Neil Young + Promise Of The Real, Lotus and Ken Sharp are back with new must-hear releases.
Title: Noise & Flowers (Reprise)
You might like if you enjoy: Lukas Nelson, Promise Of The Real, Neil Young & Crazy Horse
Tell me more: Few rock artists are as prolific, gifted and eclectic as Neil Young. Listening to his recent release Noise & Flowers available on audio CD (the edition reviewed in this column) and via a deluxe edition that includes an LP, audio CD and Blu-ray featuring a concert film, it is amazing how the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer can sing the most intimate of quiet acoustic songs and then suddenly launch into thunderous rockers. The tracks on Noise & Flowers were captured on Neil Young + Promise Of The Real's 2019 European nine-date tour that began just two weeks after Young's lifetime friend and manager Elliot Roberts passed away. “Playing in his memory [made it] one of the most special tours ever,” Young says in the album’s liner notes. “We hit the road and took his great spirit with us into every song. This music belongs to no one. It’s in the air. Every note was played for music’s great friend, Elliot.” This collection offers raw and decidedly emotional takes on a far-flung range of Young gems. The classic "Mr. Soul" and "Alabama," explosive rocker "Throw Your Hatred Down," timely "Rockin' in the Free World," enduring "Helpless," rarely-heard '70s cut "Field of Opportunity," and gentle "From Hank to Hendrix" are among the songs that shine on the title. Information: NeilYoungArchives.com.
Title: Bloom and Recede (Frontiers Music Srl)
You might like if you enjoy: Moby, Tycho
Tell me more: The best electronica artists stretch their work beyond robotic beats and paint-by-numbers synth sounds to infuse their original music with emotion and experimental-focused creativity. Such is the case with Denver-spawned Lotus' new full-length album Bloom and Recede (out on Aug. 26, 2022). The nine tracks — crafted by talented brothers Luke and Jesse Miller — are enticing while challenging and rewarding the listener. The hypnotic opener "Desert Blooms" Latin-tinged celebration "Pluck," lush "Pacific Glow" (watch the official video for "Pacific Glow" HERE), immersive "Time Dilates" and cinematic "Desert Recedes." The diverse field of instrumentals also benefit from some stellar guitar work that pumps up the electronic-anchored soundscape. Lotus will be appearing at a number of upcoming festivals, including the Summerdance festival over Labor Day Weekend in Nelson Ledges Quarry Park in Garrettsville, OH. Information: LotusVibes.com.
Title: I'll Remember The Laughter (AFM Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Fountains of Wayne, Rick Springfield, The Zombies' "Odyssey and Oracle"
Tell me more: Singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Ken Sharp's marathon-length 7th album I'll Remember the Laughter features 50 songs; even better not a moment on the album is wasted. "Like most people, the pandemic turned my world upside down, but in that isolation, I was deeply inspired and found solace in creativity, writing/recording my music, and this robust productivity spurred the creation of some of my best music," Sharp noted of the new project. Indeed, the range of material extends from the tuneful opener "Maybe Next Summer" (Sharp is featured on lead and background vocals, piano, organ, Moog, tremelo guitar, mellotron vibes, sleigh bells, percussion on the track!) and Baroque pop swirl “Say Goodbye To One Of The Good Ones” to the driving indie rocker "There Goes My Sanity," the power pop sortie "Lady Godiva," tuneful garage rocker "It Pays To Be A Rock & Roll Star" and Philadelphia soul-steeped "Philly Get Back." Adding to the magic are the contributions of Rick Springfield, who adds vocal firepower on "Comic Book Heroes" and "I'm Your Superman." Other interesting tracks on I'll Remember the Laughter include Sharp's original psychedelic-flavored “I Am You, You Are Me,” a shimmering take on The Who's "The Kids Are Alright," Beatlesque version of Gene Simmons' "Mr. Make Believe" and lovely reading of Davy Jones' "Girl" — the latter featuring Roger Manning of Jellyfish fame on piano. Information: ken-sharp.com.
Robert Kinsler
1 comment:
It’s almost impossible to keep up with Neil Young’s release schedule these days. Thanks for covering this.
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