Monday, February 05, 2024

New music: The Rolling Stones, The Dumbanimals, Alicia Witt

An expanded edition of The Rolling Stones' terrific 2023 return Hackney Diamonds, as well as the latest discs from power pop heroes The Dumbanimals and singer-songwriter Alicia Witt are available now. 


"Hackney Diamonds: Live Edition" is available now. 



Artist: 
The Rolling Stones
Title: Hackney Diamonds: Live Edition (Geffen Records)
You might like if you enjoy: The Rolling Stones, Lady Gaga, classic rock
Tell me more: Now there is even more reason to celebrate The Rolling Stones' 2023 masterwork Hackney Diamonds; the album has been reissued on audio CD as a deluxe expanded edition with all seven tracks performed at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band's October 2023's album launch event at Racket in New York filling disc two. A rollicking take on "Shattered" kicks off the live set before The Rolling Stones unleash a rowdy take on the band's 2023 single "Angry" from Hackney Diamonds. This writer's favorite track from Hackney Diamonds is the soaring "Whole Wide World" and the live version of that powerful cut is a highlight on the live set as well  singer Mick Jagger delivers an especially emotive vocal performance and the searing lead guitar work of Ronnie Wood really packs a punch too. Other highlights on disc two include a moving "Tumbling Dice," decidedly punk-styled "Bite My Head Off" and rousing "Jumpin' Jack Flash." The set closing R&B nugget "Sweet Sounds of Heaven" finds Lady Gaga joining the Rolling Stones for an ambitious duet with Jagger on another of Hackney Diamonds' great songs. The Rolling Stones' Hackney Diamonds U.S. tour dates will begin in April 2024. Among the closet Southwest dates for readers to attend are the band's appearance at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ on May 7; at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on May 11; and at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on July 10 and July 13. Information: rollingstones.com.


Artist: 
The Dumbanimals
Title: Thrift Pop (Kool Kat Musik)
You might like if you enjoy: Matthew Sweet, The Jesus and Mary Chain, Weezer, XTC, early Snow Patrol
Tell me more: Fans of melodic rock and power pop will all embrace the Dumbanimals' new album Thrift Pop. The Len Kenyon-led Vermont outfit artfully fuses melodic and alternative rock stylings with dream pop. Things begin with the shimmering midtempo gem "Hook in Our Jaw" and the album's riches continue from start to finish. Among the many marvelous originals featured on Thrift Pop are the propulsive "Lollygagger," freewheeling "Doorknob," introspective "Aim Lame," romantic retro-mining "In My Car" and dreamy "Lullaby For Jack." Information: koolkatmusik.com.


Artist: 
Alicia Witt
Title: Witness
You might like if you enjoy: Aimee Mann, Carole King, Vonda Shepard
Tell me more: Although Alicia Witt might be most recognizable for her acting roles (she made her debut at the age of 7 in David Lynch's "Dune" and has since appeared in countless films and television series including "Two and a Half Men," "The Walking Dead," "Justified," "Law & Order: Criminal Intent" and Showtime's 3rd season of "Twin Peaks"), her talents as an outstanding keyboardist, singer and songwriter are equally formidable. On her latest EP Witness, the artist delivers another batch of songs that probe the emotional currents of life, love and loss with a mix of undeniable melody, sumptuous arrangements and timeless song craft. The yearning title track, gorgeous "Clever Mind," forceful rocker "Loop" and wistful jazz-tinged piano ballad "Always Tuesday" are among the stellar originals on the six-track disc. The EP closes with the emotional and sweeping "Someone To Write Me a Song." Information: aliciawittmusic.com

Robert Kinsler


No comments: