In this column I review five new audio titles.
Title: Chilling, Thrilling Hooks and Harmonies: The Big Stir Records Halloween Grimoire (Big Stir Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Strawberry Alarm Clock, sparkle*jets u.k., The Spongetones, The Corner LaughersTell me more: With Halloween's arrival in a couple of weeks, now is the perfect time to grab a listen of the marvelous Chilling, Thrilling Hooks and Harmonies: The Big Stir Records Halloween Grimoire. Twenty-one Big Stir Records artists contribute tracks to the outstanding set available now; the timely must-have collection is available as a deluxe double vinyl LP (on green wax and including a playable board game featuring the artists — as well as monsters and spooky game pieces to play it), as well as on audio CD and via streaming services. Early standouts on the ambitious set include Librarians With Hickeys' '60s flavored "Ghoul You Want" which conjures up the magic of The Zombies' classic recordings, sparkle*jets u.k.'s novelty delight "Eyeball Eater (From Outer Space)," The Corner Laughers' melodic "Dark Matter," the Armoires' wonderfully sumptuous "Full-On Witch Mode," The Spongetones' bewitching harmonies-adorned "Spirit World (Chilling, Thrilling 2025 Remix)," Splitsville's propulsive post-punk sortie "I Was A Teenage Frankenstein," and Graham Parker & The Goldtops' concert recording of the rollicking "Music Of The Devil." The collection's ghoulish parade of delights continue via The Jack Rubies' genre-blending "Phantom (Chilling, Thrilling 2025 Remix)," Blake Jones & The Trike Shop's aptly-titled "Halloween Wind," The Gold Needles' indie rock gem "Ghost In The Airwaves," Crossword Smiles' power pop nugget "Black Cats & Broken Mirrors," Dolph Chaney's collaboration with The Speed of Sound (the exhilarating "Zombie Century"), Strawberry Alarm Clock's haunting "Monsters" and many more great cuts. Information: bigstirrecords.com.
Title: Hard Road (Red Zero Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Joe Bonamassa, Marcus King, Walter TroutTell me more: On his latest album Hard Road, singer-songwriter/guitar great Christone "Kingfish" Ingram certifies his place as one of his generation's most talented and essential new talents. Blending a number of musical genres with a master's touch, Kingfish's latest full-length effort is fueled by a drive to fuse his stellar guitar work and signature vocals with songwriting inspired by his life. Highlights abound on the Grammy Award-winning artist's fourth album including the confessional blues rockers "Truth" and "Bad Like Me," the soulful ballad "Clearly" bolstered by his expressive lead guitar work, sizzling "Voodoo Charm," acoustic Delta jewel "Memphis," fiery blues rocker "Back to L.A." and affecting R&B cut "Nothin' But Your Love." Information: christonekingfishingram.com.
Title: Two Trains (MoMojo Records)
You might like if you enjoy: TBATell me more: Set for release on Oct. 24, Dave Keyes' outstanding new album Two Trains is filled with compelling blues tracks that address the "good/bad, love/loss, dark/light" — thus the two tracks that we travel down on our own life journeys. The rousing opener "Blues Ain't Looking For You," aptly-pegged "Boogie Till the Cows Come Home," affecting "I'm Alright," propulsive "What Just Happened," instrumental piano-anchored "Boogie for Patty," and beautiful "Rest In Peace." The 10-track album features guest and legendary drummer Bernard "Pretty" Purdie, as well as appearances by harmonica ace Rob Paparozzi, bassist Mike Merritt, slide guitarist Chris Bergson, and vocalist Alexis P. Suter. Two Trains features Keyes co-writing eight of its 10 songs with songwriting partner Mark Sameth. Keyes' official Two Trains album release show and party with his band will take place on Saturday, Nov. 1 at The Turning Point in Piermont, New York with shows at 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. Information: momojorecords.com.
Title: Milestone (38 Special Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Power Station, 38 Special, Lynyrd SkynyrdTell me more: 38 Special is back! The legendary Southern rock outfit led by lead singer-guitarist/co-founder Don Barnes that is behind rock hits including "Hold On Loosely" and "Caught Up In You" have released Milestone, the band's first new music in more than 20 years. The nine-track album features the group's signature blend of infectious guitar-anchored rock including the melodic opener "So Much So Right," heavy anthem "Slightly Controversial," enchanting "All I Haven't Said" and "Long Long Train," rocking sing-along "The Main Thing" and "Looking For My Life," and winning "Making Up For Lost Time." The album features guests and co-writes with Pat Monahan (Train) and Randy Bachman (Bachman Turner-Overdrive, The Guess Who) and longtime collaborator Jim Peterik (Survivor). 38 Special will perform at Gila River Resorts & Casinos in Chandler, AZ on Nov. 14. Information: 38special.com.
Title: Spike Jones In Stereo: A Spooktacular In Screaming Sound! (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: Spike Jones, Omnivore Recordings reissues, Dr. Demento, novelty recordsTell me more: Spike Jones' Originally issued in 1959, Spike Jones In Stereo: A Spooktacular In Screaming Sound! has returned to physical formats for the first time in nearly 50 years — fully remastered and presented with new liner notes featuring new interviews with Spike's children: multi-Grammy-winning engineer Leslie Ann Jones, Emmy-winning producer-director Spike Jones Jr., Linda Lee Jones and Gina Jones. The late Lindley Armstrong "Spike" Jones (he passed away in May 196 at the age of 53) was celebrated for his recordings that specialized in spoof arrangements and satire of popular songs. The Halloween-minded A Spooktacular In Screaming Sound! delivers on Spike's groundbreaking approach with 10 timeless selections featuring the then-new format of stereo. The collection is available on slime-green vinyl and audio CD. Highlights include the spooky opener "I Only Have Eyes For You," hilarious Alfred Hitchcock-minded "Poisen to Poisen [Interview With A Famous Poisenality]," romantic duet "(All Of A Sudden) My Heart Sings [Vocal by Dracula and Vampira]," smart "Everything Happens To Me [Lament By Frankenstein]," swinging rockabilly gem "Monster Movie Ball [Vocal By The Fiend-ager]," vaudeville-flavored "My Old Flame [Vocal By I.M. Arson]" and ambitious "This Is Your Death [Featuring Dr. Jekyll And Other Ghouls] / Two Heads Are Better Than One [Beatnick Duet]." Discerning listeners will recognize the distinctive vocals of Paul Frees, Thurl Ravenscroft, George Rock and Louie Jean Norman featured on the title. Information: omnivorerecordings.com.
Robert Kinsler
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