New titles featuring top-tier artists Big Head Todd & The Monsters, Crowded House and Dr. John are available now.
Title: Her Way Out (Big Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Big Head Todd & The Monsters
Tell me more: A dozen albums into their incredible 38-year career, Colorado-based rockers Big Head Todd & The Monsters sound like they are just getting started. Indeed, the celebrated quartet is heard firing on all cylinders across their newly-released full-length disc Her Way Out. The rollicking opener "Her Way Out" is propulsive and infectious, singer-guitarist Todd Park Mohr detailing the end of a failed relationship with powerful candor. The rousing "Thunderbird" recalls a Southern-fried take on AC/DC-styled hard rock with Mohr, drummer Brian Nevin, bassist Rob Squires and guitarist Jeremy Lawton cutting loose with abandon before slowing down for the reflective blues rock cut "Crush." Elsewhere, the troupe gallops through the catchy Spaghetti Western rocker "Don't Kill Me Tonight," soars via the resplendent "Glorious Full Moon," inspires on "My New Number One," triumphs on the bewitching "Into the Light," get funky on "King Kong" and close things out with the melodic heavy rocker "Rainbow Girl." Her Way Out is an essential addition to the band's stellar discography. Information: bigheadtodd.com.
Artist: Crowded House
Title: Gravity Stairs (BMG)
You might like if you enjoy: Crowded House, Neil Finn, Del Amitri
Tell me more: Nearly 40 years after classic tracks like "Don't Dream It's Over" and "Something So Strong" introduced their elegant style of melodic rock to the masses, Australian troupe Crowded House return with a genuinely brilliant masterwork titled Gravity Stairs. The 11-track disc is filled with original gems stretching from the shimmering opener "Magic Piano" and graceful single "Teenage Summer" (the latter showcasing Neil Finn's yearning vocals) to the exhilarating power pop foray "The Howl," sumptuous "Some Greater Plan (for Claire)," psychedelic-tinged "I Can't Keep Up With You" and poignant closer "Night Song." Other sonic delights include the Beatlesque "All That I Can Ever Own," buoyant "Oh Hi" and evocative "Thirsty." Released on May 31, Gravity Stairs is available on both audio CD and vinyl. Crowded House will appear at the Ohana Festival at Doheny State Beach in Dana Point, CA on Sept. 27, 2024. Information: crowdedhouse.com.
Title: Gris-Gris Gumbo Ya Ya: Singles 1968-1974 (Record label)
You might like if you enjoy: Dr. John, Professor Longhair, Leon Russell
Tell me more: June 6, 2024 marked the fifth anniversary of the passing of groundbreaking singer-songwriter/pianist Malcolm John Rebeennack, Jr. — better known as Dr. John. The beloved champion of New Orleans who fused jazz, blues, funk and swamp rock together into a signature brew is celebrated on the wonderful new collection Gris-Gris Gumbo Ya Ya: Singles 1968-1974, a wonderful 26-track retrospective revisiting choice material John released at the beginning of his high-profile solo career via a parade of memorable Atco/Atlantic album releases. The wealth of musical riches on the collection extends from the spoken word-anchored opener "Gris-Gris Gumbo Ya Ya," colorful "Mama Roux" and infectious "Jump Sturdy" to the stylish "Wash Mama Wash," buoyant cover of the traditional New Orleans favorite "Iko Iko" and especially joyful reading of "Let The Good Times Roll." A flashy blues-draped take on Buddy Guy's "A Man of Many Words" finds John teaming up with Guy and Eric Clapton. Of course, the new collection wouldn't be complete without the inclusion of John's timeless 1973 hit "Right Place Wrong Time" and tender "Such a Night," the latter a song that was also performed as part of The Band's "The Last Waltz" concert in 1976. A wonderful eight-page booklet includes informative liner notes penned by American music journalist Gene Sculatti. Those looking to discover or revisit the influential legacy of Dr. John should plan to add Gris-Gris Gumbo Ya Ya: Singles 1968-1974 to their collection. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.
Robert Kinsler
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