Amidst the darkness of 2022 comes a long line of marvelous new album releases.
Title: Rabbit Foot Carnival (Blackwater Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones' "Exhile on Main Street"
Tell me more: Acclaimed singer-songwriter Michael Ubaldini is back with Rabbit Foot Carnival, a bona fide masterwork that finds the acclaimed artist using rich melody-adorned songcraft to ignite his literate observations on life, love, death, faith, the frayed American dream and the uncertain forces that propel each of us toward an uncertain tomorrow. Effortlessly dipping into roots rock, Americana, country blues, folk and gospel across 14 original songs, Ubaldini uses that vast sonic canvas along with his signature songwriting to zero in on these especially troubled times. Early standout cuts on the album include the irresistible rocker "Lazarus Blues" (bolstered by the terrific gospel vocals of Julie Harris), spirited celebration of faith "Free If You Want It," rollicking old school rocker "Rats In Your Attic" and haunting acoustic blues sortie "Roadside Prayer." The magic continues with late disc standouts like the driving Rolling Stones-flavored "Sabre Jet," poignant "General Store," and "Love Up Close," and rollicking blues rocker "Black Diamond Train." Ubaldini will celebrate the release of Rabbit Foot Carnival on the date of its June 3 release with a performance at the NAMM Sheraton Park Stage at 6 p.m. as part of the NAMM Show coming to Anaheim. He will also perform at Cooks Corner, 19152 Santiago Canyon Road, Trabuco Canyon, from noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 4. Information: rocknrollpoet.com.
Title: If Only (Big Stir Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Cheap Trick's debut album, Dinosaur Jr., X
Tell me more: Los Angeles-based quartet Walker Brigade's debut album If Only is equal parts hard hitting post-punk and melodic indie rock. The band's winning approach plays out across the outstanding disc, which includes 13 standard tracks along with six bonus cuts. Like groundbreaking Los Angeles band X, Walker Brigade has an effective one-two punch courtesy of the male-female vocals of guitarists Jeff Charreaux and Tracy Walker; their sharp vocals come in service of songs that are catchy and propelled by solid musicianship from the entire band (which also includes drummer Craig Tyrka and bassist Mark Fletcher). Among the highlights on If Only is roaring "Fallout," glam-mining "Tower," genre-defying delight "Judy Holliday," harmonies-anchored lead single "Choker," punk-fueled "Sand In My Joints" and glorious version of Robyn Hitchcock's "I Wanna Destroy You." Information: bigstirrecords.com.
Title: Bitches Blues (Stony Plain Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Grace Potter, Janis Joplin, Sass Jordan
Tell me more: Following up on her 2020 album Rebel Moon Blues, Canadian songstress Sass Jordan is set to release her latest foray into the enduring genre via the wonderful Bitches Blues. The album puts the celebrated singer's powerful soprano front and center, with her signature vocals enhanced by the work of an amazing cast of players (guitarists Chris Caddell and Jimmy Reid, bassist-harmonica great Steve Mariner, drummer Cassius Pereira, keyboardist-backing vocalist Jesse O'Brien). The album features eight enticing electric blues tracks, including the blistering opener "Still Alive and Well," heartfelt piano-anchored blues ballad "Even," compelling "Still The World Goes Round," Delta-flavored "You Gotta Move," infectious "Ain't No Big Deal On You" and yearning "Change Is Coming." Bitches Blues will be available June 3 via Stony Plain Records. Information: StonyPlainRecords.com.
Title: Diamond Star Halos (Mercury Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Def Leppard, Queen, T. Rex
Tell me more: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame British rockers Def Leppard have returned with their long-awaited Diamond Star Halos, an album that offers up plenty of new sonic pay dirt while delivering on the distinctive sound (and parade of hits!) forged by the troupe in the 1980s and '90s. Highlights on the 15-track album include the soaring "Take What You Want," reflective "This Guitar" (featuring guest Alison Krauss sharing vocals with lead singer Joe Elliot), the sing-along "Fire It Up" (bolstered by Phil Collen's dazzling guitar work throughout), mellifluous "Liquid Dust," lovely Baroque power ballad "Goodbye For Good This Time" and introspective rocker "Open Your Eyes." A limited edition version of Def Leppard's 12th studio album — not reviewed here and available as an import — features 17 tracks. Information: DefLeppard.com.
Title: You Broke Me (Maple House Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Buddy Guy, Dennis Jones Band, Vintage Trouble,
Tell me more: Fans of both Chicago and Southern blues will find plenty to love about Pittsburgh troupe Ghost Hounds. I was fully impressed when I caught the band open for The Rolling Stones in Austin last year, and the sextet fully delivers on the energy they displayed in concert via their new album You Broke Me. Lead singer Tre Nation's potent lead vocals are the central attraction, but the contributions of the rest of the band shine bright across the wonderful nine-track disc; guitarist Johnny Baab, guitarist Thomas Tull, bassist Bennett Miller, drummer Blaise Lanzetta and keyboardist Joe Monroe add magic on every track. The mighty blues cut "Through Being Blue Over You," smoking title track, infectious blues rocker "Baby We're Through" and blistering version of Howlin' Wolf's 1956 classic "Smokestack Lightning" are among the highlights on You Broke Me. Information: GhostHounds.com.
Title: Dance Fever (Republic Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Kate Bush, Florence + The Machine, Japanese Breakfast
Tell me more: Florence + The Machine's new album Dance Fever marks the first release by British songstress Florence Welch and company since 2018. The ambitious album fully delivers on the artist's far-flung themes and musical powers across its wonderful 14-track run. Written and produced across the span of two COVID-related lockdowns, work on the disc was completed in London and New York with producers Jack Antonoff and Dave Hayley (of Glass Animals fame). The majestic opener "King" (bolstered by all manner of sonic shifts), propulsive electronica-tinged "Free," soulful "Dream Girl Evil," anthemic "Cassandra," driving "Daffodil," acoustic "The Bomb" and intoxicating "My Love" are among the many standouts on the terrific return. Welch is a singer armed with a soprano that is both powerful and expressive, and the track listing across Dance Fever is the perfect expression of those marvelous gifts. Florence + The Machine are set to embark on a North American tour on Sept. 2, 2022, including two dates at The Hollywood Bowl on Oct. 14 and Oct. 15. Information: florenceandthemachine.net.
Robert Kinsler
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