Title: Steppenwolf At 50 (Rainman)
You might like if you enjoy: Bad Company, Steppenwolf
Tell me more: Fifty years after forming in Hollywood, CA, John Kay & Steppenwolf's enduring legacy is celebrated on the aptly-released Steppenwolf At 50. With its rewarding mix of blues, classic rock, roots, hard rock and alt country, the group's expansive three-disc audio set is bolstered by a mix of alternate takes, live cuts and previously-unreleased gems. An alternate cut of "From Here To There Eventually" (recorded in 1969), the previously-unheard acid rocker "Angel Drawers," traditional take on Hank Williams' "You Win Again," the blistering blues rocker "Straight Shootin' Woman" (featuring some killer guitar work from Bobby Cochran) and synth-anchored cover of Argent's "Hold Your Head Up" from 1982 are standouts on the first disc. Singer-songwriter/guitarist John Kay has always been able to infuse evolving styles into Steppenwolf's sonic brew, as evidenced by the commercial rock sound of 1987's "Rock & Roll Rebels" and "Give Me Life," as well as the literate approach on the quest for freedom via 1990's Berlin Wall-themed "The Wall" and probing "Rock & Roll War" showcased on disc two. The third disc features 13 tracks featured on the troupe's 1995 release "Live at 25." The performances sizzle with power; the blues rocker "Move Over," the outlaw countrified version of Hank Snow's "I'm Moving On," Chicago blues-meets-rock attack of Willie Dixon's "I'm Your Hootchie Cootchie Man" and rousing takes on Steppenwolf's biggest hits ("Magic Carpet Ride" and "Born to be Wild") are among the highlights. In addition to all the terrific music, the booklet provides details on each of the tracks and liner notes penned by John Kay. Information: www.rainmanrecords.com.
Title: NRBQ (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: NRBQ, Frank Zappa
Tell me more: It's hard to imagine a more eclectic debut album than the 1969 effort from Louisville, Kentucky-spawned New Rhythm and Blues Quintet – better known as NRBQ. The newly-issued and remastered reissue of the 49-year-old album also marks the first ever reissue of the title; NRBQ is available for the first time on audio CD, as well as via Digital and as a gatefold vinyl LP. An album that was essentially recorded live, all of the versions on NRBQ are first takes emblazoned on 12-track at The Record Plant by producer Eddie Kramer in December 1968. The range of the material is dizzying; the driving opener "C'mon Everybody" twists Eddie Cochran's approach in all the right places, including the shouting vocals and freewheeling rock 'n' roll attack. Later, the art damage take on Sun Ra's "Rocket #9," an alt-country "Fergie's Prayer," the racing New Orleans rocker "Mama Get Down Those Rock and Roll Shoes," and a countrified harmonica-adorned reworking of the 1962 Bruce Channel hit "Hey! Baby" highlight the group's eclectic approach and virtuoso chops. NRBQ continues to thrive and is set to tour the U.S. and overseas in 2018. Information: www.omnivorerecordings.com.
Title: Travel With Love (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: Bob Marley, Justin Hinds and the Dominoes
Tell me more: Originally released in 1984, Omnivore Recordings' new reissue of Justin Hinds and the Dominoes' Travel With Love features the original eight-track LP and 10 bonus tracks. The voices of Hinds and the Dominoes (backing vocalists Dennis Sinclair and Junior Dixon) blend in polished perfection on a collection of laid-back and positive-minded reggae songs. The melodic "Get Ready Rock Steady," wistful "Miss Wendell" and musically dynamic-and-lyrically insightful "In The Jungle" are among the strong original songs penned by Hinds featured on "Travel With Love." Particularly powerful is "The Rainbow," a beautiful track enhanced by the work of a nuanced horn section. Information: www.omnivorerecordings.com.
Title: Know Jah Better (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: Justin Hinds, reggae music
Tell me more: Released in 1992, Know Jah Better finds Hinds bringing newer sounds into the blend of ska and reggae styles he helped pioneer and explore earlier in his career, now tapping into the Jamaican dancehall scene for what would be his final full-length studio album. The standouts on this disc include the intoxicating "Want More," the spirited title track, catchy "No Place Like Home" and "Picking Up Chips." Information: www.omnivorerecordings.com.
Title: High Hat (Schoolkids Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Old 97's, Son Volt, the Jayhawks
Tell me more: Alt-country rockers 6 String Drag emerged from Raleigh, North Carolina in 1993, helping create a new sound and style along with Texas' Old 97's, Minnesota's Jayhawks and Georgia's Drive-By Truckers that is essentially the blueprint for a slew of modern-day Americana groups. In January 2018, Schoolkids Records (formerly Second Motion) issued a 20th Anniversary Reissue of the band's 1997 disc High Hat. Produced by Steve Earle, the LP's songs sound as great as ever and retain the bite of a contemporary release. Singer Kenny Roby's emotive delivery of the songs is the icing on the sonic cake; the arrangements across the 15 tracks impress at every turn. The anthemic "Bottle of Blues," pretty "Elaine" and freewheeling "Gasoline Maybelline" are early nuggets on the LP. "Cold Steel Brace" is mostly sparse and evocative, but has an explosive section that adds just the right amount of powder. The jangly rocker "Ghost," Dixieland-flavored "Over & Over" and bonus track "Lorene" (the latter a cover of the Louvin Brothers classic) are among the other essentials on a fantastic release. In addition to being re-released on audio CD and on most digital formats, High Hat is also available for the first time on vinyl. Information: www.SchoolKidsRecords.com.
Robert Kinsler
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