Pistol Annies releasing their first ever holiday album, "Hell of a Holiday," Oct. 22, 2021

Another major holiday music release announcement, and this one sure looking promising! Check out Pistol Annies' track "Snow Globe," an advance track from "Hell of a Holiday" coming in just three weeks...Robert Kinsler

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Oct. 1, 2021

IT’S A VERY ANNIE CHRISTMAS! 

PISTOL ANNIES RELEASING THEIR FIRST EVER HOLIDAY ALBUM, HELL OF A HOLIDAY, OCT. 22

FIRST RELEASE “SNOW GLOBE” AVAILABLE NOW

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Country music trio Pistol Annies will deck the halls with new original holiday tunes as their first Christmas album, Hell of a Holiday, arrives Oct. 22. Listen to the first release, “Snow Globe,” here.

“We couldn’t be happier we got to make a Christmas Album. Once we finally surrendered and let the Christmas songwriting spirit take over, we were so inspired and felt that magic on every single one of these songs,” said the trio’s Miranda Lambert, Ashley Monroe, and Angaleena Presley. “We hope to be a part of so many people’s Christmas memories for years to come.”

Full of new yuletide treats, Hell of a Holiday includes 10 festive original tracks written by the Annies with their signature winking humor, while also honoring the spirit of the season. The title track conjures images of the hectic holiday whirlwind that arrives every Nov. 1, while “Snow Globe” dreams of a romantic winter wonderland. Elsewhere, a family of country-fried characters come to life, and there’s even a new ode to Santa himself.

The project also features their take on standards including “Sleigh Ride,” and Merle Haggard’s “If We Make it Through December,” plus a reimagined “Auld Lang Syne.” Photographer and artist Gina Binkley created the striking cover artwork. 

This marks the fourth studio album for the trio, following their Grammy-nominated 2018 project Interstate Gospel. They recently celebrated the 10^th anniversary of their Platinum-certified debut release “Hell on Heels,” the title track of their acclaimed first album. 

HELL OF A HOLIDAY 

1. Hell of a Holiday (Miranda Lambert/Ashley Monroe/Angaleena Presley)
2. Snow Globe (Miranda Lambert/Ashley Monroe/Angaleena Presley)
3. Harlan County Coal (Miranda Lambert/Ashley Monroe/Angaleena Presley)
4. Come On Christmas Time (Miranda Lambert/Ashley Monroe/Angaleena Presley)
5. If We Make it Through December (Merle Haggard)
6. Make You Blue (Miranda Lambert/Ashley Monroe/Angaleena Presley)
7. Leanin' on Jesus (Miranda Lambert/Ashley Monroe/Angaleena Presley)
8. The Only Thing I Wanted (Miranda Lambert/Ashley Monroe/Angaleena Presley)
9. Believing (Miranda Lambert/Ashley Monroe/Angaleena Presley)
10. Happy Birthday (Miranda Lambert/Ashley Monroe/Angaleena Presley)
11. Sleigh Ride (Leroy Anderson/Mitchell Parish)
12. Joy (Miranda Lambert/Ashley Monroe/Angaleena Presley)
13. Auld Lang Syne (Public Domain/Miranda Lambert/Ashley Monroe/Angaleena Presley) 

ABOUT PISTOL ANNIES: A musical “force of nature” (Entertainment Weekly), Pistol Annies combines the talents of acclaimed country standouts Miranda Lambert (Lone Star Annie), Ashley Monroe (Hippie Annie) and Angaleena Presley (Holler Annie), delivering a high-spirited take on life the way real people live it. Each prolific songwriters and vocalists, the Annie collective allows the women the freedom to explore the genre beyond their individual careers celebrating friendship, the rough patches and girl power. Having recorded with both the Chieftains and Jewel, their music has also been featured on The Hunger Games: Songs from District 12 and Beyond. They have released three albums: 2011’s Gold-certified Hell on Heels, which produced the Platinum single “Hell On Heels”; 2013’s Annie Up; and 2018’s Grammy-nominated masterpiece Interstate Gospel. Their new Christmas album Hell of a Holiday arrives Oct. 22. 

PistolAnnies.com | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube

New Music: Elvis Costello and the Attractions, Kacey Musgraves, Ashley Monroe

A trio of eagerly-awaited releases are reviewed this week.

Artist: Elvis Costello

Title: Spanish Model (UMe)

You might like if you enjoy: Elvis Costello, Juanes, Nina Diaz

Tell me more: Elvis Costello and the Attractions' 1978 masterwork This Year's Model has been revisited via the newly-released Spanish Model, an ambitious project where 19 artists representing 10 different nations and territories were recruited to add their lead vocals to the original instrumental tracks recorded by Costello, keyboardist Steve Nieve, bassist Bruce Thomas and drummer Pete Thomas. Costello worked with longtime collaborator producer Sebastian Krys to assemble the cast of Latin rock and pop artists who complete the new album. Things kick off with the hard-charging power pop-styled "No Action" featuring singer Nina Diaz; the version includes an extended ending where Thomas is really working his drum kit. The reggae-flavored "(Yo No Quiero Ir A) Chelsea ((I Don't Want To Go To) Chelsea)" featuring Raquel Sofia & Fuego, the soulful piano-anchored "Detonantes (Little Triggers)" and animated "Tu Eres Para Mi (You Belong To Me)" featuring Puerto Rican singer Luis Fonsi are other early standouts on the collection. American-born Chilean singer Francisca Valenzuela and Enjambre lead singer Luis Humberto Navejas joining forces for a duet on the tuneful "Hand In Hand," the playful "Viviendo en el Paraiso (Living In Paradise)" featuring Mexican pop duo Jesse & Joy and driving "Lipstick Vogue" with Columbian band Morat are welcome standouts on the last part of Spanish Model. My favorite cut on the disc is "Pump It Up," featuring celebrated Colombian hero Juanes; the remastering on the original instrumental tracks is incredible with the power of the song palpable with every measure of its hard-stomping groove. Information: ElvisCostello.com.

Artist: Kacey Musgraves

Title: Star-Crossed (MCA Nashville/Interscope)

You might like if you enjoy: Kacey Musgraves, Ashley Monroe, Alison Krauss

Tell me more: Acclaimed singer-songwriter Kacey Musgraves is back with Star-Crossed, her first studio album since 2018's "Golden Hour." The highly-anticipated 15-track return displays continued growth for the Texas songstress, who explores the world around her with literate precision and musical depth. The confessional "Good Wife," shimmering electronica-tinged uptempo forays "Cherry Blossom," "Star-Crossed" and "What Doesn't Kill Me," probing "Hookup Scene" and infectious "Justified" are among the poignant original tracks on the disc. Even when visiting oft-covered themes — the breezy "Simple Times" and inviting "Keep Lookin' Up" come to mind — Musgraves infuses enough authenticity, spirit and originality to make Star-Crossed a strong listen across its entire run. Although Musgraves' country roots are often hard to hear on Star-Crossed, her well-aimed musical instincts and messages of empowerment will likely appeal to listeners who have enjoyed all of her acclaimed past efforts. Information: KaceyMusgraves.com.

Artist: Ashley Monroe

Title: The Covers (Ashley Monroe)

You might like if you enjoy: Kacey Musgraves, Pistol Annies, Miranda Lambert

Tell me more: Earlier this summer country music songstress Ashley Monroe revealed she had been diagnosed with a rare cancer (Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia); the 34-year-old artist started chemotherapy on July 14. Now the celebrated singer-songwriter has released The Covers, a five-song EP where nuanced takes on five classic songs that are obvious favorites of the singer. The performances are uniformly tender and moving. Sparse readings of Extreme's "More Than Words" and The Police's "Every Breath I Take" are especially stirring, focusing on the lyrics of the songs. Even Bryan Adams' "[Everything I Do] I Do it For You" that was overwrought on the original 1991 version is deeply affecting via Monroe's reworking on The Covers. The beautiful take on Boudleaux Bryant's "Love Hurts" masterfully melds the vocals of Monroe with those of Ruston Kelly; it is a performance that echoes the romantic pathos of the 1973 recording featuring Gram Parsons and Emmylou Harris (included on Parsons' 1974 posthumously-released classic Grievous Angel). Information: AshleyMonroe.com. 

Robert Kinsler

SoCal Spring Music Fest Preview

Inventive and rousing art installations are always a part of
Coachella. Photo: Robert Kinsler

Over the next few months music lovers have a wonderful choice of highly-anticipated festivals coming to Southern California including Coachella, Stagecoach, Joshua Tree Music Festival, Doheny Blues Festival and more.

Here is a roundup of recommended events worth attending this spring and summer.



Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival - The most influential and groundbreaking music festival in North America, Coachella returns to the Empire Polo Club in Indio the weekends of April 12-14 and 19-21, 2019. This year's Coachellafest is one of the most interesting in memory with the far-flung likes of Australian psychedelic rockers Tame Impala, R&B-meets-pop singer Ariana Grande, alt rockers Weezer, soul-funk singer Janelle Monáe, English rock troupe the 1975, country music songstress Kacey Musgraves and many more artists on the bill. And the inclusion of a wide variety of creative and larger-than-life art exhibitions is always part of the magic of going to Coachella. This writer has attended Coachella a dozen times and the event always offers an incredible experience. Information: coachella.com.

Dusk at Coachella. Photo: Robert Kinsler

Jason Aldean performing in Irvine,
CA, in 2012. Photo: Kelly A. Swift

Stagecoach - California's biggest (and best) Country music festival returns to the Empire Polo Club in Indio the weekend of April 26-28, 2019. Mainstream country favorites Luke Bryan, Sam Hunt and Jason Aldean are the official headliners but don't be surprised if Southern Rock greats Lynyrd Skynyrd draw an equally-strong reception when they tear down the event ("Free Bird"!) on Saturday night. Other notables on the three-day bill include acclaimed singer-songwriter Ashley Monroe, Cole Swindell, songstress Cam (who impressed at the NAMM Show in Anaheim earlier this year), emerging greats the Wild Feathers and genre-defying singer Tom Jones. Information: StagecoachFestival.com.


Like Totally Festival - Those looking to attend a festival weighted heavily on the sounds of New Wave, power pop, New Romantic and early alternative rock can head to Huntington Beach for the aptly-titled Like Totally Festival. Setting up on the shores of Surf City from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, May 11, the one-day event will featuring a stellar lineup of '80s faves including the Bangles, the Smithereens, and Public Image LTD. Other notables on the bill include ABC, the Romantics, the Greg Kihn Band and Kim Wilde. Information: LikeTotallyFestival.com.

Guitarist Jim Babjak and drummer Dennis Diken of The Smithereens
will bring their timeless brand of rock to the Like Totally Festival
on Saturday, May 11. Photo: Bob Steshetz

Vintage Trouble is set to perform
at the Joshua Tree Music Festival
and at Doheny Blues Festival.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

Joshua Tree Music Festival - The 17th Annual Spring Joshua Tree Music Festival will host a diverse lineup including Los Angeles-spawned rock 'n' soul modern day heroes Vintage Trouble, trance dance act My Baby, synth-soul's Night Glitter and local faves Desert Rhythm Project are among the musical greats bound for the Joshua Tree Music Festival, May 16-19. The four-day event is a family friendly-minded festival coming to the Mojave Desert and is being held at the Joshua Tree Lake RV & Campground located in Joshua Tree. Information: JoshuaTreeMusicFestival.com.

Brandon "Taz" Niederauer will
perform at Doheny Blues Fest.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

Doheny Blues Festival - Returning to beautiful Sea Terrace Park in the coastal community of Dana Point is one of the state's best live music events; Doheny Blues Festival will be held the weekend of May 18-19.  I've been attending the Doheny Blues Fest since the inaugural event was held in 1998. The lineup for the 2019 event is terrific. Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals headline on Saturday, May 18 while Jonny Lang closes out the action on Sunday, May 19. The wide-ranging lineup includes Taj Mahal, the Robert Cray Band, Vintage Trouble, North Mississippi AllStars and British blues icon John Mayall. It's not an exaggeration to say that 15-year-old singer-guitar virtuoso Brandon "Taz" Niederauer is one of the greatest blues-rock guitarists this writer has ever seen. Still in his mid-teens, he is the equal of many of the genre's greatest-ever names and should not be missed. Information: DohenyBluesFestival.com.


Robert Kinsler

Eclectic Range of Releases Close Out 2018

Although 2018 is in the history books, there are several late-year releases worthy of attention. The latest releases from country music supergroup Pistol Annies and Roxy Music frontman Bryan Ferry, as well as important deluxe reissues from English rockers the Kinks and bluesman Henry Townsend are available now.

Artist: Pistol Annies
Title: Interstate Gospel (Sony Music Nashville)
You might like if you enjoy: Kacey Musgraves, Pistol Annies, Ashley Monroe
Tell me more: Miranda Lambert, Ashley Monroe and Angaleena Presley have each carved out successful solo careers in country music so when they join forces as Pistol Annies expectations are high. On the celebrated trio's third full-length studio set Interstate Gospel there is an honesty and depth across the 14-track album that fully delivers on the talents of the three singer-songwriters. While never abandoning the greater sonic template associated with contemporary country music, Pistol Annies offer up original songs of empowerment and independence from a welcome feminine perspective. The freewheeling "Stop Drop and Roll One," lovely "Best Years of My Life," buoyant "Got My Name Changed Back," and introspective "When I Was His Wife" and "Cheyenne" leave their mark via undeniable song craft and telling lyrics. In addition to confessional tales of lust, regret and love gone mostly wrong, there are uptempo proclamations of faith ("Interstate Prelude," "Interstate Gospel") and a particularly affecting look at the challenges of life on the farm ("5 Acres of Turnips"). It doesn't hurt that Lambert, Monroe and Presley have voices that shine and soar with every stellar turn. Information: PistolAnnies.com.

Artist: The Kinks
Title: The Kinks Are The Village Green Preservation Society (Sanctuary Records)
You might like if you enjoy: The Kinks, Blur, the Zombies' "Odessey and Oracle"
Tell me more: The 50th Anniversary Deluxe Edition of the Kinks' 1968 masterwork The Kinks Are The Village Green Preservation Society is amazing. It features both stereo and mono mixes from the HD masters, bonus tracks and a previously-unreleased new single titled "Time Song." The two-disc audio CD version reviewed here also comes with a 20-page booklet and extensive liner notes. Lead singer-songwriter Ray Davies penned a slew of outstanding nostalgia-drenched songs exploring life and death, growing up and growing old, and wove those works together via a mix of musical styles that work perfectly. Indeed, pop-rock ("Starstruck"), psychedelia ("Wicket Annabella"), blues ("Last Of The Steam-Powered Trains"), chamber pop ("Big Sky," "Village Green"), and an intoxicating dose of British Music hall ("Sitting By The Riverside," "All Of My Friends Were There") are among the styles used by the Kinks on the wide-ranging title. Casual rock fans who only know the Kinks via the band's radio hits should consider delving into this wondrous title that was sadly overlooked at the time of its release in November 1968. Information: abkco.com.

Artist: Henry Townsend
Title: Mule (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: Big Joe Williams, Pinetop Sparks, Sonny Boy Williamson
Tell me more: Armed with a potent baritone voice and keyboard and guitar skills to match, Henry Townsend's talents shine across the expanded reissue of his 1980 album Mule. The late bluesman was born in 1909 and his spirit and sound emerge as fresh and enthralling today as when the disc was recorded nearly 40 years ago. Townsend's recording career dated back to the early 1930s and Mule marked an effort to put Townsend front and center on a full-length recording. The album is worth discovering, with the artist artfully pounding away on keyboards and plucking on guitar across the disc. As detailed in the album liner notes, Townsend would improvise while recording; the result is the performance of tracks that are vibrant and fully unique. The Delta-flavored "Tears Come Rollin' Down," rollicking piano-anchored "It's A Hard Road To Travel," spot on "Talkin' Guitar Blues" and the joyful romp "The Other Night" (a bonus track) ring out with an immediacy and power that are as much a tribute to Townsend as American blues music itself. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.

Artist: Bryan Ferry and his Orchestra
Title: Bitter-Sweet (BMG)
You might like if you enjoy: Roxy Music, The Kinks Are The Village Green Preservation Society, DeVotchKa
Tell me more: Bryan Ferry and his Orchestra are casting new light on the music of Roxy Music and some of Ferry's solo works via the aptly-titled Bitter-Sweet. Fans of the early 20th century British Music hall genre will be find that aplenty on "Bitter-Sweet." Ferry's work on the LP was inspired by his role with the Sky Atlantic/Netflix television series "Babylon Berlin" (a show set in the 1920s and based on the books authored by Volker Kutscher). The pensive "New Town," yearning "Bitter Sweet," gorgeous "Zamba" and ambitious instrumental "Limbo" are among this writer's favorites on the sweeping collection. Information: BryanFerry.com.


Robert Kinsler

Pistol Annies' new album 'Interstate Gospel' hailed as one of the best of 2018

With the end of 2018 clearly in sight, some clear favorites are appearing on many "Best Of" lists, including the latest album from the trio comprised of Miranda Lambert (Lone Star Annie), Ashley Monroe (Hippie Annie) and Angaleena Presley (Holler Annie)...

Pistol Annies' latest album, 'Interstate Gospel, is being hailed as one of the best of 2018

Featured on Year-End lists by Rolling Stone, NPR Music, Esquire, Stereogum, EW, Billboard and many more

 

NASHVILLE, TN - Country supertrio PISTOL ANNIES released their third album INTERSTATE GOSPEL last month via RCA Records Nashville. Since its first announcement early this fall, the album has garnered continuous critical acclaim and debuted at #1 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart. Listen now on all streaming platforms and purchase the album HERE.

 

Penned by the Pistol Annies, the 14-track album showcases the group’s stunning harmonies, such as the "classic country tearjerker" (Stereogum) "Masterpiece"; "sly take on gender roles" (Variety) "Sugar Daddy"; "saucy, high-spirited" (Rolling Stone) "Stop Drop and Roll One“; "more irreverent than earnest” (NPR) “Interstate Gospel”; and “confession of dead-end desperation" (New York Times) “Best Years of My Life.” Moving from celebratory anthems, classic country storytelling and vibey swagger, the Grammy-nominated trio are back and sounding Annie-er than ever.

 

The Pistol Annies' very first single to go to Country Radio is "Got My Name Changed Back." Fans should listen for it on their local radio stations. The fun-spirited music video for the single is out now. Watch it HERE.

Year-End Praise for Interstate Gospel:

Rolling Stone - 40 Best Country & Americana Albums of 2018
"This supergroup is a true group, part of why the songs on their third set cut so deep."

NPR Music - The 50 Best Albums of 2018
"After their long hiatus, they deserved to be received like a trio of heroines this year."

Esquire - 10 Best Country Albums of 2018
"...the best country record to release in 2018 and one of the finest collections of the decade. It's a celebration of the female experience, scars and all, and a phenomenal ode to the ties that bind us."

Entertainment Weekly - The 20 Best Albums of 2018
“Miranda Lambert, Ashley Monroe, and Angaleena Presley— singular talents alone, fiercely formidable together—are the girlfriends we all need right now. Brimming with rich harmonies, sass, and sorrow, this album feels like the Gospel truth.”

Billboard - Best Albums of 2018
“Lambert, Monroe and Presley have, in a two-year span, each released damn good albums on their own, but the camaraderie on their third full-length together makes a strong case for keeping the band together, till death do them part.”

Stereogum - The 10 Best Country Albums of 2018
“The Pistol Annies are a respite from the memoiristic songwriting Nashville so often demands of its female artists: the supergroup as a creative outlet for three storytellers who understand that there’s strength in numbers.”

Uproxx - The 20 Best Folk And Country Records of 2018
“On their third collection of songs together as a trio, Miranda Lambert, Angaleena Presley and Ashley Monroe prove that country’s insistence on keeping women down is not based on any logical realities regarding talent or listeners.”

New York Magazine/Vulture - The 15 Best Albums of 2018
"Miranda Lambert, Ashley Monroe, and Angaleena Presley are all country powerhouses in their own right, and when they unite as the Pistol Annies, it’s like iron sharpening iron."

American Songwriter - Top 25 Albums of 2018
"Sweet, sister-like harmony, from badass galpals Miranda Lambert, Ashley Monroe and Angeleena Presley, who share the Dixie Chicks’ lyrical honesty and playfulness."

The Ringer - The Best Albums of 2018
"Interstate Gospel is raucous and joyful even at its most scathing, with triumphant anthems about divorce (“Got My Name Changed Back”) and crushing ballads about the wonders of parenting. (“I picked a good day for a recreational Percocet,” begins an exhausted, unfathomably raw ode to motherhood called “Best Years of My Life.”)"

AV Club - Best Country Albums of 2018
“Talk about a welcome comeback: Pistol Annies’ refreshingly honest third album, Interstate Gospel, chronicles smart life changes and bad decisions alike, via a deft combination of winking wit and hard-fought wisdom.”

Taste of Country - 10 Best Country Albums of 2018
“It's the album fans wanted and the album Pistol Annies needed. A one-word review? Generous.”

About the PISTOL ANNIES: Combining the talents of acclaimed country forces of Miranda Lambert (Lone Star Annie), Ashley Monroe (Hippie Annie) and Angaleena Presley (Holler Annie), Pistol Annies deliver a high-spirited take on life the way real people live it. Songwriters/vocalists, the Annie collective allows the women the freedom to explore the genre (roots music) beyond their individual careers celebrating friendship, the rough patches and girl power. Having recorded with both the Chieftains and Jewel, their music has also been featured on The Hunger Games: Songs from District 12 and Beyond. They have released two albums, 2011’s Gold-certified Hell on Heels, which produced the Platinum single “Hell On Heels” and 2013’s Annie Up.
 

PistolAnnies.com | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Stellar Sonic Stocking Stuffers

A handful of essential Americana-styled releases are available now and should be on any music lover's shopping list.

Artist: Old 97's
Title: Love The Holidays (ATO Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Wilco, Rhett Miller
Tell me more: The members of Old 97's truly do "love the holidays" and have created the wildly spirited Christmas album to prove it. The majority of songs on the 14-track Love The Holidays are original and fully capture the freewheeling spirit of the Texas-spawned band. The rollicking title track "Love The Holidays," '60s-flavored "I Believe in Santa Claus," cowpunk-tinged alt rocker "Gotta Love Being A Kid" and beautiful countrified folk nugget "Snow Angels" are early standouts on the disc. The world's most famous reindeer gets a new musical chapter courtesy of the colorful "Rudolph Was Blue." The reworked versions of traditional material such as "Auld Lang Syne," "Angels We Have Heard On High," "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" and "Up On The Housetop" are equally marvelous, with the quartet using their best instincts to capture the spirit of the originals without abandoning their raw and decidedly raucous approach. Information: old97s.com.

Artist: Michael Ubaldini
Title: Song Of Our Time (Blackwater Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Bruce Springsteen's "Nebraska," John Mellencamp, Bob Dylan
Tell me more: Michael Ubaldini has released yet another brilliant full-length album; the aptly-titled Song Of Our Time features a dozen cuts finely crafted with nothing more than the artist's signature vocals, acoustic guitar and occasional harmonica. The tracks offer probing and penetrating observations of life in a fast-moving world caught in a state of seemingly-endless turmoil. Ubaldini's sound recalls the acoustic approach of legacy masters Bob Dylan and Neil Young but the Southern California troubadour has a strong voice of his own. The title track reflects the timbre of the age with Ubaldini looking around at a world filled with troubles and admitting "There's nothing I can do, but sing a song for you." Make no mistake that while the artist offers an honest assessment of our world there is a hopeful and uplifting resonance in his songcraft that provides comfort and optimism. Ubaldini's musical pen is wide and aside from the sharp political observations (just listen to "A Clean Mind," "Free Speech Blues" and "Teardrops") and personal defeat ("Walkin' Cane Blues") there are songs of love (the Celtic-flavored "Maddie O' Day") and loss ("When The Chips Were Down," "Gambled Away My Woman"). Song Of Our Time delivers on its stark title more fully with every listen. Information: rocknrollpoet.com.

Artist: Lone Justice
Title: The Western Tapes, 1983 (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: Maria McKee, Whitney Rose, Nikki Lane
Tell me more: It's clear listening to the glorious 6-track EP The Western Tapes, 1983 featuring groundbreaking country roots rockers Lone Justice's earliest demo recordings that the band was decades ahead of its time. The strength of these early tracks – five of which are previously unissued – led the troupe on a glorious path to being signed to a major label and releasing several memorable LPs later that decade. The original lineup of Lone Justice (singer-guitarist Maria McKee, lead guitarist-vocalist Ryan Hedgecock, drummer Don Willens and bassist Dave Harrington) carved out a handful of songs that sound as potent today as they did 35 years ago; the rollicking "Working Late," aching "Don't Toss Us Away" and no-holds-barred "The Train" are among this writer's favorites on the disc. The stylish package is excellent and includes liner notes penned by producer Marvin Etzioni, who is spot-on when he writes "I believed we were creating a 21st century country band."  Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.

Artist: Ashley Monroe
Title: Sparrow (Warner Music Nashville)
You might like if you enjoy: Kacey Musgraves, Pistol Annies
Tell me more: Although Ashley Monroe's 4th album Sparrow was released in April 2018, yours truly only recently discovered this amazing album. Produced by Dave Cobbin at RCA Studio A in Nashville, the disc features 12 inviting tracks featuring Monroe's sweet and affecting soprano. Among my favorite songs are the poignant opening track "Orphan," the countrified baroque flavored "Paying Attention," tender ballad "I'm Trying To," sparse piano-anchored "This Heaven" and simmering "Hands On You." The songs are nuanced and artfully arranged in a symphonic moodscape throughout, all the better to be immersed in Monroe's authentic neotraditional country music approach. Information: AshleyMonroe.com.

Robert Kinsler

Train capably leads hit-filled party in Irvine

My review originally posted on The Orange County Register site on Saturday, Aug. 10, 2013. A special "thank you" to Kelly A. Swift for the use of her photography.

Train capably leads hit-filled party in Irvine

Stunned to have sold out Verizon, they nonetheless delivered like pros, delighting fans.

There are concerts that are potent, riveting performances delivered by artists whose trendsetting songs are the very definition of brilliance – Bruce Springsteen, U2, Neil Young and Radiohead immediately come to mind.

Set list: Train at Verizon Wireless Amphitheater

Main set: Calling All Angels / 50 Ways to Say Goodbye / If It's Love / Get to Me / Meet Virginia / Feels Good at First / Marry Me / Save Me, San Francisco / Free / Beatles medley / Mermaid / Bob Marley medley / Bruises (featuring Ashley Monroe) / Weed Instead of Roses (featuring Monroe) / drum solo / California 37 / Hey, Soul Sister / Can't Hold Us / Drive By

Encore: We Were Made for This / Drops of Jupiter (Tell Me) / The Weight (cover of the Band, with all performers)

NEXT AT VERIZON

Black Sabbath, Aug. 28, $25-$135.50

Lil Wayne with T.I., 2 Chainz and G-Easy, Sept. 1, $53.75-$125.75 (no lawn seating)

Backstreet Boys, Sept. 6, $20-$139

Call: 800-745-3000

Online: livenation.com

Then there are concerts that are simply about live-for-the-moment good times. The summer party hosted by Train and featuring the Script and Gavin DeGraw at Verizon Wireless Amphitheater in Irvine (on Friday, Aug. 9, 2013) was exactly that, pleasing a packed house that sang, danced, drank and posed for photos throughout a night where hit songs were never more than a few minutes away.

Train has scored a number of radio staples since its self-titled 1998 debut, and all of them were performed with precision Friday night. From the outset, with "Calling All Angels," singer Pat Monahan was an animated and spirited frontman. Lead guitarist Jimmy Stafford immediately impressed with solid solos and rhythms on that 2003 smash, and many more to come.

The three-time Grammy-winning group's far-flung mix of styles has incorporated folk, blues, rock, R&B, surf-rock, dance and country over the years, all facets displayed in Irvine. Along with original drummer Scott Underwood, the band's 90-minute set was assisted by top-notch touring players and several female backing vocalists.

Monahan and his mates seemed genuinely amazed to have sold out such a large venue in a region identified with their early career (though from the Bay Area, they recorded their debut in Laguna Beach). "It was only about four years ago we played at House of Blues in Los Angeles," the singer recalled, noting they attracted a mere 500 people to that show. "I don't know what happened, but we are happy it did."

Train deftly delivered a mix of old and new favorites, from the modern dance-pop of "50 Ways to Say Goodbye" and "Drive By" to the country-styled "Bruises" (with guest star Ashley Monroe sharing lead vocals) and more rock-oriented fare, like the Stones-ish "Save Me, San Francisco" or Bad Company-esque "Free," which launched into a mini-set spotlighting the Beatles' "We Can Work It Out" and "All You Need Is Love."

The party atmosphere reached its peak with "Mermaid," a beach ditty reminiscent of Jimmy Buffett, during which a number of fans dressed in decorative aquatic gear filled the stage and sang along.

Train's set wrapped up with a strong run through their best tracks, including "Hey, Soul Sister," the ambitious rocker "We Were Made for This" and "Drops of Jupiter (Tell Me)." And less than a week after Bob Dylan, Wilco's Jeff Tweedy, My Morning Jacket's Jim James and Ryan Bingham memorably performed "The Weight" on this stage, all of this event's performers did the same Friday, joining forces for a rousing rendition of that Band classic, with Monahan, Monroe, leadoff act Gavin DeGraw and the Script's Danny O'Donoghue taking verses and singing harmoniously.

Outstanding singer/keyboardist DeGraw may have had the challenge of starting at 7 p.m. sharp, but his 40-minute set thrilled early birds. Backed by a sharp four-man band, he blended his strains of soul/R&B and pop/rock via uplifting versions of "Follow Through" and "Chariot" (gems from his 2003 debut) and newer choice cuts like "Make a Move" and "Who's Gonna Save Us?," the latter finding him far out into the crowd, still singing. His new single "The Best I Ever Had" and an equally infectious take on his 2011 hit "Not Over You" closed out a fast-paced set.

Irish trio the Script likely earned plenty of new fans over the course of its determined 60-minute set, mixing rock, dance, electronica and modern R&B in up-tempo tracks like driving opener "Good Ol' Days," the bittersweet "We Cry" (which addresses the plight of the poor with potency) and the affecting "If You Could See Me Now." The band closed with "Hall of Fame," an inspiring piece that immediately had the crowd up and grooving, mostly unaware of the song's probing lyrics about overcoming adversity. Indeed, this night was all about the party.

Scott Underwood of Tain.

Photos: Kelly A. Swift