In this column I feature a trio of eclectic, under-the-radar releases that are well worth adding to any music lover's library!
Title: Less Is More (Symphonic Distribution)
You might like if you enjoy: The Zombies, Sting, Colin Bunstone
Tell me more: Sixty years after the world first heard Colin Blunstone's glorious singing on The Zombies' breakout hit "She's Not There" the English singer-songwriter continues to thrill fans with his signature vocals. Now Blunstone has surprised with Less Is More, a digital-only EP of five one-take demos he recorded in December 2008. Blunstone — who calls the lyrics "little diaries" of things that happened to him or someone he knowns — delivers affecting performances to the accompaniment of his classical guitar on the selections. The confessional opener "Now I Know I'll Never Get Over You," tender "The Sun Will Rise Again" (the latter written for Blunstone's daughter), jazzy "Any Other Way" (a track that would be recorded by The Zombies' for their 2011 album Breathe Out, Breathe In), reflective "Feels Like Rain" and flamenco-flavored "Love Left A Long Time Ago" all shine on the wonderful release. Listen to the digital EP HERE. Information: colinblunstone.net.
Title: Beauty & Heart (Holloway Productions)
You might like if you enjoy: Social Distortion, Old 97's, Neil Young & Crazy Horse
Tell me more: Southern California-based Radio California has long defied easy categorization on a string of compelling independent releases. On the outfit's latest album Beauty & Heart that freewheeling approach remains. Jesseo (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Steve Shoemaker (lead guitar), Jeff Williams (drums) and Dan Maker (bass) prove to be at the height of their powers and deliver 10 compelling songs. The punkish alt country opener "Beauty and Heart," yearning "You Have So Many Lights," hypnotic garage rocker "Double Checking" and rootsy "Plant My Feet" are early standouts on the disc. The wide-ranging album mines more nuggets on its last half with the spirited ear candy cut "Hello," rocking kiss off "Tolerate Me," edgy "Sidewalk" and thoughtful rocker "Angry." Jesseo's signature vocals project melancholy and power with equal nuance on one of my favorite albums of early 2024. The album is available via amazon.com (find the album using "Radio California USA" in the search field). Information: cdbaby.com or hearnow.com.
Lost Classics
Title: Live At The Bottom Line, 1979 (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: The Babys, Bad Company, John Waite, Bad English
Tell me more: There were so many great rock bands in the mid and late 1970s, it's easy to overlook a key artist of the era. Leave it to a special previously-unissued recording featuring The Babys (Live At The Bottom Line, 1979) released by Omnivore Recordings in January to recall the collective power and magic of singer-songwriter John Waite, guitarist Wally Stocker, bassist Ricky Phillips, keyboardist Jonathan Cain and drummer Tony Brock. Recorded on the band's "Head First" tour, the concert recording features three new-at-the-time songs making their official debut. The crowd-pleasing opener "Head First," Bad Company-styled rockers "Give Me Your Love" and "Run To Mexico" (the latter bolstered by Wally Stocker's sharp lead guitar play), inspired "Every Timer I Think Of You" and a poignant reading of their 1977 hit "Isn't It Time" all shine on the wonderful 11-track live set. More than 45 years after The Babys were captured at The Bottom Line the magic of the performance expands the legacy of the British-American quintet. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.
Robert Kinsler
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