New Music: Dawes, Alan Parsons, The Offspring, Collective Soul

Fantastic new albums from Dawes and Alan Parsons as well as a greatest hits set from The Offspring finally available on vinyl and two enticing advance singles from Collective Soul make for a diverse field of music.

Artist: Dawes

Title: Misadventures of Doomscroller (Rounder Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Dawes, Steely Dan, Jackson Browne

Tell me more: Dawes continues to be a stellar light in the modern rock universe, defying easy categorization while boldly displaying even more dizzying heights with each new release. The Jonathon Wilson-produced Misadventures of Doomscoller is Dawes' 8th studio album and it is certainly one of the best albums of 2022. Take the ambitious opener "Someone Else's Cafe / Doomscroller Tries To Relax," a nine and one-half minute song that somehow blends Laurel Canyon folk rock, Steely Dan-mining jazz and gospel-tinged elements across its luxurious run. The momentum and might of the album continues with the intoxicating acoustic-flavored "Comes In Waves," buoyant "Everything Is Permanent," hard-charging "Ghost In The Machine," sumptuous two-part "Joke In There Somewhere," and eloquent closer "Sound That No One Made / Doomscroller Sunrise." To be sure, many of the longer-than-usual originals feature musical jamming aplenty but the virtuoso musical sorties never negate the sterling songcraft showcased across the seven-track disc. Dawes is Taylor Goldsmith (guitar, primary vocalist), Wylie Gelber (bass), Griffin Goldsmith (drums, percussion, background vocals) and Lee Pardini (piano, organ, synthesizers, guitar, clavinet, background vocals). Dawes performs with the Head and the Heart at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles on Saturday, Aug. 20, 2022. Information: DawesTheBand.com. 

Artist: Alan Parsons

Title: From The New World (Frontiers Music Srl)

You might like if you enjoy: Alan Parsons Project, Joe Bonamassa, Tommy Shaw, Ambrosia

Tell me more: Following up on his April 2019 release The Secret, legendary Alan Parsons is back with his new full-length LP From The New World. Blending progressive and classic rock with symphonic elements, a strong field of surrounding players help deliver the latest memorable set from the Grammy-winning English singer-songwriter/producer. The immersive "Fare Thee Well," magnificent "Uroboros" (featuring an especially fine vocal turn from Styx lead singer Tommy Shaw)" and beautiful folk-styled "Don't Fade Now" are early standouts on From The New World. The second half of the album is equally compelling, with the wistful "Obstacles," propulsive "You Are The Light," melodic prog rocker "Halo" and reflective "Goin' Home" among the high marks. Blues guitar great Joe Bonamassa displays his artful fret work on the poignant "I Won't Be Led Astray," a track that features affecting lead vocals from Ambrosia lead singer David Pack and masterful playing from cellist Mika Larson. Information: AlanParsons.com.

Artist: The Offspring

Title: Greatest Hits (Round Hill Music)

You might like if you enjoy: The Offspring, Green Day, 311

Tell me more: Originally released in 2005, The Offspring's essential Greatest Hits compilation is now available for the first time on vinyl. The Garden Grove, California-launched outfit released a parade of winning alt rock and punk fueled tracks in the 1990s and early '00s included on this outstanding and fast-moving set. The band's hard edged sound is bolstered by plenty of melody so it's no surprise that The Offspring's material is truly timeless. Highlights on the collection include early faves "Self Esteem" and "Gotta Get Away" from 1994's Smash, "All I Want" and "Gone Away" from 1997's Ixnay on the Hombre, "Pretty Fly (For a White Guy)," "Why Don't You Get A Job?" and "The Kids Aren't Alright" from 1998's Americana. The Offspring's latter material burns just as powerfully; "Original Prankster" and "Want You Bad" from 2000's Conspiracy of One, "Defy You" from the 2002 Orange County soundtrack, and "Hit That" and "(Can't Get My) Head Around You" from 2003's Splinter. The album's killer opener "Can't Repeat" is also included on the title, and was the compilation's first official single — peaking in the Top 10 on both Billboard's Modern Rock Tracks and Mainstream Rock Tracks charts. There are three different versions available: a black LP with a lyric insert, a limited-edition picture disc that features the band’s iconic flaming skull, and an exclusive limited-edition version that boasts a slipmat with the same logo. Information: Offspring.com. 

Collective Soul, left to right: Jesse Triplett (lead guitar/background vocals), Will Turpin
(bass/background vocals), Ed Roland (vocals/guitar), Dean Roland (rhythm guitar), and
Johnny Rabb (drums/background vocals). / Photo credit: David Abbott

Artist: Collective Soul

Single titles: "All Our Pieces" and "Cut The Cord" (Fuzze-Flex Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Collective Soul

Tell me more: Although Collective Soul's new album Vibrating isn't due until Aug. 12, two advance tracks from the highly-anticipated return are so strong that fans of top-tier modern rock will want to check out these wonderful cuts via their favorite streaming service (as well as YouTube, where official must see music videos are available). "All Our Pieces" taps into the band's signature sound, with a soaring anthemic rocker every bit the equal of classic cuts like "Shine," "December," "Heavy" and "The World I Know." Singer-songwriter Ed Roland is among the best songwriters of his generation, as evidenced by the song's introspective expanse.  The '70s-mining hard rocker "Cut The Cord" released last week showcases the troupe's more fiery instincts — complete with some dynamic high-flying vocals from Roland and ace guitar work from Dean Roland and Jesse Triplett. Collective Soul has several upcoming performances in Southern California later this month. Information: CollectiveSoul.com. 

Robert Kinsler

ASIA to announce 40th Anniversary Tour for early 2023

 Check out this exciting news on the return of ASIA...Robert Kinsler

ASIA ready to announce Anniversary US tour celebrating its ultra-successful debut album and new

ASIA IN ASIA box set  

 

The original lineup of ASIA, from left, Geoff Downes, Steve Howe,
Carl Palmer and John Wetton. Photo courtesy of ASIA

Multi-platinum supergroup ASIA is ready to announce an extensive US tour set for next March, 2023 to promote the 40^th Anniversary of its multi-platinum debut album and the new ASIA IN ASIA box set. The tour, which had originally been set for August  2022 as a co-bill with The Alan Parsons Live Project, has been rescheduled for early 2023 to accommodate a medical procedure needed by Mr. Parsons. Dates will be announced shortly.

Featuring founding members Carl Palmer (drums, percussion); Geoff Downes (keyboards, bkg vocals); along with Billy Sherwood (bass, bkg vocals); and newest member, guitarist and lead vocalist Marc Bonilla,  this will be the ASIA’s first tour since 2019.

“We were hoping to be out this August, however moving the tour to early next year so we can remain on a co-bill with The Alan Parsons Project will be well worth it,” said founding member Carl Palmer. “I am so thrilled that ASIA has finally been able to return to performing after three years off the road due to the  pandemic; we have much to celebrate.”  

 “ASIA has been through a lot during these last four decades,” adds Geoff Downes, “but the music has always endured. The fans have never left us, nor we them.  This tour will be historic.” 

In addition to its 40th Anniversary, the band will be promoting the release of  ASIA In Asia – Live At The Budokan, Tokyo, 1983, a deluxe box set containing: 2LP, 2xCD, 40 page 12” book, Blu-ray video, memorabilia and more, through BMG Records.  Also available are a 2LP Gatefold, 1CD and Digital Format. ASIA IN ASIA BOX SET ORDER HERE ASIA, Geoff Downes (Buggles & YES), Steve Howe (YES) and Carl Palmer (Emerson, Lake & Palmer) with special guest vocalist and bassist Greg Lake (ELP), visited Japan to promote their phenomenally successful debut album (1982) and Alpha (1983).  Their  performance at the Budokan arena on December 6th, 1983, made history as first live simulcast on  MTV. Greg Lake stepped in, on short notice, following the sudden departure of John Wetton due to illness.  ASIA was a rock ‘supergroup’ bringing together Wetton, Palmer, Downes and Howe who had already amassed tens of millions in sales with their collective bands of the 70s. Leaving behind their progressive roots, ASIA embraced the commercial FM rock sound that dominated US airwaves and took the new MTV video channel, by storm.  The single Heat Of The Moment was a world-wide monster smash while its debut album spent 9 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard charts and was the biggest selling LP of 1982.

This newly packaged box set includes: • Exclusive new artwork by Roger Dean • Colour vinyl 2LP of original MTV Telecast concert audio, remixed 2022 from the master tapes, with two previously unreleased, post broadcast encore tracks • 2 x audio CD: • Live at The Budokan Arena, Tokyo, Japan, MTV satellite telecast concert (6 December 1983, USA time), remixed 2022 from the master tapes by Matt Wiggins and Rick Nelson • Live at The Budokan Arena, Tokyo, Japan, previous night’s show (6 December 1983, Japanese Time), remixed 2022 from the master tapes by Hiroki Furutani • Audio-visual Blu-ray of restored original broadcast concert with 2022 plus restored original concert laserdisc featuring alternate camera angles (Duration: 1hr). • 40 page, deluxe 12” book with rare and unseen band photos, memorabilia and exten-sive new sleeve notes new quotes from the original band members • New, bespoke metal and enamel ‘ASIA’ logo pin badge • Printed memorabilia: • 2 x exclusive new Roger Dean artwork A3 posters • 2 x reproduced live broadcast original concert tickets • Replicated, matt laminated original AAA backstage pass • Original concert VHS advert • 3 x glossy 8” x 5” rare band photos

ASIA In Asia – Live At The Budokan, Tokyo, 1983 Tracklist (2 x LPs, CD1 & CD2) 1. Introduction From Mark Goodman (MTV) 2. Time Again 3. The Heat Goes On 4. Here Comes The Feeling 5. Eye To Eye 6. Steve Howe Solo (Sketches In The Sun) 7. Only Time Will Tell 8. Open Your Eyes 9. Geoffrey Downes Solo (Ihiri - The Setting Sun / Bolero) 10. The Smile Has Left Your Eyes 11. Wildest Dreams 12. Carl Palmer Solo 13. Heat Of The Moment 14. Sole Survivor 15. Cutting It Fine 16. Daylight ASIA In Asia – Live At The Budokan, Tokyo, 1983 is available as a Deluxe box set containing: 2LP, 2xCD, 40 page 12” book, Blu-ray video, printed memorabilia and ‘ASIA’ pin badge, as well as 2LP, 1CD & Digital formats on 10th June 2022 through BMG Records.

Website: https://originalasia.com/ Facebook – Original Asia Twitter - @OriginalAsia- The OInstagram – asiatheband Instagram – asiatheband

Album Reviews: Tears For Fears, The Left Banke, Lannie Flowers

Early 2022 has seen the release of a myriad of fantastic new albums, including essential titles featuring Tears For Fears, the Left Banke and Lannie Flowers.

An exclusive edition of Tears For Fear's new album "The Tipping Point" is available on audio CD and vinyl via Target stores or on the company's website HERE.

Artist: Tears For Fears

Title: The Tipping Point (Concord Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Tears For Fears, The Beatles, Jason Falkner, Pugwash

Tell me more: The high-profile return of Tears For Fears courtesy of the duo's highly-anticipated The Tipping Point is definitely worth celebrating. The new masterwork —  the first new album from Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith in more than 17 years —  equals the ambition, sonic craft and artistic mastery of past classics like The Hurting (1983), Songs From The Big Chair (1985), The Seeds of Love (1989) and Everybody Loves a Happy Ending (2004). The album is filled with stellar cuts; the title track "The Tipping Point" is a deeply affecting song chronicling the feeling of helplessness of watching someone you love lose their battle with disease. Another favorite is  the shimmering "Break The Man," which is a call for more equality between men and women. The beautiful and evocative "Rivers Of Mercy," grief-filled "Please Be Happy," swirling "Master Plan" (a yearning to understand God), the triumphant rocker "End of Night" and luxurious "Let It All Evolve" (the latter a bonus track available via a Target exclusive edition) are among the other treasures on the must--hear disc. Few artists have been able to mine Beatlesque soundscapes like Tears For Fears while charting their own inventive course. Information: tearsforfears.com. 

Artist: The Left Banke

Title: Strangers on a Train (Omnivore Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: The Zombies, The Hollies, Badfinger

Tell me more: Best known for their hit singles "Walk Away Renee" and "Pretty Ballerina," the Left Banke's story extended beyond those '60s radio favorites as evidenced on a newly-released expanded edition of the troupe's third and final album Strangers on a Train. The new remastered collection rightfully celebrates the New York-spawned baroque pop group's final recordings gathered together on an essential disc of 16 outstanding cuts. Originally featuring the talents of songwriter/keyboardist Michael Brown, lead singer Steve Martin Caro, bassist/vocalist Tom Finn and drummer/singer George Cameron, the Left Banke recorded two LPs in the late 1960s (Walk Away Renée/Pretty Ballerina and The Left Banke Too) before breaking up in 1969. However, the world was reintroduced to the Left Banke via Strangers on a Train issued in 1986; that album was actually a collection recorded in 1978 by Caro, Finn and Cameron. The final chapter came in 2001 when Brown invited Caro to lay down vocals on demos for a hoped-for Left Banke reunion —  six of those songs complete the new Omnivore Recordings title. The enticing title track, melodic "Heartbreaker," Beatlesque "Hold On Tight" and wistful "Yesterday's Love" are among the strong early selections on the set. The chamber pop gem "And One Day," gorgeous "I Can Fly," harmonies-filled "Only My Opinion" and funk-meets-disco "Queen of Paradise" along with previously-unheard bonus tracks (notably the lovely "Airborne," confessional "I Don't Know" and gorgeous "Until The End") help keep the momentum soaring high. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.  

Artist: Lannie Flowers

Title: Flavor of the Month (SpyderPop Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Fountains of Wayne, Badfinger, Jellyfish, Jason Falkner, Dada

Tell me more: Texas-based singer-songwriter-guitarist Lannie Flowers is back with a marvelous new album Flavor of the Month. A compilation of his "March To Home" singles series issued in 2019, the 14-track album is an essential addition for fans of Flowers' trio of concept albums that loosely chronicle his life from teenager to touring rock and roller to settling down at home (2008's Same Old Story, 2010's Circles and 2021's Home) as well as anyone who loves great power pop. Flowers' songs are original, smart and performed with a master's touch —  his signature sound a perfect blend of melody, shining songcraft and emotional heft. Additionally, it doesn't hurt that Flowers is a top-tier lead vocalist. The newly-remixed tracks on Flavor of the Month delight at every turn. The yearning rocker "Don't Make Me Wait," psychedelic-tinged "Lost in a Daydream," exuberant "Doin' Fine," romantic ballad "About You," tuneful "Day Glow All Night" and power pop nugget "Where Did All The Fun Go?" are among my faves on the disc. Listen to the flamenco touches on "Let It Go," fusion of harmonies and guitar crunch on the title track, and lavishly-layered "What Did I Know" and "Summer Blue" to further discover the myriad of wide-ranging talents displayed by Flowers. Information: spyderpop.com or https://bigstirrecords.com/lannie-flowers-spyderpop-records.

Robert Kinsler

'80s Icons Shine Anew

A slew of groundbreaking 1980s hitmakers are back with terrific new albums in 2019, including The Waterboys, Jimmie Vaughan (of The Fabulous Thunderbirds), Alan Parsons, The Stray Cats and Morrissey.

Artist: The Waterboys
Title: Where The Action Is (Cooking Vinyl)
You might like if you enjoy: The Waterboys, World Party, Psychedelic Furs
Tell me more: Singer-songwriter Mike Scott and his outstanding group known as the Waterboys have returned with another must-hear album (Where the Action Is) of literate and lusty rock. Since forming the band in Scotland in the early 1980s, Scott has written and recorded heartfelt original material tinged with classic rock, folk, Celtic and alternative styles to give his material a diverse and enchanting sweep. Few songwriters tap into the day-to-day experience of living life itself like Scott, whose lyrics resonate with the power of rock's all-time greats; listen to the tear-inducing folk rocker "In My Time On Earth" and lyrics-driven "Ladbroke Grove Symphony" to get an instant feel of Scott's brilliance. Ever the sonic explorer, Scott dips back to the poetry of Robert Burns (1759-1796) for the Celtic "Then She Made the Lasses O," and even offers up a full-on rap selection via "Take Me There I Will Follow You" and seemingly proves nothing is out of reach. Information: MikeScottWaterboys.com.

Artist: Jimmie Vaughan
Title: Please Come Home (Last Music Co.)
You might like if you enjoy: Jimmie Vaughan, Kid Ramos, The Fabulous Thunderbirds
Tell me more: The new Jimmie Vaughan album Please Come Home is a thrilling and joyful celebration of the blues. On the new album, the famed singer-guitar great pays tribute to 11 classic blues tracks with a group of like-minded players who conjure up magic as they revisit timeless material penned by the celebrated likes of Lloyd Price, Lefty Frizzell, T-Bone Walker and more. Vaughan showcases his strong baritone vocals and sharp skills on guitar everywhere, from the buoyant "Just a Game" and dual saxophone-anchored "No One To Talk To" to the instrumental gem "Hold It" and disc-ending "Baby, What's Wrong," the latter bolstered by plenty of Vaughan's signature lead guitar work. Vaughan is currently on tour and has a number of upcoming dates including at the Hollywood Bowl with Buddy Guy and Charlie Musselwhite on Aug. 7, 2019. Information: jimmievaughan.com.

Artist: Alan Parsons
Title: The Secret (Frontiers Music Srl)
You might like if you enjoy: The Alan Parsons Project, ASIA
Tell me more: Alan Parsons has explored a myriad of corners of the music universe over the past 50+ years, scoring success as engineer, producer and recording artist. Parson's new album The Secret is a celebration of the symphonic and progressive rock elements that are clearly a big part of his musical DNA — after all, Parsons was an assistant engineer on The Beatles' final two albums and served as an engineer on Pink Floyd's "The Dark Side of the Moon." The wistful and melodic track "As Lights Fall" is an early highlight on the disc, with Parson's inviting vocals positioned amidst an inviting pop sheen. Jason Mraz makes a strong guest turn via the '70s style nugget "Miracle." The McCartney-esque "Fly to Me" and probing orchestra-draped "Beyond the Years of Glory" are among the glowing cuts that appear on the last half of the disc. Other high-profile guest include original Foreigner singer Lou Gramm, ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro and founding Genesis guitarist Steve Hackett. Information: AlanParsons.com.

From left: The Stray Cats are Brian Setzer, Slim Jim Phantom and
Lee Rocker. Photo credit: Russ Harrington.

Artist: The Stray Cats
Title: 40 (Surfdog Records)
You might like if you enjoy: The Stray Cats, Lee Rocker, rockabilly
Tell me more: The Stray Cats have returned with the aptly-titled 40, a celebratory album that finds the rockabilly heroes rocking with the excitement and firepower that marked their introduction to the world in the early '80s. The stripped-down approach displayed across the Peter Collins-produced album shines a welcome lights on the talents of singer-guitarist Brian Setzer, bassist-singer Lee Rocker and drummer-singer Slim Jim Phantom. There is an obvious musical chemistry when they perform the dozen cuts on the album, and the New York-spawned trio have returned with some great original tracks to show off their musical chops. While the Stray Cats certainly revisit the classic rockabilly sound that put them on the map (just listen to the blistering "Three Time's A Charm" or playful "That's Messed Up"), they explore new ground on the moody surf guitar-adorned "Cry Danger," which features some of Setzer's most innovative guitar work in memory. Other great cuts on the set include the high-flying "Cat Fight (Over a Dog Like Me)," moody instrumental "Desperado" and edgy closer "Devil Train." Information: StrayCats.com.

Artist: Morrissey
Title: California Son (BMG)
You might like if you enjoy: Morrissey, The Smiths
Tell me more: When it came time for singer Morrissey to record a full-length album of songs by other artists it should have come as little surprise it would be no average covers project. On his latest album California Son, the former Smiths frontman has dipped back to the lesser-known reaches of the 1960s and '70s covering mostly under the radar cuts from legends such as Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell and Dionne Warwick as well as obscure cult heroes including Jobriath, Tim Hardin and Phil Ochs. Even discerning music aficionados will find themselves discovering new songs courtesy of this dozen-track set. Morrissey's voice tackles each song with artful candor; the euphoric "Morning Starship," dreamy "Don't Interrupt the Sorrow" and politically-charged take on Ochs' "Days of Decision" are among the seldom heard masterworks reintroduced here. Those looking for a familiar track should immerse themselves in Morrissey's stellar version of Roy Orbison's operatic epic "It's Over," as well as an inspired run through Gary Puckett and the Union Gap's "Lady Willpower." Information: MorrisseyOfficial.com.

Robert Kinsler