Title: Equals (Twenty First Century Recording Company)
You might like if you enjoy: U2, Simple Minds, Big Country
Tell me more: The Alarm's first album since 2010, Equals may well be the Rhyl, Wales-spawned troupe's best new studio LP since the final disc that featured the band's all-original lineup (1991's Raw"). Singer-songwriter Mike Peters' high-flying voice not only sounds the equal it did on the band's classic '80s material, but his message of love, diversity and faith rings more true than ever across the 11 original songs that comprise this stellar set. Equals is loaded with signature-styled anthems that are bolstered by infectious hooks and choruses. The straightforward lyrics here are in tune with the times to be sure, capturing Peters' belief in a better and more compassionate world. Songs such as the U2-flavored "Two Rivers," the intoxicating "Beautiful," probing "Crowd Trouble" and impassioned "Peace Now" are among the most spirited rockers ever crafted by the band; the hard-charging "Coming Backwards" also features some winning fretwork from Cult guitarist Billy Duffy. Other notable tracks include the textured folk rocker "Transatlantic" and bluesy "Hellfire." In addition to Peters' outstanding work on acoustic guitar and harmonica, credit for the LP's musical power extends to a sensational lineup featuring Smiley (drums, percussion, backing vocals), James Stevenson (guitar, backing vocals), Jules Jones Peters (piano and backing vocals) and George Williams (keyboards, bass guitar) . Good news for fans in Southern California; The Alarm is scheduled to perform at the Belly Up in Solana Beach on Aug. 23, at The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano on Aug. 24 and at The Rose in Pasadena on Aug. 25. Information: www.TheAlarm.com.
Title: Version 2.0: 20th Anniversary Edition (Stunvolume/PIAS)
You might like if you enjoy: The Pretenders, Garbage
Tell me more: Initially released in May 1998, Garbage's sophomore album Version 2.0 included enduring tracks "I Think I'm Paranoid," "Push It" and "Special." In addition to earning four Grammy Award nominations, the LP sold more than four million copies and pushed the boundaries of modern rock. In celebration of the 20th anniversary of the disc, Garbage has released Version 2.0: 20th Anniversary Edition. The expanded edition features the original 12-track remastered album on disc one, and 10 B-sides from the era on a second audio disc. Listening to the magnificent recording is to be reminded how contemporary and vital the album sounds even in 2018. The blend of melodic rock songcraft, groundbreaking digital effects and dynamic performances resonate fully in the here and now. Beyond the disc's '90s hits are a wealth of equally-recommended tracks; the electronica-draped rocker "Temptation Waits," tuneful "When I Grow Up," dreamy "The Trick is to Keep Breathing" and pulsating "Dumb" rival the radio hits. Moving to the second disc the urgent "13X Forever," opulent "Deadwood" and a sumptuous must-hear cover of the Big Star classic "Thirteen" are among the joyful entries chronicled. Garbage (which features its all-original lineup of singer Shirley Manson, guitarist-keyboardist Duke Erikson, guitarist Steve Marker and percussionist Butch Vig) will undertake a short U.S. tour in support of the release of the 20th Anniversary Edition of Version 2.0 that includes performances at Cosmopolitan Hotel in Las Vegas on Oct. 5, and at the Cal Jam festival at Glen Helen Regional Park in San Bernardino, CA on Oct. 6. Information: www.Garbage.com.
Title: At Your Birthday Party (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: R.E.M., the Smithereens
Tell me more: The melodic rock of indie band Guadalcanal Diary sounds as strong today as when the Marietta, Georgia-spawned band issued four full-length LPs courtesy of Elektra Records across the mid- and late 1980s. The newly-issued At Your Birthday Party adds an important chapter to the college rock favorite's short but storied history. The quartet's performance — recorded in January 1998 during a brief return — explodes from the get go. A blend of jangly melodic gems ("Trail of Tears," "Newborn,"), art damage ("Say Please") and more forceful independent rockers ("Country Club Gun," "Pretty is as Pretty Does," "The Likes of You") are unleashed with artful force. Material from all four of the band's original albums is covered on the concert recording, including the band's beloved hit "Watsui Rodeo." A year after the concert heard here was recorded on a 16-track recorder at Smith's Olde Bar in Atlanta, At Your Birthday Party was self-released as big "thank you" to fans of the band. The exciting new reissue has the added bonus of including new liner notes penned by frontman Murray Attaway. Omnivore Recordings has released this essential title for all to hear. Make sure you do. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.
Title: From the Vault: No Security — San Jose 1999 (Eagle Rock Entertainment)
You might like if you enjoy: The Rolling Stones
Tell me more: After kicking off their concert with a sizzling version of "Jumpin' Jack Flash," you might think it would be tough for The Rolling Stones to up their ante for another two hours. No need to worry. As evidenced on the new multi-format concert film and audio release "From the Vault: No Security — San Jose 1999," the enduring British rockers were more than ready to ride that opening salvo throughout the concert event. The rocking "Bitch," "Respectable" (with singer Mick Jagger playing some mean rhythm guitar), the sassy "Honky Tonk Woman," aptly-titled "I Got the Blues" and rarely-heard acoustic flavored "Saint Of Me" are all early standouts in the full-length performance. Later in the show, the capacity crowd (and viewers watching the wonderful concert film) are treated to affecting takes of "Paint It Black," a cover of Bobby Troup's "Route 66," "Tumbling Dice" and the night-ending one-two punch of "Brown Sugar" and "Sympathy for the Devil." Indeed, the night's set list packed in Rolling Stones hits spanning from the 1960s to the then recently-released 1997 "Bridges to Babylon" album. The latest title in the band's "The Vault" series, "No Security — San Jose 1999" is available as DVD + 2CD, Blu-ray + 2CD, 3LP and digital configurations. Information: www.eagle-rock.com.
Robert Kinsler
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