An eclectic mix of new studio albums and noteworthy reissues released on September 17 are featured in my column this week.
Title: From Dreams To Dust (Yep Roc Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Phosphorescent, Beck, Lou Reed
Tell me more: The Felice Brothers blend Americana, folk, rock, jazz and experimental styles with inviting songcraft in ways that are totally original. Add to that genre-defying mix the addition of lyrics that challenge and demand to be heard and you have something even more special. That is clearly on display on the troupe's new album From Dreams To Dust. The dazzling "Jazz on the Autobahn," rollicking sing-along "To-Do List," eerie "Money Talks" and descriptive "We Shall Live Again" begin to showcase the depth and range of The Felice Brothers — Ian Felice, James Felice, Jesske Hume and drummer Will Lawrence. The album was recorded in a 30-by-40 foot church built in 1873 that Ian Felice restored in upstate New York. Information: TheFeliceBrothers.com.
Title: Museum Of Tomorrow (Big Stir Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Matthew Sweet, The Three O' Clock, Rain Parade
Tell me more: The Museum Of Tomorrow is open and ready to whisk listeners into the future. The Speed Of Sound's wonderful return The Museum Of Tomorrow is the Manchester, England-based band's fifth album and features 13 songs (tracks are dubbed "Exhibits" on the disc). The Speed Of Sound features John Armstrong (songwriting, guitars, vocals), Ann-Marie Crowley (vocals, guitar), Kevin Roache (bass), John Broadhurst (drums) and Henry Armstrong (keyboards); each and every track on the collective's latest effort could be a single. Indeed, the songs across Museum Of Tomorrow are uniformly tuneful, throught-provoking and original. The exhilarating power pop-mining "Tomorrow's World," punk-styled "Opium Eyes," shimmering "Zombie Century" and dazzling "Shadow Factory" shine in Gallery 1 (the first half of the album). The post-punk sortie "Impossible Past," '60s-drenched delight "Leaf Blower," inventive "The Day The Earth Caught Fire" and melodious "Last Orders" are standouts in Gallery 2. Museum Of Tomorrow is available on both audio CD and vinyl. The deluxe LP edition of Museum Of Tomorrow is in 170g heavy weight vinyl, mastered specifically for the format at Vibration Sound Studio in Manchester and pressed in a split-issue of traditional black and also a very limited run in color. Information: BigStirRecords.com.
Title: Lindsey Buckingham (Reprise Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Fleetwood Mac, Lindsey Buckingham
Tell me more: In the wake of his unjustified firing from Fleetwood Mac in early 2018 and life-saving open-heart surgery in 2019, singer-songwriter/guitar great Lindsey Buckingham has rebounded with his eponymous self-produced seventh solo album (released Sept. 17). The songs featured on Lindsey Buckingham soar via stellar songcraft, inviting lead and layered vocals, along with Buckingham's signature fingerpicking guitar style which remains a marvel. Highlights on "Lindsey Buckingham" include the instantly-memorable single "On The Wrong Side," luxurious "I Don't Mind," infectious "Blind Love" and more experimental "Scream" and "Power Down." Buckingham also delivers an especially emotive cover of the Pozo-Seco Singers' 1966 hit "Time." "Lindsey Buckingham" is available via vinyl, audio CD, on digital and streaming services. Information: LindseyBuckingham.com.
Titles: Songs of the Spires; Walk on Well Lighted Streets; Welcoming a New Ice Age (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: Sparks, Devo, Pet Shop Boys
Tell me more: The 1980s synth-pop group Gleaming Spires is back courtesy of Omnivore Recordings, which has just released three expanded albums from the Los Angeles group. Formed by David Kendrick and Leslie Bohem (both were previously members of Bates Motel), Gleaming Spires' Songs of the Spires remains a fascinating listen with its mix of material that ranges from edgy early electronica ("Going Hey Hey," "Are You Ready for the Sex Girls?") and uptempo tracks ("When Love Goes Under Glass," "Watch Your Blood Beat") to pretty synth-anchored forays ("While We Can," "The End of All Good Things," "Talking in the Dark"). The expanded version of Songs of the Spires adds a rare B-side, the "Life Out on the Lawn" EP and six previously unissued Bates Motel tracks.
Gleaming Spires' 1985 album Welcoming a New Ice Age chronicles the growth of the group via the anthemic opener "Mercy," captivating title track, low-fi rocker "Your Secret Room" and alt rocker "What's Coming Next." Welcoming a New Ice Age adds four tracks from the "School Spirit" movie, which along with the tracks from the "Eleven Blue Men" sessions, receive their first official release. The wonderful packaging for these expanded editions includes additional artwork, lyrics, photos, an essay from producer Chaim O'Brien-Blumenthal and track-by-track commentary by Bohem and Kendrick. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.
Robert Kinsler
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