Music lovers are in luck! New audio titles featuring alternative favorites Dr. Dog, singer-songwriter Bobbo Byrnes, award-winning blues artist Zac Harmon and classic rock heroes Blue Öyster Cult are available now.
Title: Dr. Dog (We Buy Gold Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Ozomatli, Other Lives, Phosphorescent
Tell me more: Genre-defying collective Dr. Dog is back with their 11th studio album, the self-titled Dr. Dog. A true contemporary masterpiece, the album marks the Philadelphia-based band's first new album in six long years. The good news is the 11-track LP fully delivers on the acclaimed troupe's winning approach at blending any number of styles flawlessly in support of bewitching originals. The luxurious "Lost Ones," dance-minded and decidedly eclectic "Fat Dog," immersive "Talk is Cheap" and dreamy "What a Night'll Do" are early nuggets on the set, while the wistful "Still Can't Believe," jazzy "Fine White Lies," scintillating "White Dove" and alt Americana foray "Handyman" thrill on the album's last half. The quintet's bold five-part vocal harmonies and artful musicianship make this a must-hear for discerning listeners. Information: drdogmusic.com.
Title: Bobbo Byrnes (Highway Five Records)
You might like if you enjoy: The Jayhawks, Rhett Miller, Toad the Wet Sprocket
Tell me more: Celebrated Americana singer-songwriter Bobbo Byrnes is back with a new full-length album that reminds listeners about the importance of great song craft, a compelling artistic vision and the undeniable magic that happens when great players create magic in a recording studio. Bobbo Byrnes is an 11-track collection that showcases the power of Byrnes' best work with the Fallen Stars and conjures up memories of great songs from top-tier acts such as Toad the Wet Sprocket, the Jayhawks and Rhett Miller. Memorable cuts on this modern-day masterwork include the spirited opener "Around Here," resonant "Long Way Down," breezy "Plain Street," the shimmering rocker "Never Learned to Fly," alt country rocker "Some Salvation" and ambitious genre-defying "Not Lost"; I have been particularly smitten by "I Cannot Say," a bewitching rocker co-written by Ben Riddle that is as haunting as it is contagious. Information: BobboByrnes.com.
Title: Floreada's Boy (Catfood Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Eric Clapton, Robert Cray
Tell me more: Acclaimed artist Zac Harmon is back courtesy of his wonderful full-length disc Floreada's Boy, a 12-track set that showcases his talents as singer, songwriter and guitar master in spades. A native of Jackson, Mississippi, Harmon's album is truly a celebration of blues and American music — what's more he brings welcome modern elements into his far-flung songcraft. The wide range of top-notch material includes the blues-fueled mid tempo opener "Babe and Ricky's Inn" (bolstered by Harmon's spoken word delivery), the funk-styled "Glass Ceiling," '70-tinged R&B foray "Let It Slide," soulful "That's the Way I Feel About Cha," blues standout "Sugarman" (the latter featuring the Texas Horns) and jazzy blues sortie closer "Stop The Killing," the latter bolstered by the signature guitar work of Caleb Quaye. In addition to the contributions of his backing band The Drive, guest artists on the album include the aforementioned Quaye and Texas Horns, as well as acoustic guitarist Gregg Wright, multi-instrumentalist Christopher Troy and singer SueAnn Carwell. Information: catfoodrecords.com and zacharmon.com.
Title: 50th Anniversary Live — Second Night (Frontiers Music s.r.l.)
You might like if you enjoy: Blue Öyster Cult, Metallica, 70s classic rock
Tell me more: It's great to see Blue Öyster Cult continue to issue outstanding titles celebrating the band's incredible 50-year legacy. In September 2022, BÖC thrilled fans with a unique trilogy of sold-out shows, each dedicated to one of their first three albums.
Released by Frontiers Music on Aug. 9, 50th Anniversary Live — Second Night, is a marathon-length live concert recording featuring the Long Island, New York-spawned rock outfit performing top-tier material from across their celebrated career. From the high octane opener "The Red & The Black" and blues-mining rocker "O.D.'d On Life Itself," founding members Donald "Buck Dharma" Roeser (lead vocals, guitar), Eric Bloom (lead vocals, rhythm guitar) along with long-time members Richie Castellano (keyboards, lead guitar), Danny Miranda (bass) and Jules Radino (drums) deliver inspired and fiery versions of their groundbreaking sound fusing acid and psychedelic rock with progressive, stoner and hard rock.
50th Anniversary Live — Second Night features BÖC performing their sophomore album Tyranny and Mutation in its entirety (including the dazzling "Screaming Diz-Busters" showcasing Roeser's virtuoso guitar work) to begin the concert before delving into selections pulled from across their discography. Highlights include the luxurious "Wings Wetted Down," melodic "Box In My Head," thunderous "Godzilla," the infectious harmonies-adorned "Burnin' For You," evocative "Perfect Water" and intoxicating "(Don't Fear) The Reaper." 50th Anniversary Live — Second Night, is available on vinyl and on audio CD. Information: BlueOysterCult.com.
Robert Kinsler
Wow. Thank you Robert! High praise indeed!!
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