Dawes Release "I Love LA" Single following opening the Grammys last night

For those moved by Dawes' terrific performance of "I Love L.A." at the Grammy Awards last night, read on...Robert Kinsler

DAWES SUPPORT HOMETOWN WITH “I LOVE L.A.”   LOS ANGELES-BASED BAND FOLLOW SURPRISE ALL-STAR PERFORMANCE AT LAST NIGHT’S 67TH ANNUAL GRAMMY® AWARDS WITH EXCLUSIVE RENDITION OF RANDY NEWMAN CLASSIC – LISTEN   PROCEEDS TO BENEFIT THE RECORDING ACADEMY AND MUSICARES’ LOS ANGELES FIRE RELIEF EFFORT TO SUPPORT MUSIC PROFESSIONALS   OH BROTHER TOUR RESUMES APRIL 9 IN WOODSTOCK, NY

Acclaimed California rock band Dawes are following last night’s surprise appearance at the 67th Annual GRAMMY® Awards with today’s release of their exclusive cover version of “I Love L.A.,” available everywhere now. Proceeds will benefit The Recording Academy and MusiCares’ Los Angeles Fire Relief Effort To Support Music Professionals. To contribute to the Recording Academy and MusiCares’ Los Angeles Fire Relief Effort, or if you or someone you know needs help, please visit musicares.org/firerelief.  LISTEN TO “I LOVE L.A.” Last night saw Dawes co-founders Taylor and Griffin Goldsmith kick off the 67th Annual GRAMMY® Awards by leading an all-star lineup – including Brad Paisley, Brittany Howard, John Legend, Sheryl Crow, and St. Vincent – for an unforgettable performance of Randy Newman’s classic ode to his beloved Los Angeles, honoring the City of Angels’ strength and resilience in the wake of last month’s devastating fires. Dawes now joins an impressive list of artists who have opened the GRAMMY® Awards over the years, including Beyonce and Prince, Bruce Springsteen, Elton John and Lady Gaga, Kendrick Lamar, Taylor Swift, U2, and many more.  Dawes – whose own lives were shattered by the fire’s unprecedented destruction – were also among the stars performing at last week’s star-studded FireAid benefit concert at Los Angeles’ Kia Forum. After opening their set with their own “Time Spent in Los Angeles,” Dawes were joined onstage by Stephen Stills and Mike Campbell for a performance of Buffalo Springfield’s “For What It’s Worth.” The supergroup then welcomed Stills’ longtime friend and musical partner Graham Nash for an unforgettable rendition of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young’s “Teach Your Children” that saw everyone in attendance at the arena singing along in unison. Taylor and Griffin Goldsmith are among the many Los Angeles area residents whose lives have been impacted by the destructive fire. Griffin lost his home while Taylor lost his studio and most of the band’s musical gear and equipment. Dawes further supported MusiCares efforts to assist fellow musicians affected by the fire by visiting ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live! to perform a special version of “Time Spent in Los Angeles,” originally found on their 2011 album, Nothing Is Wrong. WATCH “TIME SPENT IN LOS ANGELES” ON JIMMY KIMMEL LIVE! “I Love L.A.” follows last year’s acclaimed release of Dawes’ ninth studio album, Oh Brother, available everywhere now. Exclusive split color vinyl, as well as an array of deluxe Oh Brother bundles, are available via the Dawes online store. Hailed by No Depression as “a staggering soundscape where guitar-talking, folk-rock, bleary-eyed grooves, and a kind of misfit pop all blur into one succinct soundtrack for these unprecedented times,” Oh Brother marks a distinctive new chapter for Dawes following 2022’s epic Misadventures of Doomscrollerand the amicable departure of two bandmates last year. The album steers Dawes decidedly forward, honoring 15 years of Taylor and Griffin’s musical relationship, as well as the next era and natural evolution of their beloved band. That spirit informed much of the writing and recording, with each track initially recorded live with just Taylor on guitar and vocals and Griffin on drums, later incorporating additional studio instrumentation and collaborating with touring guitarist Trevor Menear. Across its nine heartfelt songs — which move seamlessly between folk rock, piano ballads, and sprawling jams while maintaining both an immediately recognizable sound and a freedom from expectations — Oh Brothersees Dawes navigating new vistas in their personal and professional lives while remaining steadfastly creative, ambitious, and inspired.  Co-produced by Taylor and Griffin Goldsmith alongside longtime friend Mike Viola, Oh Brotherincludes such singles as “Mr. Los Angeles,” joined by a hilarious official music video starring Conan O’Brien and streaming now at YouTube following its exclusive world premiere via PEOPLE.com. Further highlights include the sprawling album centerpiece, “Surprise!,” “Still Strangers Sometimes,” and “House Parties,” the latter two accompanied by creative fan-focused official music videos streaming now at YouTube. Dawes have also shared an exclusive live studio performance videos of “Surprise!,” “House Parties” (featuring special guest Brad Paisley) and “Still Strangers Sometimes” (featuring Madison Cunningham and Mike Viola). In addition, Dawes paid a visit to ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live! for a late night TV performance of “House Parties” praised by Relix for “(Dawes’) energized approach and affinity for tapping into a feeling of sentimentalism through satirical lyrics – all the while maintaining their distinctive ability to conjure a scene and emulate a desired feeling.” STREAM OH BROTHER ORDER OH BROTHER EXCLUSIVE SPLIT COLOR VINYL + MORE Dawes spent much of last fall celebrating their new era traveling the US on their epic Oh Brother Tour, resuming April 9 at Woodstock, NY’s Bearsville Theatre. Support on most dates comes from Michigander. Dawes will also be among the artists joining Goose for Viva El Gonzo, a three-day destination festival presented by 100x Hospitality and set for May 8-10 in San José del Cabo, Mexico. In addition, Taylor Goldsmith will join forces with his longtime friend MC Taylor (of Hiss Golden Messenger) for The MC Taylor Goldsmith Show, a collaborative tour that will see the two Taylors play onstage together, performing a mix of songs from both artist’s catalogs in a number of intimate venues around the country. The once-in-a-lifetime live run begins March 6 at Chicago, IL’s Thalia Hall. For complete details and ticket availability, please visit dawestheband.com/tour.  DAWES - OH BROTHER TOUR 2025 MARCH 6 – Chicago, IL – Thalia Hall † 7 – Columbus, IN – The Oil Can † 8 – Ann Arbor, MI – The Ark † 9 -Charleston, WV – Mountain Stage † 11 – Albany, NY – The Egg † 12 – Beverley, MA – The Cabot † 13 – Fall River, MA – Narrows Center For The Arts † APRIL 9 – Woodstock, NY – Bearsville Theatre * 10 – Ridgefield, CT – Ridgefield Playhouse * (SOLD OUT) 11 – Philadelphia, PA – The Fillmore Philadelphia * 12 – New York, NY – Beacon Theatre * 13 – Princeton, NJ – Matthews Theatre at McCarter Theatre Center 16 – Davenport, IA – Capitol Theatre * 17 – Madison, WI – The Majestic Theatre * (SOLD OUT) 18 – Minneapolis, MN – First Avenue * 19 – Columbia, MO – The Blue Note * 21 – Des Moines, IA – Hoyt Sherman Place * 23 – Denver, CO – Ogden Theatre * 25 – Kalispell, MT – Wachholz College Center * 26 – Seattle, WA – Neptune Theatre * 27 – Portland, OR – Revolution Hall * MAY 2025 8-10 – San José del Cabo, Mexico – Viva El Gonzo ^ * w/ Special Guests Michigander  † The MC Taylor Goldsmith Show ^ Festival Appearance # # #   DAWES OH BROTHER (Dead Ringers) Tracklist: Mr. Los Angeles Front Row Seat Still Strangers Sometimes Surprise! House Parties King of the Never-Wills The Game Enough Already Hilarity Ensues   CONNECT WITH DAWES: DAWESTHEBAND.COM | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK |TIKTOK | TWITTER | YOUTUBE

New music: 20/20, Vince Guaraldi, He's Dead Jim, Joe Giddings, Harakiri For The Sky

A wide range of recommended titles are available to add to any music lover's library.

Artist: 20/20

Title: Back To California (Spyderpop Records / Big Stir Records)

You might like if you enjoy: R.E.M., Action Skulls, The Plimsouls, Psychic Rain

Tell me more: The return of 20/20 is one of the most exciting realities of early 2025. The beloved Tulsa, Oklahoma-spawned power pop legends have just released Back To California, the band's first new album since 1998's Interstate. Steve Allen (vocals, guitar), Ron Flynt (bass, vocals) and Ray Flynt (drums, percussion) have delivered a new studio album that expands 20/20's discography and legacy. The opening title track is undeniably catchy while simultaneously tapping into sorrow-tinged overtones that are wonderfully palpable. The album's strengths continue to reveal themselves across the 11-track masterwork via literate and instantly-memorable originals. The shimmering "The End Of The Summer" is a melodic juggernaut, bolstered by great lead vocals, sublime harmonies, jangly guitars and an artful arrangement. The edgy guitar-anchored rocker "Springtime Love Song," driving "Lucky Heart," sumptuous "Laurel Canyon" tapping into the mythology of the fabled mountainous area in the Hollywood Hills, infectious romance-minded ear candy "Spark" and heartfelt closer "Farewell" are among the other terrific cuts on the album. Back To California is one of the first great albums of 2025. Information: bigstirrecords.com.

Artist: Vince Guaraldi

Title: Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown [50th Anniversary Extended Version] (Vince Guaraldi Film Productions)

You might like if you enjoy: Vince Guaraldi's music scores for other "Peanuts" animated classics in the 1960s and '70s

Tell me more: Although it has been 50 years since the beloved "Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown" debuted on CBS-TV, composer-pianist Vince Guaraldi's full score has finally been issued via an expanded 30-track edition available on audio CD, vinyl and via streaming services; the title includes the complete 22 cue score and eight never-before-heard bonus tracks. Guaraldi layers his Fender Rhodes and acoustic piano to bolster his signature jazz sound, and his own artistry is enhanced by a trio completed by Seward McCain (electric bass) and Vince Lateano (drums). Among my favorite selections on the wonderful collection are the playfully uptempo "Paw Pet Overture," wistful "Freddie's Mood (Chopin's Nocturne in E flat major, Op.9 No.2)," emotive "Never Again," a decidedly alternative take on "Linus and Lucy," the jazzy delight "Last Call for Love," and a number of alternate versions of his memorable "Heartburn Waltz." The CD includes an 8-page insert, and the vinyl includes a 4-page insert. Both the CD and vinyl include art from the special and liner notes that give a track-by-track analysis by producer Sean Mendelson and notes by producer Jason Mendelson and Derrick Bang (author of "Vince Guaraldi at the Piano"). The vinyl has additional photographs and images from historical documents. For more information on the CD version, go HERE. For details on the vinyl edition, go HERE.

Artist: He's Dead Jim

Title: Head Like A Toyshop (Kool Kat)

You might like if you enjoy: Jellyfish, the Move, Blue Öyster Cult

Tell me more: Lovers of power pop, art rock, synth pop, post punk and classic rock will all find something to love on He's Dead Jim's wonderful new album Head Like A Toyshop. The Scotland troupe featuring Andy Milne (drums), Neil Christie (guitar, vocals) and Allan Bell (vocals, bass) isn't afraid to mix it up across the 14-track album, incorporating a number of musical genres and wide-ranging topics (ranging from science fiction and trash comics to literature, war and more) along the way. The speedy "On The Beach" and "Ticket To Explode," confessional "Why I Gave Up," power pop gem "Wire Buddha," indie rocker "Haywire," electronica foray "Tomorrow Is Yesterday" and other tracks on the album collectively add up to something very special. In addition, the trio's bewitching cover of Blue Öyster Cult's "(Don't Fear) The Reaper" is an absolute delight. Information: koolkatmusik.com.

Artist: Joe Giddings

Title: Stories With Guitars (Kool Kat)

You might like if you enjoy: Cheap Trick, Matthew Sweet, Rick Springfield, Jeff Lynne's ELO

Tell me more: Joe Giddings' second album for the Kool Kat label is a solid collection of great songs that are as infectious as they are smart. The singer-songwriter began writing and recording the collection in March 2024, starting things off with the scintillating harmonies-filled gem "Then Came Madeline" for his daughter before quickly embarking on a quest to complete the 11-track masterwork. Memorable tracks abound on the release, including the soaring opener "Tonight Tonight," Queen-flavored "My Riviera," the decidedly timely melodic punk rocker "A.I. Lover," 12 string guitar-fueled "David Stepanski," and the enticing closer "Won It All Before Saying Goodbye." Information: koolkatmusik.com.

Artist: Harakiri For The Sky

Title: Scorched Earth (AOP Records)

You might like if you enjoy: All That Remains, The Halo Effect

Tell me more: Austria's leading post black metal band Harakiri For The Sky is back with a new studio album (Scorched Earth) that finds the band unleashing a fiery mix of atmospheric hard hitting rock, hardcore and metal in the service of songs that pry into the our torn modern day society. Scorched Earth clocks in at over an hour and features seven tracks tapping into our uncertain times; highlights on the disc include the blistering opener "Heal Me," "Keep Me Longing" with its lovely piano opening and subsequent rapid fire anger, sweeping "Without You I'm Just A Sad Song," and assaultive "Too Late For Goodbyes." Information: aoprecords.de.

Robert Kinsler