Album reviews: 'Love & Mercy,' Mindi Abair & the Boneshakers, Dave Davies, The Mantles

A stunning soundtrack issued in connection with the Brian Wilson biopic Love & Mercy, as well as albums featuring the genre-blending Mindi Abair & the Boneshakers, legendary Kinks guitarist Dave Davies and indie rock outfit the Mantles makes for an eclectic mix of new releases.

Artists: The Beach Boys, Atticus Ross, Brian Wilson, more
Title: Music From Love & Mercy (Capitol)
You might like if you enjoy: The Beach Boys, Brian Wilson, Atticus Ross
Tell me more: It should come as little surprise that a celebrated motion picture chronicling two periods in the life of singer-songwriter Brian Wilson would yield one of the year's most compelling soundtracks. Music From Love & Mercy boasts a mix of timeless Beach Boys classics ("God Only Knows," "Don't Worry Baby," "Good Vibrations"), selections from Oscar-winning composer Atticus Ross' score, a terrific ballad written and recorded by Wilson for the film and even a performance from actor Paul Dano. Information: BrianWilson.com and loveandmercyfilm.com.
Purchase 'Music From Love & Mercy' here



Artist: Mindi Abair & the Boneshakers
Title: Live in Seattle (Heads Up International / Concord Music Group)
You might like if you enjoy: The Boneshakers, Mindi Abair
Tell me more: A full-on fusion of blues, rock, soul, R&B and funk collide across Mindi Abair & the Boneshakers' concert release Live in Seattle. The 14-track disc is truly an exercise in genre-smashing sonics with sax virtuoso-singer Mindi Abair and Detroit blues-rock outfit the Boneshakers playing with a freewheeling level of excitement across a mix of instrumentals and vocal tracks. Boneshakers guitar great Randy Jacobs and singer Sweet Pea Atkinson are talented and forceful enough to match Abair's dynamic musical presence, and every member of the Motor City musical ensemble adds spice to the mix. Information: concordmusicgroup.com.
Get 'Live In Seattle' here


Artist: Dave Davies
Title: Rippin' Up New York City: Live at the City Winery (Red River Entertainment)
You might like if you enjoy: The Kinks, Blur
Tell me more: Although it is uncertain whether the Kinks will ever reform, fans of the seminal British rockers should be thrilled to hear Dave Davies' Rippin' Up New York City: Live at the City Winery. The 16-track collection, culled from two concert performances by Davies and his band (including legendary Smithereens drummer Dennis Diken) in November 2014, features a mix of classic Kinks gems ("All Day and All of the Night," "You Really Got Me") and solo material (including '60s favorites "Suzannahs Still Alive" and "Death of a Clown").  Davies is obviously thrilled to be back in front of a crowd and plays with a spirited exuberance on the rockers and a surefire touch on the baroque ballad "Flowers in the Rain." Information: DaveDavies.com.
Buy 'Rippin Up New York City: Live at the City Winery' here

Artist: The Mantles
Title: All Odds End (Slumberland Records)
You might like if you enjoy: The Donkeys, The Lucy Show, Papercuts
Tell me more: Bay Area psychedelic pop outfit the Mantles are on to something special on their new full-length effort All Odds End. From the lilting "Island" and "Lately" to the more focused "Lay it Down" and "Hate to See You Go," there is a cool low-fi groove that is intoxicating and joyful. Fans of the early '80s so-called Paisley Underground scene will definitely dig "All Odds End." Even on the indie rocker "Police My Love," there is an overriding spirit of swirling psychedelia that calms the spirit. Information: slumberlandrecords.com.
Get 'All Odds End' here

Robert Kinsler