Title: This Night Falls Forever (Concord Records)
You might like if you enjoy: DeVotchKa
Tell me more: It's safe to say Denver-spawned troupe DeVotchKa has a sound that is fully original. So it's little wonder the quartet's highly-anticipated return via This Night Falls Forever has been greeted with strong reviews and universal fanfare. DeVotchKa's first new full-length studio LP since 2011's 100 Lovers, the new 10-track This Night Falls Forever has a sweeping, cinematic quality. Singer Nick Urata's spellbinding vocal tenor is featured amidst a blend of intoxicating rhythms and a palette featuring guitars, bouzouki, trumpet, tuba, piano, strings, percussion and more that transports the listener to a distant place that is nothing less than magical. The driving "Straight Shot," exotic cabaret-styled "Let Me Sleep" and symphonic grandeur of "Lose You in the Crowd" are early standouts on "This Night Falls Forever." Just as enticing is the gypsy goth rock of "Empty Vessels," spaghetti western-meets-Roy Orbison sortie "Done With Those Days" and anthemic rocker "Angels" that follow later on the LP. Kudos to Urata (guitar, piano, trumpet, more), Tom Hagerman (violin, accordion, more), Jeanie Schroder (vocals, flute, acoustic bass, more), Shawn King (percussion, trumpet) and a number of guest players who contribute to one of the most original and compelling new albums of 2018. Information: devotchka.net.
Title: If You Really Want (Artistry Music)
You might like if you enjoy: Jose Feliciano, Al Jarreau, Tower of Power
Tell me more: On his wonderful new album If You Really Want, singer-guitarist Raul Midón partners with the Vince Mendoza-conducted Metropole Orkest, a GRAMMY Award-winning Dutch ensemble that has previously collaborated with Elvis Costello, Laura Mvula, Al Jarreau and others. Midón's top-tier talents as lead vocalist, guitar virtuoso and ace tunesmith are the focus here even while the rich orchestral layers add supernatural power to the rich jazz tapestry heard across the 10-track album. The material on If You Really Want is a mix of new songs (including the buoyant "Ride on a Rainbow," mellifluous "If You Really Want" and sweeping "Ocean Dreamer") and new versions of Midón originals previously featured on other albums (including the lovely acoustic guitar-anchored "God's Dream," funk-tinged "Pick Somebody Up" and introspective "Suddenly"). Information: RaulMidon.com.
Title: Country Singer's Prayer (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: Dwight Yoakam, Buck Owens
Tell me more: More than 40 years after it was recorded, Buck Owens' last Capitol Records album has finally been released. Recorded in 1975, Country Singer's Prayer was never released by the label – likely because of widespread indifference to the title of the single of the same name. Listening to the stellar expanded edition of Country Singer's Prayer issued by Omnivore Recordings in 2018 is to wonder what the heck Capitol executives were thinking 43 years ago; the album is a stunning reflection of Owen's groundbreaking Bakersfield country music (an inspiration and influence on artists ranging from Ringo Starr and Gram Parsons to Dwight Yoakam). In addition to the album's original track listing, the new release features both B-sides from Owens' final two singles from the 1975-unissued LP. Fans of Owen's authentic country-western brew will be swept up by the disc's riches; dance-minded material ("John Law," "The Battle of New Orleans") and potent ballads (notably "A Different Kind of Sad" and "How's Everything") make this a rewarding listen from start to finish. The release is bolstered by new liner notes by Scott B. Bomar with interviews with long-time Buckaroos piano player Jim Shaw and Robert John Jones ("Rocky Topp"), who together co-wrote the memorable single "Country Singer's Prayer." Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.
Title: No More Questions (Sweet Sweet Records)
You might like if you enjoy: The Replacements, Big Star, early Foo Fighters
Tell me more: On the latest album from Los Angeles' Big Mother Gig, crafting melodic ear candy-layered tracks that simultaneously rock to the rafters sounds easy. But there is mastery across No More Questions as singer-guitarist Richard Jankovich and company unleash one involving and must-hear tuneful rocker after another. "Just Fly By," "Alvarado" and "Obliterate" have all the firepower of a classic Foo Fighters track. The wistful indie rocker "Soak in Your Dreams" has an explosive and exuberant chorus fueled by heavy guitars. "Reflecting Flashlights" is an introspective and timely look at life in the 21st century, rendered in poetic lyrical and sonic strokes. "Low Payout" is a full-on old school punk rock shot, featuring guest lead vocalist Dicky Barrett (the Mighty Mighty Bosstones). No More Questions is available for purchase at the band's shows, and will be officially released in early October. Make sure to pre-order the album and support this amazing band. Information: BigMotherGig.com.
Robert Kinsler
Love me some DeVotchka!! Great write up as usual.
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