A trio of highly-anticipated full-length tributes take center stage in my latest column, while a wonderful reissue of Heart singer Ann Wilson's earliest band The Daybreaks and a deluxe edition of a relatively-recent album from a rising Swedish hard rock band are also definitely worth discovering.
Title: Dolenz Sings Nesmith (7a Records)
You might like if you enjoy: The Monkees, Traffic, The Zombies
Tell me more: The Monkees' amazing 55-year story continues with the long-awaited release of Dolenz Sings Nesmith, a 14-song set where lead vocalist Micky Dolenz covers top-tier material penned by Michael Nesmith. Dolenz – who sang many of the Monkees' most beloved hits (including "Last Train to Clarksville," "Pleasant Valley Sunday," "Mary, Mary" and "Randy Scouse Git") – revisits a slew of great songs from his good friend and the band's most notable songwriter; these are songs that were previously sung by Nesmith with the Monkees or via his subsequent solo career, and all receive decidedly different arrangements courtesy of Michael Nesmith's son Christian Nesmith (who produced the essential set recorded between September 2020 and February 2021). "Different Drum" (a hit for Linda Ronstadt and The Stone Poneys in 1967) receives an upbeat, harmonica-adorned romp. The explosive Americana-styled "Propinquity (I've Just Begun to Care)" is an exuberant celebration of love that showcases Dolenz's signature vocals (which sound as great as ever). Equally powerful but tapping into '60s garage rock stylings is the driving "Little Red Rider." Other standouts abound on "Dolenz Sings Nesmith"; the beautiful acoustic gem "Only Bound," joyful Indian classical-flavored "Circle Sky," shimmering "Marie's Theme" and countrified "Don't Wait for Me." The audio CD version comes with a bonus track and includes a 36-page color booklet. Information: 7arecords.com.
Title: Standing in the Doorway: Chrissie Hynde Sings Bob Dylan (BMG)
You might like if you enjoy: Chrissie Hynde, Bob Dylan, The Pretenders
Tell me more: There is a reason that Bob Dylan – who celebrates his 80th birthday on May 24, 2021 – is one of the most celebrated and covered songwriters in the history of modern music; his songs have a poetry, timelessness and literate power that is instantly palpable. Listening to the majestic Standing in the Doorway: Chrissie Hynde Sings Bob Dylan is to celebrate the art of Robert Zimmerman's brilliance with the added bonus of singer-guitarist Chrissie Hynde bringing her own signature vocal style and interpretive firepower to the nine-track collection. Assisted by Pretenders lead guitarist James Walbourne, this is an acoustic-styled project that allows the power of the songs to breathe and reveal increasingly-profound layers with each listen. Hynde's album veers away from Dylan's best known material and instead explores favorite, mostly lesser-known songs that have connected with her more deeply. The gorgeous "Love Minus Zero / No Limit," inspired blues-heavy "Don't Fall Apart on Me Tonight," haunting "Blind Willie McTell," poignant "Sweetheart Like You" and reflective title track shine on one of the most distinguished titles of the first half of 2021. Information: ChrissieHynde.com.
Title: Still Wish You Were Here (Purple Pyramid Records / Cleopatra Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Pink Floyd, Yes, Rick Wakeman, King Crimson, progressive rock, classic rock
Tell me more: Pink Floyd's 1975 studio album Wish You Were Here obviously has its musical admirers. On the new full-length tribute to the album ("Still Wish You Were Here"), a who's who of rock greats contribute to revisiting the masterwork in its entirety. On the expansive opener "Shine On You Crazy Diamond (Parts 1-5)," singer Geoff Tate (Queensrÿche), guitarist Steve Hackett (Genesis), keyboardist Geoff Downes (Yes, ASIA), drummer Ian Paice (Deep Purple), flautist-saxophonist Mel Collins (King Crimson) and bassist Billy Sheehan join forces to bring the dreamy selection fully to life. On the forceful "Welcome to the Machine," singer-guitarist Todd Rundgren, keyboardist Rick Wakeman and bassist Tony Levin elevate the atmospheric favorite. The genre-blending rock track "Have a Cigar" spotlights the talents of Dream Theater singer James LaBrie, guitar great Steve Stevens, former Moody Blues keyboardist Patrick Moraz, drummer Rat Scabies (of The Damned) and bassist Jah Wobble (Public Image Ltd). Singer-guitarist Rik Emmett (of Triumph), guitar hero Joe Satriani, former Megadeath bassist David Ellefson, drummer Carmine Appice and the late multi-instrumentalist Edgar Froese (of Tangerine Dream fame) conjure up the magic of the beloved title track. The ambitious "Shine On You Crazy Diamond (Parts 6-9)" closes out the ambitious tribute, with keyboardist-vocalist Rod Argent (of The Zombies), groundbreaking guitarist Steve Hillage, dummer Ian Paice (Deep Purple) and bassist Bootsy Collins (Parliament-Funkadelic) adding a fiery approach to the track. Despite the army of diverse talents who share the spotlight across Still Wish You Were Here, there is a cohesive and artful flow that makes for a special listen. Still Wish You Were Here is available on audio CD in a beautiful six-panel deluxe digipak as well as a gorgeous gatefold vinyl in a variety of colors. Information: CleopatraRecords.com.
Title: The Daybreaks (TAWT)
You might like if you enjoy: Ann Wilson, Heart, Linda Ronstadt
Tell me more: Before Ann Wilson formed the band Heart with her sister (guitarist Nancy Wilson), the singer got her start in the late '60s with The Daybreaks. Now an EP of previously-unheard recordings from The Daybreaks has been released by Wilson . A fascinating and enjoyable listen, the EP includes the uptempo '60s-mining "Through Eyes and Glass," evocative chamber pop ballad "Standing Watching You," the bluesy "I'm Gonna Drink My Hurt Away" and Americana "Wonder How I Managed." Wilson's signature soprano carries the day across the four-song set. The four tracks are available digitally now; a limited edition 10-inch vinyl with a digital redemption code is available for pre-order. Information: AnnWilson.com.
Title: Heat Wave / Deluxe Edition (AFM Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Heart, Scorpions, Lita Ford, AC/DC, The Pretty Reckless
Tell me more: When it comes to the sound of '70s and '80s hard rock, things have come full circle in 2021 resulting in the explosion of interest in young bands including American outfits Dirty Honey, The Record Company, the Pretty Reckless and Greta Van Fleet. Add to that list growing acclaim for an all-female rock quartet from Sweden, Thundermother. The band's most recent album, Heat Wave, was released in July 2020 and did so well around the world that AFM Records released an expanded edition of the album that includes 10 previously-unreleased tracks along with the original track listing. This is a band whose ferocious sound and tight musical chops recall a cross between Back in Black-era AC/DC and early Scorpions (just listen to lead singer Guernica Mancini whose vocals are the equal of a young Klaus Meine). The material here is not always aimed at exploring new ground but Thundermother's hard-edged rock attack is so infectious the band's sound can't be denied. Highlights include the AC/DC-styled "Dog From Hell" and "Ghosts" (guitarist Filippa Nässil's fret work often recalls Angus Young), head-banging "Back in '76," rapid-fire heavy metal charge "Into The Mud" (showcasing the rhythm section of drummer Emlee Johansson and bassist Majsan Lindberg), the textured rock ballad "Sleep," and scorching "Driving In Style." The blues-rock original "Purple Sky" and meteoric melodic rocker "The Road Is Ours" are noteworthy for pushing the band's sound forward. The bonus tracks (a mix of live cuts, acoustic demos and studio recordings) are all essential. Information: Thundermother.com.
Robert Kinsler
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