Thursday, June 15, 2023

New music: Cowboy Junkies, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Jenny Lewis

Three veteran artists are back with wonderful returns.


Artist: 
Cowboy Junkies
Title: Such Ferocious Beauty (Cooking Vinyl)
You might like if you enjoy: Cowboy Junkies, Mazzy Star
Tell me more: Loss. Love. Aging and mortality. Those weighty themes — and others  are addressed with otherworldly beauty and poetic candor on Cowboy Junkies' latest album Such Ferocious Beauty. The Canadian indie rock heroes' music has always demanded that listeners immerse themselves in the group's sumptuous sound and introspective songcraft. That holds true across the masterful 10-track Such Ferocious Beauty. The disc features nuggets aplenty; the rootsy "What I Lost," experimental psychedelic-tinged "Flood" and sparse Americana offering "Circe and Penelope" are among early standouts on the album. The mood-swept "Shadows 2," hypnotic "Knives," Baroque roots foray "Mike Tyson (Here It Comes)" and poignant "Blue Skies" are late album highlights. Information: CowboyJunkies.com.

Artist: 
Joan Jett and the Blackhearts
Title: Mindsets (Blackheart Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Billy Idol, The Runaways
Tell me more: Joan Jett and the Blackhearts are back! On the new six-song EP Mindsets (released via Blackheart Records on June 2) the spirit and sonic firepower of the groundbreaking troupe's late '70s/early '80s melody-styled punk rock is fully on display. The original material — written by Blackhearts lead guitarist Dougie Needles and Jett — is full of the brash attitude of Jett's classic work (notably "Bad Reputation," "I Hate Myself For Loving You" and "I Love Rock 'n' Roll"). The infectious opener "If You're Blue," countrified foray "Whiskey Goes Good," fiery "Before The Dawn," tuneful sing-along "Rear View Mirror" and other new cuts collectively celebrate Jett's winning past as well as her continuing contributions to modern rock. The EP was produced by Jett, Kenny Laguna and Thom Panunzio. Joan Jett and the Blackhearts will perform on a strong bill with Bryan Adams at Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert on Friday, July 28, 2023. Information: joanjett.com.


Artist: 
Jenny Lewis
Title: Joy'All (Blue Note)
You might like if you enjoy: Jenny Lewis, The Postal Service, Rilo Kiley, Aimee Mann
Tell me more: Joy'All finds acclaimed singer-songwriter Jenny Lewis delivering a dazzling set of enticing songs that are breezy on their surface yet reveal insights into life in the here and now with her characteristically-sharp wit. The selections across Lewis' 5th solo album — produced by Dave Cobb at Nashville's celebrated RCA Studio A  are positioned in an inviting sonic sphere where pop, 1990s R&B and indie country somehow meet. The infectious dance-minded single "Psychos," tuneful country-mining "Puppy And A Truck" and "Apples and Oranges," pop-fused "Love Feel," tender "Balcony," confessional "Essence Of Life" and genre-blending "Chain Of Tears" are all first-rate songs on the wonderful disc. Information: JennyLewis.com.


Robert Kinsler



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