New music: Big Head Todd & The Monsters, Crowded House, Dr. John

New titles featuring top-tier artists Big Head Todd & The Monsters, Crowded House and Dr. John are available now.

Artist: Big Head Todd & The Monsters

Title: Her Way Out (Big Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Big Head Todd & The Monsters

Tell me more: A dozen albums into their incredible 38-year career, Colorado-based rockers Big Head Todd & The Monsters sound like they are just getting started. Indeed, the celebrated quartet is heard firing on all cylinders across their newly-released full-length disc Her Way Out. The rollicking opener "Her Way Out" is propulsive and infectious, singer-guitarist Todd Park Mohr detailing the end of a failed relationship with powerful candor. The rousing "Thunderbird" recalls a Southern-fried take on AC/DC-styled hard rock with Mohr, drummer Brian Nevin, bassist Rob Squires and guitarist Jeremy Lawton cutting loose with abandon before slowing down for the reflective blues rock cut "Crush." Elsewhere, the troupe gallops through the catchy Spaghetti Western rocker "Don't Kill Me Tonight," soars via the resplendent "Glorious Full Moon," inspires on "My New Number One," triumphs on the bewitching "Into the Light," get funky on "King Kong" and close things out with the melodic heavy rocker "Rainbow Girl." Her Way Out is an essential addition to the band's stellar discography. Information: bigheadtodd.com.

Artist: Crowded House

Title: Gravity Stairs (BMG)

You might like if you enjoy: Crowded House, Neil Finn, Del Amitri

Tell me more: Nearly 40 years after classic tracks like "Don't Dream It's Over" and "Something So Strong" introduced their elegant style of melodic rock to the masses, Australian troupe Crowded House return with a genuinely brilliant masterwork titled Gravity Stairs. The 11-track disc is filled with original gems stretching from the shimmering opener "Magic Piano" and graceful single "Teenage Summer" (the latter showcasing Neil Finn's yearning vocals) to the exhilarating power pop foray "The Howl," sumptuous "Some Greater Plan (for Claire)," psychedelic-tinged "I Can't Keep Up With You" and poignant closer "Night Song." Other sonic delights include the Beatlesque "All That I Can Ever Own," buoyant "Oh Hi" and evocative "Thirsty." Released on May 31, Gravity Stairs is available on both audio CD and vinyl. Crowded House will appear at the Ohana Festival at Doheny State Beach in Dana Point, CA on Sept. 27, 2024. Information: crowdedhouse.com.

Artist: Dr. John

Title: Gris-Gris Gumbo Ya Ya: Singles 1968-1974  (Record label)

You might like if you enjoy: Dr. John, Professor Longhair, Leon Russell

Tell me more: June 6, 2024 marked the fifth anniversary of the passing of groundbreaking singer-songwriter/pianist Malcolm John Rebeennack, Jr. — better known as Dr. John. The beloved champion of New Orleans who fused jazz, blues, funk and swamp rock together into a signature brew is celebrated on the wonderful new collection Gris-Gris Gumbo Ya Ya: Singles 1968-1974, a wonderful 26-track retrospective revisiting choice material John released at the beginning of his high-profile solo career via a parade of memorable Atco/Atlantic album releases. The wealth of musical riches on the collection extends from the spoken word-anchored opener "Gris-Gris Gumbo Ya Ya," colorful "Mama Roux" and infectious "Jump Sturdy" to the stylish "Wash Mama Wash," buoyant cover of the traditional New Orleans favorite "Iko Iko" and especially joyful reading of "Let The Good Times Roll." A flashy blues-draped take on Buddy Guy's "A Man of Many Words" finds John teaming up with Guy and Eric Clapton. Of course, the new collection wouldn't be complete without the inclusion of John's timeless 1973 hit "Right Place Wrong Time" and tender "Such a Night," the latter a song that was also performed as part of The Band's "The Last Waltz" concert in 1976. A wonderful eight-page booklet includes informative liner notes penned by American music journalist Gene Sculatti. Those looking to discover or revisit the influential legacy of Dr. John should plan to add Gris-Gris Gumbo Ya Ya: Singles 1968-1974 to their collection. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.

Robert Kinsler

Big Head Todd and The Monsters release new album 'Her Way Out'

One of my favorite blues-rock artists is issuing a new album today. Get all the details and listen to Big Head Todd & The Monster's "Her Way Out"...Robert Kinsler

BIG HEAD TODD AND THE MONSTERS RELEASE NEW ALBUM 'HER WAY OUT' LISTEN HERE SUMMER TOUR KICKS OFF JUNE 4TH IN DURANGO ON THE ROAD WITH BLUES TRAVELER JULY 30 - AUGUST 4 TOUR DATES HERE

BOULDER, CO -  Big Head Todd and The Monsters are excited to announce the release of their 12th album, Her Way Out, via Big Records. For close to four decades, the members of Big Head Todd and The Monsters—Todd Park Mohr [vocals, guitar, keys, sax, harmonica], Brian Nevin [drums], Rob Squires [bass, vocals], and Jeremy Lawton [keyboards, lap pedal-steel guitar, vocals]—have continued to both throw down in the studio and light up stages worldwide. Rallying around a core vision, the platinum-selling Colorado quartet kick out the jams both in-studio and on-stage. Todd, Brian and Rob unlocked their musical partnership during high school when they started jamming in the early eighties. In 1986 they adopted the name Big Head Todd and The Monsters. BHTM released two successful independent records on their label, BIG Records, Another Mayberry (1989) and Midnight Radio (1990.) Sister Sweetly (1993) pushed them to the next level yielding four top 10 rock radio hits. Strategem [1994] came next followed by Beautiful World [1997], which included "Boom Boom" featuring John Lee Hooker.  The band procured a spot in The Guinness Book of World Records with their performance of "Blue Sky" live from NASA Mission Control to the Space Station.They've toured and recorded with B.B. King, Neil Young, The Allman Brothers, Hubert Sumlin, David "Honeyboy" Edwards, Dave Matthews Band, The Eagles and Robert Plant. They attained hometown hero status by headlining Red Rocks Amphitheatre 35 times and earning induction into the Colorado Music Hall of Fame in 2023.  Their latest release, Her Way Out, came to life organically. For two years, the band hosted "Monster's Music Monthly," serving up new songs or new versions of their extensive catalogue.of a classic Working out of Jeremy's home studio, they parlayed this momentum into their latest LP. "It had been almost seven years since our last album release, but we wanted to put the same energy of 'Monster's Music Monthly' into a full-length," Todd notes. "We have a very distinct personality as a band. I write to each member's sensibilities because they will have to dig playing it. We're a benevolent democracy. If one guy isn't connecting with a certain song, that song is out. As an uncomplicated rock band, we like to do' proper' things—loud guitars, drums, big bass, well-placed organ, keys, and lap steel. We road-tested every song on the record before recording a lick. That helped us dial in the arrangements, ditch tunes that didn't work and grow a strong sense of what our parts should be." In this respect, the single and title track "Her Way Out" packs a concentrated and catchy punch. Anchored by a steady beat, the rough-and-tumble riff kicks up dust as soulful vocals ignite an irresistible refrain: "She found her way out, her way out—and it was me." Guitar surges through "Thunderbird" as strains of organ coat a raucous refrain with a lyrical tip-of-the-hat to the Francis Ford Coppola and George Lucas classic American Graffiti. Todd declares, "'Thunderbird' is a collection of one-liners from the film knit together with a beat poet vibe. It has an AC/DC-like guitar riff and a cinematic-style vocal. It's all about drag racing and love never caught." Elsewhere, Big Head Todd and The Monsters nod to Annie Oakley with "Don't Kill Me Tonight." Then, there's "King Kong." A hulking groove lumbers beneath the frontman's bluesy intonation as a piano solo bleeds into a skyscraper-scaling guitar lead. "It's inspired by a large movie poster in my basement of King Kong on top of the Empire State Building," Todd reveals. "I'm drawn to these iconic contemporary heroes who are also monsters. They are complicated because they destroy so much, yet are sympathetic to children and fall in love with human women. These 'Titans,' as they are called, are often monsters of our own making. It's exciting to perform live." Rave reviews have been rolling in. Westword declared, "Her Way Out is the kind of album that's meant to be played while speeding down a mountain road, chasing that Wild West type of freedom that this Colorado band has always evoked". Blues Rock Review said, "Her Way Out is an enjoyable collection that only becomes more so with repeated listens".  At the same time, Americana Highways effused, "Rootsy American rock that ought to turn anyone on".  Ultimately, the future looks as bright as ever for these longtime friends. "We work very hard at being a great band" Todd leaves off. "We're also a group that cares for each other. We've been together for almost 40 years. Our audience has made it all possible, and we're grateful and determined to keep playing."   STREAM 'HER WAY OUT' SHOP MERCH HERE   CONNECT  Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube | Spotify

Big Head Todd and the Monsters make triumphant return to The Coach House

Big Head Todd and the Monsters performing at The Coach House
in San Juan Capistrano, CA, on Wednesday night, Nov. 9, 2022.

Who: Big Head Todd and the Monsters, Jim Dalton & Jeremy Lawton

Where: The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano, CA

When: Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2022

Next: Big Head Todd and the Monsters has a number of upcoming Southern California dates. The band performs in Ventura on Nov. 11; in Solana Beach on Nov. 12 and 13; and in Pioneertown on Nov 14

Information: bigheadtodd.com

Todd Park Mohr at The Coach
House on Nov. 9, 2022.

Review by Robert Kinsler

Photography by Bob Steshetz

Playing their signature blend of blues, rock, funk and jam with artful force, Big Head Todd and the Monsters returned to The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano, CA on Wednesday night to thrill a packed and enthusiastic crowd. Performing a 110-minute set of material, Todd Park Mohr (lead vocals, guitar), Brian Nevin (drums), Rob Squires (bass) and Jeremy Lawton (keyboards, slide guitar) impressed from the moment they hit the stage of the legendary venue.

Opening with their enticing blues-flavored original "Josephina" (a track off their wonderful 2014 album Black Beehive), the quartet offered up the track with the perfect blend of raw power and nuanced virtuosity.

Todd Park Mohr immersed in the 
music on Nov. 9, 2022.

From there, BHTM performed a fantastic new original, "Thunderbird." A catchy country-tinged riff rocker bolstered by a fiery lead guitar solo courtesy of Mohr, the other three members of the outfit created a dynamic approach further amplifying the power of the cut. 

Brian Nevin behind the kit at The Coach House. 

With the exception of a brief hiccup during "King Kong" — where Mohr's guitar cut out — BHTM energetically delivered each song as if it was their greatest hit. An emotive laid back nugget, "Ellis Island" allowed the troupe to explore the corner of the sonic universe where blues and jazz meet; the foursome turned on a dime performing the '90s-styled reggae rocker "Please Don't Tell Her" with a breezy vibe adding to the magic. 

Jeremy Lawton at the Coach House.

Other standouts of the set included the Texas-blues mining "Dirty Juice" with Lawton tearing it up on slide guitar and Mohr's powerhouse vocals showcased, the groove-and-blues gem "New World Arisin'," "Vincent Of Jersey" with Mohr taking the beginning alone accompanied by his guitar, and a flat-out bewitching version of the band's 1993 hit "Bittersweet," the latter a sweeping and zestful version enhanced by the work of all four band members.

Bassist Rob Squires on Nov. 9, 2022.

BHTM also celebrated several of their heroes during the set; early there was a ferocious Chicago blues take on Buddy Guy's "Sit and Cry (The Blues)"  — originally recorded back in 1958 — while later on they covered John Lee Hooker's timeless "Boom Boom" with equal abandon.

From left, Todd Park Mohr and Jeremy Lawton at the Coach House.

The encore was definitely worth the wait. The Boulder, Colorado band delivered a mighty version of "Circle," the rousing single from the band's major label debut Sister Sweetly. Park's emotive and convincing vocals were fully in sync with the song's refined beginnings and build to a huge classic rock-styled finale.

BHTM closed out the memorable set with a fun run through the Ramones' "I Want To Be Sedated."

From left, Jim Dalton and Jeremy Lawton at the Coach House.

Opening the night with a 45-minute set of Americana-meets-blues, Jim Dalton — accompanied by the aforementioned Jeremy Lawton — featured tracks from Dalton's full-length 2021 album In My Head.  

From left, Jim Dalton and Jeremy Lawton at the Coach House.

Dalton, the lead guitarist of Roger Clyne & the Peacemakers, brought a loose and authentic approach to his performance. The countrified "Amigos" and satiric "Serial Killer" (Dalton wrote the latter song after reading a news report about a young woman who wanted to marry serial killer Charles Manson) were among the standouts. My favorite song of the pair's set was Dalton's absolutely luxurious ballad "In My Head." 

AXS TV New Original Music Series - "If These Walls Could Rock" - Premieres July 7, 2021

Exciting news for music lovers. Several of my favorite artists including rock 'n' soul champions Vintage Trouble, blues rock outfit Big Head Todd & The Monsters and singer-songwriter Jackson Browne are in the mix...Robert Kinsler 

AXS TV EXPLORES THE CONNECTION BETWEEN ICONIC ARTISTS & LEGENDARY VENUES IN THE NEW ORIGINAL MUSIC DOCUMENTARY SERIES IF THESE WALLS COULD ROCK, PREMIERING WEDNESDAY, JULY 7 AT 8:30 P.M. ET/5:30 P.M. PT

 

Highlights Include Interviews & Performances by Jackson Browne at The Troubadour, Ivan Neville at Preservation Hall, Big Head Todd And The Monsters at Red Rocks, Vintage Trouble at The Old Brick Church, & More

 

Watch & Share First Look Clip Here From the Premiere Episode Featuring The Old Brick Church in Charleston, South Carolina - Link to Promo Here

 

  

 

LOS ANGELES (June 15, 2021) – AXS TV announced today the series premiere of the all-new original music documentary series If These Walls Could Rock—debuting Wednesday, July 7 at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT. If These Walls Could Rock joins returning investigative documentary series Music’s Greatest Mysteries in the Network’s new Wednesday lineup, which is dedicated to taking viewers inside music and behind the scenes with a night of in-depth interviews and exclusive performances, featuring some of music’s biggest names, and more.

 

If These Walls Could Rock’s inaugural season includes six 30-minute episodes that take viewers on a journey through the country’s most iconic music venues and bring the rich histories of these landmarks to life. The series highlights the important role the venues hold in their native cities and details how local music culture has been influenced by the venues themselves and the artists who have passed through them. The stories are told through insightful interviews with knowledgeable staff, both past and present, industry experts and notable artists. Each episode also profiles a different artist every week, who shares and creates his or her own personal connection to the featured venue before taking the stage for an exclusive private performance.

 

The series kicks off on July 7 as soulful blues rockers Vintage Trouble go on an emotional journey of self discovery at the Old Brick Church in Charleston. Other highlights include personal conversations with folk hero Jackson Browne, who returns to the stage where he came of age as an artist at The Troubadour in Los Angeles (July 14); alt-rock mainstays Big Head Todd And The Monsters, who come home to the legendary Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Denver (July 21) and multi-talented R&B star and hometown royalty Ivan Neville at Preservation Hall in New Orleans (July 28). Additional episodes will put the spotlight on venues such as The Caverns in Nashville (August 4), which boast natural acoustics and unparalleled sights in a unique subterranean setting; and the historic Aragon Ballroom in Chicago (August 11), a local institution known for its secret tunnels installed during Prohibition.

 

"If These Walls Could Rock explores the fascinating relationship an artist has with a performance space, and a performance space has with its community. We're proud to have documented these stories in a thoughtful way; celebrating a wide assortment of venues and a diverse line up of phenomenal artists," said Sarah Weidman, Head of Original Programming, Development and Multi-Platform Content for AXS TV.  “AXS TV’s new Wednesday night lineup is an immersive journey into music, taking viewers behind the scenes with exclusive access to some of music's greatest storytellers.  If These Walls Could Rock is a perfect complement to our returning series Music's Greatest Mysteries - digging deeper in the relevance and history of music in America."

 

If These Walls Could Rock is produced in-house by AXS TV, with Stephen Stormer serving as executive producer.

 

Schedule At A Glance

July 7 – Old Brick Church

July 14 – Troubadour

July 21 – Red Rocks

July 28 – Preservation Hall

August 4 – The Caverns

August 11 – Aragon Ballroom

 

About AXS TV

AXS TV is a leading music, entertainment, and lifestyle television network and digital media company controlled by Anthem Sports & Entertainment Inc. AXS TV’s programming broadly appeals to a diverse and impassioned fanbase, offering eclectic content that includes concerts and music performances, celebrity interviews, documentaries, wrestling, MMA, special events, and pop culture series. The Network’s signature programs include Dan Rather’s “The Big Interview”, “Music’s Greatest Mysteries,” “The Top Ten Revealed,” and “A Year in Music” and concert events such as CMA Fest and Farm Aid. The channel is also the home of IMPACT Wrestling, one of the world’s largest entertainment properties and Invicta Fighting Championships, the world’s premier all-women mixed martial arts promotion. The Network is available nationally in the United States and parts of Canada and the Caribbean. A full list of providers and territories can be found on axs.tv/subscribe. For more information, visit www.axs.tv and its social media channels YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. 

 

Concert review: Big Head Todd and the Monsters, Simo

Big Head Todd and the Monsters performing at House of Blues Anaheim on Dec. 14, 2017.

In the World Series – no matter how great both baseball teams are – there can ultimately be only one team that goes home with the trophy.

Todd Park Mohr in action at
House of Blues in Anaheim.

Fortunately, when it comes to the art of making music, two talented teams can both perform flawlessly and walk off the field of play as champions. Such was the case at the House of Blues Anaheim on Thursday night (Dec. 14, 2017), where headliner Big Head Todd and the Monsters as well as opener Simo delivered masterful and memorable sets.

Making their first-ever performance in Orange County, California with this appearance, Nashville, Tennessee-based Simo roused early concertgoers with a 55-minute set of rock blending blues, roots, psychedelic, jazz, folk and other styles with an intoxicating touch. Led by singer-guitarist JD Simo and also featuring bassist Elad Shapiro and drummer Adam Abrashoff, the band opened with "Return" (the first track off the trio's new album Rise & Shine). JD Simo used a variety of sounds and effects to enhance his excellent guitar work on that song, a skill that frequently helped elevate all of the six tracks performed during the set.

JD Simo performing on Dec. 14.

The range of the material drew comparisons with the diverse likes of Ryan Adams, Ten Years After and Gary Clark Jr., but all of it completely original and performed with bona fide power by the three musicians. One of the most wonderful surprises was when the group performed "I Want Love," JD Simo singing in a tender falsetto while the richly-delivered song with its quiet moments and dramatic swells was chilling in its power. A beautiful slide guitar solo was one of many dramatic moments in the 9-minute song.

Simo closed with a powerful one-two punch, first delivering the mighty original Southern rocker "Light The Candle" (this extended version of the song was bolstered by an amazing jazz-styled section in the middle of the song), followed by a potent reworking of the Beatles' "With a Little Help From My Friends."

Todd Park Mohr displaying vocal and guitar chops.

Big Head Todd was equally perfect this night. The set was heavily weighted in favor of the Colorado-based quartet's outstanding new album New World Arisin', but there were plenty of classics to keep the faithful happy. After opening with the explosive "Room Full of Mirrors" (off the band's new album), a sweeping "Resignation Superman" complete with a dazzling guitar solo from singer-guitarist Todd Park Mohr was unleashed; the latter's rich tapestry was further enhanced by Jeremy Lawton's expansive keyboards.

Jeremy Lawton

The strong opening featuring those two great tracks was only the beginning of a rewarding and fast-moving night. Other early-set highlights included the dynamic blues-rocker "Wipeout Turn," a decidedly funky-blues turn via "Long Coal Train" and a gentle folk rock-flavored "Bittersweet" showcasing Mohr's emotive and distinctive vocals.

Later-set standouts featured during Big Head Todd and the Monsters' 100-minute concert was the heavy Delta blues of "New World Arisin,' and the semi-acoustic "Broken Hearted Savior."

Rob Squires at Anaheim House of Blues

"Glow" is one of the most stunning tracks on Big Head Todd's new album New World Arisin'. A live version of that stunner kicked off the band's encore on Thursday; the eight-minute song displayed a troupe – 30 years into its run – that continues to push its sound in new and exciting directions. The blend of harmonies, stellar guitar work and a propulsive groove featuring the work of drummer Brian Nevin and bassist Rob Squires also added welcome firepower to the performance. 

Brian Nevin in action

The set-ending "Circle" began quietly, but across the song's 7-minute path there were nuanced and dramatic shifts, peaks and valleys, with Mohr's voice at one point almost screaming before his lead guitar work assumed the song's driving force. 

A very special night of rock 'n' roll to be sure.


Review: Robert Kinsler

Photos: Bob Steshetz

Editor's Note: A very special "thank you" to Bob Steshetz for his amazing photographs!

Favorites celebrated via new LPs, reissues and live sets

With the arrival of the holidays, a number of wonderful collections representing a wide range of genres and eras are available now.

Artist: Herb Alpert
Title: The Christmas Wish (Herb Alpert Presents)
Tell me more: Nearly 50 years after recording his now-classic Christmas Album with the Tijuana Brass in 1968, Herb Alpert has issued another full-length holiday music collection. The wonderful The Christmas Wish showcases the 82-year-old artist's enduring talents as a trumpet virtuoso across this set. Backed by a 45-piece orchestra and 32-member choir, there are many highlights on the album, with the stirring "Carol of the Bells" and "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" medley and potent performance of Bach's "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" among this writer's favorites. Fans of the memorable holiday albums recorded throughout the 1950s and 1960s will love this old-fashioned and deeply reminiscent 15-track LP.  Information: HerbAlpert.com.

Artist: Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds
Title: Who Built The Moon? (Caroline Records)
Tell me more: A dramatic and stylistic shift away from 2015's Chasing Yesterday, Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds' third studio disc Who Built The Moon? certifies the greatness of Oasis' principal songwriter. Noel Gallagher's latest effort features a lavish mix of alt rock, electronica, synth pop and tinges of gospel, soul and other styles. Listening to the exuberant "It's a Beautiful World," driving New Order-mining "She Taught Me How to Fly," cosmic blues romp "Be Careful What You Wish For" and expansive "Holy Mountain" is to be spellbound by the wide range of styles collected and merged with flawless artistry. The urgent "Fort Knox," acoustic "Dead in the Water" and heavy title track are other standouts. Gallagher's voice and dazzling guitar work are seminal, while the role of noteworthy artists who guest on the album including Jason Falkner (of Beck, Jellyfish and Air fame), Johnny Marr (The Smiths, The The) and Paul Weller (The Jam) help bolster this amazing album. Who Built The Moon? is one of the best albums of 2017. Information: NoelGallagher.com.

Artist: Big Head Todd and the Monsters
Title: New World Arisin' (Big Records)
Tell me more: Big Head Todd and the Monsters have released their 11th full-length album and it's as epic as the title. New World Arisin' kicks off with the explosive "Glow," a song that expertly bridges alternative rock and blues. From there, the Boulder, Colorado-spawned quartet delves into Southern blues-rock ("New World Arisin' "), melodic alt rock ("Damaged One"), funk ("Trip") and jangly psychedelia ("Mind") – and that's just the first handful of tracks on the album. Thirty years into their illustrious career, Big Head Todd and the Monsters are still writing and performing with the firepower and creativity displayed on their breakout 1993 album Sister Sweetly.  High octane rocker "Detonator" the lovely "Wipeout Turn" and inspired blues rocker "Under Your Wings" are among the other memorably-affecting songs on the outstanding New World Arisin'. Big Head Todd and the Monsters will be performing at House of Blues Anaheim on Thursday, Dec. 14, and at the Troubadour in Hollywood on Friday, Dec. 15. Information: BigHeadTodd.com.

Artist: The Searchers
Title: Another Night: The Sire Recordings 1979-1981 (Omnivore Recordings)
Tell me more: One of England's break-out bands following the Beatles, the Searchers scored a slew of hit singles in the early 1960s including "Needles and Pins," "Don't Throw Our Love Away" and "Sweets for My Sweet." But while the group's initial string of hits stopped coming in the late 1960s, there was a revival of sorts for the group when the head of Sire Records caught the band at a performance in the late 1970s and signed them to a new contract. These recordings – featured on the new compilation Another Night: The Sire Recordings 1979-1981 – are a delight. Spirited material penned by everyone from Bob Dylan and Tom Petty to John Fogerty and Big Star's Alex Chilton afforded the Searchers plenty of ammunition to put their distinctive vocals and musical stamp on songs that draw natural comparisons with Tom Petty, the Plimsouls, Great Buildings and other melodic rockers to emerge at the dawn of the '80s. There are 29 splendid tracks splashed across two discs, representing all the album tracks, B-sides and alternate mixes from the Sire era. Listening to winning material such as "Love's Gonna Be Strong," "Feeling Fine," "It's Too Late" and a shimmering reworking of Fogerty's classic "Almost Saturday Night," it's easy to hear why the Searchers are worth discovering. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.

Artist: Little Richard
Title: Here's Little Richard (Craft Recordings/Concord Music)
Tell me more: To listen to the 60th anniversary edition of Here's Little Richard is to be joyfully transported to the early days of rock 'n' roll and gain a newfound appreciation of the artist born Richard Penniman. One of rock's founding fathers, Little Richard's debut (recorded in 1955 and 1956) more than holds up in 2017. The performances here are simply riveting, with Little Richard's signature vocals and pounding piano driving rockers such as "Tutti Frutti," Ready Teddy," "Rip It Up" and "Long Tall Sally" as well as New Orleans-flavored blues ("I Can't Believe You Wanna Leave," "Baby," "Slippin' and Sliding' "). A second disc on this essential deluxe edition features 22 must-hear demo and/or alternate recordings of the dozen songs on the original Here's Little Richard. Information: concordmusicgroup.com.

Artist: Peter Case
Title: On The Way Downtown: Recorded Live On Folkscene (Omnivore Recordings)
Tell me more: Singer-songwriter Peter Case's On The Way Downtown: Recorded Live On Folkscene features live tracks captured on Los Angles radio station KPFK-FM' syndicated radio program in 1998 and 2000. This fantastic collection features Case singing a number of his stellar originals, including the Americana-styled "On the Way Downtown" and "Honey Child," Delta blues-flavored "Let Me Fall" and introspective "Green Blanket (Part 1)" from "Full Service, No Waiting" (released in 1998); the last nine selections on "On The Way Downtown" are weighted in favor of Case's 2000 LP "Flying Saucer Blues"; songs from that disc shine in the live setting including the Appalachia spirited "Something Happens" and wistful folk nugget "Blue Distance" (with lovely fiddle work from David Perales) and the playful acoustic blues chantey "Walking Home Late." The package also features liner notes penned by Case about the radio performances featured on the disc. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.

Robert Kinsler