Tuesday, March 05, 2019

Reviews: Vinyl Box Set, New Albums

A trio of outstanding collections are available now, including a newly-issued vinyl box set featuring The Zombies and new albums from Eric Gales and Nick Waterhouse.



Artist: The Zombies
Title: The Complete Studio Recordings (Varèse Sarabande Records)
You might like if you enjoy: The Zombies, the Hollies
Tell me more: With The Zombies set to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame later this month, there is no time better than the present to grab a copy of a special box set that features both U.S. studio albums, two great compilations as well as a bonus collection of rare singles and United Kingdom-only album tracks. The Complete Studio Recordings features five LPs on 180 gram vinyl and proves to be the most comprehensive vinyl collection of The Zombies' '60s recordings ever gathered together. The packaging is as beautiful as the sound and all five albums are housed in a box to help protect and treasure this amazing set. As for songs, casual rock fans will immediately appreciate the sound of timeless hits such "She's Not There," "Tell Her No" and "Time of the Season," while discerning fans will be immersed in each and every of the 60+ cuts. The blend of R&B, jazz and rock celebrated in sophisticated and groundbreaking recordings that made the British quintet so original from their formation in the early '60s is fully on display via this incredible collection. Information: VareseSarabande.com.



Artist: Eric Gales
Title: The Bookends (Mascot Label Group)
You might like if you enjoy: Gary Clark Jr., Doyle Bramhall II, Beth Hart, Gary Clark Jr.
Tell me more: Singer-songwriter/guitar virtuoso Eric Gales' latest album The Bookends will appeal to fans of blues-rock, jaw-dropping guitar work and top-tier songcraft. The Memphis, Tennessee native's 11-track disc boasts a number of style-rich moodscapes. "Something's Gotta Give" (featuring guest B. Slade) features a breezy intro with acoustic guitar forming the backdrop before the song excels via a soulful-pop funk run. The tender R&B-flavored "Southpaw Serenade (with guest Doyle Bramhall II) builds to an explosive finale; the powerful "Reaching For A Change" is a riff-rock blues-rock blaster with introspective lyrics that speak of life's uncertain journey and the quest to beat the hard times and fight the pain. Gales also revisits one of the Beatles' great originals, with his reworking of "With A Little Help From My Friends" matching his strong baritone with the emotive soprano of Beth Hart. The Bookends is a masterful album from start to finish. Information: MascotLabelGroup.com.



Artist: Nick Waterhouse
Title: Nick Waterhouse (Innovative Leisure)
You might like if you enjoy: JD McPherson, Dean Martin
Tell me more: Retro sounds of the mid-1950s are everywhere on the self-titled album from Nick Waterhouse. A listen through the 11-track LP is a trip to a bygone era even while the music surges with the energy and feel of a modern-day release. The disc has a super cool vibe as evidenced by the '60s-mining R&B of "By Heart" and "I Feel An Urge Coming On," rockabilly-meets-garage rock of "Song For Winners," and Rhythm 'n' Blues of "Black Glass." The swinging "Wreck The Rod" is another standout, complete with blasting horns, the pounding piano and Waterhouse's wonderful baritone growl. Information: NickWaterhouse.com.


Robert Kinsler

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