Artist: Beck
Title: Colors (Capitol Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Beck, Prince, David Bowie
Tell me more: Since Beck burst on the music scene in 1994 with his breakthrough hit "Loser," the singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist has somehow blended alternative rock, pop, soul, funk, hip hop, Americana and a myriad of other styles with unearthly brilliance. On his 13th full-length album Colors, the Southern California-based artist continues to chart his own creative path with a master's touch. This time out, Beck has simultaneously tapped into 1980s synth pop, modern rock and late '60s psychedelic rock to carve out yet another expansive masterwork. The songs here are mostly upbeat, buoyant and armed to get concertgoers on their feet with infectious grooves. The swirling title track "Colors," exuberant "I'm So Free," propulsive "No Distraction" (with its cool fly-by Beatlesque guitar hits and Beck's falsetto vocals) and dreamy "Fix Me" are among this writer's faves. This is an album that reveals its sonic secrets and wonders more fully with each subsequent listen. Information: beck.com.
Title: Venice Mating Call (Manifesto Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Tim Buckley, Alex Chilton, Beck
Tell me more: Before he died at the age of 28 in June 1975, singer-songwriter Tim Buckley created a stellar and genre-defying body of original songs drawing from the blues, folk, funk, soul and other styles. Now Manifesto Records has released the outstanding two-disc Venice Mating Call showcasing live tracks recorded at the legendary Troubadour in Hollywood in September 1969. The haunting "Chase the Blues Away," free form jazz-flavored "Venice Mating Call," psychedelic rock-mining "Gypsy Woman" flamenco-tinged "Driftin'," Ten Years After-patterned "(I Wanna) Testify" and luxurious "Anonymous Proposition" are among the many treasures here. Buckley's dynamic and distinctive vocals are showcased across the live collection and this set will thrill long-time fans or those just discovering this vital artist. Information: manifesto.com.
Title: Rule 62 (Six Shooter/Thirty Tigers)
You might like if you enjoy: Kacey Musgraves, Brenda Lee, Patsy Cline
Tell me more: With a sound and beautiful soprano that recalls some of the stellar country music singers of the '50s and '60s, Nashville-based songstress Whitney Rose shines on the decidedly contemporary Rule 62. Produced by Raul Malo (lead singer of the Mavericks), there is plenty of real world depth and captivating musical heft to lift each and every one of the 11 songs on the disc. The driving and defiant "Arizona" and Time to Cry," tender "You Never Cross My Mind" (which includes some sublime harmonies from Malo) and poetic "Wake Me in Wyoming" showcase Rose's superb talents as singer and songwriter. Recorded on Jan. 20, 2017 – the same day of the most recent Presidential Inaugural – "Can't Stop Shakin' " has a nervous and funky vibe suited to the uncertainty of the times; the Hammond B3 organ, electric guitar riffs and saxophone blasts immerse Rose's evocative vocals as part of the terrific and disquieting arrangement. An all-star group of musicians including bassist Jay Weaver (Dolly Parton, Tanya Tucker), guitarist Kenny Vaughn (Marty Stuart, Lucinda Williams), drummer Paul Deakin (The Mavericks), pianist Jen Gunderman (Sheryl Crow), fiddler Aaron Till (Asleep at the Wheel) and steel guitar player Chris Scruggs (Marty Stuart) enhance the album as well. Information: SixShooterRecords.com.
Title: The Modern Lives – Vol 1 (Blue Rose Music)
You might like if you enjoy: Beck's "Sea Change," The Jayhawks, Mark Knopfler
Tell me more: One of Americana music's greatest modern-day voices, Jackie Greene has played lead guitar with the Black Crowes, played a seminal role in the roots-minded supergroup Trigger Hippy and carved out an established solo career ripe with concert dates and winning album releases. Now the long-time Northern California artist newly moved to New York City is back with another must-hear release; The Modern Lives – Vol 1 packs a dashing wallop with a heady and diverse mix of songs across its six-song run. The wry "Modern Lives" bristles with an infectious and satirical look at life in the 21st century. "The Back of My Mind" is a tender ballad adorned with layers of piano, acoustic and electric guitar, mandolin and lovely vocal harmonies. The country blues of a cover of Willie Dixon's "Good Advice" recalls the spirit of Mississippi blues with a modern edge. Listening to this impressive EP, it's hard to believe it was reportedly recorded in Greene's Brooklyn basement. Information: JackieGreene.com.
Title: Clean Getaway (Recovery Troubadour Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Jackie Greene, Jonny Lang
Tell me more: With so many legendary musicians ranging from Jimi Hendrix and Gram Parsons to Keith Moon and John Entwistle having died as a direct result of drug and/or alcohol abuse it is great to hear an artist release a full-length album dedicated to breaking free of addiction. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame singer-guitarist Ricky Byrd (of Joan Jett and the Blackhearts fame) has issued Clean Getaway, a 12-song disc delving fully into the shades, layers and nuances of addition and recovery. On the Chicago blues original "Clean Getaway," Byrd sings powerfully of his break from substance abuse and coming clean (he closes the track singing: "When trouble comes knocking / you know I ain't going to come answer that door"). The music here showcases Byrd's far-flung skills as singer and lead guitarist; for example the rollicking "I Prefer Wakin' Up...To Comin' To" would be at home on one of Chuck Berry's early LPs; "Lighthouse" is a beautiful soul song. The rowdy "Paranoid" has a '70s rock feel and finds Byrd singing of the downfalls of being addicted. This is an album that rocks, but serves as an honest look at a topic the rock community hasn't always been one to assess in song. A portion of the sales from "Clean Getaway" go to the Clean Getaway non-profit 501(c)(3) to bring awareness, education, prevention and addiction resources to those suffering from drug and alcohol addiction. Information: https://www.cleangetaway.nyc.
Robert Kinsler
Listening to Jackie Greene now - thanks!
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