A trio of top-tier music makers are back with wonderful new albums.
Artist: Deep Purple
Title: =1 (earMUSIC)
You might like if you enjoy: Deep Purple, Rainbow
Tell me more: Deep Purple's newly-released album =1 is at once a celebration of the British hard rocker's groundbreaking career and a band focused on the future. Indeed, the current lineup of singer Ian Gillan, bassist Roger Glover, drummer Ian Paice, keyboardist Don Airey and new guitarist Simon McBride collectively deliver potent performances across the 13-track Bob Ezrin-produced masterwork. Early standouts on the album include the taunt opener "Show Me," fiery "A Bit On The Side" and driving "Portable Door" (the latter featuring some dazzling lead guitar and organ work courtesy of McBride and Airey respectively). The bluesy "If I Were You" (showcasing Giillan's signature vocals), bewitching "Pictures of You," the sweeping rocker "Lazy Sod," lovely "I'll Catch You" and prog rock closer "Bleeding Obvious" entice on the last part of the album. The bonus DVD features the documentary "Access All Areas" allowing viewers to catch the Rock and Roll Hall of Famers backstage on tour and providing an exclusive look behind the scenes at the band. =1 is available now in a number of formats including a CD+DVD digipak (the version reviewed in this column), several limited edition 2LP vinyl versions, and a limited edition box set that includes CD+DVD, digital, 2LP black Gatefold, a collector's T-shirt, guitar picks and more! Information: ear-music.net.
Title: Box of Letters (Big Stir Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Brian Wilson, The Zombies, Pugwash, Fountains of Wayne
Tell me more: Sparkle*Jets U.K.'s Box of Letters is a euphoric listen, a disc that features Susan West (vocals, guitar), Michael Simmons (vocals, guitar, percussion) and Jamie Knight (bass) making a triumphant return on their first album of mostly original material in more than 20 years. After opening with an inspired cover of the Zombies' "This Will Be Our Year," Sparkle*Jets U.K. proceed to explore the far-flung corners of their sonic universe with a diverse mix of infectious songs ranging from the melodic rocker "Good Bye X 3" and aptly-titled Beach Boys-minded "I Can't Wait for Summer" to the harmonious alt rocker "Love Burn," dreamy "Little Circles," rollicking "Box of Letters" and jaunty closer "Hey Grandma." And just listen to the genre mash-up "Princess Needy," with its magical mix of chamber pop and disco stylings. The fact that West's punchy song craft and vocal approach works so well with Simmons' melodic and artful approach as as singer-songwriter brings an added dimension across Box of Letters. Simmons' rich and detailed production is the other key part of the bona fide success of the outstanding Box of Letters. Information: BigStirRecords.com.
Title: Struck Down (Stony Plain Records)
You might like if you enjoy: The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Kim Wilson, Billy Gibbons
Tell me more: What do Bonnie Raitt, Elvin Bishop, Taj Mahal, Keb' Mo', Mick Fleetwood and ZZ Top's Billy Gibbons have in common? All appear on the Fabulous Thunderbirds' eagerly-awaited return Struck Down. With singer-songwriter/master harmonica master Kim Wilson at the helm, the band delivers 10 terrific tracks sure to please blues aficionados. Leading off with the aptly-titled mid tempo "Struck Down By The Blues" (featuring Canadian blues guitar player Steve Strongman) the album showcases a wonderful mix of material. The buoyant Cajun-mining "Don't Make No Sense" finds Wilson singing and playing his blues harp with zeal amidst a sonic backdrop highlighted by Terrance Simien's accordion work. The Texas-flavored blues rocker "Payback Time" is bolstered by Gibbons' signature guitar and vocals. Other standouts on Struck Down include the acoustic blues gem "Nothing In Rambling" (featuring Keb' Mo', Raitt, Mahal and Fleetwood), the driving and instantly infectious "Won't Give Up," fiery "Whatcha Do To Me" (the latter featuring Bishop on guitar) and spirited "That's Cold." Wilson turns in a particularly heartfelt vocal performance on the disc-ending ballad "Sideline." In addition to Wilson, the Fabulous Thunderbirds' lineup includes Bob Welsh (keyboards, guitar), Rudy Albin Petschauer (drums, percussion), Steven Kirsty (bass, saxophone) and Johnny Moeller (guitar). Information: fabulousthunderbirds.com.
Robert Kinsler
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