Title: Artemis (BMG)
You might like if you enjoy: Lindsey Stirling, CHVRCHES, Evanescence
Tell me more: Lindsey Stirling's continuing search to elevate the world with her original compositions and incredible skills on the violin are celebrated on her latest album Artemis. The music on Stirling's fifth full-length album is both accessible and daring with the artist proving yet again how she can find success outside of commercial trends and the increasingly low bar exhibited by the majority of today's hitmakers. A bona fide concept album, Artemis was inspired by Artemis, who in Ancient Greek mythology, was the daughter of Zeus and serves as the goddess of the moon. Distant female voices enlighten the title track "Artemis," while Stirling's shining violin work offers expert counterpoint. The electronica "Foreverglow," dynamic symphonic rock-yearning "Love Goes On and On" (the latter featuring Evanescence lead vocalist Amy Lee) and buoyant electronica strike "The Upside" (featuring singer Elle King) are other standouts on the disc. My favorite selection on "Artemis" is "Between Twilight," which has an otherworldly beauty that would have been at home alongside composer Howard Shore's "Lord of the Rings" trilogy. Information: LindseyStirling.com.
Title: Sitting on Top of the Blues (Deep Rush Records / Thirty Tigers)
You might like if you enjoy: Buddy Guy, Sonny Boy Williamson
Tell me more: Bluesman Bobby Rush's aptly-pegged Sitting on Top of the Blues is filled with infectious tracks that recall the past while propelling the genre into the future. Launching things with the explosive "Hey Hey Bobby Rush," stylish lead guitar, a driving rhythm and R&B-flavored horns help bolster the winning track. A dance between blues harp and lead guitar introduces "Good Stuff" before Rush uses his powerful baritone to enthrall listeners the rest of the way. The songs on the disc powerfully fuse blues, soul, funk, and R&B in artful perfection. Other highlights on the Grammy Award winning artist's disc include the joyful "You Got the Goods on You," the nimble blues harp-anchored instrumental "Bobby Rush Shuffle," the acoustic Delta-drenched "Recipe for Love" and funked out "Shake Til' You Get Enough." Information: BobbyRushBluesman.com.
Title: The Lilacs Endure (Pravda)
You might like if you enjoy: Matthew Sweet, Big Star, Material Issue
Tell me more: Chicago-spawned power pop heroes The Lilacs are back with a terrific EP (The Lilacs Endure) that celebrates the band's knack for unleashing high-octane melodic rock. The band's loose approach triggers a favorable comparison with the Rolling Stones' freewheeling approach albeit with an emphasis on melodic rock; The Lilacs may be ragged around the edges but that's clearly a good thing. Credit to producer Richard Lloyd (Television, Matthew Sweet) and the lineup featuring Ken Kurson (guitar, vocals), David Levinsky (guitar, vocals), John Valley (drums), Steve Poulton (bass) and Jimmy Matt Rowland (Hammond organ, piano, synthesizer). Any of the songs on this disc will please fans of the genre to be sure. Information: www.facebook.com/TheLilacs1990/.
Robert Kinsler
