Early October is being met with the arrival of a slew of fantastic new album releases.
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: 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: 10 Songs (Red Telephone Box)
You might like if you enjoy: Travis, Blur, early Coldplay
Tell me more: Travis is back with one of the best albums of their 30-year history, the stunning 10 Songs. Co-produced by lead singer Fran Healy and Robin Baynton (Coldplay, Florence & The Machine), 10 Songs marks both a dramatic step forward and a decidedly deep connection with the Glasgow, Scotland-based band's rich past. The group's Post-Britpop sound is there to be sure, but there is a mature tone across the disc that finds Healy tackling life with an especially perceptive and sensitive touch. The album is filled with songs that look at love and its mysterious reach, all delivered sans cliche. The gorgeous opener "Waving At The Window," touching "The Only Thing" (featuring guest vocalist Susanna Hoffs), yearning "Nina's Song" and sparse piano-anchored "No Love Lost" are poignant reminders of how special Travis remains. In addition to Healy, Travis' all-original lineup includes lead guitarist Andy Dunlop, bassist Dougie Payne and drummer Neil Primrose, all of whom whose refined musicianship adds welcome layers to 10 Songs. Information: TravisOnline.com.
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, 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/.
Robert Kinsler
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