In addition to Dawes' newly-released ninth album, this column features my reviews of the latest studio albums from the Half-Cubes, Jimmy Carpenter and Randy Lee Riviere.
You might like if you enjoy: Jason Falkner, the Half-Cubes, Van Duren, Del Amitri
Tell me more: On the Half-Cubes' ambitious new album Pop Treasures, the duo of vocalist-bassist Gary Frenay and drummer-producer Tommy Allen deliver a rousing sequel to 2023's classic covers collection Pop Masters. This time the duo — along with guitarist Randy Klawon (The Choir, Cyrus Erie) — have enlisted the services of a score of the original artists and revisited two dozen far flung classics spanning from the dawn of the rock era to the 21st Century. There are so many great tracks here; my favorites include the exhilarating take on Jason Falkner's rousing "I Live," the Beach Boys-flavored musical readings of Eric Carmen's "My Girl" and "Someday," a super catchy take on Rubinoos' "The Girl," an irresistible ear candy version of Del Amitri's "Not Where It's At," a sumptuous "She's So Young (The Pursuit of Happiness)," Beatlesque cover of Van Duren's wonderful "Jane" and artful rendition of Sinceros' "Disappearing." Among the high-profile guests who appear on the expansive title to help cover their originals are Bertolf, Danny Malone, Mark Hudson, Moe Berg, Van Duren, John Savannah and the Sighs. Information: bigstirrecords.com.
You might like if you enjoy: The Eagles, America, Dawes, Jackson Browne
Tell me more: Oh Brother is Dawes' ninth full length studio album but marks a decidedly new era for the beloved Southern California-based outfit. Indeed co-founding members/brothers Taylor and Griffin Goldsmith parted ways amicably with two bandmates last year following the release of 2022's wonderful Misadventures of Doomscroller; the newly-released nine-track Oh Brother provides a joyful listen as Dawes navigates a mix of folk rock, piano-centered ballads and Allman Brothers-worthy jams with elegance and passion. The recording of the album began with Taylor on guitar and vocals and Griffin on drums, later adding additional studio instrumentation courtesy of touring guitarist Trevor Menear. The lyrical depth, virtuoso chops and marvelous song craft shines across the disc; standouts include the literate opener "Mister Los Angeles," the introspective "Still Strangers Sometimes," playfully nostalgic "House Parties," and poetic closer "Hilarity Ensues." Oh Brother is available everywhere now on Dead Ringers via Secretly Canadian Distribution. The album is available on split color vinyl, as well as via an array of deluxe Oh Brother bundles via the band's official website. Information: dawestheband.com.
Title: Just Got Started (Gulf Coast Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Booker T. & The MG's, King Curtis, blues music
Tell me more: Las Vegas-based singer-songwriter/saxophonist great Jimmy Carpenter's Just Got Started is a winning set of inspired tracks that masterfully blend blues, soul and American styles in spades. The breezy lead track "(Feels Like) I Just Got Started," uptempo instrumental "Jimmy Shimmy," funky Louisiana-flavored "Night People" and fiery blues-drenched cover of Curtis Ousley's "Soul Theme" are among the tracks that shine on the Christoffer "Kid" Andersen-produced album. Carpenter's stellar lead vocals and virtuoso sax work shine across the 12-track set, notably on the R&B cover of Willie Dixon's "My Babe," the original soulful ballad "I Only Gamble With My Heart" and infectious blues track "Working Man." The album closes out with a sublime take on Ousley's bewitching "Midnight Blue," bolstered by Carpenter's nuanced sax along with the expert guitar playing of Andersen. Information: gulfcoastrecords.net.
Title: Concrete Blues (Wilderness Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Matthew Sweet, Big Head Todd & The Monsters, Nils Lofgren, Neil Young
Tell me more: Concrete Blues is an album that finds Randy Lee Riviere fusing Southern, classic and alt rock with electric blues to create a compelling 12-track masterwork. The album opens with the arresting rocker "Mania," a track propelled with a driving rhythm and pulsating guitars. The Tom Hambridge-produced album's powerful and potent strengths never falter; the euphoric and immersive rock gem "Change Is Strange," hypnotic Southern blues sortie "Just Trying To Get Back Home," heavy "Magic Bullet," sparse countrified "Stranger In My Head" and dreamy "It'll Be Alright" are among the top-tier originals that thrill on Concrete Blues. Riviere (pronounced "Re-VEER") has a fascinating life story; in addition to his bona fide powers as a gifted recording artist he is a wildlife biologist who has been involved with large-scale efforts in the past working to protect and restore important elements of the Native American landscape. Additionally, he has a voice and emotive delivery ideally suited to his signature sonic approach. Information: randyleeriviere.com.
Robert Kinsler
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