New Music: The dB'S, Skeeter Davis & NRBQ, Fastball

New albums featuring under-the-radar heroes The dB'S, Skeeter Davis & NRBQ, and Fastball are featured in my column this week.

Artist: The dB'S

Title: Stands for deciBels (Propeller Sound Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: The dB's, Big Star, R.E.M., early Cheap Trick

Tell me more: Groundbreaking American rock outfit the dB's' 1981 debut album Stands for deciBels has just been reissued digitally as well as on audio CD and vinyl by Propeller Sound Recordings; the newly remastered album had never previously been released on vinyl in the U.S. 

The dB's / Photo by Stefan Wallgren

A true sonic bridge between power pop pioneers Big Star and college rock heroes R.E.M., the dB'S' glorious 12-track Stands for deciBels busts out of the gate with the driving "Black and White," a song that somehow blends jangly guitar rock, garage rock and new wave stylings in an artfully new way. Subsequent cuts on the disc include the hypnotic "Dynamite," psychedelic-minded "She's Not Worried," style-defying "Espionage" and "Cycles per Second," driving rocker "Bad Reputation" and exuberant "I'm In Love." The CD and digital editions of Stands for deciBels closes with the sumptuous "Judy," a single not included on the original release but available on a late '80s I.R.S. Records reissue. The dB'S (Peter Holsapple, Chris Stamey, Gene Holder and Will Rigby) are set to embark on their first national tour since 2012 on the heels of their studio album issued that year (Falling Off the Sky) when they perform at the Hopscotch Music Festival in Raleigh, North Carolina on Sept. 7, 2024. Information: propellersoundrecordings.com and thedbs.com.

Artist: Skeeter Davis & NRBQ

Title: She Sings, They Play (Omnivore Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: NRBQ, Skeeter Davis, She & Him, Emmylou Harris, the Davis Sisters

Tell me more: One of the more interesting and bold collaborations of the 1980s, Skeeter Davis & NRBQ's 1985 album She Sings, They Play has been released as an expanded reissue by Omnivore Recordings. A true fusion between the talents of acclaimed singer Davis and genre mash up-minded American rock outfit NRBQ, the album (released via vinyl, on CD and digitally) thrills across its entire gloriously-expanded run. Delights abound on the outstanding title,  including the traditional country nugget "Everybody Wants A Cowboy," heartfelt ballad "I Can't Stop Loving You Now" featuring Buddy Emmons' wonderful pedal steel guitar work, the lively duet "Ain't Nice To Talk Like That," the previously-unissued retro rocker "I Want You Bad," a rootsy heartfelt cover of "Someday My Prince Will Come," the Baroque ballad "How Many Tears" and previously-unreleased rockabilly cut "I Gotta Know." Also included on the disc are tracks recorded live at The Bottom Line in New York City on Oct. 18, 1985 — the date of the album's initial release — that are included on the audio CD and digital versions of She Sings, They Play; "Gonna Get Along Without You Now," "Things To You" and a bewitching take on Davis' own 1962 hit "The End Of The World" are particularly strong. The packaging contains updated artwork, photos from the recording sessions and liner notes from John DeAngelis. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.

Artist: Fastball

Title: Sonic Ranch (Sunset Blvd Records)

You might like if you enjoy: dada, Fastball, Goo Goo Dolls, Oasis

Tell me more: One of the most talented American rock bands to emerge at the dawn of the 1990s, Austin, Texas-based Fastball is back with a new album that recalls the trio's best work. Produced by David Garza (Fiona Apple, Rhett Miller), the new album titled Sonic Ranch (released on June 21) features a slew of memorable and diverse originals. The explosive first single "Rather Be Me Than You" is an infectious and hard-charging cut that is equal parts testosterone and melody. The aptly-titled "Daydream" is a sweeping mid tempo track recalling early Oasis. Fastball's talent at crafting top-tier ear candy is highlighted by the luxurious "Hummingbird" and buoyant "Let Love Back In Your Heart." The fast-paced "Get You Off My Mind" blends the band's signature melodic rock sound with a New Wave flourish that really works, while the countrified folk nugget "Grey Sky Blue" and Spaghetti Western-tinged "America" collectively showcase the ambitious range of Fastball. Other standouts include the harmonies-draped "On And On" and enchanting "The Island Of Me." Sonic Ranch marks a wonderful return for Tony Scalzo, Miles Zuniga and Joey Shuffield. Information: fastballtheband.com. 

Robert Kinsler

Big Star's 'Radio City' (& more) tour celebrates 50 years of the influential band's beloved sophomore album

 

BIG STAR’S RADIO CITY (& MORE) INTERNATIONAL TOUR CELEBRATES 50 YEARS OF THE INFLUENTIAL BAND’S BELOVED SOPHOMORE ALBUM   Featuring Big Star’s Jody Stephens, Mike Mills (R.E.M.), Chris Stamey (the dB's), Jon Auer (Big Star/The Posies), and Pat Sansone (Wilco)   U.S. dates include Washington, D.C., Memphis, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. Full list below. International dates in London, Oslo, Vigo, Barcelona, and Madrid

Click here for tickets   “A half-century later, the Memphis band's sophomore album remains a bright, beautiful portrait of young, big emotions and the way they intersected with the joy of music… After Radio City, those feelings have been rarely articulated so perfectly since.” – Paste Magazine (2024)   Los Angeles, CA (May 28, 2024)—50 years ago, Memphis power pop pioneers Big Star released Radio City, their genre-defining sophomore album, which went on to become a cult classic inspiring generations of fans through songs such as “September Gurls,” “Back of a Car,” and “I’m in Love With a Girl.” To celebrate the album’s enduring legacy, an all-star collective of musicians (led by the band’s sole surviving original member, Jody Stephens) will perform Radio City in its entirety on both sides of the Atlantic.   Joining Stephens will be some of the band’s biggest fans who have long been associated with Big Star-related projects, including Mike Mills (R.E.M.), Jon Auer (The Posies), Pat Sansone (Wilco), and Chris Stamey (The dB's). The festivities kick off in July at Cat's Cradle in Chapel Hill, North Carolina on August 21, followed by shows across the East Coast in August and the West Coast in October. After a special hometown show at Memphis’ Crosstown Theater on October 1, the group will head to Europe, with stops in Spain, Norway, and the UK. For a full list of cities visited on the tour along with dates, please see below or click here.   ***   Heavily influenced by the British Invasion, yet undeniably original, Big Star (vocalists/guitarists Alex Chilton and Chris Bell, bassist Andy Hummel, and drummer Jody Stephens) offered a fresh new sound when they emerged in the early ’70s. While power pop wouldn’t truly take off until later in the decade, the Memphis band set the tone with their infectious blend of jangly pop, driving guitars, sweet harmonies, and wistful melancholia. In 1971, Big Star made their debut with #1 Record, which featured such memorable numbers as “In the Street” (later made famous by Cheap Trick), “Thirteen” ("one of rock's most beautiful celebrations of adolescence" — Rolling Stone, 2011), and “The Ballad of El Goodo.” (“The bridge [or middle eight, call it what you will] alone shows more talent and creativity than some bands' entire back catalogues.” — The Guardian, 2011) While the album garnered high marks from critics, however, it failed to make a commercial splash.   Bell departed the band soon after, leaving Chilton, Hummel, and Stephens to continue as a trio. In late 1973, Big Star returned to Ardent Studios to record their follow-up, with producer John Fry. Despite losing his longtime collaborator, Chilton stepped in as the band’s de facto leader—a role that allowed his songwriting talents to shine. Released in 1974, Radio City (available via Stax Records/Craft Recordings) featured some of Big Star’s most beloved tracks, including the bluesy opener “O, My Soul,” offbeat rocker “Back of a Car,” the sweet acoustic ballad “I’m in Love with a Girl,” plus their iconic pop classic, “September Gurls.” Once again, Radio City was met with critical acclaim but fell victim to distribution issues, selling less than 20,000 copies at the time.   But the story of Radio City certainly wasn’t over. Shared between friends and musicians as the years went on, the album became a cult favorite—far exceeding its original commercial performance. Today, it is considered a definitive title in the power pop canon and has long been counted among rock’s greatest albums. Hailed as “Pure power pop perfection” by Rolling Stone, Radio City has been included in the outlet’s 2003, 2012, and 2020 “500 Greatest Albums of All Time” rankings. “September Gurls,” meanwhile, appeared on its “500 Greatest Songs of All Time” list, while Consequence of Sound declared the track “One of American music’s prototypical power pop jams.”   Although Big Star disbanded in late 1974 (not long after recording their third album, Third/Sister Lovers), the band went on to achieve near-mythic status in the underground scene, influencing some the biggest alt-rock artists of the ’80s, ’90s and beyond, including R.E.M., Teenage Fanclub, Wilco, and The Replacements (who famously penned the song “Alex Chilton” as an ode to the group’s frontman). Over the years, Big Star’s songs have been reinterpreted by the likes of Elliott Smith, The Bangles, Placebo, Beck, Gin Blossoms, Garbage, Counting Crows, and Jeff Buckley, to name a few.   In the last two decades, Big Star has finally been given their due, honored with a host of glowing retrospectives, as well as a tribute record (Big Star Small World, 2006), a documentary (2012’s Nothing Can Hurt Me), and the 2016 concert film and live album, Thank You, Friends: Big Star’s Third Live…And More. The acclaimed release, which is available to view on Amazon Prime, captures the popular touring live show, “Big Star’s Third,” in which an all-star roster of guest vocalists and musicians join a core group (including Stephens, Mills, Auer, Sansone, and Stamey) to perform Third/Sister Lovers, plus selections from #1 Record and Radio City. Filmed at a concert in Glendale, CA, Thank You, Friends features a cross-generational lineup of talent, including Jeff Tweedy (Wilco), Ira Kaplan (Yo La Tengo), Robyn Hitchcock, Dan Wilson, original arranger Carl Marsh, and San Francisco’s Kronos Quartet.   Click here to buy or stream Radio City.   50th Anniversary Full Performance of Big Star's Radio City (& More):    August 21 - Cat's Cradle, Chapel Hill, NC August 22 - White Eagle Hall, Jersey City, NJ August 23 - Keswick Theatre, Glenside, PA August 24 - Union Stage, Washington, DC Oct. 1 - Crosstown Theater, Memphis, TN Oct. 4 - Great American Music Hall, San Francisco, CA Oct. 7 - The Lodge Room, Los Angeles, CA Oct. 24 - Auditorio Mar de Vigo, Vigo, Spain Oct. 26 - Sala Apolo, Barcelona, Spain Oct. 27 - La Riviera, Madrid, Spain Oct. 29 - Folketeateret, Oslo, Norway Oct. 31 - Hackney Church, London, UK   The Big Star Quintet (with special guest John Stirratt [Wilco] subbing for Mike Mills) will also be hitting the road this July:   July 13 — FitzGerald's, Chicago, IL July 14 — Square Roots Festival, Chicago, IL July 15 — Codfish Hollow Barnstormers, Maquoketa, IA  Photo Credit: Luis Troner   Official social media: Big Star: Website / Facebook / Instagram / Twitter / YouTube    About Stax Records: Stax Records, now owned by Concord, was founded by Jim Stewart in 1957 in Memphis, Tennessee. It rose from a small, family-operated company to become one of the most influential record labels in the world, helping create “The Memphis Sound” and launching the careers of icons such as Otis Redding, Isaac Hayes, Booker T. & The M.G.’s the Staple Singers, Sam & Dave, Rufus and Carla Thomas, The Bar-Kays, and dozens of other artists who helped change popular culture forever. In all, Stax placed 167 hit songs in the Top 100 in Pop and 243 hits in the Top 100 in R&B.   For more info visit, staxrecords.com and follow on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Twitter.    About Craft Recordings:  Craft Recordings is home to one of the largest and most essential collections of master recordings and compositions in the world. Its storied repertoire includes landmark releases from icons such as Joan Baez, John Coltrane, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Celia Cruz, Miles Davis, Isaac Hayes, John Lee Hooker, Little Richard, R.E.M., Joan Sebastian, and Traveling Wilburys. Plus, the catalog recordings of celebrated contemporary acts including A Day to Remember, Evanescence, Alison Krauss, Nine Inch Nails, Taking Back Sunday and Violent Femmes, to name just a few. Renowned imprints with catalogs issued under the Craft banner include Fania, Fantasy, Fearless, Musart, Nitro, Panart, Prestige, Riverside, Rounder, Specialty, Stax, Vanguard, Varèse Sarabande, Vee-Jay and Victory, among many others. Craft creates thoughtfully curated packages, with a meticulous devotion to quality and a commitment to preservation—ensuring that these recordings endure for new generations to discover. Craft is also home to the Billie Holiday and Tammy Wynette estates which preserve and protect their respective names, likeness and music through day-to-day legacy management of these cultural trailblazers.    Craft Recordings is the catalog label team for Concord. For more info, visit CraftRecordings.com and follow on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.

New Music: The Who, Jack Rubies, Chris Stamey

The latest audio releases featuring The Who, Jack Rubies and Chris Stamey are available now.

Artist: The Who

Title: Live At Shea Stadium 1982 (Record label)

You might like if you enjoy: The Who, Roger Daltrey, Pete Townshend

Tell me more: The Who's 1982 tour was memorable for a number of reasons; notably it was the last to feature drummer Kenney Jones and would also mark the British band's last full scale tour until 1989. Now a marvelous live recording of The Who's complete Oct. 13, 1982 performance captured on the second of two nights at New York's Shea Stadium has been released on audio CD and 3LP vinyl (Live At She Stadium 1982). Among the stellar versions of Who classics performed by singer Roger Daltrey, guitarist Pete Townshend, bassist John Entwistle, keyboardist Tim Gorman and aforementioned Jones are the rousing "I Can't Explain," lively artfully reworked "Sister Disco," fiery "Baba O'Riley" and "Who Are You," stirring "Love Reign o'er Me," thrilling "Won't Get Fooled Again." Because The Who was touring in the wake of the band's tenth studio album It's Hard (released a mere month before the Shea Stadium show date), this tour provided the first chance to hear live performances of cuts from that masterwork; an inspired version of the John Entwistle-penned "Dangerous" and rousing take on "It's Hard" are early standouts on the concert recording while "Eminence Front" is heard via a marathon performance that is especially moving in its power. The concert closes with fully reworked covers of The Beatles' "I Saw Her Standing There," Eddie Cochran's "Summertime Blues" and the 1962 Isley Brothers' hit "Twist and Shout" that collectively celebrate the power of rock 'n' roll. Insightful liner notes from Chris Roberts also provide additional depth on The Who and the band's 1982 performance. Information: MercuryStudios.co.

Artist: Jack Rubies

Title: Clocks Are Out Of Time (Big Stir Records)

You might like if you enjoy: The The, Nick Cave, Interpol, Blur

Tell me more: Reunited English quintet Jack Rubies are back with Clocks Are Out Of Time, the band's first new album in more than 30 years. The band's original lineup of Ian Wright (lead vocals, guitar), SD Ineson (backing vocals, guitar), Steve Brockway (bass), Lawrence Giltnane (percussion) and Peter Maxted (drums, and the album's producer) have created a unique soundscape that fuses 1990s Britpop with contemporary indie rock into something that is their own. So many standouts propel the 12-track album across its full span, delighting the listener with undeniable hooks, a kaleidoscope of sonic moods and genuine surprises. The bewitching opener "Hark," driving hypnotic rocker "Heaven Shook Me," dreamy "Hidey Hole," tuneful "Chandelier," playful "Poltergeist," exhilarating "Read My Mind," edgy "Shark Attack" and dazzling closer "I'll Give You More" all cast their power with a single listen. And the album's sumptuous reach only deepens with each subsequent listen. Information: bigstirrecords.com.

Artist: Chris Stamey

Title: ...The Great Escape (Schoolkids Records)

You might like if you enjoy: The dB's, Big Star, Richard X. Heyman, the Jayhawks

Tell me more: Fans of melodic and intelligent songcraft will want to grab Chris Stamey's wonderful new album ...The Great Escape. The 13-track disc album was written, recorded and produced by Stamey at Modern Recording in North Carolina and displays a masterful touch that shines across the disc. While the album revisits the soundscape Stamey explored on his classic 1987 and 1991 solo records (It's Alright and Fireworks, respectively) and 2004's Travels in the South), there is an additional and delightful Flying Burrito Brothers-meets-Jayhawks Americana spin to the selections. Loaded with melodic rock nuggets, the album features a slew of great tracks including the alt country-tinged opener "The Great Escape," shimmering "Realize," tender "She Might Look My Way" (the latter a cover of a lost classic co-written by Alex Chilton and Tommy Hoehn), Beach Boys flavored "I Will Try," jazzy "Back in New York" and prog rock mining pop gem "The Catherine's Wheel." Among the notable high-profile guests who join Stamey on the album are Peter Holsapple (organ), Don Dixon (acoustic bass), Mitch Easter (drums), as well as Eric Heywood  and Allyn Love (pedal steel).  Information: schoolkidsrecords.com.

Robert Kinsler

Big Star's '#1 Record' celebrated in Nov. 5, 2022 Wild Honey Foundation all-star show

Exciting news for SoCal music fans! You have plans for Nov. 5, 2022! Robert Kinsler

WILD HONEY FOUNDATION, JODY STEPHENS,  and the ALEX THEATRE PRESENT  BIG STAR’S #1 Record, A 50th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION   Benefit for the Autism Healthcare Collaborative 8pm Saturday, November 5th, 2022 Alex Theatre, Glendale, Calif.   Performers include Jody Stephens (Big Star), Chris Stamey (The dB’s),  Mike Mills (R.E.M.), Pat Sansone (Wilco), Susanna Hoffs (Bangles), and  The Lemon Twigs, Jon Auer (the Posies),  and others. LOS ANGELES, Calif. — To celebrate the 50th Anniversary the release of the classic album Big Star #1 Record, benefit concert producers the Wild Honey Foundation and Big Star founder Jody Stephens will present a live performance of this legendary LP, performed in its entirety and in order by Jody Stephen’s all-star ensemble. Bonus songs from Big Star’s Radio City (“September Gurls”), Big Star Third, and Chris Bell solo material will also be performed. The event, a benefit for the Autism Healthcare Collaborative, will take place November 5th, 2022 at 8 p.m., at the historic Alex Theatre in Glendale, Calif. (Los Angeles metro).  Jody Stephens of Big Star The Big Star #1 Ensemble includes: Jody Stephens (Big Star), Jeff Crawford, Mike Mills (R.E.M.), Pat Sansone (Wilco), Charles Cleaver, Django Haskins, Brett Harris, Chris Stamey (The dB's), Skylar Gudasz, and Audley Freed. Guest vocalists include Susanna Hoffs, The Lemon Twigs, Luther Russell, Chris Price, Jon Auer (Posies) and more TBA. The Big Star Ensemble will be accompanied by Wild Honey Orchestra members: Kaitlin Wolfberg, violin; Eric KM Clark, violin 2; Lyn Bertles, viola; Emily Elkin, cello; and brass players Sarah Kramer, trumpet; David Ralicke, trombone/sax; and Nelson Bragg, percussion The show will benefit the Autism Healthcare Collaborative: an internationally recognized non-profit organization committed to facilitating the medical and psychosocial stabilization of individuals and families living with autism. The Autism Healthcare Collaborative provides a multidisciplinary team approach to the identification and treatment of the complicated medical comorbidities of autism by connecting medical experts to families and physicians around the world through medical videoconferencing. AHC offers innovative solutions for individuals with autism, across the spectrum and throughout their lifetime, through comprehensive case management, community outreach, advocacy, and education. https://www.autismhc.org/ About the Wild Honey Foundation: Since 1994, Wild Honey Foundation, a 501(c)(3), non-profit, has produced concerts, film screenings, online fundraisers, and live stream events to benefit autism treatment/research and members of the music community in need. Led by Paul Rock, David Jenkins, and Michael Ackerman, Wild Honey is a grass roots, volunteer organization dedicated to passing on the passion, creativity, and idealism found in rock, rhythm & blues, folk, classical, and pop music to future generations through cultural events of all types.   For more information on the Wild Honey Foundation, please go to: https://www.facebook.com/groups/183120448393501/  Email Wildhoneyfoundation@yahoo.com                                                          # # #