'Favorite Songs of All Time' episode: TJR & Robert Kinsler discuss Songs 56-60

TJR and Robert Kinsler continue their video series where they discuss their Favorite 100 Songs of All Time; this week they discuss songs 56-60. Watch the episode HERE.

New Music: Aimee Mann, ABBA, Tommy Womack, the Brothers Steve, Steve Goodman, Bobbo Byrnes

Excellent new albums featuring songstress Aimee Mann, Swedish legends ABBA, Nashville hero Tommy Womack, L.A. quintet The Brothers Steve and Americana singer-songwriter Bobbo Byrnes make for an especially strong crop of new releases. 

Artist: Aimee Mann

Title: Queens of the Summer Hotel (SuperEgo Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Aimee Mann

Tell me more: Aimee Mann began to craft new music for what would be her latest album Queens of the Summer Hotel back in 2018 after she agreed to write songs for a stage adaptation of "Girl, Interrupted," author Susanna Kaysen's memoir about her psychiatric hospitalization in the late 1960s. The subject matter was perfectly suited to Mann, whose previous album was even titled Mental Illness. While the coronavirus pandemic put the "Girl, Interrupted" project on hold, Mann decided to collect the songs into Queens of the Summer Hotel, her 10th studio album. Mann's otherworldly ability to craft songs that are literate, melodic and layered shines across Queens of the Summer Hotel, the album's soundscape bolstered by acoustic piano, strings, woodwinds and horns. The Baroque pop gem "Home By Now," probing "Little Chameleon," sumptuous "Suicide Is Murder," soaring "Burn It Out" and potent "You're Lost" are among the many stellar selections on the album. Information: AimeeMann.com. 

Artist: ABBA

Title: Voyage (Capitol)

You might like if you enjoy: ABBA

Tell me more: ABBA's first new full-length release since 1981's The Visitors, Voyage is a worthy return celebration of the Swedish quartet's groundbreaking pop style. Indeed, the signature voices of Agnetha Fältskog and Anni-Frid Lyngstad sound as youthful and wonderful as ever, while Björn Kristian Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson prove their skills as songwriters and producers continue to be inspired and in tune with the group's signature sound that scored 48 hits in the 1970s and early '80s. The Celtic-tinged "When You Danced With Me," melancholy-filled "I Still Have Faith In You," beautiful "Little Things" (enhanced by a children's choir) and soaring "Don't Shut Me Down" are early standouts on the album. The confessional "I Can Be That Woman," New Wave-flavored "Keep An Eye On Dan," captivating "Bumblebee" and Neo-classical closer "Ode To Freedom" keep the momentum going on the album. Information: ABBAsite.com. 

Artist: Tommy Womack

Title: I Thought I Was Fine (Schoolkids Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Camper Van Beethoven, Tom Petty, Matthew Sweet

Tell me more: Nashville-based hero Tommy Womack is back with an album that signals a bona fide return to his rock and roll roots. The 13-track I Thought I Was Fine is filled with smart songwriting, lots of great rhythm and lead guitar, in-the-pocket rhythms and super clever lyrics. The melodious "Pay It Forward," edgy "A Little Bit of Sex Part 2," confessional rocker "I Got No Place To Go," melodic sortie "I Do" and contagious "That Lucky Old Sun" showcase an unbridled approach that makes the album such a wonderful listen. Womack also utilizes other styles on the album when it makes sense for specific songs; the heartland rock-flavored title track, spoken "Call Me Gary," and countrified "You Don't Get Over Love" and "Job-Hunting While Depressed" are good examples how Womack's approach eludes simple categorization. Information: TommyWomack.com. 

Artist: The Brothers Steve

Title: Dose (Big Stir Records)

You might like if you enjoy: The Empty Hearts, Fountains of Wayne, Cheap Trick's 1977 album "In Color"

Tell me more: Fans of top-tier melodic rock will love the Brothers Steve's new album Dose. The Los Angeles troupe's 10-track disc is loaded with smart, fun, infectious and melody-rich originals courtesy of singer-guitarists-frontmen Os Tyler and Jeff Whalen, drummer Coulter, bassist Jeff Solomon and guitarist Dylan Champion. The exhilarating opener "Get On Up" is bolstered by a joyful spirit enhanced by harmonies, handclaps and artful musicianship. The band taps into a perfect blend of early rock 'n' roll abandon and '70s power pop on the swirling "Wizard of Love." They adorn the chamber pop "She Will Wait" with creative harmonies aplenty. They turn on a dime for the propulsive rocker "Electro-Love." Other excellent melodic rockers include the tuneful "Sugarfoot," Beach Boys-meets-Fountains of Wayne zing of "Griffith Observatory," and dazzling album closer "Better Get Ready to Go." Dose is a flat out great record. Information: BigStirRecords.com.

Artist: Steve Goodman

Title: The Best of Steve Goodman (Omnivore Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: John Denver, Dion, Harry Chapin, John Prine, Jimmy Buffett

Tell me more: A triple threat as singer, songwriter and guitar master, the late Steve Goodman's growing legacy is celebrated across an outstanding new 19-track retrospective. The Best of Steve Goodman features studio recordings, radio sessions, live performances and even a solo demo of his enduring masterwork "City of New Orleans." During Goodman's short lifetime — he died of leukemia in 1984 at the age of 36 — a relatively small but dedicated following in his native Chicago and beyond purchased his albums and attended his live performances. Over the past several years, Omnivore Recordings has been reintroducing the music of Goodman to a wider audience. The Best of Steve Goodman is an excellent way for uninitiated listeners to fall in love with an artist the equal of many of his well-known contemporaries. The chilling "Yellow Coat," comedic "You Never Even Call Me by My Name" (co-written with his good friend John Prine) and "This Hotel Room," a beautiful rendition of Mike Smith's "The Dutchman," introspective "Video Tape" and bittersweet "A Dying Cub Fan's Last Request" are among the stellar tracks on this essential collection. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com. 

Artist: Bobbo Byrnes

Title: So Many Bars, So Many Saturday Nights (Bobbo Byrnes)

You might like if you enjoy: The Fallen Stars, Bobbo Byrnes

Tell me more: Americana singer-songwriter Bobbo Byrnes is back with another batch of enticing originals via his seven-song CD So Many Bars, So Many Saturday Nights. The mandolin- and fiddle-anchored "Charlie" and driving roots rocker "Different Beds" are early standouts on the fast-moving disc, while the countrified "Outlaws & Angels" and folk rocker "Walk Away" (the latter bolstered by Byrnes' stylish mandolin solo) are highlights later on the CD. Byrnes closes out the musical proceedings with an alternative country-flavored take on the AC/DC classic "Long Way To The Top." Information: BobboByrnes.com.

Robert Kinsler

Sights and Sounds: The Rolling Stones, AC/DC, Erasure, SUSTO, Lilly Hiatt

All kinds of big news to share today...Robert Kinsler

The Rolling Stones’ previously unheard track "Troubles A' Comin"

 

LISTEN HERE

WATCH THE LYRIC VIDEO HERE

 

September 30, 2021

 

The Rolling Stones today release the previously unheard track “Troubles A’ Comin” via Polydor/Interscope/UMe. The never-before-released song is set to feature on the upcoming, newly remastered 40^th anniversary editions of chart-topping, multi-platinum 1981 album Tattoo You. “Troubles A’ Comin” is out today, September 30, listen here and watch the lyric video here.

 

Originally recorded by the Stones in Paris in 1979 and now released for the very first time, “Troubles A’ Comin” is an infectious and multi-faceted cover of the Chi-Lites original. The guitar-driven track is a true gem for fans around the world, giving an irresistible taste of the nine newly completed songs and rarities featured on Tattoo You’s unmissable Lost & Found disc. 

 

Anticipation for the new editions of Tattoo You will be high among Stones devotees and new admirers alike, as the rock’n’roll legends have returned to the road for the critically acclaimed US ‘No Filter’ tour, which kicked off in St. Louis last Sunday, September 26. It follows the huge success of the 2020 reissue of the Stones’ 1973 landmark Goats Head Soup, which took the album back to No.1 in the UK.

 

The newly remastered Tattoo You (40^th Anniversary) will feature the original 11-track album, including such enduring favourites as “Hang Fire”, “Waiting On A Friend” and of course the opening track that has been a band signature ever since, “Start Me Up”. “Troubles A’ Comin”, released September 30, will be included on the box set and deluxe CD and vinyl editions of the forthcoming multi-format release. Tattoo You, restored to its full glory and more, will be released by Polydor/Interscope/UMe on October 22. Pre-order Tattoo You (40^th Anniversary) here.

 

THE ROLLING STONES ‘TROUBLES A’ COMIN’ IS OUT NOW

LISTEN HERE

https://the-rolling-stones.lnk.to/TroublePR

TATTOO YOU (40^TH ANNIVERSARY) WILL BE RELEASED BY UNIVERSAL MUSIC ON 22 OCTOBER

PRE-ORDER HERE

https://the-rolling-stones.lnk.to/TattooYou2021PR

 

 

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AC/DC TAKE YOU “THROUGH THE MISTS OF TIME”   BRAND NEW MUSIC VIDEO FOR “THROUGH THE MISTS OF TIME” OUT NOW

Today, AC/DC have shared their brand new video for “Through The Mists Of Time” – WATCH HERE.    The video is a rock and roll museum tour through an exhibition of the band’s incredible history. Based on a concept by Angus Young, Director Najeeb Tarazi and creative director Josh Cheuse used footage shot by Clemens Habicht of each of the 5 band members in 5 separate shoots around the world. They then enlisted Mathematic, a Paris based visual effects studio, to combine all the elements so the band could take the stage together to perform the fan favorite from POWER UP, almost one year to the day that the highly-anticipated album was announced.   Ending last year with their seventeenth full-length album POWER UP, the album saw the band reuniting with producer Brendan O’Brien who helmed Black Ice in 2008 and Rock Or Bust in 2014. Charged up for the next decade, AC/DC cut twelve new tracks for the album, proudly maintaining their signature sound and all of its powerful hallmarks. POWER UP is available now HERE. ABOUT AC/DC: AC/DC are one of the most influential rock bands in history with over 200 million albums sold worldwide and 71 million albums sold in the U.S. alone. The double-diamond Back in Black stands out as “bestselling album by any band ever” and “third bestselling album by any artist” with global sales of 50 million and counting. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame® in 2003. The band also garnered their first GRAMMY® Award in the category of “Best Hard Rock Performance” for “War Machine” during 2010. They continue to sell out stadiums on multiple continents, sell millions of albums annually, and generate streams in the billions. AC/DC returned with POWER UP in 2020. ERASURE   ANNOUNCE SURPRISE EP NE:EP OUT TOMORROW   UK TOUR BEGINS TOMORROW   NORTH AMERICAN TOUR BEGINS JANUARY 14 TICKETS ON SALE NOW credit: Phil Sharp Praise for The Neon:   “…defiantly joyous…” – THE NEW YORKER   “…what the world needs right now…euphoric…” – NEWSWEEK   “…[an] appropriately neon-streaked synth confection…classic Erasure…” – STEREOGUM   “...a new album as vibrant as any from the past three and a half decades...something special.”  – POPMATTERS   “…a rebirth…” – FLOOD   ERASURE (Andy Bell and Vince Clarke) today announce details of a surprise EP celebrating the first night of their UK tour. Out on CD, limited edition purple cassette, and digital platforms tomorrow, Ne:EP is a five-track companion piece to their latest album, The Neon, with four new tracks sitting alongside “Secrets,” which originally appeared on The Neon Remixed.   Watch a teaser for Ne:EP here. Pre-order Ne:EP here.   The UK tour kicks off in Glasgow before a series of dates that includes a long awaited show at The O2 in London on October 17 with additional special guest Blancmange.   Erasure’s North American tour launches January 14 in Miami before wrapping up in late February at The Venetian in Las Vegas. Bag Raiders will open each date with a DJ set. See the touring itinerary below and visit Erasure’s website for further details.   The duo recently released their eighteenth studio album, The Neon, which went into the UK Official Albums Chart at #4, their highest chart position since I Say I Say I Say, which in turn gets a deluxe 2CD expanded hardback book release on November 5.   Erasure The Neon Tour 2021-2022 October 1 – Glasgow, Scotland – Armadillo * SOLD OUT October 2 – Glasgow, Scotland – Armadillo * SOLD OUT October 4 – Glasgow, Scotland – Armadillo * NEW DATE October 6 – Edinburgh, Scotland – Usher Hall * SOLD OUT October 7 – Edinburgh, Scotland – Usher Hall * SOLD OUT October 9 – Manchester, England – O2 Apollo * SOLD OUT October 10 – Manchester, England – O2 Apollo * SOLD OUT October 12 – Cardiff, Wales – Motorpoint Arena * October 14 – Bournemouth, England – International Centre * October 16 – Birmingham, England – Utilita Arena * SOLD OUT October 17 – London, England – The O2 * ^ October 18 – Brighton, England – Centre January 14 – Miami Beach, FL – The Fillmore Miami Beach at Jackie Gleason Theater January 15 – Orlando, FL – Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center January 16 – St. Petersburg, FL – The Mahaffey Theater January 18 – Durham, NC – DPAC - Durham Performing Arts Center January 20 – New York, NY – Radio City Music Hall January 21 – New York, NY – Radio City Music Hall NEW DATE January 25 – Toronto, ON – Meridian Hall January 27 – Pittsburgh, PA – The Byham Theater January 28 – Chicago, IL – Credit Union 1 Arena at UIC January 29 – Cincinnati, OH – The Andrew J Brady ICON Music Center February 1 – Asbury Park, NJ – Paramount Theatre February 3 – Washington, DC – The Anthem February 4 – Atlantic City, NJ – Caesars February 5 – Boston, MA – Orpheum Theatre presented by Citizens Bank February 8 – Atlanta, GA – Symphony Hall February 11 – Houston, TX – TBA (venue & on sale to be announced) February 12 – Irving, TX – The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory February 13 – Austin, TX – ACL Live at the Moody Theater February 15 – Kansas City, MO – Uptown Theater February 18 – Denver, CO – Bellco Theatre February 19 – Salt Lake City, UT – Maverik Center February 22 – Seattle, WA – Moore Theater NEW DATE February 23 – Portland, OR – Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall February 25 – San Francisco, CA – Chase Center February 26 – Los Angeles, CA – Performance Venue @ Hollywood Park February 27 – Las Vegas, NV – Venetian Theatre May 11 – Dublin, Ireland – 3Arena May 13 – Frankfurt, Germany – Jahrhunderthalle  May 14 – Cologne, Germany – Palladium  May 16 – Copenhagen, Denmark – Royal Arena May 17 – Hamburg, Germany – Barclaycard Arena May 19 – Leipzig, Germany – Immobilien Arena May 20 – Berlin, Germany – Max-Velodrom   * with Wayne G ^ with Blancmange ~ All North American dates supported by Bag Raiders (DJ set) Stream and purchase The Neon Pre-order Ne:EP   ERASURE: WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | SPOTIFY | APPLE MUSIC   MUTE: WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | SOUNDCLOUD SUSTO RETURNS WITH TIME IN THE SUN OCTOBER 29, 2021 VIA NEW WEST RECORDS    UNDER THE RADAR PREMIERES “LIFE IS SUFFERING” TODAY     ON TOUR NOW    SUSTO Photo by Sully Sullivan    SUSTO will return with Time in the Sun on October 29, 2021 via New West Records. The 11-song set was produced and engineered by Wolfgang Zimmerman (Band of Horses) in the band’s hometown of Charleston, South Carolina. Time in the Sun follows their critically acclaimed 2019 studio album Ever Since I Lost My Mind which Paste raved was “a resounding triumph.” The joy of birth, the closure of death, the warmth of true friendship, and the future rotate on the axis of the band’s New West Records debut. Frontman Justin Osborne distills this ebb and flow into songs underpinned by lyrical eloquence, unpredictable dynamics, and a thoroughly alive rock and roll spirit.    Prior to entering the studio, Osborne became a father and midway through recording, lost his own father to cancer. Osborne says, “Because I had begun writing when I found out I was going to be a dad, these events were the biggest inspirations for the record. It felt like I was in between the beginning and end of life. Up until my own father passed away, I felt like it was an album about new life and becoming a parent. His passing shifted the narrative towards the cyclical nature of life, death, and new births.”   Today, Under the Radar premiered the album highlight “Life Is Suffering,” saying “Despite the bleak title, ‘Life is Suffering’ is a thoroughly bright and breezy track. Twangy Americana instrumentation mixes with washes of psychedelic melodies, imitating the sunburnt Southern locales where Osborne came of age.” Hear “Life is Suffering” HERE.    SPIN previously shared the video for the first single “Get Down,” which was co-directed by Meg Ha & Gillian Skipper and written by Justin’s brother Joe Osborne. Brooklyn Vegan also previously shared the album highlight “Summertime” as well.   Since 2013, Justin Osborne has quietly prepared to make such a statement as Time in the Sun. He began penning songs as a teenager in South Carolina and after a hiatus from music, relocated to Havana, Cuba. While there, he befriended local musicians who encouraged him to focus on writing songs again. The band’s name SUSTO is derived from a Latin American term that can be roughly translated as “panic attack.” Osborne says, “That deep fright was something that I was experiencing, and songwriting felt like it was helping me cure it.”   SUSTO has become a live favorite through constant headline touring, support dates with The Lumineers, Band of Horses, The Head and the Heart, as well as festival appearances at Austin City Limits, Hangout Fest, Stagecoach, Hopscotch, Pickathon, AmericanaFest and more. SUSTO has also launched their initial tour days in support of Time in the Sun and will be in St. Augustine, FL tonight at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre. Please see all dates below.  SUSTO’s Time in the Sun will be available across digital platforms, compact disc, and standard black vinyl. A limited Translucent Orange color vinyl edition including an autographed 11x17 poster will be available at Independent Retailers, while a limited Deep Purple color vinyl edition featuring an autographed cover is available NOW for pre-order via New West Records.      SUSTO Time in the Sun Track Listing:  1. Time, Love & Fun 2. Get Down 3. Summertime 4. God of Death 5. Be Gone from Me 6. Good Right Now 7. Life Is Suffering 8. Resolve It 9. Mother of the World 10. Double Rainbow 11. All Around the World   SUSTO on Tour:  September 30 — St. Augustine, FL — St. Augustine Amphitheatre October 1 — St. Petersburg, FL — Jannus Live October 8 - Alpharetta, GA - Wire and Wood Festival  October 16 - Greenwood, SC - Uptown Market  October 30 - Maquoketa, IA - Codfish Hollow  October 31 —  Evanston, IL — SPACE November 2    — Indianapolis, IN — The Hifi November 3 - Louisville, KY - Zanzabar  November 4    — Nashville, TN — The Basement East November 19 — Asheville, NC — Grey Eagle Tavern & Music Hall November 20 — Charlotte, NC — Neighborhood Theatre December 4 — Key West, FL — Coast is Clear Music & Arts Festival December 16 - Mobile, AL - Callaghan Irish Social Club  December 17—  Birmingham, AL — Saturn December 18 — Atlanta, GA — Terminal West www.SustoIsReal.com www.NewWestRecords.com LILLY HIATT RETURNS WITH LATELY OCTOBER 15, 2021 VIA NEW WEST RECORDS    CASSETTE VERSION TO BE RELEASED A WEEK EARLY ON OCTOBER 8th CELEBRATING CASSETTE WEEK    THE BOOT PREMIERES “LATELY” VIDEO TODAY    TOUR DATES WITH LYDIA LOVELESS ANNOUNCED    Lilly Hiatt Photo by Dylan Reyes    Lilly Hiatt will return with Lately on October 15th via New West Records. The 10-song set was co-produced by Lilly and her drummer Kate Haldrup at Death Ladder in East Nashville, TN. In celebration of “Cassette Week,” the cassette version of the album will be released a week early on Friday, October 8th. Lately is the follow up to Hiatt’s critically acclaimed Walking Proof, which was among the first records released to feel the full wrath of the soon-to-be raging pandemic that would bring the world to its knees. Despite the timing of its release, the long player was named a “Best Album of the Year” by Rolling Stone, No Depression, Magnet Magazine, Slant Magazine and more. NPR Music called Lilly “...one of the great 21st Century Southern Rockers,” saying, “...she’s a striving, self-made heroine of country-accented indie rock” while Rolling Stone said “Hiatt proves herself to be Nashville’s indie-rocker-to-watch on this collection of Big Star-worthy jangle anthems and introspective psych-folk.” Rolling Stone Country called the album “...exhilarating…” saying, “At once electrifying and dreamy, the follow-up to Hiatt’s breakout Trinity Lane cements her as a vital voice.” Pitchfork said, “...Walking Proof winds through moments of incandescent joy, gentleness, cathartic noise, and even unease...It’s as if Hiatt has emerged from a dark, uncertain period as a stronger, bolder artist, winding up with an album that encompasses a full spectrum of feeling as it rocks with abandon” while Paste Magazine said in their 8 out of 10 star review, “This is music to liberate yourself to.”    As each day passed following the release of Walking Proof, more events were postponed, moved, and ultimately canceled. The sudden stillness forced Lilly to take a long, deep look inside and despite having a new album just released, she went back to doing what she does best: she picked up the guitar and started to write. What could have been devastating ended up being therapeutic, and Lilly learned how to find fulfillment in quieter places versus the adrenalized life she was used to.    Today, The Boot premiered the video for the album’s title track. Lilly says, "'Lately' is all for you. I'd like to let you in on the strife and hope that came from the last year for me. The song is a dream that can come true, even if that dream changes over time. Dylan Reyes took the dream and turned it into a vivid trip for our video and here it is." See the “Lately” video, directed by Dylan Reyes, HERE.    SPIN previously shared the video for the album highlight “Been,” alongside a feature with Lilly about Lately’s creation. The video was created by Lilly and is composed of vintage super 8 footage filmed by her mother and recently found in the Hiatt Family storage unit.    Lilly says, “Last year was tough. That’s an understatement for certain. Tears were shed, lives were lost, and lonely was a way of life. I have always felt lonely, but never gone to the depths of solitude that I had in 2020. The irony of that is, I was not alone at all in that space. Everyone had lost something, and we all were trying to rebuild our lives as we knew them. As a means of keeping sane, I started to write songs. Some of them sucked. I kept doing it though, because I had nothing else to fill my cup.”  She continues, “Depression was a big part of fall and winter. I forgot how down I could feel. But I also felt hope in that light that came from a memory of a past adventure or a stranger’s smile while walking down the street. Little things lifted my spirits. I missed my friends. I missed my family. I was devastated by the grief our country was facing, as well as the world. I felt unified in knowing that I was not on my own in that mentality. Many were questioning a lot of what was happening and though ideologies and understandings were fractured and opposing, most people I know craved to be together again. I realized that my heart was full of everything I loved and that would carry me forward for the time being. Eventually we would all get back to one another.”    And get back together we have begun to do. Following an appearance on Mountain Stage this weekend on October 3rd, Lilly will launch a North American tour with Lydia Loveless on October 20th in Houston, TX. The tour will keep the duo on the road throughout most of November and will feature stops at the Continental Club in Austin, The Chapel in San Francisco, a two night stand at the Tractor Tavern in Seattle, and more. Additional 2021 headline dates in support of Lately have also been announced as well. Please see all dates below.    By opening up about her fears and anxiety and having taken a big step back, Lilly Hiatt learned more about herself than she could have ever realized. Which is what great songwriters do.    Lilly Hiatt’s Lately will be available across digital platforms and on cassette. Lately is available for pre-order NOW via New West Records.      Lilly Hiatt Lately Track Listing:    1. Simple  2. Been  3. Lately  4. Stop 5. Peach  6. Ride  7. Face  8. Better  9. Gem  10. The Last Tear    Lilly Hiatt On Tour:    October 3, 2021 - Charleston, WV - Culture Center Theater (Mountain Stage)  October 20, 2021 - Houston, TX - The Heights Theater * October 21, 2021 - San Antonio, TX - Paper Tiger * October 23, 2021 - Austin, TX - Continental Club * October 24, 2021 - Dallas, TX - The Kessler Theater * October 26, 2021 - Tucson, AZ - Club Congress * October 27, 2021 - Solana Beach, CA - Belly Up Tavern * October 28, 2021 - Los Angeles, CA - Lodge Room * October 29, 2021 - San Francisco, CA - The Chapel * October 30, 2021 - Sacramento, CA - Goldfield Trading Post * November 3, 2021 - Bend, OR - Tower Theatre * November 4, 2021 - Portland, OR - Doug Fir Lounge * November 5, 2021 - Seattle, WA - Tractor Tavern * November 6, 2021 - Seattle, WA - Tractor Tavern * November 8, 2021 - Boise, ID - The Olympic * November 10, 2021 - Denver, CO - Globe Hall * November 11, 2021 - Denver, CO Globe Hall * November 13, 2021 - St. Louis, MO - Off Broadway * November 14, 2021 - Nashville, TN - 3rd & Lindsley * December 10, 2021 - Bristol, VA - The Cameo Theater  February 10, 2022 - Atlanta, GA - Vinyl  February 11, 2022 - Charlotte, NC - Free Range Brewery  February 12, 2022 - Raleigh, NC - The Pour House Raleigh  February 14, 2022 - Washington, DC - Union Stage  February 15, 2022 - Philadelphia, PA - Johnny Brenda’s  February 17, 2022 - New York, NY - Mercury Lounge  February 18, 2022 - Hamden, CT - Space Ballroom  February 19, 2022 - Cambridge, MA - The Middle East Upstairs  February 20, 2022 - Northampton, MA - Parlor Room @ Signature Sounds  February 22, 2022 - Cleveland, OH - Beachland Tavern  February 23, 2022 - Columbus, OH - Rumba Cafe  February 24, 2022 - Indianapolis, IN - The Hi-Fi  February 25, 2022 - Newport, KY - The Southgate House Revival (Revival Room)  February 26, 2022 - Chicago, IL - Schubas Tavern   * With Lydia Loveless    LillyHiatt.com  NewWestRecords.com

Rockin' Gift Guide: AC/DC, Jesse Colin Young, John Lennon, Peggy Lee, Gypsy Soul, Chris Hillman

Here is a crop of terrific releases including spectacular classic rock returns, an essential autobiography from a rock and roll great, as well as several fantastic new holiday music titles in tune with the season.

Artist: AC/DC

Title: Power Up (Columbia Records Group)

You might like if you enjoy: AC/DC, Deep Purple's 2020 "Whoosh!" 

Tell me more: Few bands have faced their demons and battled back with the kind of aplomb displayed by AC/DC. This is band that was seemingly doomed from the time founding lead singer Bon Scott died in February 1980. Major hearing issues for long-time vocalist Brian Johnson that led him to being temporarily replaced by Axl Rose in 2016, the death of founding rhythm guitarist Malcolm Young in 2017 and legal issues aplenty for drummer Phil Rudd were somehow overcome as evidenced on the hard rockers' brilliant return Power Up. Those worrying the Australia-spawned Rock and Roll Hall of Famers have lost a step fear not; this album rocks as hard as anything in their storied discography. My favorite tracks are the head-banging "Shot In The Dark" and "Systems Down," catchy instant-classic "Witch's Spell," bluesy "Kick You When You're Down" and "No Man's Land," and probing "Through The Mists Of Time." Truth be told, every cut on the album rocks. No wonder within a week of its official release, Power Up had reached the #1 spot on charts across the globe. 

Power Up is available in multiple configurations that will excite collectors and die-hard fans alike, including digital, CD, and deluxe versions. The limited edition, one-of-a-kind deluxe Power Up box is the ultimate fan package. Hit the button on the side of the box and watch the flashing neon AC/DC logo light up while the opening bars of “Shot In The Dark” blast out of the built-in speaker. Inside the box is the full CD package in a soft-pack with a 20-page booklet that features exclusive photos and USB charging cable allowing the box to remain powered up and on display. The vinyl LP is pressed on 180 gram vinyl and housed in a gatefold jacket.  Information: acdc.com.

Artist: Jesse Colin Young

Title: Highway Troubadour (BMG)

You might like if you enjoy: The Youngbloods, Jesse Colin Young, Bruce Cockburn 

Tell me more: Singer-songwriter/guitarist Jesse Colin Young has just returned with Highway Troubadour, his 22nd solo album (but first truly solo acoustic record since his 1964 debut The Soul of a City Boy). Beloved for his work as lead singer for The Youngbloods in the late 1960s and early '70s, Young went on to establish an equally successful career thanks to strong albums such as Song for Juli (1972), Songbird (1975) and On the Road (1976). Now 79, Young's signature vocals and virtuoso finger style guitar work shine across Highway Troubadour. A true survivor, Young put his recording career on hiatus in 2012 when he was diagnosed with Lyme disease. He returned to the ring with his highly-acclaimed February 2019 release Dreamers and is now back with a disc full of compositions pulled from across his catalog; the sessions were recorded with two two AEA A440 ribbon microphones — one for his voice and one for his Taylor 910 CE guitar. Highlights abound; an intoxicating "Cast a Stone" from last year's Dreamers, intimate "Song for Juli" and potent "Darkness, Darkness." He also revisits several Youngbloods classics, including offering up a reworked bluesy take on the Americana rocker "Sugar Babe" and George Remaily's "Euphoria." Information: JesseColinYoung.com.

Artist: John Lennon

Title: Gimme Some Truth (Capitol Records)

You might like if you enjoy: John Lennon, The Beatles

Tell me more: In celebration of what would have been John Lennon's 80th birthday, Capitol/UMe released Gimme Some Truth on Oct. 9, 2020. Released via several configurations (including a Deluxe 2CD/Blu-ray edition that includes a 124-page book and much more), the 2CD version I have revisits three dozen of the artist's most beloved solo songs, all upgraded via the work of engineer Paul Hicks, engineer Sam Gannon and mastering pro Alex Wharton at Abbey Road Studios. Listening to these glorious new mixes is to be swept up again by Lennon's monumental talent as a singer-songwriter able to address love, loss, social justice, marriage, world peace, racism, feminism and a myriad of other topics with a brutal honesty that rings true long after his tragic death in December 1980. The range of songs astound even today; the timeless rocker "Instant Karma!," sparse "Working Class Hero," intimate "Love," adored "Imagine," stirring "Oh My Love" and timely "Happy Xmas (War is Over)" are among this writer's favorites. Gimme Some Truth is available as a 19-track CD or 2LP, a 36-track 2CD, or 4 LP, the aforementioned Deluxe edition, and several digital versions for download and streaming including in 24 bit/96 KHz audio and hi-res Dolby Atmos. Information: JohnLennon.com.

CHRISTMAS COLLECTIONS

Artist: Peggy Lee

Title: Ultimate Christmas (Capitol Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Peggy Lee, traditional holiday music 

Tell me more: With 2020 marking the 100th birthday of the late jazz and popular music singer Peggy Lee, the yuletide set Ultimate Christmas features 22 holiday favorites including "Winter Wonderland," "The Christmas Song," "Happy Holiday," "The Christmas Waltz," Winter Wonderland" and the rare "Peace on Earth." Several of the selections were written by Lee, including the cheerful "Christmas Carousel" (the title track from her 1960 holiday album), sparkling "Don't Forget to Feed the Reindeer," radiant "The Tree" and poignant "My Dear Acquaintance (A Happy New Year)." Lee's signature top-tier vocals and the wonderful orchestral arrangements captured between 1949 and 1968 on audio CD are bolstered by a colorful booklet filled with historical Christmastime photos of Lee and detailed liner notes and information on each of the memorable tracks. Information: umgcatalog.com.

Artist: Gypsy Soul

Title: Comfort and Joy (Off The Beaten Track Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: Gypsy Soul, Clannad

Tell me more: Talented Oregon-based duo Gypsy Soul is back with a new holiday-minded album, Comfort and Joy. Released Nov. 27, the album features six new recordings; all other tracks on the 14-track disc have been remastered. Cilette Swann's expressive vocals (which spans four octaves) and Roman Morykit's skills on a multiple of instruments are able to musically deliver the warmth and jubilation of the season to be sure, including their jazz-meets-world music versions of "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen," "We Three Kings of Orient Are," "The First Noel" and other traditional favorites. Other standouts include "Little Drummer Boy" and "Away In A Manger." Their own "The Snow, The Sea" is a welcome addition on the set. Many modern-day Christmas music collections are stuffed with an excess of bombast and artificial sweetening; Gypsy Soul's Comfort and Joy is a genuinely beautiful and touching tribute to the holiday season. Information: GypsySoul.com.

ROCK 'N' ROLL READ

Title: Time Between: My Life as a Byrd, Burrito Brother and Beyond

Author: Chris Hillman

Publisher: BMG Books

Hardcover: 315 pages

Tell me more: In his moving "Time Between: My Life as a Byrd, Burrito Brother and Beyond," Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Chris Hillman provides a compelling and fascinating look at his life and singular career. A founding member of the Byrds, the Flying Burrito Brothers, the Souther-Hillman-Furay Band and the Desert Rose Band, Hillman reflects on the ups and downs of a life spent in the music world but mines equal depth with his reflections on love, family, faith and the loss of so many of his musical mates. He writes in a straightforward way, completely immersing the reader in a wide-ranging life spanning legendary gigs, recording sessions, band breakups, overcoming seemingly-fatal health scares and — his biggest joys — his wife Connie and their children. His relationships with greats ranging from Gram Parsons and David Crosby to Roger McGuinn, Richie Furay and Tom Petty come alive in the wonderful autobiography. Country great Dwight Yoakam pens the foreword. Information: bmg.com.

Robert Kinsler