Monday, May 21, 2018

New Releases Celebrate a Myriad of Musical Styles

Fans of great American pop, rock and roots music will want to purchase four collections available now.

Artist: Roger Joseph Manning Jr.
Title: Glamping (PledgeMusic)
You might like if you enjoy: XTC, Jellyfish, ELO
Tell me more: A founding member of Jellyfish and key member of several other celebrated troupes (Imperial Drag, TV Eyes and The Moog Cookbook), and having subsequently worked alongside Beck since the late 1990s, it's no wonder Roger Joseph Manning Jr. has returned with a recording of incredible depth, melodic songcraft and lyrical complexity. Glamping is a four-song EP and marks Manning's first new batch of songs since his terrific 2009 disc Catnip Dynamite. With the lush and intoxicating "Operator" (a timely plea to somehow make real connections in an inter-connected world) opening the collection, the outstanding set also includes the driving and aptly-named "Funhouse," psychedelic-tinged introspective standout "Is It All A Dream" and probing "I'm Not Your Cowboy." In addition to Glamping (available on CD, purple vinyl and via digital download), Manning has just released deluxe editions of his 2006 solo debut Land of Pure Imagination and his 2009 sophomore release Catnip Dynamite. Information: https://www.facebook.com/RogerJosephManningJr/.



Artist: The California Honeydrops
Title: Call It Home: Vol. 1 & 2 (Tubtone Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Vintage Trouble, Leon Bridges
Tell me more: The California Honeydrops' newly-released Call It Home: Vol. 1 & 2 is not only a wonderful celebration of New Orleans jazz, funk, classic R&B and soul and all kinds of blues, but the songs across the wide-ranging collection will make the listener feel great. The positive life-affirming spirit of the Northern California-based group is infectious and cast of talented singers and instrumentalists deliver the mix of songs recorded over a span of 18 months with perfection. The uplifting title track "Call It Home," soulful "Coming Around," aptly-dubbed "Standin' Still Blues," lovely "Only Home I've Ever Known" and shining "Things We Used To Do" are among this writer's favorites on a terrific release. Information: www.cahoneydrops.com.



Artist: Buck Owens and the Buckaroos
Title: The Complete Capitol Singles: 1967-1970 (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: Dwight Yoakam, Buck Owens
Tell me more: The second of three volumes collecting the late Buck Owens' Capitol singles discography, more than 30 classic tracks have been collected on the newly-issued The Complete Capitol Singles: 1967-1970. Whether you are a new or long-time fan of the father of the so-called "Bakersfield Sound," you will find plenty to love across the two-disc set featuring a slew of great remastered tracks. The uptempo "Sam's Place," spirited "Happy Times Are Here Again," and sweet ballads "Don't Ever Tell Me Goodbye" and "I'd Love To Be Your Man" are among the timeless tracks on this wonderful collection. There are also several beloved duets Owens did with soprano Susan Raye, including the lively "We're Gonna Get Together" and the reflective "The Great White Horse." In addition to all the great music are the new liner notes from Scott B. Bomar shedding details and context to the singles. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.



Artist: Larkin Poe
Title: Peach (Tricki-Woo Records)
You might like if you enjoy: The Record Company, First Aid Kit
Tell me more: Although Larkin Poe's album Peach was released back in September 2017, I only recently discovered the superb disc after catching the duo's incredible performance at the Doheny Blues Festival in Dana Point, CA. Sisters Rebecca Lovell (lead vocals, electric guitar) and Megan Lovell (lap steel, slide guitar, keyboards, backing vocals) are from Georgia and have carved out a bona fide sound that blends the blues-infused Southern rock and style of the Allman Brothers with the harmonies and magic of Sweden's First Aid Kit (the latter a roots-minded duo also featuring two talented sisters). On Peach, Larkin Poe offers up a mix of outstanding original material and reworked classics they make their own. Standouts on the 10-track collection include their own rollicking "Freedom" and the introspective blues ballad "Pink & Red," as well as a rousing cover of the traditional African-American work song "Black Betty" and a tender take on Robert Johnson's iconic "Come On In My Kitchen." Information: www.LarkinPoe.com.



Robert Kinsler


No comments:

Post a Comment