: zachlanebryan.com. 

Artist: Bruce Cockburn

Title: The Blood Of Others (Sunset Blvd. Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Bruce Cockburn, James Taylor, Michael Ubaldini, Mississippi John Hurt

Tell me more: Canadian singer-songwriter/guitar master Bruce Cockburn is back with The Blood Of Others, an ambitious 15-track album where he revisits other artists' songs that he has discovered over the past six decades. Known for his ability to craft songs ranging from folk and jazz to rock and blues, Cockburn is able to visit those genres across The Blood Of Others. Among the parade of creatively reworked tracks on the first half of the album are Robert Wilkins' "Wish I Was In Heaven Sitting Down" where Cockburn's signature vocals and virtuoso guitar work enhance the writer's affecting conversation with God), the jazzy "As Time Goes By" (the Herman Hupfeld original was heard in the 1942 classic film "Casablanca"), the gorgeous 1952 ballad "You Belong To Me," a delightfully blues-drenched reading of Elvis Presley's 1954 hit "That's All Right," the lovely "Four Strong Winds" and the Mississippi John Hurt-penned country blues jewel "Louis Collins." The collection's riches continue with standouts including a beautiful take on the classic "Fare Thee Well" adorned with Cockburn's stellar fret work, Lonnie Johnson's Delta blues-flavored "Laplegged Drunk Again," and luxurious French version of "Autumn Leaves"). Closing out this terrific album is a poignant acoustic cover of "Peace In The Valley," a gospel track written Ian the 1930s by Thomas A. Dorsey. Information: sunsetblvdrecords.com. 

Robert Kinsler 

New music: Johnny Marr, New Earth Farmers, Max Hightower

In this column, I review the latest releases from singer-guitar great Johnny Marr, California roots rock outfit New Earth Farmers and bluesman Max Hightower.

Artist: Johnny Marr
Title: The Age Of Everything (BMG)
You might like if you enjoy: The Smiths, Johnny Marr, Jason Falkner
Tell me more: Singer-songwriter/guitar great Johnny Marr has released The Age Of Everything, an ambitious 10-track LP that taps into the energy and spirit of his hometown of Manchester, England. A genuinely inspired album of spirited originals, Marr's fifth solo studio album includes the rousing opener "Spin," hypnotic "Beyond The Rain" bolstered by a driving beat and jangly guitar textures, driving "It's Time" (the latter recalling the magic of the classics he crafted with The Smiths), sumptuous "How Come," immersive rocker "In And Out Of Love," soaring "Fire With Fire" and glorious aptly-titled "All In A Life." Armed with his winning lead vocals and artful signature guitar playing, Marr's The Age Of Everything reveals its magic more with each listen. Information: johnnymarr.com.

Artist: New Earth Farmers
Title: Cure For The Late Bloom (Windfall Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Phosphorescent, Neil Young
Tell me more: Leave it to California-based quartet New Earth Farmers to tear off the roof courtesy of the band's rousing fourth studio album Cure For The Late Bloom, a 10-track disc that blends Americana, trance blues and roots rock with a perfect touch. The downright fiery opener "Atmosphere," psychedelic '60s-tinged "Be All The Love," dreamy "How Did You Find Me?" and introspective rocker "Everything Is Nothing" are among my faves on the early part of the disc. The funk-meets-rock cut "Hustle Is Dead," classic rock flavored "Live Like This?" and tender "Shadow" impress on the album's last half. A tender take on Neil Young's "Borrowed Time" adds to the album's masterful reach. New Earth Farmers features the talents of songwriters/vocalists/multi-instrumentalists Paul Michael Knowles and Nicole Storto, lead guitarist James DePrato and drummer Nigel Twist. Information: newearthfarmers.com.

Artist: Max Hightower
Title: The Blues Chooses You (MoMojo Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Charlie Musselwhite, Joe Moss, Leon Russell
Tell me more: Bluesman Max Hightower is back with the newly-released album The Blues Chooses You, a 12-track disc that is as enticing as it is authentic. Recorded live to analog tape at The Bomb Shelter in Nashville, the cast of players includes Hightower (lead vocals, harmonica, rhythm guitar), Joe Moss (lead guitar), Rob Davis (piano, Hammond B3, Wurlitzer), Steadman Fleetwood Williams Sr. (bass) and Brandon Phelps (drums). The album is loaded with a slew of great cuts including the Louisiana-dipped opener "Dedicated Fool" (anchored by some terrific piano work from Davis), Chicago meets New Orleans-flavored "Train Smoke" (bolstered by Hightower's powerful blues harp magic), the Johnny Shines-penned "I Don't Know," fast-moving romp "Sherlock Holmes," a nuanced musical reading of Guitar Slim's "Things I Used to Do" and the dynamic "Moonshine & Magnolias." Information: momojorecords.com.

Robert Kinsler

Omnivore announces Record Store Day Black Friday Exclusive LPs for November 27, 2026

Some pretty exciting titles from Jason Falkner, The Knack and NRBQ are set to be released by Omnivore Recordings as part of Record Store Day Black Friday, coming Nov. 27, 2026...Robert Kinsler

Omnivore Recordings Announces Record Store Day Black Friday LPs Out Friday, November 27: Jason Falkner – Presents Author Unknown The Knack – Zoom: Special Vinyl Edition NRBQ – Christmas Wish (Fan Club Fun Version)

October 7, 2026: Omnivore Recordings has announced three special vinyl releases for Record Store Day Black Friday 2026. On November 27, the label will issue Jason Falkner’s Presents Author Unknown, The Knack’s Zoom and NRBQ’s Christmas Wish (Fan Club Fun Version).   Jason Falkner – Presents Author Unknown Without question, Jason Falkner stands among the most gifted musicians, songwriters, and producers in modern popular music. Beyond the acclaimed recordings he has made as a solo artist and with his influential bands—The Three O’Clock, The Grays, and TV Eyes— Falkner’s extraordinary talents have been sought out by an impressive roster of artists including Beck, Paul McCartney, Aimee Mann, St. Vincent, Noel Gallagher, Brendan Benson and Air. Born in San Francisco and raised in Southern California, Falkner was a classically trained piano prodigy whose musical gifts emerged at an early age. He first gained widespread recognition as a member of the pioneering Paisley Underground band The Three O’Clock, whose final album, Vermillion, was released on Prince’s Paisley Park Records. Soon afterward, he formed the highly influential pop-rock group The Grays alongside Jon Brion.   Yet Falkner’s true artistic destiny lay in his solo work. In 1996, he signed with Elektra Records and released two critically celebrated albums: Presents Author Unknown and Can You Still Feel? Written, produced, and performed by Falkner himself, both records showcased his remarkable ability to blend sophisticated songwriting, inventive arrangements, and flawless musicianship. Decades later, they remain touchstones for fans and fellow musicians alike.   Jason Falkner performing at John Anson Ford Theatres in Los Angeles in 2017. Photo: Kim Kinsler Omnivore Recordings is proud to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Falkner’s landmark debut, Presents Author Unknown. For this special edition, Falkner returned to the original multitrack tapes to create an all-new remix, revealing greater depth, punch, and sonic detail while remaining faithful to the spirit of the original release. The bonus tracks for this expanded edition feature the outtake “My Home Is Not A House” and three 4-track demos of songs from the album.   Also included are new liner notes from Falkner, reflecting on the album’s enduring significance and the creative motivations behind revisiting and remixing the record three decades later. Thirty years after its original release, Presents Author Unknown remains a shining example of timeless songwriting and fearless musical craftsmanship. This new remix not only reaffirms the album’s lasting brilliance—it reminds us why Jason Falkner continues to be regarded as a musician’s musician, an artist whose creativity, vision, and passion remain as vital as ever.   See tracklisting here: http://www.omnivorerecordings.com/shop/presents-author-unknown   The Knack – Zoom: Special Vinyl Edition Nearly 20 years after their iconic debut, The Knack returned proclaiming “Pop is dead! Bring your shovel!” But, Zoom proved this was anything but the case. With new drummer Terry Bozzio (Missing Persons, Frank Zappa), Doug Fieger, Berton Averre, and Prescott Niles delivered the album Knack fans had been waiting for—one Fieger often cited as his favorite.   The album’s original 14 songs are joined by six bonus tracks — “She Says” along with covers of “Girls Talk,” “That Thing You Do!,” “Teacher Teacher,” and “I Knew The Bride” were recorded during the Zoom sessions. All of these recordings are now making their first appearance on vinyl, with the original album (sides 1–3) cut from the original 1/2” master tape.   Also included as a bonus track is a stunning instrumental version of “Mister Magazine.” These round out the remastered audio program, which includes set-list staples like “Pop Is Dead,” “Can I Borrow A Kiss,” and “Harder On You.” With updated artwork and new liner notes including “20 Questions With Doug Fieger” which accompanied the original 1998 Zoom press release.   It’s time to get The Knack again—and this exclusive crystal-clear vinyl pressing of Zoom takes its rightful place as an essential part of their catalog!   See tracklisting here: http://www.omnivorerecordings.com/shop/zoom-lp   NRBQ – Christmas Wish (Fan Club Fun Version) What do you get when you cross NRBQ and Santa Claus? One of the coolest, craziest, most fun, classic Christmas compilations of all time! The NRBQ Christmas album that should be under everyone’s tree returns expanded with previously unissued holiday delights.   Does this new version contain all the tracks from the New Rhythm And Blues Quartet’s 1978 EP Merry Christmas From NRBQ? Of course, it does! The single track, “Jolly Old St. Nicholas” from 1980? Yes! From home recordings to proper studio tracks to live recordings, the holiday happiness on this new release reaches back to the ’70s and runs straight on up into the 21st century!   Beyond all the tracks you know and love are unissued delights like a live “Silent Night” recorded live in Peoria, Illinois, right around Christmas 2012 (December 23 to be exact!) and to bring it all home, a private recording of “Auld Lang Syne” with Terry on dulcitone! So make a “Christmas Wish” and send that message straight to the North Pole for your happiest musical holiday go-to album yet, Christmas Wish (Fan Club Fun Version).   See tracklisting here: http://www.omnivorerecordings.com/shop/christmas-wish ###     For more information about Omnivore Recordings, visit their website.