Sights and Sounds: Omnivore Recordings announces The Hagers’ 'The Complete Capitol Albums' to be released July 22, 2022

Omnivore Recordings continues to reissue some of the most important and overlooked recordings from a diverse number of genres. Look no further than the just announced reissue featuring The Hagers...Robert Kinsler

Omnivore Recordings Announces The Hagers’

The Complete Capitol Albums

To Be Released July 22

The Hagers (1970), Two Hagers Are Better Than One (1970), and Motherhood, Apple Pie & The Flag (1971)

Available on CD and Digital For The First Time

June 1, 2022: On July 22, Omnivore Recordings will release The Complete Capitol Albums by American country duo The Hagers. Jim and John Hager recorded three albums for Capitol Records: The Hagers and Two Hagers Are Better Than One in 1970, and Motherhood, Apple Pie & The Flag the following year. The identical twins also logged a staggering 135 appearances on Hee Haw between 1969 and 1985, and were a concert draw until Jim’s death in 2008 – with his brother passing a mere eight months later in 2009. While all critically acclaimed, and being dubbed “the next big thing” in country music, the albums did not chart as well as expected. But, those who knew country and Buck Owens know they were something special.

Photo: Courtesy of The Buck Owens Private Foundation

The Complete Capitol Albums collects these sought-after albums, coupling them together on CD for the first time, and debuting them digitally as well. Mastered from the original analog master tape sources by Grammy®-winner Michael Graves, the collection was produced for release by Grammy®-winner Cheryl Pawelski and Grammy®-nominee Randy Poe – author of Buck ‘Em!: The Autobiography Of Buck Owens. In addition to photos of The Hagers, packaging contains liner notes from Poe, as well.

From his liners:

The real reason The Hagers were never able to score a major hit on Capitol Records is impossible to say. Maybe record buyers and radio didn’t take the brothers seriously because of their frequent comedic portrayals on Hee Haw. Perhaps there was some strange stigma attached to the fact that they were twins. Maybe it was their pre-Willie long hair that turned off a late 1960s/early 1970s country audience.

Whatever the actual reason The Hagers failed to sell records in droves, it certainly wasn’t because of a lack of talent. The songs were strong; the production was solid; and the vocals were spot-on. This collection of their Capitol albums is aural proof that the duo knew what they were doing in the studio and confirms that Three Hagers LPs Are Better Than One.

Watch the trailer here: https://youtu.be/Vify3X-m8AY

Pre-order here: http://omnivorerecordings.com/shop/complete-capitol-albums/

The Complete Capitol Albums Tracklist:

1. Loneliness Without You

2. I’m Her Fun

3. Tracks (Running Through The City)

4. Your Tender Loving Care

5. I Don’t Wanna Make It

6. Gotta Get To Oklahoma (’Cause California’s Gettin’ To Me)

7. With Lonely

8. I’m Not Going Back To Jackson

9. Give It Time

10. Goin’ Home To Your Mother

11. Silver Wings

12. The Whole World Holding Hands

13. I’m Jesse James

14. Flowers Need Sun, Too

15. Loony Caboose

16. That’s My Love

17. Second Fiddle

18. The Last Time

19. I’m Miles Away

20. Gamblin’ Man

21. Motherhood, Apple Pie And The Flag

22. White Line Fever

23. Silver Threads And Golden Needles

24. Four Strong Winds

25. Ft. Worth Texas

26. Freight Train Fever

27. Break My Mind

28. I’ll Be Your Baby Tonight

29. California On My Mind

30. Back Out On The Road Again

New music: Arcade Fire, The Muffs, Rush, Bobby Cole

A new studio album from Arcade Fire and several special edition reissues are definitely worth celebrating this week.

Artist: Arcade Fire

Title: WE (Columbia Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Arcade Fire, Radiohead, U2

Tell me more: On the heels of the band's mesmerizing last-minute appearance at Weekend #1 of the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival last month, Arcade Fire has released their sixth full-length studio album WE. Divided into two disparate sides ("I" and "WE"), the seven-track album conjures up the exhilarating spirit of the band's most ambitious albums (2007's Neon Bible and 2010's The Suburbs) while moving the Canadian heroes into the future via a terrific 40-minute ride. The impacts of the extended COVID-19 lockdown affected most of the world including Arcade Fire whose Win Butler and Régine Chassagne (the husband and wife duo at the center of the band) wrote much of the music sans their bandmates. Lyrically, WE touches on alienation, technology overload, survival, romance and parenthood. Such lofty ambition wouldn't matter if the songs didn't have the melodic sweep and overarching power heard across the disc; fortunately WE delivers in spades. The anthemic "Age of Anxiety I," burgeoning "Age of Anxiety II (Rabbit Hole)," "The Lightning I, II," majestic "Unconditional I (Lookout Kid)," Neo-electronica "Unconditional II (Race and Religion)" featuring Peter Gabriel on backing vocals and acoustic-flavored album closer "WE" are among the powerful originals on Arcade Fire's marvelous return. Information: ArcadeFire.com. 

Artist: The Muffs

Title: Really Really Happy (Omnivore Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: The Muffs, The Pandoras, Pixies

Tell me more: Nearly 18 years after its original release, an expanded and essential edition of The Muffs' 2004 album Really Really Happy will be released May 13 through Omnivore Recordings. The original album's highlights include the catchy opener "Freak Out," yearning "A Little Luxury," tuneful "Something Inside," hard-hitting "And I Go Pow," heartfelt "How I Pass The Time," the introspective closer "The Story of Me" and a parade of other great songs. The lineup of 22 bonus tracks includes 16 of Kim Shattuck's original demos for the album along with the previously unissued "My Imagination," "Just The Beginning" and "I Hate Gym." The fusion of tight melodic punk rock, melody-anchored songcraft and strong production make for a fantastic listen across the double-CD title. In addition to Shattuck (vocals, guitar, harmonica), the Muffs' lineup includes Ronnie Barnett (bass, toy piano) and Roy McDonald (drums, percussion). Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.  

Artist: Rush

Title: Moving Pictures 40th Anniversary Deluxe (Mercury Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Rush, Triumph, progressive rock

Tell me more: Rush's best-known album, 1981's Moving Pictures, has been reissued in several first-rate configurations. Moving Pictures 40th Anniversary Deluxe edition reviewed here is a 3-disc version featuring the 2015 remaster of the original album (available on audio CD for the first time) and the complete, unreleased Toronto concert from March 25, 1981. Also included is a booklet with new illustrations by Hugh Syme, plus liner notes by Kim Thayil, Les Claypool, Taylor Hawkins, Bill Kelliher and Neil Sanderson. It's clear that disc 1 features stellar versions of many of the rock trio's most beloved originals ("Tom Sawyer," "Red Barchetta," "YYZ," "Limelight"), and the aforementioned concert features a terrific track listing sure to please fans of Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson and Neil Peart. The audio quality of the historic concert in the band's hometown of Toronto includes outstanding sounding versions of classics such as "Freewill," "Limelight," "The Trees," "YYZ," "Xanadu" and "Closer To The Heart." Information: Rush.com.  

Artist: Bobby Cole

Title: A Point Of View (Omnivore Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett

Tell me more: One of 1967's most legendary albums is finally available via a remastered and expanded version sure to please fans of jazz and '60s recordings. Bobby Cole's A Point Of View exceeds its legendary status thanks to the late artist's incredible talents as singer, songwriter and pianist as well as contributions from Grammy-winning producer Cheryl Pawelski and remastering from Michael Graves. Currently available on audio CD and digital, a double-LP version is slated for Fall 2022. The lovely "But It's Spring" is soaked in melancholy, Cole's vocal strengths showcased in each distinctive note of his delivery. The inspired jazzy gems that are revisited on the collection include the fleet "Heat," affecting ballad "You Could Hear a Pin Drop," soaring "A Perfect Day," evocative "Elegy For Eve" and reflective "I'm Growing Old." There a number of previously-unissued bonus tracks to discover too; the rollicking "Checkerboard Life," mournful "How The Lonely Spend Their Time," haunting "I Never Saw The Shadows," stirring "When She Was In Love With Me" and romantic "The Midnight Flower" shed abundant light on Cole's virtuosity. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.  

Robert Kinsler

New Music: Hoodoo Gurus, Band of Horses, Jackie Bristow, Hank Williams

Eagerly-awaited returns from Australia's Hoodoo Gurus, American rock troupe Band of Horses and Nashville-based songstress Jackie Bristow are among the new essential titles featured in my column this week. There is also a new collection of extraordinary recordings by groundbreaking country music icon Hank Williams available now.

Artist: Hoodoo Gurus

Title: Chariot of the Gods (Big Time Phonographic Record Co/EMI Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Hoodoo Gurus, The Scientists, Ghostwriters

Tell me more: More than a decade since the release of their last album (2010's Purity of Essence) and first new music since 2014 (the EP Gravy Train), Hoodoo Gurus has returned with the brilliant Chariot of the Gods. Formed in Sydney, Australia back in 1981, Chariot of the Gods finds the quartet tearing artfully through more than a dozen outstanding originals —  utterly proving their literate and unique rock approach is fully relevant in 2022. The thundering "World of Pain," confessional "Was I Supposed To Care?," punk-styled "Hang With The Girls" and introspective "My Imaginary Friend" are early standouts on the disc. The melodic '60s-tinged "Equinox," blistering "I Come From Your Future," soaring "Carry On" and sparkling "Settle Down" keep the magic soaring on the last half of the album. Let's hope that we hear more from Dave Faulkner (vocals, guitars), Brad Shepherd (vocals, guitar), Rick Grossman (vocals, bass) and Nik Reith (drums) soon. Information: hoodoogurus.net.  

Artist: Band of Horses

Title: Things Are Great (BMG)

You might like if you enjoy: Band of Horses, Neil Young, The War on Drugs

Tell me more: While the title of Band of Horses' long awaited new album  Things Are Great  is seemingly at odds with the world around us — just think of soaring inflation, Russia's terrifying war against the innocent people of Ukraine and the continuing death toll from the global pandemic — there is no denying the marvelous experience at being immersed in the band's first new studio album since 2016. Lead singer Ben Bridwell and company have crafted another modern day masterwork; this is an album that recalls the expansive joy of 2010's Infinite Arms. The parade of enthralling originals on Things Are Great includes the soaring "Warning Signs" and "Lights," ascending "Crutch," luxurious "Tragedy of the Commons," inspired "In Need of Repair" and dreamy "Aftermath." Information: BandOfHorses.com.  

Artist: Jackie Bristow

Title: Outsider (Mesa Bluemoon Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: Alice Wallace, Darling West, Kasey Chambers

Tell me more: Released on March 4, Outsider is Nashville-based singer-songwriter Jackie Bristow's first new album in six years. Blending rock, pop, Americana and country music across a dozen delightful tracks, Bristow's wonderful soprano is positioned amidst a backdrop of nuanced acoustic and electric guitars, banjo and pedal steel, and even strings and horns. The contributions of Bristow's longtime musical partner Mark Punch (Kasey Chambers, Tim Finn) along with a number of top-tier singers and musicians further elevate the project. The material ranges from the smooth "Livin' For Love," lovely "Shakin' My Bones" (the latter bolstered by Norwegian singers Tor Egil Kraken and Mari Kraken of Darling West fame) and bewitching "Without You" to the Southern soul-drenched "Tennessee" and the expansive jewel "Never To Late." Information: https://jackiebristow.com.  

Artist: Hank Williams

Title: I'm Gonna Sing: The Mother's Best Gospel Radio Recordings (BMG)

You might like if you enjoy: Hank Williams, Hank Snow, Gram Parsons

Tell me more: The new Hank Williams collection I'm Gonna Sing: The Mother's Best Gospel Radio Recordings marks a perfect chance to discover (or rediscover) the art of Hank Williams. Although he died when he was only 29, Williams remains one of the most significant and influential American singer-songwriters of the 20th century even nearly 70 years after his passing. The track listing on I'm Gonna Sing never falters, with harmonies-adorned pre-20th century hymns ("I Am Bound For The Promised Land," "That Beautiful Home," "The Blind Child's Prayer"), early 20th century hymnals ("The Old Country Church," "I'll Fly Away," "I'll Have A New Life"), black gospel ("When God Dips His Love In My Heart," "When the Saints Go Marching In," "Precious Lord, Take My Hand"), 1940s material ("Thy Burdens Are Greater Than Mine," "Searching For A Soldier's Grave") and Williams originals ("I Saw the Light," "Jesus Died For Me," "I'm Gonna Sing," "Jesus Remembered Me") collectively showcasing Williams' deep and life-long connection with gospel and religious music. The audio 2-CD digipak version reviewed here comes with an informative 12-page booklet that includes detailed liner notes by Williams biographer Colin Escott. The set has also been released via a three-LP triple-gatefold album pressed on 140g vinyl, marking the first time these recordings have been issued on vinyl. The 40 tracks recorded at the dawn of the 1950s sound fantastic; the collection was produced by Cheryl Pawelski while the recordings were restored and mastered by Michael Graves. Information: HankWilliams.com.

Robert Kinsler

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

New Music: Bob Marley and The Wailers, Nina Simone, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Buck Owens and His Buckeroos

The horrific events unfolding in Afghanistan over the past several weeks, a continuing pandemic, devastation in the wake of Hurricane Ida and wildfires in California, and an escalating wave of violent crime gripping America can collectively feel overwhelming to be sure. Leave it to a diverse field of great artists to lift us up with song via a range of long-lost treasures and reissues as well as a long-awaited new studio album.

Artist: Bob Marley and The Wailers

Title: The Capitol Session '73 (Tuff Gong / Mercury Studios)

You might like if you enjoy: Bob Marley and The Wailers, Peter Tosh, Joe Higgs

Tell me more: On the eve of global super stardom, Bob Marley and The Wailers performed a closed-door set at Capitol Records Tower in Los Angeles in October 1973. Nearly a half century after the performance featuring Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Joe Higgs, Aston Barrett, Carlton Barrett and Earl "Wya" Lindo was captured via four cameras, the performance is coming to DVD+CD, colored 2LP vinyl, digital and audio CD (the latter format reviewed here) on Sept. 3. The footage was long considered lost until a freelance researcher uncovered a few frames. After more than 20 years, the complete film was found, restored and remastered. A single listen to the audio recording reveals the exhaustive efforts that included a search of archives and storage units in New York, London, San Diego and beyond was worth the effort. Marley is rightfully considered reggae's most influential and important artist; all of the Jamaican artist's strengths as a singer, songwriter, musician and band leader are on display across The Capitol Session '73. After Tosh (who would soon embark on his own successful career) sings the opener "You Can't Blame The Youth," Marley takes the reins for a compelling set of timeless protest- and social justice-minded classics. The intoxicating "Slave Driver," rhythmic "Burnin' & Lootin'," entrancing "Stir It Up," defiant "No More Trouble" and explosive closer "Get Up Stand Up" make for a magical trip back to the metamorphosis of a legend. Information: bobmarley.com.

Artist: Nina Simone

Title: Little Girl Blue (BMG)

You might like if you enjoy: Nina Simone, Dorothy Donegan, Mary Lou Williams

Tell me more: Singer-songwriter/composer/virtuoso pianist Nina Simone burst on the world in 1959 with the release of Little Girl Blue. Only 25 at the time, her brilliant debut has been newly remastered and reissued; it is available via vinyl, audio CD and digital platforms. Listening to the timeless album today is still an astonishing experience, all the more impressive when you learn that the 11 tracks on the disc were recorded in a single 14-hour recording session where she was accompanied by Jimmy Bond (bass) and Albert "Tootie" Heath (drums).  While the future Rock and Roll Hall of Famer performs a lone original work on "Little Girl Blue" (the dashing instrumental "Central Park Blues"), her fleet take on Duke Ellington's swinging "Mood Indigo," refined reading of Arthur Hamilton's "He Needs Me," buoyant jazz-meets-Baroque "Love Me or Leave Me" and the classical music-flavored title track — the latter which creatively incorporates the traditional Christmas carol "Good King Wenceslas — all showcase her signature contralto vocals and improvisational talents at the keyboard. Several of her best-known recordings are also on the album; her evocative version of "I Loves You, Porgy" (a major hit at the time of the album's release) and joyful "My Baby Just Cares For Me" are truly remarkable. Information: bmg.com and amazon.com.

Artist: Toad the Wet Sprocket

Title: Starting Now (Abe's Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Toad the Wet Sprocket, Pete Yorn, Del Amitri

Tell me more: Toad the Wet Sprocket is back with their first new studio album since 2013 — the 10-track masterwork Starting Now — that also happens to be one of the best new albums I've heard in 2021. The Santa Barbara-spawned heroes don't tinker too much with their signature sound blending folk and alternative rock styles but now that it's 2021 the trio uses its musical voice in the service of songs aimed at the here and now. The events of 2020 and 2021 have made most of us rethink our own lives and the world itself and singer-guitarist Glen Phillips, bassist Dean Dinning and lead guitarist Todd Nichols capture and explore those forces brilliantly on Starting Now. Take "Hold On," where singer Phillips delivers a poignant plea: "I need a little bit of hope, one ray of light / need just enough peace to make it through the night." In the glorious title track Phillips delivers a more hopeful message as he sings: "I've wasted years, won't waste another instant / I fed my fears on things that haven't been yet / Well hope don't mean you sit there, just waiting for the changes / It's fighting for the long shot / It's getting in the trenches." The songs are uniformly strong on "Starting Now." The yearning "Transient Whales," Americana-styled "In the Lantern Light," experimental "Dual Citizen," affecting climate change warning-aimed "Fever" and soulful "Best Of Me" (the latter featuring guest vocalist Michael McDonald) are among my other favorites on the terrific return. Information: ToadTheWetSprocket.com.

Artist: Buck Owens and His Buckeroos

Titles: Sweet Rosie Jones; I've Got You on My Mind Again; Tall Dark Stranger (Omnivore Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: Dwight Yoakam, Buck Owens, Merle Haggard

Tell me more: Beginning earlier this month and continuing through Oct. 1, Omnivore Recordings is in the midst of reissuing nine albums featuring Buck Owens and His Buckeroos. The albums are being released in their original configurations on audio CD and Digital (in both standard and high resolution); each has been mastered from the original analog tapes by Michael Graves and produced for release by Grammy-winner Cheryl Pawelski, and all feature expanded artwork and new liner notes from Owens biographer Randy Poe. 

One of the reasons Owens was so successful can be heard across the myriad of reissues; his musical approach was straightforward with his signature baritone vocals used to propel songs featuring winning story lines and clever wordplay, catchy vocal choruses ( with two-part vocal harmonies featuring his guitarist Don Rich) and nuanced musicianship from his terrific Buckeroos.Sweet Rosie Jones was the troupe's third album of 1968; 10 of the 12 songs on the set were written or co-written by Owens. The title track, a lovely acoustic ballad, hit number 2 on the country singles chart; the parade of other great cuts on the disc includes the uptempo "Hello Happiness, Goodbye Loneliness," high-flying "If I Had Three Wishes," twangy delight "The Heartaches Have Just Started" and authentic cover of Merle Haggard's "Swinging' Doors." 

Another 1968 release, I've Got You on My Mind Again, featuring outstanding tracks including the catchy "Let the World Keep On a Turnin'" (a hit duet with Buck's son Buddy Alan) and tuneful "I Wanna Be Wild and Free" and "Sing a Happy Song." Originally released in September of 1969, Tall Dark Stranger, features the album's enticing hit title track that was a number 1 on the singles chart as well as the mournful "White Satin Bed (co-written with Gene Price) and captivating "Across This Town and Gone." Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.

Robert Kinsler

New Titles: Lynyrd Skynyrd, Allen Ginsberg, First Aid Kit, the Armoires, Godzilla vs. Kong (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)

A truly dizzying mix of new releases are greeting listeners in early April, ranging from classic live recordings and dynamic new studio albums to a wonderful new movie soundtrack.

Artist: Lynyrd Skynyrd

Title: Live At Knebworth ‘76 (Eagle Rock Entertainment)

You might like if you enjoy: Lynyrd Skynyrd, the Outlaws, ZZ Top

Tell me more: On April 9, Lynyrd Skynyrd: Live At Knebworth '76 will be released as a DVD+CD, Blu-ray+CD, limited edition 2LP+DVD, and via digital video. The restored performance captures the original lineup of the groundbreaking Southern rock troupe via an amazing performance in England staged on Aug. 21, 1976. Indeed, 14 months before the tragic October 20, 1977 plane crash took the lives of several members of Lynyrd Skynyrd, singer Ronnie Van Zant, bassist Leon Wilson, drummer Artimus Pyle, keyboardist Billy Powell, along with the triple guitar array of Gary Rossington, Allen Collins and Steve Gaines, and The Honkettes (backing vocalists Cassie Gaines, JoJo Billingsley, Leslie Hawkins) delivered an inspired performance in front of a crowd of more than 150,000 concertgoers. The 11-song setlist is a dream for die-hard followers of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame outfit as well as casual classic rock fans; "Workin' For MCA," "Saturday Night Special," "Gimme Three Steps," "Call Me The Breeze," "Sweet Home Alabama" and a spellbinding set-ending 13-minute version of the beloved "Freebird" are all here. Both the audio recording and visual quality featured on the new release are exceptional; it's amazing to think this performance was staged 45 years ago. The Blu-ray set also includes the full-length 2018 documentary "If I Leave Here Tomorrow: A Film About Lynyrd Skynyrd" as a bonus feature. A side note: this historic performance was part of a daylong festival that also featured performances from Todd Rundgren's Utopia, 10cc and headliners The Rolling Stones. Information: eagle-rock.com or lynyrdskynyrd.com.

Artist: Allen Ginsberg

Title: Allen Ginsberg at Reed College: the first recorded reading of Howl and Other Poems (Omnivore Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: Allen Ginsberg, Jack Kerouac, William S Burroughs

Tell me more: This writer was fortunate to review a live reading by Allen Ginsberg before a sold-out crowd at Chapman University in Orange, CA in April 1993, where the groundbreaking beat poet read a sampling of his older and newer works. Sadly, the famed writer passed away five years after that memorable reading at the age of 70. Ginsberg was among the most controversial writers of his time, rattling the cage of the establishment with his opposition of militarism, sexual repression and capitalism. Los Angeles-based Omnivore Recordings has released the first recorded reading of Ginsberg's best-known poem "Howl," recorded on Feb. 14, 1956. Allen Ginsberg at Reed College: the first recorded reading of Howl and Other Poems is not only a thought-provoking celebration of Ginsberg's talents but a historical document that was long to have been thought forgotten until author John Suiter (researching at Reed College's Hauser Memorial Library in Portland, Oregon) found the tape in a box in 2007. In addition to "Howl," the new release has Ginsberg reading several shorter poems as well including "Wild Orphan" "Over Kansas" and "A Dream Record." Cheryl Pawelski, Grammy Award-winning record producer and co-founder of Omnivore Recordings, worked with the Ginsberg Estate to release the remastered Allen Ginsberg at Reed College: the first recorded reading of Howl and Other Poems via audio CD, digital and LP on April 2, 2021. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com. 

Artist: First Aid Kit

Title: Who By Fire (Sony Sweden / Columbia Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Emmylou Harris, Leonard Cohen, Jennifer Warnes

Tell me more: Leave it to a pair of Swedish sisters to deliver the ultimate tribute to the late Leonard Cohen. First Aid Kit — Klara and Johanna Söderberg — have released Who By Fire, a live 20-track recording captured across two nights at the Royal Dramatic Theater in Stockholm in March of 2017. Conceived and anchored by First Aid Kit, the sisters were joined by a number of fellow Swedish guests, an eight-member band and strings, two actors as well as a large choir on two of the songs. A mix of Cohen's original songs, poems and letters were included in the two-performance event chronicled on Who By Fire (released April 2, 2021). The Söderberg sisters are bona fide fans of Cohen, who passed away at the age of 82 on Nov. 7, 2016. Who By Fire celebrates Cohen's work via a diverse array of compositions, including the stirring "Suzanne," gorgeous "If It Be Your Will," plaintive "Hallelujah" (where they are joined by Annika Norlin), edgy "Famous Blue Raincoat," otherworldly masterwork "You Want It Darker" and gallant "Everybody Knows" (with guest Frida Hyvönen). The performances of Cohen's songs and poetry across "Who By Fire" are uniformly beautiful without diminishing the power of the literate tales of faith, romance, political strife and loss. Information: FirstAidKitBand.com.

Artist: The Armoires

Title: Incognito (Big Stir Records)

You might like if you enjoy: The Monkees, Matthew Sweet, Bright Blue Gorilla, XTC

Tell me more: When you release your album on April 1st —  also known as April Fools' Day —  best to make it count. That's exactly what The Armoires have accomplished via the joyful "Incognito." Led by Big Stir Records record label founders Rex Broome (vocals, guitar) and Christina Bulbenko (vocals, keyboards), the quintet also includes noted music writer/drummer John Borack, viola/violin player Larysa Bulbenko and bassist Clifford Ulrich. Incognito is actually a culmination of an ambitious six-month "secret project" where the Burbank-based group released a series of singles — each issued under a different fictitious "new and undiscovered" band name. Incognito collects the diverse material and the results are as wonderful as the concept. Anchored by the group's shining vocal harmonies, solid musicianship and artful arrangements, the blend of creative covers and originals keeps the momentum moving across the disc's 18-track run. Early title favorites include a magnetic cover of John Cale's "Paris 1919," an irresistible rendering of the Christie gem "Yellow River," the driving countrified "Bagfoot Run," a Gram Parsons-mining "Homebound" and shimmering take on the 20/20 classic "The Night I Heard A Scream." The wistful reworking of Andy Gibb's "Words And Music," infectious "Walking Distance," baroque pop sparkler "Magenta Moon" and beguiling styles-blending "Awkward City Limits" are among the late LP standouts. Information: BigStirRecords.com.

Artist: Tom Holkenborg

Title: Godzilla vs. Kong (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) (Watertower Music)

You might like if you enjoy: Hans Zimmer, Tom Holkenborg

Tell me more: Just weeks after composer Tom Holkenborg saw the release of his original motion picture soundtrack for "Zack Snyder's Justice League" receive well-deserved praise, his talents can be heard on Godzilla vs. Kong (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack). Issued a couple of days before the exciting Adam Wingard-directed film landed in theaters and on HBO Max on March 31, the 15-track soundtrack is a triumph with its mix of orchestral muscle, bold electronica and raging sound effects. For example, when Kong is featured on the screen the music is typically more classical in nature (as evidenced by the beautiful symphonic sweep in "Skull Island (Kong's Theme)," "A New Language" and "Antarctica"), thereby emphasizing the sympathetic qualities of the character. Elsewhere when Godzilla or manmade technological dangers loom, the music is decidedly more kinetic in tune with that monster's more volatile nature; the tempestuous "Tasman Sea" and aggressive "Mega" take advantage of the composer's ability to blend music and sound designs in dynamic ways to enhance a blockbuster. On the final track, "Hong Kong," Holkenborg is able to masterfully weave a myriad of sonic spheres together over the course of 13 magnificent minutes. Information: watertower-music.com.

Robert Kinsler