Title: Greatest Other People's Hits (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: Bruce Springsteen, Fastball, the Minus Five
Tell me more: Singer-songwriter John Wesley Harding delivers in full on his delightful new LP Greatest Other People's Hits, a 17-track disc where he covers a diverse field of cuts while joined by a talented field of players who bring these lively reworkings to life. The Minus Five joins Harding for a shimmering take on Pete Seeger's "Words Words Words"; Fastball helps hit Joseph Egan's "Star" out of the park via bona fide power pop perfection; the wistful "Je Suis Venu Te Dire Que Je M'en Vais" poignant soundscape is further enlightened by Harding's vocal reading in French. Other artfully reworked standouts include a sparse take of Bruce Springsteen's "Jackson Cage," a teaming with the Universal Thump for a joyful run through George Harrison's "Wah Wah," and Americana-styled "Wreck on the Highway," the latter a live performance where the song's writer (the aforementioned Springsteen) contributes vocals and acoustic guitar. Other guests heard across the album include Lou Reed, Kelly Hogan and Rick Moody. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.
Title: Warning (Lasers Lasers Birmingham)
You might like if you enjoy: Phosphorescent, George Jones, Gram Parsons
Tell me more: Many of this writer's favorite artists have issued top-tier releases independently sans the support or bigger recording budgets afforded by working with a successful record label. Add to that list Los Angeles-based Lasers Lasers Birmingham whose Warning is an 11-track album that shines with the cosmic country sound of Gram Parsons even while infused with enough 21st century aplomb to make this the artist's own. Lasers Lasers Birmingham – the moniker for singer-songwriter Alex Owen – wrote the songs in a persona, an experience pushed even further after a near-death experience when he was in a car crash in the mountains of Ojai, CA. The real-world focused lyrics often find the lead character losing control in their life; to be sure the music finds singer-guitarist Owen and a collection of contributing musicians (along with noted producer Jason Soda) firmly in control as they unleash a bold brew blending authentic Americana, folk and rock. The lovely pedal steel-adorned title track, country rocker "After Party After Life," confessional acoustic nugget "Lead Me On", breezy "Numbers and Figures" and probing tale "What a Shame" are among the outstanding songs on Warning. Information: https://www.facebook.com/LasersLasersBirmingham/.
Written by: Chris Stamey (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: George and Ira Gershwin, Cole Porter
Tell me more: Written, arranged and produced by dB's co-founder Chris Stamey, New Songs for the 20th Century is an amazing album. The songs astound, as if lifted out of a time machine; to highlight some songs and note others is almost criminal. Those familiar with the Great American Songbook will likely be enthralled by this rich collection. Backed by the ModRec Orchestra, many great musicians bring Stamey's new songs to life. The beautiful and luxurious "I Don't Believe in Romance" features singer Caitlin Cary and has the magic of a Burt Bacharach classic; the wistful "What is This Music that I Hear?" and "On an Evening Such as This" are both bolstered by singer Kirsten Lambert's affecting vocals. The jazzy "There's Not a Cloud in the Sky" and more contemporary "I Am Yours" are among the memorable tracks on disc one. The jazzy "Beneath the Underdog" (featuring Marshall Crenshaw, Don Dixon and Django Haskins), the beautiful "In Spanish Harlem," and nuanced "Lover, Can You Hear Me?" bring equal power to the second disc. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.
Title: Universal Light (Highest Intention Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Bob Marley, 311, Andrew Tosh
Tell me more: Lovers of reggae music steeped in undeniable rhythms, strong lead vocals and good vibes will want to get a listen of the debut from San Francisco Bay Area band Highest Intention. Universal Light provides a welcome introduction for the Ben "Down" Lowe-led troupe, adept at offering up a range of songs. The romance-minded "Ocean," aptly-titled "Vibes" (complete with an extended instrumental section), tuneful "Riverside," jubilant "Escape" and horn section-bolstered "Hold Your Own Love" are among the excellent tracks on the disc. Information: highestintentionband.com.
Robert Kinsler
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