Title: Power Up (Columbia Records Group)
You might like if you enjoy: AC/DC, Deep Purple's 2020 "Whoosh!"
Tell me more: Few bands have faced their demons and battled back with the kind of aplomb displayed by AC/DC. This is band that was seemingly doomed from the time founding lead singer Bon Scott died in February 1980. Major hearing issues for long-time vocalist Brian Johnsonthat led him to being temporarily replaced by Axl Rose in 2016, the death of founding rhythm guitarist Malcolm Young in 2017 and legal issues aplenty for drummer Phil Rudd were somehow overcome as evidenced on the hard rockers' brilliant 2020 return Power Up. Those worrying the Australia-spawned Rock and Roll Hall of Famers have lost a step fear not; this album rocks as hard as anything in their storied discography. My favorite tracks are the head-banging "Shot In The Dark" and "Systems Down," catchy instant-classic "Witch's Spell," bluesy "Kick You When You're Down" and "No Man's Land," and probing "Through The Mists Of Time." Truth be told, every cut on the album rocks. Information: acdc.com.
Title: A Different World (Action Skulls Music)
You might like if you enjoy: Gram Parsons & Emmylou Harris, the Cowsills, America
Tell me more: Action Skulls' sophomore album A Different World is a resounding, perfectly-crafted response to 2020's coronavirus pandemic. Armed with their winning vocal harmonies, obvious sonic chemistry, impressive musicianship and terrific songs, Vicki Peterson (the Bangles, the Continental Drifters), her husband John Cowsill (the Cowsills, a long-time member of Mike Love's Beach Boys touring band) and Bill Mumy (co-founder of the duo Barnes & Barnes, and a celebrated actor known for his memorable roles on "Lost In Space" and "Twilight Zone") wrote and recorded the Americana-flavored disc in the immediate aftermath of the COVID-19 outbreak. In a recent video interview, Mumy noted that he was very inspired to write about how Americans have reacted to the crisis, penning specific songs from different character points of view — amazingly he wrote 12 songs over a 14-day span. The songs stir with listeners sure to relate to numbers created in the early days of the new world we now all share. The baroque pop title track is bolstered by the refrain "Woke Up This Morning in a Different World," a line that is offered at first intimately and later via intoxicating Beach Boys-flavored vocal counterpoint. The album's first countrified single, "Social Distancing Blues," takes a calm and relaxed look at the state of the world when the pandemic arrived. Other songs provide a wry escape; the old-time bluegrass strains of "When I See You Again" and "I've Had Me Gin" along with the aptly-pegged "The Stay at Home Blues" artfully explore the challenges of sheltering in place in 2020. More poignant in tone are the wistful "Until Now," the lovely piano-anchored "You Heal My Soul," haunting "Cured by Love" and evocative "We've Got a Baby in Our House." The instrumental solo piano piece "Quarantined" is simply exquisite. Information: Facebook.com/actionskulls.
Title: Sad Hunk (Brushfire Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Bahamas, Dave Matthews, Donavon Frankenreiter
Tell me more: Bahamas (the moniker for Toronto, Canada-based singer-songwriter/self-taught guitar master Afie Jurvanen) has returned with Sad Hunk, his first full-length album since 2018's Earthtones. The good news for fans of the artist is that his winning streak of delivering nuanced and intimate originals blending pop, rock, R&B, soul, folk and even Caribbean styles continues to be fully on display across the 10-track LP. The nimble "Trick To Happy" is a breezy and confessional ride where the artist wonders if there is "Is there a trick to being happy" as he admits "life is moving past me." The beautiful acoustic ballad "Half Your Love" showcases his expressive baritone vocals while simultaneously examining how to mine the deepest reaches of romantic bliss. Other standouts on the new LP include the driving "Own Alone" (bolstered by some flashy guitar licks), the playful blues-tinged "Done Did Me No Good," acoustic surf rocker "Up With The Jones," true genre mash-up "Wisdom Of The World" and self-deprecating "Not Cool Anymore." The witty and literate songs that fill the disc are delivered with authenticity and artful arrangements, each adorned with inviting and skilled guitar work. Information: BahamasMusic.net.
Title: The Symbol Remains (Frontiers Music s.r.l.)
You might like if you enjoy: Blue Öyster Cult, classic rock
Tell me more: Before the release of Blue Öyster Cult's outstanding new release The Symbol Remains in early October, it had been nearly two decades since the classic rock quintet had last issued a new studio album (2001's Curse of the Hidden Mirror). The great news is The Symbol Remains was well worth the wait, an epic return where the American rockers prove they have plenty to say musically and lyrically. Rich harmonies, in-the-pocket riffs, prog-rock virtuosity and an obvious chemistry among the players add up to 14 tracks that hit their mark. Indeed, dueling guitar leads between Donald "Buck Dharma" Roeser and Richie Castellano on "Nightmare Epiphany" recall the thrilling firepower the two greats display at any BÖC concert. The band's long-recognized wide-ranging signature approach to creating songs that tap into a mix of rock styles plays out here; the razor sharp rockers "That Was Me" and "Box In My Head," dark goth-tinged "Edge of the World," infectious riff rocker "The Machine" (enhanced by a super melodic chorus), blues rocker "Train True (Lennie's Song)," driving "The Return of St. Cecilia," and colorful tale "Florida Man" are among the killer cuts on The Symbol Remains. In addition to the aforementioned Roeser and Castellano, BÖC's long-time lineup features singer-guitarist Eric Bloom, bassist Danny Miranda and drummer Jules Radino. Information: Blueoystercult.com/.
Title: Royal Tea (J&R Adventures)
You might like if you enjoy: Walter Trout, Eric Clapton, Joe Bonamassa
Tell me more: Joe Bonamassa's latest album Royal Tea is his strongest album to date, a compelling tour de force that showcases the New York native's amazing guitar work and commanding vocals served up with a full plate of killer original songs. Recorded at legendary Abbey Road Studios in January 2020 and produced by Kevin Shirley, Royal Tea thrills as a potent mixture of British blues and Bonamassa's own fusion of various strains of blues across 10 incredible cuts that serve as an immediate reminder why nothing beats the magic of a cohesive album. Bonamassa's guitar work continues to astound; what's more the infectious riffs and jaw-dropping solos always come in the service of absorbing song craft. Royal Tea is obvious nod to British blues rock but tagged with Bonamassa's spellbinding fretwork and backing gospel vocals. "A Conversation With Alice" mines '70s greats ranging from Bad Company and The Who to Steely Dan while still sounding fully like a Bonamassa track. The moody "Beyond The Silence" – featuring the talents of keyboardist Reese Wynans – is as beautiful as it is haunting. The heavy "Lookout Man!" shatters any stereotypes about blues being relegated to the past with Bonamassa and his musical mates equaling the might of any of their hard rock and punk contemporaries. Crank this one up. Information: JBonamassa.com.
Title: Whoosh! (earMusic / Edel)
You might like if you enjoy: Deep Purple, Rainbow
Tell me more: Deep Purple's 2020 release Whoosh! marked the 21st studio album from the hard-rocking British legends. Those wondering if the Rock and Roll Hall of Famers have lost a step need not fear. Part of the so-called "unholy trinity of British hard rock and heavy metal" (along with Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath), Deep Purple continues to defy the ages on its latest full-length album. It's remarkable to hear how forceful and compelling the outfit's timeless approach sounds in 2020; the 13-track album kicks off with the majestic "Throw My Bones," a great melodic rock rock track bolstered by Ian Gillan's signature vocals and Steve Morse's astonishing guitar work. The magic doesn't end there; Deep Purple (whose lineup also includes founding drummer Ian Paice, bassist Roger Glover and keyboardist Don Airey) thrill with songs that earn a place alongside bona fide band classics like "Highway Star," "Perfect Strangers" and "Knockin' at Your Back Door." The rocker "Drop the Weapon" is an assertive call for at-risk teens to step away from the dangers of crime in the big city — adorned with prog rock-worthy musicianship, lush vocals and an artfully plaintive ending. The probing "Nothing At All" is a true baroque rocker, with super enveloping vocal layers that lift the lofty choruses and buoyant keyboards. Another stellar original is the "The Power of the Moon," which blends goth rock stylings in the verses that perfectly offsets the more positive pull of the instrumental breaks and dynamic choruses. Listening to the album it's obvious the band — working for the third time with producer Bob Ezrin — continues to follow its rightful path to propel its sound to new depths. The striving "Long Way Round," purposeful "Man Alive" and apt album closer "Dancing In My Sleep" reflect that adventuresome wide ranging spirit. Elsewhere the quintet delivers winning straightforward rockers, notably "No Need To Shout," the old time rock 'n' roll-flavored "What the What" and blistering blues-tinged instrumental "And The Address." Whoosh! is another must-hear album from one of rock's enduring great bands. Information: DeepPurple.com.
Title: Song Machine: Season One–Strange Timez (Warner Bros./Parlophone)
You might like if you enjoy: Damon Albarn, Gorillaz, Beck
Tell me more: What do Beck, Elton John, Peter Hook, St. Vincent and The Cure's Robert Smith have in common? They join among the large cast of musical notables who guest on tracks – also known as "episodes" – across the ambitious Gorillaz album Song Machine: Season One – Strange Timez. The 7th album from the planet's most celebrated virtual band (featuring non-virtual singer/musician-producer Damon Albarn, artist Jamie Hewlett and producer-percussionist Remi Kabaka Jr.), the two-disc deluxe edition of the album features an additional five tracks beyond the standard release's dozen episodes and is worth exploring. Things blastoff with Robert Smith beaming in from a far-off corner of the sonic universe for the the synth-pop sortie "Strange Timez." Beck follows on the funk-flavored "The Valley of the Pagans." Peter Hook's signature bass playing adds New Order-styled dance floor urgency to the propulsive "Aries," a cut that simultaneously swirls around and immerses the listener in reflective bliss. Equally infectious is the driving "Désolé," featuring Albarn's melancholy vocals and Ivory Coast native Fatoumata Diawara's amazing soprano in a perfect creative union. Elton John (featured on "The Pink Phantom") hasn't sounded this relevant since his full-length collaboration with Leon Russell in 2010 (The Union). The deluxe edition of Strange Timez comes to a rousing finale with "How Far?"; that poignant episode features the late afrobeat ace Tony Allen (who also drummed in Albarn's The Good, The Bad & The Queen; Allen sadly passed away in April 2020). The masterful mix of genres artfully blended together and several dozen A-list artists who join Gorillaz on what is the troupe's best album since 2010's Plastic Beach make for a compelling journey to be sure. Information: Gorillaz.com.
Title: Ultrasound (Smoke Street Records)
You might like if you enjoy: dada, Jason Falkner, Blur's "The Magic Whip," the Beatles' "Abbey Road" and "Magical Mystery Tour"
Tell me more: As a member of the groundbreaking American rock trio dada, Michael Gurley's gifts as a top-tier vocalist, songwriter and guitar virtuoso have been impressing audiences since the early '90s. Along the way, the talented SoCal artist has also showcased his wide-ranging music abilities in a number of other projects including modern rock outfit Butterfly Jones, the jazz standards ensemble Mike Gurley and the Nightcaps — and until recently — lead guitarist for country music great Kiefer Sutherland. Now Gurley has released a full-length solo album Ultrasound, one of my favorite albums of 2020. As listenable as it is inventive, Ultrasound is filled with songs bolstered by soaring melody, dynamic choruses, nuanced lead vocals and Gurley's incredible lead guitar work. The atmospheric "I Don't Know Much" is an ambitious and spectacular opening, mixing folk and art rock styles along its alluring run. The stylish title track is a super cool rocker albeit with an exhilarating power pop-styled chorus that explodes amidst a sea of lush harmonies. The driving "Yes Yes Yes" boasts a dazzling British blues rock vibe complete with a searing guitar solo backed by the strong rhythm section of bassist Sean Hurley and drummer Victor Indrizzo. Turning on a dime, the gentle Baroque folk offering "Good Morning Girl" is enhanced by Gurley's subtle work on guitar as well as piano, organ, Mellotron and Wurzlitzer. "I Had A Dream Last Night That I Had A Dream" is flat out amazing; similarly the chamber pop gem "Madison Ellington" finds Gurley singing to the accompaniment of keyboards and a string section. Other standouts on this brilliant LP include the psychedelia-tinged "I Love Your Guitar," hypnotic rocker "Everything All The Time," '60s-mining "Tibetan Proverb" and beautiful guitar-anchored ballad "Under The Moon." Make sure to listen to this album with headphones everybody! Information: michaelgurleymusic.com.
Title: XOXO (Sham/Thirty Tigers)
You might like if you enjoy: The Jayhawks, The Fallen Stars, Mark Olson
Tell me more: The Jayhawks 11th full-length studio LP XOXO, released July 10, ranks with the Minneapolis-spawned troupe's most beloved albums. The intoxicating opening track "This Forgotten Town" welcomes listeners with a reflective moodscape, the band's nuanced and detailed approach revealed via a rich pastel of guitars, piano, rhythm section and lush vocal harmonies that build artfully before descending into a comforting quiet. A true democratic effort, all long-time core members (Gary Louris, Marc Perlman, Karen Grotberg and Tim O’Reagan) share lead vocal and songwriting duties across the album. The range of material reflects the team effort as evidenced by the tuneful power pop-styled rocker "Dogtown Days," Beatlesque "Living in a Bubble," piano-anchored chamber pop ballad "Ruby" and indie rocker "Society Pages" on the first half of the disc. The power of the album's track listing never dims; the country-tinged "Bitter Pill" finds Louris providing a tale about a weary wanderer's endless quest for happiness. The Jayhawks' lyrical portraits are as real and affecting as their music making to be sure; the lovely "Across My Field," ambitious harmonies-anchored rocker "Little Victories" and acoustic romantic lament "Looking Up Your Number" are exquisite. Those who buy the initial pressing of XOXO (on vinyl or audio CD) will be getting the deluxe edition of the LP, which offers three bonus tracks ("Jewel of the Trimbelle," "Then You Walked Away," "Hypocrite's Lament"), all of which add power and purpose to this wonderful return. Information: JayhawksOfficial.com.
Title: The Absence of Presence (Century Media)
You might like if you enjoy: Yes, Genesis, Kansas
Tell me more: Kansas returned in July with the ambitious The Absence of Presence, a full-length release produced by Zak Rizvi, which marked the prog-rock band's first new album since 2016's outstanding The Prelude Implicit. The Topeka, Kansas-spawned group's trademark sound rooted in dazzling virtuosity is displayed everywhere. The title track opens the proceedings, luxurious with violin, guitar, keyboards and rhythm section joining forces for an awe-inspiring soundscape that dials back when singer Ronnie Platt comes in with a probing lyrical verse. That song has a number of sections – some that race at breakneck speed and others that soar with symphonic splendor; all flow effortlessly and artfully together sans bombast. "Jets Overhead" starts with a solo piano before the band jumps in for an impressive instrumental display. "Circus of Illusion" begins with a relatively straightforward melodic rock approach that recalls '80s favorite ASIA, albeit adorned by David Ragsdale's distinctive violin play. Every cut on The Absence of Presence conjures up the magic of the band's best work, including the hard rocking "Throwing Mountains," reflective "Memories Down The Line" and thrilling "Animals on the Roof." Information: KansasBand.com.
Title: Self Made Man (Tricki-Woo Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Larkin Poe, Samantha Fish, The Record Company
Tell me more: Larkin Poe – sisters Rebecca Lovell and Megan Lovell – reached new heights on their stellar 2020 LP Self Made Man. The hard-hitting material on their fifth studio album is ideally suited for the Nashville-based duo's freewheeling approach with heavy Southern blues rockers "She's A Self Made Man" and "Holy Ghost Fire," the vocals-heavy "Keep Diggin'," inspired "Back Down South" and Delta blues dive "Danger Angel" fully celebrating the sisters' Southern roots with a decidedly contemporary sonic edge. Megan's soulful soprano shines across the disc, as evidenced by her amazing vocals on "God Moves On The Water," the soulful ballad "Every Bird That Flies" and lush "Tears Of Blue To Gold." Everywhere, Megan Lovell's artful and dazzling work lap steel guitar work and backing vocals lend welcome power and depth to the material. One of the summer of 2020's most exciting and welcome new releases. The duo provided some icing on the cake courtesy of their fantastic covers-mining album Kindred Spirits that was released on Nov. 20, 2020. Information: LarkinPoe.com.
Title: McCartney III (Capitol Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Paul McCartney's 1970 "McCartney," Neil Young, Beck
Tell me more: As the final great release of 2020, Sir Paul McCartney's decidedly lo-fi 18th solo album McCartney III (released Dec. 18) is the must-hear follow-up to 1970's McCartney, 1980's McCartney II and his 2005 disc Chaos and Creation in the Backyard. The material is diverse and there are definite treasures to be found for the faithful. The mostly-instrumental "Long Tailed Winter Bird," genre-bending "Find My Way," baroque folk flavored "Pretty Boys" and wistful piano-anchored "Women And Wives" are early enticing entries on McCartney III. The buoyant rocker "Lavatory Lil" and gentle "The Kiss Of Venus" recall McCartney's early solo work; "Deep Deep Feeling" is haunting and bolstered by some emotive lead guitar work. Late disc standouts include the sparse and tempting "Deep Down," and breezy unassuming acoustic closer "Winter Bird / When Winter Comes" (a "lost classic" collaboration between McCartney and the late George Martin). Although McCartney's youthful tenor is mostly in absentia, the 78-years-old artist's brilliant songwriting and musicianship — he plays nearly all instruments on the album — are on full display. Information: PaulMcCartney.com.
Title: Be True To Yourself (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: Badfinger, the Beatles
Tell me more: Classic rock aficionados often cite the story of Welsh/English rock band Badfinger as one of the era's most tragic tales. Despite being the first non-Beatles artist signed to Apple Records and scoring a number of timeless hits (including "Come and Get It," "No Matter What," "Day After Day," and "Baby Blue"), the band was struck with the suicide of several members (Pete Ham in 1975, Tom Evans in 1983) and sudden death of Mike Gibbins following a brain aneurysm in 2005. Singer-guitarist Joey Molland – the band's only surviving member of the quartet's classic early '70s lineup – is set to release his first album of new material (Be True To Yourself) in nearly 10 years on Friday, Oct. 16. And what a glorious collection of power pop it is. Lovingly produced by Mark Hudson (who also co-wrote the tracks with Molland), Be True To Yourself explodes with tunefulness, exceptional song craft and undeniable hooks associated with Badfinger's best recordings. The shimmering "Better Tomorrow," Beatlesque "Rainy Day Man," dreamy "Heaven," melodic power pop ballad "Loving You" and chamber pop foray "Be True To Yourself" only begin to paint a sonic picture of the magic displayed across "Be True To Yourself." Among the notable names contributing to the recording are Julian Lennon (who also took the amazing front and back cover photographs seen on the album), Micky Dolenz, Jason Scheff and Steve Holley. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.
Title: Twelfth (ATO Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Old 97's, Wilco, Rhett Miller
Tell me more: Rollicking, rowdy and twangy alt country rock offered up with wry and colorful literate tales are Old 97's' stock-in-trade. The band's August 2020 offering Twelfth delivers the goods with welcome zeal. Fans of the Dallas-spawned quartet (whose lineup is the same that was heard on their 1994 debut and every release since) will be swept up by the originals that fill Twelfth, their first since 2017's Graveyard Whistling. The razor sharp rocker "This House Got Ghosts" has a wonderfully dreamy sonic vibe layered atop a particularly effective tale of romantic loss. The hard charging "Turn Off The TV," wistful drinking song "Happy Hour" and reflective "I Like You Better" are other early LP standouts. The raucous indie-styled rocker "Confessional Boxing," gorgeous "Diamonds On Neptune," rockabilly-on-steroids romp "Bottle Rocket Baby," shimmering melodic nugget "Absence (What We've Got)" and rapt "Why Don't We Ever Say We're Sorry" are among the highlights later on. Twelfth is a terrific return. Information: old97s.com.
Title: Hate For Sale (BMG)
You might like if you enjoy: The Pretenders, Chrissie Hynde, Concrete Blonde
Tell me more: Singer-songwriter Chrissie Hynde and founding drummer/backing vocalist Martin Chambers, along with long-time touring members James Walbourne (lead guitar) and Nick Wilkinson (bass) returned in July with a batch of hard-hitting originals on Hate For Sale, including a title track that must be included in any reliable list ranking the Pretenders's most explosive-ever rockers. There are other uptempo forays splashed across the 10-track LP as well, with the '50s-tinged "Didn't Want To Be This Lonely" and biting "Turf Accountant Daddy" among this writer's other faves. Hynde is no one-trick pony, as evidenced by the beautiful retro-leaning ballad "You Can't Hurt a Fool" where she offers up some especially emotive vocals, and a yearning celebration of the mysteries of romantic passion detailed in "The Buzz." Other wonderful songs include the wistful "Maybe Love is in NYC," reggae-flavored "Lightning Man," high-octane rocker "I Didn't Know When To Stop" and tender disc-ending ballad "Crying In Public." Produced by legendary Stephen Street (The Smiths, Blur), the Pretenders' 11th studio album Hate For Sale marks a solid and exciting return that taps into the outfit's timeless resonance while forging into the future with weighty hooks in the here and now. Information: ThePretenders.com.
Title: Made of Rain (Cooking Vinyl)
You might like if you enjoy: The Psychedelic Furs, The Church
Tell me more: With the release of their eighth studio album Made of Rain — their first new album since 1991 — the Psychedelic Furs remind the world why the band remains one of the elite modern rock heroes to have emerged in the early 1980s. The London-spawned troupe's 12-song set released in late July 2020 is brilliant; this is a masterwork filled with cascading rockers, heaven-sent dream fields and golden sonic blasts that burst without faltering into hapless noisescapes. Singer-songwriter Richard Butler and his brother bassist Tim Butler, saxophonist Mars Williams, drummer Paul Garisto, keyboardist Amanda Kramer and guitarist Rich Good have an otherworldly ability to connect amidst the luxurious wall of sound, that approach aided by the stellar co-production of Richard Fortus (formerly of Richard and Tim Butler's mid-1990s band Love Spit Love, and a current member of Guns N' Roses). But a cool sound, top-tier musicianship and great production wouldn't mean much without great songs; thankfully fantastic tracks fill Made of Rain. The riveting "The Boy That Invented Rock & Roll," surging "Don't Believe," hypnotic "Wrong Train" and poignant "Ash Wednesday" help lead the charge on the first half of the LP. The decidedly raucous "Come All Ye Faithful," yearning rocker "No-One," tranquil "Tiny Hands" and disc ending arc of the ambitious "Stars" are among the standout on the last half of the LP. Information: ThePsychedelicFurs.com.
Title: Rawer Than Raw (Deep Rush/Thirty Tigers)
You might like if you enjoy: Bobby Rush, Robert Johnson, Willie Dixon, Muddy Waters
Tell me more: Anytime we get new music from Bobby Rush — now 86 — it is reason for true celebration. The fact that the Grammy winner and Blues Hall of Famer has released an album as potent as Rawer Than Raw is all the more sweet. The 11-track disc finds Rush covering a handful of legends from his adopted home state of Mississippi who influenced him when he was learning to play music and first performing. Although he was born in Louisiana, Rush has long called Mississippi home. Listening to his decidedly-loose acoustic covers of material from pioneering blues greats Robert Johnson and Skip James along with his 1950s and '60 contemporaries Howlin' Wolf, Muddy Waters and Sonny Boy Williamson II is to be transported back to the beginnings of the genre. The joyful "Shake It For Me" (a Willie Dixon-penned track originally recorded in the 1960s by Wolf), sparse "Sometimes I Wonder" and hypnotic blues harp-adorned "Let's Make Love Again," expressive "Honey Bee, Sail On" and blazing "Dust My Broom" are among the enthralling cuts on the outstanding album. Information: BobbyRushBluesman.com.
Tell me more: Anytime we get new music from Bobby Rush — now 86 — it is reason for true celebration. The fact that the Grammy winner and Blues Hall of Famer has released an album as potent as Rawer Than Raw is all the more sweet. The 11-track disc finds Rush covering a handful of legends from his adopted home state of Mississippi who influenced him when he was learning to play music and first performing. Although he was born in Louisiana, Rush has long called Mississippi home. Listening to his decidedly-loose acoustic covers of material from pioneering blues greats Robert Johnson and Skip James along with his 1950s and '60 contemporaries Howlin' Wolf, Muddy Waters and Sonny Boy Williamson II is to be transported back to the beginnings of the genre. The joyful "Shake It For Me" (a Willie Dixon-penned track originally recorded in the 1960s by Wolf), sparse "Sometimes I Wonder" and hypnotic blues harp-adorned "Let's Make Love Again," expressive "Honey Bee, Sail On" and blazing "Dust My Broom" are among the enthralling cuts on the outstanding album. Information: BobbyRushBluesman.com.
Title: Technicolor (Mono Mundo Recordings / Thirty Tigers)
You might like if you enjoy: Sass Jordan, The Mavericks
Tell me more: Lovers of both classic and modern rock will discover plenty to love about Cuban quintet Sweet Lizzy Project. The emerging Havana-spawned band's full-length American debut LP Technicolor bristles with a palpable energy and true originality across 10 alluring tracks. From the experimental psychedelic title cut to the reggae-tinged "Turn Up The Radio," there is a confidence and ambition that defies the group's humble roots planted far from from the long-established American rock scene. Case in point: the edgy "Ain't Nobody To Call" is an exhilarating and mesmerizing 3½-minute rush. Lead vocalist and lyricist Lisset Diaz has an expressive and lovely soprano, her vocals resonating whether singing in English or Spanish (just listen to the power ballad "These Words"). Her duet with Mavericks singer Raul Malo – the Baroque pop sortie "The Flower's In The Seed" – is another standout on the wonderful album. On "Travel to the Moon," Diaz sings of hopes for a peaceful future when humanity will venture into the cosmos while leaving behind the turmoil that grips our world in the here and now. The disc-ending "December 31st" is a gorgeous and sweeping genre-defying masterpiece that draws favorable comparisons with the heights reached by modern day heroes Radiohead, Other Lives and elbow. Sweet Lizzy Project's winning lineup is completed by co-writer and bandleader Miguel Comas (guitar), keyboardist Wilfredo Gatell, bassist Alejandro Gonzalez and drummer Angel Luis Millet. This is one writer – and admitted fan – who hopes America and the rest of the world catches on to this amazing young band. Information: SweetLizzyProject.com.
Title: Ordinary Madness (Provogue)
You might like if you enjoy: Joe Bonamassa, Eric Gales
Tell me more: Released on Aug. 28, Walter Trout's latest album Ordinary Madness showcases the wide range of the artist's strengths in full — his fiery fretwork, emotive lead vocals and confessional songwriting are on display everywhere. The 11-track disc finds Trout exploring a vast number of topics with purposeful candor. The title track that opens the collection somehow captures this uncertain time where months of quarantine, economic hardship and burgeoning turmoil in society have millions questioning their immediate and long-term future. But Trout can still see the good in the frayed world; just crank up "Wanna Dance," a blues rocker that finds the artist battling demons and mortality but armed with his music to heal — an explosive and infectious track that builds with each measure. Now 69, Trout celebrates his life and Baby Boomer generation with the rousing "OK Boomer." Loss and doubt are explored on the mid tempo "All Out Of Tears" and soulful ballad "My Foolish Pride; deep and consequential romantic love is revealed in the gorgeous "Heaven In Your Eyes." The inspired "Heartland" is an expressive account of a young woman who dreams of a larger world than the one she knows; this song is bolstered by rich Americana stylings (including Terry Andreadis' accordion and Drake "Munkihaid" Shining's Hammond B3 organ) and particularly expressive playing from Trout. Perhaps the most poignant selection on the album is "The Sun Is Going Down," where Trout — who survived liver failure and received a transplant in May 2014 — acknowledges the ill effects of time. The song starts with a laid back Delta-tinged vibe that gradually builds to a full-on rocking tour de force rife with his masterful lead guitar play. An epic return to be sure. Information: WalterTrout.com.
Title: Music Notes From The Underground (Blackwater Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, John Prine, Woody Guthrie
Tell me more: Singer-songwriter Michael Ubaldini is a true American treasure, having issued a long and acclaimed discography exploring a myriad of corners of the roots music universe including rockabilly, blues, folk, rock 'n' roll and Americana bound together by sophisticated songcraft. On the rock 'n' roll poet's latest LP Music Notes From The Underground, Ubaldini continues his life-long quest to share tales from the far-flung world around him via his rich and beguiling signature approach. We live in tumultuous times so it's no surprise that Ubaldini has more than a bit to say about the world at large even when armed with nothing more than his rich baritone vocals and acoustic guitar. On the well-aimed acoustic cut "Labels," he looks at the popular pastime of using bumper sticker tags to identify people: "Culture warrior, a redneck or a hick / a red or blue state, eccentric or sick / Put you in a space, easy to classify / From the time your born, until after you die." On "King Of The Paupers," he targets a pampered and angry know-it-all who is "one of the haves / and not one of the have nots." Followers of Ubaldini know he is far more than a one-trick troubadour. The tender "Blue Eyes Down On You" is a beautiful folk ballad, adorned by Ubaldini's outstanding and expressive harmonica work. The beautiful "Bells Of Harmony" is hopeful while "New Winds of Change" takes a more realistic look at a sky filled with dark clouds on the horizon "I Aint Ta' Returnin' Home" is a poetic and lushly-rendered confessional of farewell wrapped in a simple and elegant song. "Little Mama Everything's Alright" is a warm and reassuring dispatch of calm to close things out on another terrific album from the artist. Information: rocknrollpoet.com.
HONORABLE MENTION
Title: Total Freedom (Dualtone)
You might like if you enjoy: Jenny Lewis, Aimee Mann, Suzanne Vega
Tell me more: A masterwork of palpable power and artful perfection, Kathleen Edwards' eagerly-awaited return Total Freedom is the Canadian songstress' first new album since 2012's Voyageur. Back from her much-publicized six-year hiatus from the music industry (she opened and has been running a successful coffee shop and cafe called Quitters in her hometown of Stittsville, Ottawa), Edwards reflects on the people, places, dreams and challenges of a life renewed in a way that evokes the emotional might of fellow Canadian greats Neil Young and Bruce Cockburn but with a woman's voice. Like those artists' best work, Edwards' songs provide a potent and electrifying experience for discerning listeners. Emotional hurt is at the core of the weighty "Hard On Everyone," the track bolstered by layers of distant backing vocals, a driving rhythm and otherworldly guitar textures. Her renewed approach to creating music and charting her own path is displayed on the tender "Birds on a Feeder," an absorbing acoustic gem where amidst the arrival of spring she mines the album's title during the choruses when she proclaims "I've got total freedom" in recognition of her self-won independence. "Options Open" also tackles her newfound strength and sense of purpose, but from the perspective of turning 39 and knowing 40 looms. The aching "Feelings Fade," sparse "Ashes to Ashes," and swirling "Fools Ride" are emotional master strokes, her beautiful soprano working its magic amidst wondrous arrangements and Grammy Award-winning producer Ian Fitchuk's knockout touch in the studio. The touching "Who Rescued Who" and heart-rending ballad "Take It With You When You Go" close out the outstanding disc. Edwards' sound is a blend of Americana, pop and folk blended into a signature style that is displayed majestically across Total Freedom. Information: KathleenEdwards.com.
Title: ALPHABETLAND (Fat Possum Records)
You might like if you enjoy: X, John Doe, early punk rock
Tell me more: Listening to the new X album ALPHABETLAND, it's unbelievable to think this marks the Los Angeles quartet's first new album with their original lineup in 35 years. Released without advance notice on April 23, the music is explosive, raw and powerful, offering up that same potent spirit that marked the essential titles featuring singer Exene Cervenka, co-singer/bassist John Doe, guitarist Billy Zoom and drummer D.J. Bonebrake spanning from 1980's Los Angeles to 1985's Ain't Love Grand! Kicking things off with the driving title track, the signature co-vocals from Cervenka and Doe shimmer in unison over the driving rhythm. The anthemic "Free" soars, its run enhanced by some edgy lead guitar lines from Zoom. The infectious rocker "Strange Life," rapid-fire "Delta 88 Nightmare" and haunting "Angel On The Road" are early standouts. The wonderfully melodic "Cyrano DeBerger's Back" (enhanced by a dance groove and Zoom's saxophone play), raw punk rock blast "Goodbye Year, Goodbye" and poetic spoken word finale "All The Time in The Year" cap this welcome return from one of L.A. great bands. Information: xtheband.com.
Great list. I even have a few of these albums!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for this. Great list!
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