Here are my latest listens that are definitely worth sharing in hopes you will delight in these titles too!
Title: Young Blood (American Records / Republic Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Gary Clark Jr., Marcus King Band, Walter Trout
Tell me more: Singer-songwriter/guitar master Marcus King is back with Young Blood, a sharp 11-track set of hard-hitting Southern-fried blues rock. Music lovers who miss the guitar heroes of yesteryear should run out and pick up King's new album. While listeners thrill in King's otherworldly talents (King began playing guitar at age 3), they will be gripped by a set of songs that collectively chronicle a dark period for King following a devastating break-up. The artist honestly addresses drug and alcohol excess as well as the real-life issues of depression and mental health. Tracks such as "It's Too Late," "Lie Lie Lie," "Pain" and "Good and Gone" showcase the rising 26-year-old South Carolina native focusing simultaneously on his signature gritty vocals and astonishing lead guitar work in the service of stylish genre-meshing songs blending Southern rock, blues and soul in good measure. Elsewhere — take the lovely "Rescue Me," sparse "Blues Worse Than I Ever Had" and groove-centered "Blood On The Tracks" and "Dark Cloud" — King uses his influences to create that same kind of dynamic firepower amidst a relatively quiet storm. Information: MarcusKingOfficial.com.
Title: Cover Story (Off The Beaten Track Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: Kate Bush, Bat for Lashes, Gypsy Soul
Tell me more: For an independent artist to defy the odds and release a parade of 15 celebrated albums is impressive. But that is truly the continuing saga of Gypsy Soul, a genre-defying duo featuring the talents of singer Cilette Swann and multi-instrumentalist Roman Morykit. The musical pair have returned with Cover Story, a disc filled with reworked and original takes of selections by 10 notable artists who have influenced their own music. The completion of the wonderful album was uncertain when the husband-and-wife duo were both stricken with COVID in 2021 and Morykit almost died from complications from the coronavirus. These are not simple paint-by-numbers presentations of the originals — there is a level of creativity and craft that is palpable across the album. Songs that benefit from Gypsy Soul's adventuresome reinterpretations include Duran Duran's "Ordinary World," Tears For Fears' "Mad World," Van Morrison's "Into The Mystic," Peter Gabriel's "Don't Give Up" and The Beatles' "Day Tripper," the latter a delightful blend of jazzy and blues stylings. Information: GypsySoul.com.
Title: Supernatural Soul (AFM Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Ben E. King, Vintage Trouble, Bootsy Collins, Bette Smith
Tell me more: Recently a group of friends and admirers joined forces to celebrate the talents of the late soul singer great Ben E. King (who sadly passed away in April 2015) with recut versions of his best-known classics. The results shine across Supernatural Soul, an 11-track album available now via audio CD and on vinyl. Highlights on this excellent celebration include the affecting "Stand By Me" (bolstered by a wonderful tandem vocals between King and Bette Smith as well as flashy guitar work from Ronnie Earl), the funky gem "Supernatural Thing" with bass virtuoso Bootsy Collins, the lovely "Spanish Harlem" (featuring flamenco guitar master Rafael Riqueni), soulful "Don't Play That Song (You Lied)," grooving "Do It In The Name Of Love" and smooth R&B cut "I Had A Love." Information: Order the CD and/or vinyl HERE.
Title: We All Shine On: Celebrating The Music Of 1970 (Spyderpop Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Power Pop, 1970s rock and pop music, Lannie Flowers
Tell me more: Anyone interested in getting a bona fide introduction — or immersive reminder — about the strength of music released in 1970 need simply listen to the wonderful new collection We All Shine On: Celebrating The Music Of 1970. Produced by celebrated music journalist/author/drummer John M. Borack, the 22-track collection features a myriad of artists covering some of the most beloved cuts of 1970 with stylish aplomb. Kicking off with Alan Petsche and Delbert Raines' soulful rendition of "Are You Ready" the track is bolstered by a gospel choir and fiery lead guitar work. Other early standouts on the outstanding collection include Bill Lloyd's rootsy take on Randy Newman's "Mama Told Me Not To Come," the Armoires' melodious reading of "Yellow River," Mitch Easter' inventive reworking of the Delfonics' "Didn't I (Blow Your Mind This Time)," Lannie Flowers' alt country-styled take on "Walk A Mile In My Shoes" and the Popdudes' rousing version of the Guess Who's "Share The Land." The track listing retains its magic and power on the second half of the disc courtesy of The Brothers Steve's inspired reading of the Neil Diamond hit "Crackling' Rosie," the Legal Matters' exuberant run through George Harrison's "What Is Life," the Test Pressings' rollicking take on "Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes)" and Diamond Hands' psychedelic-meets-garage rock spin jaunt through the Kinks classic "Lola." A terrific collection from start to finish. Information: BigStirRecords.com.
Robert Kinsler
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