In this column I celebrate the latest titles featuring the music of indie rock outfit Ventilator, country music hitmaker Zach Bryan and Canadian singer-songwriter/guitar great Bruce Cockburn.
You might like if you enjoy: The Beatles' "White Album," Permanent Green Light, Altered State, Radiohead
Tell me more: The 1990s was a decade where a myriad of emerging bands released terrific and groundbreaking titles that sadly went mostly unnoticed by commercial radio and even the alternative music press upon their release. Psychic Rain, Altered State, Bright Blue Gorilla, Vinnie James and Scarlet Crush were among some of my personal favorite artists to emerge that decade that have largely been forgotten. Add to that list Los Angeles proto-Dream Pop troupe Ventilator, whose 1996 debut Reseda Spleen has thankfully just been reissued by Bar/None Records. Recorded with a used Tascam 388 1/4-inch tape recorder, lead singer-songwriter Matt Devine (formerly of Permanent Green Light) – joined by Byron Reynolds (Possum Dixon), Jeff Caruana and specialist guest Brad Laner (Medicine) – crafted the indie masterwork in a second bedroom of his North Hollywood apartment. The parade of enticing originals on the disc includes the euphoric opener "The Tailor's Lament," dreamy Baroque pop-tinged "Lansdowne," genre-defying gem "Happy New Year," rollicking power pop sortie "In Mysterium," sumptuous acoustic foray "Jericho's Pool," and epic melody-adorned experimental rocker "The Daily Drag." Information: bar-none.com.
You might like if you enjoy: Zach Bryan, Turnpike Troubadours, Lana Del Rey, Phosphorescent
Tell me more: Country music hitmaker Zach Bryan has returned with Young Manhood and Other Donatable Organs, an eight-song EP that finds the singer-songwriter exploring far-flung corners of his sonic universe with bona fide skill and sentiment. Standouts on the EP include the timely Americana countrified rocker "Robot Killed The Working Man," tender ballad "Lies" where he shares lead vocals with Lana Del Rey, the country blues nugget "Backwards," rock meets roots genre-blending "Is The Blue Tangled In You?" and bewitching "Plainsman," the latter a winning red dirt previously-rumored collaboration with fellow Oklahomans Turnpike Troubadours. Bryan will bring his upcoming "Young Manhood and Other Donatable Organs" Tour to Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on July 16, 2027, and to SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on July 20, 2027. The physical release of Young Manhood and Other Donatable Organs includes a retail CD and vinyl. Direct-to-consumer limited edition vinyl and hardcover book are already sold out. Click HERE for details. Information: zachlanebryan.com.
You might like if you enjoy: Bruce Cockburn, James Taylor, Michael Ubaldini, Mississippi John Hurt
Tell me more: Canadian singer-songwriter/guitar master Bruce Cockburn is back with The Blood Of Others, an ambitious 15-track album where he revisits other artists' songs that he has discovered over the past six decades. Known for his ability to craft songs ranging from folk and jazz to rock and blues, Cockburn is able to visit those genres across The Blood Of Others. Among the parade of creatively reworked tracks on the first half of the album are Robert Wilkins' "Wish I Was In Heaven Sitting Down" where Cockburn's signature vocals and virtuoso guitar work enhance the writer's affecting conversation with God), the jazzy "As Time Goes By" (the Herman Hupfeld original was heard in the 1942 classic film "Casablanca"), the gorgeous 1952 ballad "You Belong To Me," a delightfully blues-drenched reading of Elvis Presley's 1954 hit "That's All Right," the lovely "Four Strong Winds" and the Mississippi John Hurt-penned country blues jewel "Louis Collins." The collection's riches continue with standouts including a beautiful take on the classic "Fare Thee Well" adorned with Cockburn's stellar fret work, Lonnie Johnson's Delta blues-flavored "Laplegged Drunk Again," and luxurious French version of "Autumn Leaves"). Closing out this terrific album is a poignant acoustic cover of "Peace In The Valley," a gospel track written Ian the 1930s by Thomas A. Dorsey. Information: sunsetblvdrecords.com.
Robert Kinsler
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