Last minute music gift guide: Neil Young, Trini Lopez, Nick Frater, Hasaan Ibn Ali

Don't let these late 2021 releases escape your notice. All are available now.

Artist: Neil Young & Crazy Horse

Title: Barn (Reprise Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Neil Young & Crazy Horse, Nils Lofgren, The War on Drugs

Tell me more: This has been a tough year to be sure with a burgeoning death toll from the pandemic, widespread crime, economic uncertainty and skyrocketing inflation among the challenges facing everyday Americans. One bright note was the glorious return of Neil Young & Crazy Horse via the stellar new album Barn. In summer 2021 singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Neil Young, guitarist Nils Lofgren, drummer Ralph Molina and bassist Billy Talbot gathered at a restored 19th century log barn to record over a few days; co-producer Niko Bolas set up an analog mobile recording truck adjacent to the barn and captured the magic with uncommon warmth via one of the year's best new albums.The 10-track collection of loose and inspired material includes the acoustic-flavored "Song Of The Seasons" (bolstered by some accordion work from Lofgren and sublime harmonies), the sweeping countrified rocker "Heading West," the autobiographical "Canerican" (Young's tale of leaving his native Canada for the U.S.), Americana-styled "They Might Be Lost," ferocious aptly-titled rocker "Human Race" and romantic "Thru The Years." Barn is available on vinyl, audio CD, cassette and digitally; there is also a deluxe edition that includes the LP, CD and Blu-ray film. Information: NeilYoungArchives.com.

Artist: Trini Lopez

Title: The Rare Reprise Singles (Omnivore Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, Trini Lopez

Tell me more: Early rock hero Trini Lopez enjoyed a long career highlighted by a string of recordings completed for Reprise Records during the 1960s. Now Omnivore Recordings has issued The Rare Reprise Singles, a 24-track collection of rare A- and B-sides recorded between 1962 and 1970.  One of Latin music's first major crossover stars, the talented singer-guitarist shines across the wide-ranging collection. The disc features sweet ballads ("Let It Be Known," "Pretty Little Girl"), mid tempo pop (the soaring "Made in Paris," "Mexican Medicine Man"), rock 'n' roll and pop ("A-me -RI-CA," "I've Lost My Love For You," "Up To Now," "Five O'Clock World") and even Christmas songs ("The Little Drummer Boy" and "Silent Night / "Let There Be Peace"). Sadly, Lopez died from COVID-19 complications in Palm Springs, CA in August 2020. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.

Artist: Nick Frater

Title: Earworms (Big Stir Records)

You might like if you enjoy: The Raspberries, Matthew Sweet, Roger Joseph Manning Jr., Big Star

Tell me more: Nick Frater's new album Earworms is a exhilarating sonic trip five decades into the past; the Croydon, England-based singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist mines the sonic territory of 1970s melodic rock with aplomb and a master's touch. The wistful "It's All Rumours" is a tuneful blast bound together with a catchy rhythm, lush harmonies and great lead vocals.  That opening track is no fluke; subsequent originals spanning from the luxuriant "Buggin' Out" and Baroque sortie "What's With Your Heavy Heart? to the gorgeous "Desert Ships" and sweet-sounding "The Unbroken" are spectacular. While an initial listen will impress with the instantly-inviting melodious soundscape, closer and repeated listens cast a well-deserved spotlight on Frater's smart lyrics and sharp arrangements that further define the 10-song LP. Information: BigStirRecords.com.

Artist: Hasaan Ibn Ali

Title: Retrospect in Retirement of Delay: The Solo Recordings (Omnivore Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: John Coltrane, McCoy Tyner, Elmo Hope

Tell me more: This year has seen a slew of lost and previously-unreleased recordings from the likes of The Beatles, Colin Blunstone, Michael Nesmith and Steve Goodman released.  Add to that notable list Retrospect in Retirement of Delay: The Solo Recordings featuring jazz pianist-composer Hasaan Ibn Ali. The special two-disc, 21-track release is a dream come true for jazz lovers. The groundbreaking Philadelphia artist is primarily known for The Max Roach Trio Featuring the Legendary Hasaan released via Atlantic Records in 1965; sadly it was the only commercial recording featuring Ali's playing released during his short lifetime. Fortunately 2021 has seen Ali —  who passed away in 1980 — reintroduced to a wider audience via Metaphysics: The Lost Atlantic Album (released March 5, 2021) and equally compelling Retrospect in Retirement of Delay: The Solo Recordings (issued on Nov. 19, 2021). The story of how Retrospect in Retirement of Delay: The Solo Recordings came to be is a tale 55 years in the making. Produced by the team of Alan Sukoenig, Lewis Porter and Grammy winner Cheryl Pawelski, the collection features mastering by Grammy winner Michael Graves and a wonderful booklet with essays and previously-unseen photos that shed more light on this important release. Ali's piano playing is breathtaking across the two discs (he is heard on a mix of originals and standards). Retrospect in Retirement of Delay: The Solo Recordings is currently available on audio CD and Digital; the title is set for release via a four-LP vinyl version in 2022. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.

Robert Kinsler

Music Legends Inspire Anew via Highly-Anticipated Returns

Albums from two bona fide Rock and Roll Hall of Famers as well several exciting titles from rediscovered artists make for a diverse field of notable new releases.

Artist: Neil Young with Crazy Horse
Title: Colorado (Reprise)
You might like if you enjoy: Neil Young, Pearl Jam
Tell me more: Listening to the eagerly-awaited return from Neil Young with Crazy Horse (Colorado) is akin to catching up with a beloved old friend. From the gentle melodies and approach on the aptly-pegged "Olden Days," wistful "Milky Way" and tender "Eternity" to the blistering "Shut It Down" and "Help Me Loose My Mind," the album finds Young, guitarist-keyboardist Nils Lofgren, bassist Billy Talbot and drummer Ralph Molina locked in and firing on all cylinders. Colorado is the troupe's first effort since 2012's stellar Psychedelic Pill, and the release is often focused squarely on the plight of planet Earth, notably the aforementioned "Green Is Blue" and "Shut It Down." Young's keen observations are told with an urgency that proves he has lost none of his celebrated mettle over the past 50+ years. The 13-minute "She Showed Me Love" revisits the territory of some his most potent rockers with Crazy Horse while the acoustic gems "I Do" and "Think Of Me" recall the quiet Americana-swept beauty displayed across his classic 1992 Harvest Moon album. Information: NeilYoung.com.

Artist: Ringo Starr
Title: What's My Name? (UMe)
You might like if you enjoy: The Beatles, Ringo Starr
Tell me more: It is hard to believe that What's My Name? is Ringo Starr's 20th solo album. But anyone who has seen Ringo Starr and his All-Starr Band in recent years knows the former Beatle and world's most famous purveyor of "peace and love" continues to release fun and spirited albums featuring his winning signature rock 'n' roll sound. Starr's new album has plenty to celebrate, from the celebratory "Life is Good" and "Thank God for Music" to the shimmering "Magic" (bolstered by Steve Lukather's artful and flashy guitar work) and scintillating "Send Love Spread Peace" to the genuinely funky "Gotta Get Up to Get Down" (featuring Joe Walsh on vocals and guitar). This writer's favorite track is the soulful rocker "Better Days"; that track features some of the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer's best-ever lead vocals amidst a soundscape that actually draws comparisons with some of Duran Duran's best-known modern rockers. There are several classics covered here, the best being a tender take on John Lennon's "Grow Old With Me" featuring Paul McCartney on bass and backing vocals. The album closes out with the exuberant Colin Hay-penned title cut, the perfect way to wrap up the disc. High-profile guests abound across What's My Name? including bassist Nathan East (Fourplay), keyboardist Benmont Tench (Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers) and guitarist Dave Stewart (the Eurythmics). Information: RingoStarr.com.

Artist: Disturbed Furniture
Title: Continuous Pleasures (Arevarc Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Ride, Siouxsie & The Banshees, Mazzy Star, Blondie
Tell me more: When Disturbed Furniture reunited two years ago to perform and record new music it marked the return of an important player from New York's early 1980s underground music scene. Now the band's five-song EP Continuous Pleasures is available and is re-introducing the art rockers' timeless approach to a new generation of savvy listeners. The vibe and sound here recalls groundbreaking bands such as Ride and Mazzy Star, but with the unique approach of singer Alexa Hunter, guitarist Jorge Arevalo Mateus, drummer Mick Oakleaf and bassist Shin Sakaino adding something special to the mix. A blend of indie rock, poetic spoken word and world music tinges, the five-song disc will hopefully serve as fire for the creation of a full-length LP from the band soon. The range of emotions and sounds probed range from the post-punk push of "Hit or a Miss" and dreamy sheen of "Halo of Pain" to the Latin-tinged feel of "Angel of Losses," the latter a beautiful showcase for Hunter's dynamic soprano and Mateus' nuanced guitar textures. Information: www.DisturbedFurniture.com.

Artist: Jimmy "Duck" Holmes
Title: Cypress Grove (Easy Eye Sound Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: Robert Johnson, Willie Dixon, Marcus King, Otis Taylor
Tell me more: The Dan Auerbach-produced Cypress Grove is truly a celebration of the otherworldly talents of bluesman Jimmy "Duck" Holmes, a 72-year-old great whose sound connects listeners with the Delta blues of the early 20th century. On the newly-issued Cypress Grove, Holmes is joined by a parade of notable guests including guitarist Marcus King, drummer Sam Bacco, bassist Eric Deaton and aforementioned Auerbach who collectively recreate the experience of dropping by Holmes' Blue Front Cafe in Bentonia, Mississippi on a Saturday night. The sound here is not confined to the past, but rather serves as a time tunnel that blends past and present as the freewheeling Holmes often defies rigid and repeating chord progressions in favor of hypnotic grooves (just listen to "Goin' Away Baby," "Little Red Rooster" and "All Night Long"). Other standouts on the excellent album include "Hard Times" (where Holmes tackles Skip James' song to the lone accompaniment of his own guitar), the rough-and-tumble acoustics of "Devil Got My Woman" and his confessional "Gonna Get Old Someday." Information: EasyEyeSound.com.

Artist: Grace Potter
Title: Daylight (Fantasy)
You might like if you enjoy: Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, Beth Hart
Tell me more: Grace Potter's Daylight marks a strong return for the singer/multi-instrumentalist, whose last album Midnight was released back in 2015. This time around Potter continues her mostly-successful quest to blend rock, soul, blues and Americana in creative and artful ways. The soulful blues of "Love Is Love," loose retro rocker "On My Way," rootsy acoustic nugget "Shout It Out" and Motown-mining "Back To Me" (the latter featuring the contributions of Lucius) will hit home for fans of the songstress who has always impressed me in concert. The shining gem on the disc is the stunning ballad "Release," an affecting turn about letting go of someone you love; it doesn't hurt that Potter delivers some of the most emotive singing of her career on that track and across the disc. Information: GracePotter.com. 




Robert  Kinsler

Neil Young & Crazy Horse set to tour

Ready for some rock 'n' roll? Neil Young & Crazy Horse have announced plans to tour. Read on...

NEIL YOUNG & CRAZY HORSE HIT THE ROAD THIS FALL FOR FIRST TOUR IN EIGHT YEARS





YOUNG, BILLY TALBOT, RALPH MOLINA, AND PONCHO SAMPEDRO LAUNCH FIRST CRAZY HORSE ALBUM IN NEARLY NINE YEARS AVAILABLE TODAY, TUESDAY, JUNE 5

Tickets on sale in select markets beginning June 8th at LiveNation.com




Special Ticket + CD Bundle Available to Ticket Buyers who purchase online






June 5, 2012 - (Burbank, CA) - Having already thrilled fans with the news that they will release AMERICANA, their first album in nine years, NEIL YOUNG & CRAZY HORSE have announced that they will hit the road this fall for their first tour together since 2004.



AMERICANA is rich a collection of classic American compositions, some dating back 200 years or more and each has its own unique history veiled with multiple meanings and relatable, lyrical significance as applicable today as they were in the America of yesteryear. Have a look at the following video links for a view into our past as evidence: Oh Susannah, Jesus' Chariot (She'll Be Coming Round The Mountain), Clementine.



Crazy Horse: Young, Billy Talbot, Ralph Molina, and Poncho Sampredo will hit the road to perform them for audiences across North America beginning October 1st and continuing on for two months. The tour will visit cities from coast to coast, including stops to the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles and Madison Square Garden in New York City.

Fans purchasing their concert tickets online will receive a copy of the brand new CD - AMERICANA, available in stores Tuesday, June 5 (today folks). Tickets for Neil Young & Crazy Horse will go on sale starting June 8, 2012 in select markets at Ticketmaster.com and LiveNation.com. General admission floor tickets available in all markets with the exception of Los Angeles.




AMERICANA was produced by Neil and John Hanlon along with Mark Humphreys, and engineered by John Hanlon with John Hausmann and Jeff Pinn. It was recorded at Audio Casa Blanca by John Hanlon.








Neil Young & Crazy Horse's upcoming tour dates are as follows:




Aug 5 Morrison, CO Red Rocks Amphit.



Aug 6 Morrison, CO Red Rocks Amphit.



Aug 10-12 SF, CA Golden Gate Park/Outside Lands Fest.



(Actual day TBC)




Oct 3 Windsor, ONT WFCU Centre



Oct 5 Kingston, ONT K ROCK Centre



Oct 6 London, ONT John Labatt Centre



Oct 8 Cleveland, OH Wolstein Center



Oct 9 Pittsburgh, PA Petersen Events Center



Oct 11 Chicago, IL United Center



Oct 13 Austin, TX Zilker Park / Austin City Limits Fest.



Oct 14 Tulsa, OK Tulsa Convention Center Arena



Oct 17 Los Angeles, CA Hollywood Bowl




Nov 10 Seattle, WA Key Arena



Nov 11 Vancouver, BC Rogers Arena



Nov 13 Calgary, AB Scotiabank Saddledome



Nov 14 Saskatoon, SK Credit Union Centre



Nov 16 Winnipeg, MB MTS Centre



Nov 19 Toronto, ON Air Canada Centre



Nov 23 Montreal, QC Bell Centre



Nov 24 Ottawa, ON Scotiabank Place



Nov 26 Boston, MA TD Garden



Nov 27 New York, NY Madison Square Garden



Nov 29 Philadelphia, PA Wells Fargo Center



Nov 30 Fairfax, VA Patriot Center



Dec 4 Bridgeport, CT Webster Bank Arena at Harbor Yard