Don't let these late 2021 releases escape your notice. All are available now.
Title: Barn (Reprise Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Neil Young & Crazy Horse, Nils Lofgren, The War on Drugs
Tell me more: This has been a tough year to be sure with a burgeoning death toll from the pandemic, widespread crime, economic uncertainty and skyrocketing inflation among the challenges facing everyday Americans. One bright note was the glorious return of Neil Young & Crazy Horse via the stellar new album Barn. In summer 2021 singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Neil Young, guitarist Nils Lofgren, drummer Ralph Molina and bassist Billy Talbot gathered at a restored 19th century log barn to record over a few days; co-producer Niko Bolas set up an analog mobile recording truck adjacent to the barn and captured the magic with uncommon warmth via one of the year's best new albums.The 10-track collection of loose and inspired material includes the acoustic-flavored "Song Of The Seasons" (bolstered by some accordion work from Lofgren and sublime harmonies), the sweeping countrified rocker "Heading West," the autobiographical "Canerican" (Young's tale of leaving his native Canada for the U.S.), Americana-styled "They Might Be Lost," ferocious aptly-titled rocker "Human Race" and romantic "Thru The Years." Barn is available on vinyl, audio CD, cassette and digitally; there is also a deluxe edition that includes the LP, CD and Blu-ray film. Information: NeilYoungArchives.com.
Title: The Rare Reprise Singles (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, Trini Lopez
Tell me more: Early rock hero Trini Lopez enjoyed a long career highlighted by a string of recordings completed for Reprise Records during the 1960s. Now Omnivore Recordings has issued The Rare Reprise Singles, a 24-track collection of rare A- and B-sides recorded between 1962 and 1970. One of Latin music's first major crossover stars, the talented singer-guitarist shines across the wide-ranging collection. The disc features sweet ballads ("Let It Be Known," "Pretty Little Girl"), mid tempo pop (the soaring "Made in Paris," "Mexican Medicine Man"), rock 'n' roll and pop ("A-me -RI-CA," "I've Lost My Love For You," "Up To Now," "Five O'Clock World") and even Christmas songs ("The Little Drummer Boy" and "Silent Night / "Let There Be Peace"). Sadly, Lopez died from COVID-19 complications in Palm Springs, CA in August 2020. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.
Title: Earworms (Big Stir Records)
You might like if you enjoy: The Raspberries, Matthew Sweet, Roger Joseph Manning Jr., Big Star
Tell me more: Nick Frater's new album Earworms is a exhilarating sonic trip five decades into the past; the Croydon, England-based singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist mines the sonic territory of 1970s melodic rock with aplomb and a master's touch. The wistful "It's All Rumours" is a tuneful blast bound together with a catchy rhythm, lush harmonies and great lead vocals. That opening track is no fluke; subsequent originals spanning from the luxuriant "Buggin' Out" and Baroque sortie "What's With Your Heavy Heart? to the gorgeous "Desert Ships" and sweet-sounding "The Unbroken" are spectacular. While an initial listen will impress with the instantly-inviting melodious soundscape, closer and repeated listens cast a well-deserved spotlight on Frater's smart lyrics and sharp arrangements that further define the 10-song LP. Information: BigStirRecords.com.
Title: Retrospect in Retirement of Delay: The Solo Recordings (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: John Coltrane, McCoy Tyner, Elmo Hope
Tell me more: This year has seen a slew of lost and previously-unreleased recordings from the likes of The Beatles, Colin Blunstone, Michael Nesmith and Steve Goodman released. Add to that notable list Retrospect in Retirement of Delay: The Solo Recordings featuring jazz pianist-composer Hasaan Ibn Ali. The special two-disc, 21-track release is a dream come true for jazz lovers. The groundbreaking Philadelphia artist is primarily known for The Max Roach Trio Featuring the Legendary Hasaan released via Atlantic Records in 1965; sadly it was the only commercial recording featuring Ali's playing released during his short lifetime. Fortunately 2021 has seen Ali — who passed away in 1980 — reintroduced to a wider audience via Metaphysics: The Lost Atlantic Album (released March 5, 2021) and equally compelling Retrospect in Retirement of Delay: The Solo Recordings (issued on Nov. 19, 2021). The story of how Retrospect in Retirement of Delay: The Solo Recordings came to be is a tale 55 years in the making. Produced by the team of Alan Sukoenig, Lewis Porter and Grammy winner Cheryl Pawelski, the collection features mastering by Grammy winner Michael Graves and a wonderful booklet with essays and previously-unseen photos that shed more light on this important release. Ali's piano playing is breathtaking across the two discs (he is heard on a mix of originals and standards). Retrospect in Retirement of Delay: The Solo Recordings is currently available on audio CD and Digital; the title is set for release via a four-LP vinyl version in 2022. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.
Robert Kinsler
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