Beloved 1960s psychedelic rockers Strawberry Alarm Clock and blues-rock songstress Ruby James are back with new albums set for release on Friday, Aug. 7.
Title: Where's One? (Big Stir Records)
You might like if you enjoy: The Byrds, The Doors, The Turtles, Oingo Boingo
Tell me more: Strawberry Alarm Clock is back with their first new full studio album of new music since 1969! Where's One? (due Aug. 7 courtesy of Big Stir Records) is an outstanding 13-track disc that includes a truly authentic lineup featuring five of the original members of the 1960s psychedelic rock troupe on board for the remarkable return. The album was co-produced by band member and multi-instrumentalist Steve Bartek (also known as a founding member of Oingo Boingo). The first half of the album features a parade of terrific cuts including the a cappella harmonies-aplenty opener "Feel The Love," delightfully melodic rocker "Monsters," a spirited cover of the Beatles' "Day Tripper," the acid garage rocker "Blow Your Mind," and sumptuous single "I'm Not The One." The last half of the album includes an ambitious and euphoric reading of George Harrison's "Within You Without You," the Baroque romantic lament "Since You Have Gone Away," genre-bending "Live Water" (the latter bolstered by jazz and experimental stylings) and instantly-bewitching gem "The Sky Isn't Falling." The album closes out with the psychedelic foray "Galactic Symphony/Persian Skies." In addition to the aforementioned Bartek (guitar, flute, sitar), the lineup includes Mark Stephen Weitz (keyboards), Randy Seol (drums/percussion), George Bunnell (bass), Gene Gunnels (drums/percussion) and Howie Anderson (guitar). Where's One? will be available on deluxe double LP vinyl, audio CD and via streaming services. Information: strawberryalarmclock.com.
Title: Call It Rock & Roll (Mule Kick Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Sass Jordan, Concrete Blonde,
Tell me more: Ruby James has a powerful voice, able to masterfully tackle rock, soul, roots and funk genres with artistic ease. She proves that across Call It Rock & Roll (due Aug. 7 via Mule Kick Records). Highlights on the seven-track disc include the rollicking opener "Voodoo Queen," the propulsive rocker "Gasoline," hypnotic "Novocaine," and the dance-minded "Boogiedown Town." Sure to please fans of the Supersuckers, is a track with that band's Eddie Spaghetti joins James for a duet of the Americana ballad "Punk Rock Love Song." Elsewhere, guitar great Rosie Flores adds some stylish fretwork to a fiery cover of LaVern Baker's mid-1950s cut "Bumble Bee." Information: rubyjamesmusic.com.
Robert Kinsler
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