You might like if you enjoy: RiffTrax, Cinematic Titantic, Mystery Science Theater 3000
Tell me more: Make no mistake, Mystery Science Theater 3000 is back. The cult series that ran for 10 years (first at a UHF station in Minneapolis, before moving to Comedy Central and finally the Sci-Fi Channel) is returning with 14 new episodes to Netflix beginning April 14. The great news is before catching the new revival starring Jonah Ray, Patton Oswalt and Felicia Day, new and long-time fans of the series (better known as "MSTies") can pick up Mystery Science Theater 3000: Vol. XXXVIII, a box set featuring four episodes hosted by Mike Nelson and originally aired in the late 1990s. While the overall theme of the show involves poking fun at some of the worst movies of all time, the wide range of references will delight everyone including music fans. Take "Track of the Moon Beast," one of the four compelling clunkers featured on the new set. There are no fewer than two dozen musical references ranging from the Eagles and Jim Morrison to Nine Inch Nails, Elvis Costello and the Beatles; there is even a great bit of David Bowie's "Fame" sung to enhance the film (which features special effects by legendary Rick Baker). Other titles include "Invasion USA," "Colossus and the Headhunters" and "High School Big Shot." How kind of MST3K to save (and salvage) these cinematic duds from obscurity. A special note: the first 1,500 fans who order directly from ShoutFactory.com will receive an exclusive bonus disc, MST3K: Play MSTie For Me Triple Decker, which gathers 39 of the finest MST3K musical moments onto a single disc. Information: shoutfactory.com.
Title: Whiskey & Wimmen: John Lee Hooker's Finest (Vee-Jay Records / Concord Bicycle Music)
You might like if you enjoy: John Lee Hooker, Will Moore
Tell me more: Although John Lee Hooker died in June 2001, the bluesman's legacy looms large. With 2017 marking what would have been the influential Mississippi native's 100th birthday, a top-tier celebration featuring 16 of his beloved tracks has been collected on Whiskey & Wimmen: John Lee Hooker's Finest. A casual listener might mistake the so-called "King of the Boogie" as having played a simple style of blues. But discerning listeners will hear Hooker's masterful touch as a storyteller and dynamic guitar player able to add emotional punch in the service of an original style that fused Delta and Chicago styles together into something special and all his own. The classic "Boom Boom," joyful "Dimples," and speedy shuffle-styled "Big Legs, Tight Skirt" are among the timeless songs featured on the winning set. Information: bicyclemusic.com or johnleehooker.com.
Title: A World Of My Own (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: The Smithereens, Matthew Sweet, the Bangles, Robby Rist
Tell me more: As a member of the Andersons from 1995-2004, and more recently serving as bassist with the Bangles since 2008, Derrick Anderson has a long history of performing melodic rock and power pop. On his outstanding new solo debut album A World Of My Own, the talented singer-songwriter proves his talent vastly outdistances that of a mere supporting player. His 13-track album is bona fide triumph, and the fact that so many famed musical greats join him is icing on the sonic cake. Matthew Sweet provides some sharp Beatles-inspired guitar work on the buoyant "Happiness," while Kim Shattuck (of the Muffs) and Bangles members Susanna Hoffs, Vicki Peterson and Debbi Peterson provide stellar firepower elsewhere. This writer's favorite offering is "Waiting For You," which teams Anderson with the four members of New Jersey's Smithereens; the results are glorious with the moody rocker fully capturing the melancholy-adorned melodic style of the Smithereens. Elsewhere, Anderson's own stamp carries the day, as evidenced by the driving melodic rocker "Phyllis & Sharon" and rollicking "Checking Out" (featuring some great drumming from Robbie Rist). Information: omnivorerecordings.com.
Robert Kinsler
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