Fans of modern and classic rock, power pop, jazz, Americana and blues all have reason to celebrate thanks to a particularly strong field of new releases.
Title: The Battle at Garden's Gate (Republic)
You might like if you enjoy: Greta Van Fleet, Led Zeppelin, Bad Company
Tell me more: There is a common oft-repeated perception that rock music is dead. Don't tell that to rising young rock quartet Greta Van Fleet, whose epic full-length sophomore album The Battle at Garden's Gate will be released on Friday, April 16. The Frankenmuth, Michigan-spawned outfit follows up their outstanding 2018 full-length debut Anthem of the Peaceful Army with a 12-track Greg Kurstin-produced album that is decidedly ambitious and filled with songs that simultaneously challenge and entice the listener. The evocative seven-minute "Age of Machine," luxurious "Broken Bells" (which spans from ballad to soaring anthem over its daring run) and absorbing "Heat Above" tap into everything that lovers of classic '70s rock love so much; dynamic performances featuring a mighty lead singer (Josh Kiszka's voice is a wonder), killer solos that masterfully propel each song's arc (lead guitarist Jake Kiszka delivers), and a strong rhythm section (bassist Sam Kiszka and drummer Danny Wagner). Every track is crucial; other exceptional originals include the dazzling "Built By Nations," acoustic-flavored "Tears By Rain" and electrifying "The Barbarians." Information: GretaVanFleet.com.
Title: In Another World (Universal Music Enterprises)
You might like if you enjoy: Cheap Trick, Matthew Sweet, The Smithereens
Tell me more: Enduring rock outfit Cheap Trick is back with In Another World, the quartet's first new album since 2017's Christmas Christmas holiday celebration. No band has ever fused power pop with hard rock as powerfully as the Rockford, Illinois-spawned Rock and Roll Hall of Famers and that is very much in evidence across their latest LP. Singer Robin Zander's signature vocals are as sharp as ever; just listen to the driving rocker "Boys & Girls & Rock N Roll" (bolstered by Rick Nielsen's fiery guitar work) and even heavier "Light Up The Fire" (which recalls the AC/DC meets Beatles approach of the Smithereens' best material). The parade of tracks is charged from start to finish; the shimmering harmonies-filled opener "The Summer Looks Good On You," tuneful "Quit Waking Me Up," Beatlesque "Passing Through" and inspired take on John Lennon's "Gimme Some Truth" are among my other faves. Originally set to be released in late 2018, In Another World was delayed by the arrival of the COVID-19 global pandemic. Nice to be able to crank this one up now. Information: CheapTrick.com.
Title: Miniatures (Ken Sharp)
You might like if you enjoy: Paul McCartney, Badfinger, Pugwash
Tell me more: Singer-songwriter Ken Sharp uses Miniatures to convincingly prove that less can certainly be more. The songs on his new LP are short and sweet to be sure; all clock in at under two minutes. With an impressive 32 tracks on Miniatures, there are tune-filled joys aplenty. The chamber pop confessional "Me and My Big Fat Mouth," McCartneyesque "Susannah Silently Shining" and "Rise," up-tempo folk rocker "Day In Night," jazzy "A Kind of Blue and Smokey Too," nostalgic "Stack O' Records" and shining "My Lullaby" are early nuggets. The wealth of riches continues with the romantic "If I Called You," the confessional "Growing Up So Fast," dreamy "Perfect Sun," biting "Down The Drain," infectious power-pop confection "Somethings Happening" and the poignant "Jeanne I Will Remember." The disc closes with the stellar Baroque-styled title track, enhanced by exquisite toy piano magic. Information: ken-sharp.com.
Title: Fabulous Twilight (Danbury Fair Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: Raul Midón, Dire Straits, Jon Klages
Tell me more: The leap from rock to a decidedly more diverse soundscape is not an easy one, but but that hasn't deterred indie rock hero Jon Klages (The Individuals, Richard Lloyd Band) whose wonderful Fabulous Twilight is an inviting and polished collection of 11 new originals. Chief among the jazzy gems here are the breezy opener "Best That We Can," lovely "Rosalie," playful "Long-Tailed Cat," and wistful "1133 Ave. of the Americas (For Enoch Light)." Klages also delves into an array of other styles via the cool '60s-flavored instrumental "Too Cool for Spy School," the sparse blues of "Red-Dirt Country," funk-tinged "Kazoos Are People Too" and country tale of musical discovery titled "God Bless the Columbia House Record Club." Klages' smooth vocals and skilled fret work take center stage (just listen to the blazing "Remains"), with keyboardist Neil Larsen, bassist Davey Faragher, drummer Pete Thomas, backing vocalist Arnold McCuller and the Honey Whiskey Trio fortifying the album's impact. A portion of the proceeds of the album will benefit the Wild Honey Foundation's ongoing quest to aid for advancement in autism research. Information: JonKlages.com.
Title: Be the Change (Dome Records Ltd)
You might like if you enjoy: Gavin DeGraw, Donny Hathaway
Tell me more: With a rich soulful voice set amidst a rich palette of jazz, R&B, gospel, funk and other styles, Jarrod Lawson's "Be the Change" is a nice invitation to an immersive blend of musical riches. A top-flight singer and keyboardist, Lawson showcases his vocal talents on the grooving funk track "Battlefield," lush ballad "Love Isn't Always Enough," scintillating "Universal Chord," tender ballad "Evalee," smooth jazz swoop "Connected," soulful celebration of song "Soul Symphony" and bewitching "How Long." He is joined by guest vocalist Moonchild on the captivating duet "I'll Be Your Radio." Information: JarrodLawsonMusic.com.
Robert Kinsler
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