Title: Leaves on the Wind — Vol. 3: Can't Take The Sky From Me (Kiss My Squirrel Music)
You might like if you enjoy: Joss Whedon's "Firefly," the Jayhawks, Gram Parsons & Emmylou Harris
Tell me more: When Firefly first aired on the Fox network in September 2002, it immediately captured the attention of discerning fans (now known as "Browncoats") of science fiction with its unique cast of authentic characters, blend of outer space and Western landscapes, and sharp storytelling. Although the Joss Whedon-created series was cancelled after a mere 14 episodes, the influence of the series was profound (indeed the film "Serenity" was released in 2005 to critical acclaim). Look no further than the Fallen Stars' compelling trilogy titled Leaves on the Wind, with Vol. 3: Can't Take The Sky From Me having just been released. On volume 3 of Leaves on the Wind, musical duo Bobbo and Tracy Byrnes have crafted songs inspired by the final four episodes of "Firefly," as well as offering up their emotive take on Whedon's theme song for the series ("The Ballad of Serenity"). Fans of the first two "Leaves on the Wind" titles will pleased that "Can't Take The Sky From Me" is the equal with its Americana-styled songs capturing the magic of the series in song. The countrified rocker "Naked" serves as a duet for Tracy and Bobbo, whose voices shine alone or together in the spirited choruses. "Carry Me" is especially poignant, with an acoustic flavor and sweet melody that plays out in the verses and choruses. The rollicking "Home" and yearning "Here I Am" also capture the creative power of the groundbreaking sci-fi series. A portion of the proceeds from all three Leaves on the Wind titles go to support Equality Now, an organization working to end violence and discrimination against girls and women around the world. Information: thefallenstars.com.
Title: Wilkerson (SpyderPop Records)
You might like if you enjoy: ELO, Jellyfish, Paul McCartney, XTC
Tell me more: Listeners hungry for new music that is melodic, intelligent and ambitious almost beyond measure will be floored by Wilkerson, the brilliant debut from singer-songwriter Danny Wilkerson. The sonic ghosts of the Beatles, the Zombies, Jeff Lynne and XTC can be heard but to be sure the songs here are original and performances uniformly inspired. With songs this exceptional it doesn't hurt that Wilkerson is joined by an all-star cast of supporting players including Roger Joseph Manning Jr. (of Jellyfish, Imperial Drag and Beck fame) on keyboards and backing vocals, guitarist Pat Buchanan (Hall & Oates, Cyndi Lauper, Don Henley), multi-instrumentalist Joe Siders (The New Pornographers) and many others. If Jellyfish had teamed with Burt Bacharach it might sound something like the infectious opener "Everybody Loves to Love." The propulsive "Enough For Somebody" is buoyant and exuberant, perfectly capturing the joy of youthful love. Backed only by a string section, Wilkerson's inviting vocals shine on the probing "Endless Haze"; the Beatlesque "When Your Number's Up" puts his masterful talents as songwriter on display. The shimmering "How She Lost My Heart," lofty "Carry The One" and baroque pop "Let It Go Tonight" are late disc standouts. Produced and engineered by bleu, and mastered by Miles Showell at Abbey Road Studios in London, "Wilkerson" is an amazing debut. Information: spyderpop.com.
Title: Lords of the New Church: Special Edition (Blixa Sounds Records)
You might like if you enjoy: X, The Dead Boys
Tell me more: More than 35 years after its original release in 1982, the reissued and expanded deluxe edition of the self-titled debut from Lords of the New Church connects with surprising sway. The band was a supergroup of sorts, teaming punk rock pioneers Stiv Bator (The Dead Boys), Brian James (The Damned), Dave Tregunna (Sham 69) and Nick Turner (The Barracudas). The band's collective pedigree wouldn't have meant much if the Lords of the New Church didn't rock with the authority and musical might so clearly showcased across the two-disc set. The songs here highlight the band's skills to blend ferocious early punk sensibilities with classic melodic songcraft; the anti-war "Russian Roulette," goth rocker "New Church" mesmerizing rocker "Open Your Eyes" and cowpunk-flavored "Li'l Boys Play With Dolls" showcase the range of the quartet. A second disc chronicles the band's blistering full-length live performance at My Father's Place in 1982. An illustrated 12-page booklet with revealing liner notes penned by Craig Rosen adds additional depth to the title. Information: Blixa.com.
Artist: Boz Scaggs
Title: Out of the Blues (Concord Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Tinsley Ellis, Bon Scaggs
Tell me more: With his signature vocals at the helm, Box Scaggs delivers a great set of performances on the aptly-titled Out of the Blues. The self-produced collection features a mix of outstanding remakes as well as original compositions by songwriter and long-time friend Jack Walroth (including the great Chicago blues-styled "Radiator 110" and playful New Orleans rocker "Little Miss Night and Day," the latter co-penned with Scaggs). Perhaps the most affecting track on the top-tier set is a version of Neil Young's "On The Beach," the title track from Young's fifth solo album. When Scaggs sings "The world is turning / I hope it don't turn away" the listener can hear the pain and power in Scaggs' voice; the selection of this track may well have been influenced by the terrible fire that burned down the artist's home and all its contents in a massive wildfire that struck Napa, California in 2017. Scaggs has also assembled a number of famed studio pros to help bring heft to all blues-minded nine tracks — indeed drummer Jim Keltner, bassist Willie Weeks, keyboardist Jim Cox, and guitar greats Doyle Bramhall II, Ray Parker Jr. and Charlie Sexton shine at every turn. Information: BozScaggs.com.
Title: World Be Live (Mute Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Depeche Mode, Yaz
Tell me more: There was a time when live albums were seemingly a part of most established artists' discography. Listening to the terrific two-disc World Be Live from Erasure is to wish more popular artists would release concert recordings. The seminal synth pop duo Erasure (singer-songwriter Andy Bell and keyboardist Vince Clarke) is featured performing 24 tracks on the fast-moving release. World Be Live was recorded across two shows at the Event Apollo in London at the close of the group's sold-out UK World Be Gone tour. All the hits are too, and sound great. "Opening with "Oh L'Amour" and "Ship of Fools," fans are treated to favorites "Chains of Love," "Who Needs Love (Like That)," "Always," "Sometimes" and "A Little Respect" along the way. Erasure also digs deep into their catalog, performing tracks such as the lovely ballad "Mad As We Are," the catchy "Just a Little Love" from their 2017 "World Be Gone" album and even a rousing cover of Blondie's "Atomic." "World Be Live" is available in 2CD, triple vinyl and digital formats. Erasure is currently on tour and is scheduled to perform at the Wiltern Theater in Los Angeles on Aug. 21, 24, 25, 26, and at Symphony Hall in San Diego on Aug. 22. Information: ErasureInfo.com.
Robert Kinsler
I hope to hear the Boz Scaggs and Erasure albums soon.
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