Burt Bacharach remembered; Rock and Roll Hall of Fame announces nominees

Burt Bacharach performing on an
ABC television special in 1972.

At first glance, the Feb. 1 announcement of 14 nominees for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's Class of 2023 and passing of legendary songwriter Burt Bacharach on Feb. 8 would seem to have little in common.

Having written a slew of timeless classics — and seen his songs recorded by the diverse likes of the Beatles, Dionne Warwick, Aretha Franklin, Elvis Costello, the White Stripes, Love, Perry Como, Cilla Black, Stevie Wonder and Rod Stewart —  the 94-year-old Bacharach has still not yet been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

But this writer —  having had the good fortune to cover a concert featuring Bacharach and Warwick when they were still at the height of their artistic powers —  believes Bacharach will rank alongside Paul McCartney, Brian Wilson, Donald Fagen and Elvis Costello as one of the great sophisticated songwriters of the 20th century. His passing is also a jab at the Hall of Fame to consider the influence of artists on other musical greats as a key element in the consideration of nominees.

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Speaking of the Hall of Fame, the following artists are nominated to be inducted later this year: groundbreaking British songstress Kate Bush; contemporary hitmaker Sheryl Crow; hip-hop icon Missy Elliott; heavy metal pioneers Iron Maiden; tandem alternative rock outfits Joy Division/New Order; singer Cyndi Lauper; pop singer George Michael; outlaw country music great Willie Nelson; rap-metal giants Rage Against the Machine; Seattle grunge champions Soundgarden; rhythm and blues vocal group The Spinners; American hip hop group A Tribe Called Quest; Detroit garage rock revivalists the White Stripes; and American singer-songwriter-musician Warren Zevon.

I am hopeful some of the more veteran artists in that field will be be announced as as the top names in May, and subsequently inducted in fall 2023. Here are the six artists I feel are most deserving of induction.

Kate Bush — Far better known in her native England than in the U.S., Kate Bush has nonetheless found growing acclaim here in recent years — thanks in no small part to her marvelous 1985 single "Running Up That Hill" gaining renewed popularity in May 2022 after it was featured in the plot of the fourth season of the hit Netflix series "Stranger Things." Other great Bush originals include "Cloudbusting," "Don't Give Up" (a duet with Peter Gabriel), "The Man with the Child in His Eyes" and "Babooshka." Her debut single "Wuthering Heights" released in 1978 when she was only 19, marked the first time a female artist had a number 1 hit on the UK Singles Chart with a self-written song.

Iron Maiden — Founded in 1975, English heavy metal heroes have released more than 40 albums. Beginning in the early 1980s, the band released a series of Platinum and Gold albums; the critically-acclaimed 1982 LP The Number of the Beast is among the most acclaimed heavy metal albums of all time and has reportedly sold more than 20 million copies. 

Joy Division/New Order — One of the smartest decisions by the selection committee was to nominate Joy Division and New Order together. Joy Division was an English rock group comprised of lead vocalist Ian Curtis, guitarist/keyboardist Bernard Sumner, bassist Peter Hook and drummer Stephen Morris. The group pioneered a melancholy-wrapped style of sparse recordings that made them one of the most influential alternative rockers to emerge in the late 1970s. Sadly, Curtist struggled with a number of health and mental issues; the committed suicide at the age of 23 in May 1980. Later that year, the remaining members regrouped as New Order and went on to find enduring fame with their original mix of electronica and dance music. 

Willie Nelson — Like the late Johnny Cash, 2023 nominee Willie Nelson brings a legacy beyond his parade of celebrated outlaw country albums (Shotgun Willie, Red Headed Stranger, Stardust, etc.). The rare country artist to appear on the main stage at Coachella, Nelson has acted in more than 30 films, co-authored several books and has a signature guitar style as distinctive as his voice. It would be wonderful to see Nelson — who celebrates his 90th birthday on April 29 — be inducted into the Rock Hall.

The Spinners — Formed in Ferndale, Michigan in 1954, The Spinners scored a number of timeless hits during the 1960s and 1970s. Among their biggest hits was "I'll Be Around," "I'm Coming Home," "Then Came You" (the latter a collaboration with Dionne Warwick) and "The Rubberband Man."

Warren Zevon — Since passing away at the age of 56 in September 2003, Warren Zevon's legacy has only grown. A unique artist widely celebrated for his "dry wit and acerbic lyrics," the Chicago, Illinois native's most well-known songs include "Werewolves of London," "Lawyers, Guns and Money" and "Roland the Headless Thompson Gunner." He also wrote the Linda Ronstadt 1978 hit "Poor Poor Pitiful Me." Of all this year's nominees, I am rooting hardest for the induction of this singularly unique artist.

Robert Kinsler

Catching up on 2021 releases: Spygenius, James McMurtry, The Poppermost, Big Stir Records, Paul McCartney

With 2021 rapidly drawing to a close, here are some of the year's notable releases that I missed featuring earlier in the year.

Artist: Spygenius

Title: Spygenius Blow Their Covers (Big Stir Records)

You might like if you enjoy: The Monkees, Traffic, The Beatles, Spygenius, power pop

Tell me more: Canterbury, England-based Spygenius has released an ambitious and wide-ranging album of covers that is among the year's best. In addition to a medley of songs by Traffic and The Monkees ("Paper Sun" / "Love Is Only Sleeping"), a wealth of cuts penned and/or recorded by a slew of other classic rock and contemporary faves are featured on the 13-track set Spygenius Blow Their Covers. Among the terrific covers on the album is melodic reading of Gene Clark's "So You Say You Lost Your Baby," swirling version of Plasticsoul's "Therapy," Celtic-flavored "Griselda" and soaring run through Squeeze's "Is That Love." Late album standouts includes a snappy version of The Monkees' "For Pete's Sake," the power pop-fueled "Queen of Eyes" (a Robyn Hitchcock-penned gem), a wonderfully jazzy take on Paul McCartney's "Step Inside Love" (a song written in 1967 as the theme song of Cella Black's TV series "Cella") and magical cover of Buffalo Springfield's "Rock 'N' Roll Woman" bolstered by lush harmonies. Spygenius features the collective talents of frontman Peter Watts, bassist Ruth Rogers, keyboardist Matt Byrne and drummer Alan Cannings. Information: BigStirRecords.com.

Artist: James McMurtry

Title: The Horses and the Hounds (New West Records)

You might like if you enjoy: John Prine, John Mellencamp, Steve Earle, Warren Zevon

Tell me more: Released back in late August, James McMurtry's The Horses and the Hounds was the singer-songwriter's first new full-length album release in seven years. Filled with songs that are expertly crafted and mine the deepest reaches of the human experience, the mix of wonderful songs includes the lovely "Canola Fields," confessional Americana rocker "If It Don't Bleed," real world-anchored literate tales "Jackie" and "Decent Man," the searing title track (featuring some terrific fret work from guitar master David Grissom) and infectious rocker "What's the Matter." The Horses and the Hounds was worth the wait. Information: NewWestRecords.com.

Artist: The Poppermost

Title: Hits To Spare (TLAK)

You might like if you enjoy: The Beatles, Dave Clark Five

Tell me more: With renewed interest in The Beatles in the wake of Peter Jackson's outstanding "Get Back" docuseries and the band's own Let It Be deluxe reissue, why not check out The Poppermost's wonderful Hits To Spare. Glasgow, Scotland-based lead singer/multi-instrumentalist Joe Kane has magically captured the sound, songcraft and nuances of the early recordings of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr with bona fide detail. All 14 songs on Hits To Spare were written, performed and produced by Kane but sound like outtakes from the Fab Four's amazing Abbey Road sessions in the early 1960s. The rollicking "Egg & Chips" and "Yes It's True," reflective "Can't Take That Away," Lennonesque "Hits To Spare," joyful "In & Out," McCartney-flavored ballad "Get It Down" and luxurious "Ticket To Ride"-sourced "Park and Ride" are among the retro-styled jewels on the disc. Information: ThePoppermost.com.

Artists: The Armoires, Dolph Chaney, Sorrows, Anton Barbeau, Bill Lloyd, Lannie Flowers, more

Title: 2021 Retrospective (Big Stir Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Cheap Trick, Matthew Sweet, The Smithereens

Tell me more: A number of outstanding releases from Big Stir Records and Spyderpop Records were released in 2021. Now — as the year draws to a close — the two labels are looking back at the fruitful year with 2021 Retrospective, a 24-track sampler of the field of top-tier power pop-styled artists who issued new music over the past 12 months. The parade of tracks is strong across its marathon run; the Stan Laurels (the dreamy "Tomorrow"), Popular Creeps (the shimmering "Split Decision"), The Armoires (the tuneful "Great Distances"), Finland's The Bablers (the intoxicating "Psychadilly Circus"), Anton Barbeau (the 12-string adorned "One Of Her Super Powers"), Lannie Flowers (the chamber pop nugget "Home"), Sorrows (the driving "Christabelle") and The Speed Of Sound (enticing "Tomorrow's World") are among the diverse field of great artists whose appearance enhance the collection. Information: BigStirRecords.com.

Artist / Author: Paul McCartney

Title: The Lyrics

Publisher: Liverlight

Hardcover: 960 pages

You might like if you enjoy: Paul McCartney, The Beatles, classic rock

Tell me more: One of the most important and highly-anticipated books of 2021, Paul McCartney's "The Lyrics" is a two-volume work featuring lyrics of 154 of his songs spanning from the late 1950s to the present day. The earliest original revisited is "I Lost My Little Girl," a song he wrote in 1956 following the death of his 47-year-old mother. "The Lyrics" includes many of McCartney's most beloved and well-known works as well as rare gems; "I Saw Her Standing There," "I Wanna Be Your Man" (a song written for Beatles band mate Ringo Starr that also proved to be an early hit for The Rolling Stones), "When I'm Sixty-Four," "Yesterday," "The Long and Winding Road," "Band On The Run," "Only Mama Knows" and "Live and Let Die" are among the classics featured in these pages. In addition, there are more than 600 images from McCartney's personal archives — including handwritten lyrics, letters, photographs and memorabilia. There is a fantastic forward penned by McCartney that really provides a clear picture how the artist's life has been both chronicled and transformed by his songwriting. His first-person commentaries provide compelling insight into the creation of each of the songs. As McCartney notes, "What made The Beatles such a great band was that no two tracks are the same." What "The Lyrics" further proves is how amazing McCartney's songs are from throughout his long and singular career. Information: wwnorton.com or BarnesAndNoble.com.

Robert Kinsler

Eclectic tastes sure to be satisfied via range of new titles

Click here to read my latest column featured in Desert Star Weekly. If you can't access the embedded article (which is featured on page 14 of the issue that will open), you can read a text version below.


Two contrasting releases from singer-guitarist Holly Golightly, as well as impressive returns from Herb Alpert and bluesman Joe Louis Walker are worth discovering.


Artist: Holly Golightly
Title: Slowtown Now! (Damaged Goods/Forced Exposure)
You might like if you enjoy: Wanda Jackson, Holly Golightly & the Brokeoffs
Tell me more: Holly Golightly has been busy in 2015. Not only did she recently release a new album with her well-established Americana project Holly Golightly & the Brokeoffs, the English artist has also released a new solo album that conjures up Cilla Black, Shirley Bassey and modern-day favorites She & Him with a sense of fun and purpose as evidenced by the tuneful sunshine pop of "Frozen In Time," the early-styled rocker "As You Go Down," and Baroque folk ballad "Forevermore." Information: damagedgoods.co.uk.

Artist: Holly Golightly & the Brokeoffs
Title: Coulda Shoulda Woulda (Transdreamer/Megaforce)
You might like if you enjoy: Holly Golightly, X, The Knitters, Brown Bird
Tell me more: The latest collaboration from Holly Golightly & the Brokeoffs (the duo of British singer-guitarist Holly Golightly and Texas-spawned multi-instrumentalist/vocalist Lawyer Dave), "Coulda Shoulda Woulda" is a dozen song set of spirited indie Americana. There is an authenticity to all of the songs here, with the duo blending blues, rock, country folk and roots rock with equal aplomb. From the straight-forward rocking blues of "Little Mule" to the more detailed acoustic Delta ballad "What He Does" and introspective Appalachia-laced vocal duet "Lonesome Grave," there is a warmth and honesty to everything here. Information: hollygolightly.com.

Artist: Herb Alpert
Title: Come Fly With Me (Herb Alpert Presents)
You might like if you enjoy: Herb Alpert, Vince Guaraldi Trio
Tell me more: The Zombies are not the only popular '60s hit makers to enjoy a full-on resurgence in recent years. Trumpeter Herb Alpert won a Grammy for his 2013 disc "Steppin' Out" and has just released the aptly-titled "Come Fly With Me," a disc that proves the 80-year-old artist is still able to deliver top-flight performances. Blending artful covers and melodic originals, all of the compositions retain the jazz meets Bossa Nova style that was a stamp of Alpert's '60s and '70s hits, although he often influses reggae rhythms into several of the pieces (including a version of Irving Berlin's "Blue Skies" and his own "Walkin' Tall"); a jazzy and especially tender instrumental version of George Harrison's Beatles classic "Something" and yearning version of Billy Strayhorn's "Take the 'A' Train" are among the other standouts on "Come Fly With Me." Information: HerbAlpert.com.

Artist: Joe Louis Walker
Title: Everybody Wants a Piece (Provogue)
You might like if you enjoy: Walter Trout, Buddy Guy, Tommy Castro
Tell me more: Blues Hall of Fame inductee Joe Louis Walker is in full form on the recently-issued “Everybody Wants a Piece.” A guitarist who isn’t afraid to tear into his electric guitar with the freewheeling approach of Buddy Guy and the late Jimi Hendrix, the Bay Area native shines as both singer and guitarist across the 11-track disc, including on the blues rocker “Do I Love Her,” soulful “Black & Blue” and “Witchcraft” (both showcasing Walker’s strong lead vocals) and Delta-minded standout “Gospel Blues.” The final track, “35 Years,” recalls the infectious spirit of Chicago blues greats Howlin’ Wolf and Muddy Waters. Information: mascotlabelgroup.com.

Album reviews: Cilla Black, Charlie Rich, Leslie West, Maia Sharp, Joe Louis Walker

Artists long recognized for their genre-defying careers are celebrated on a number of highly-recommended new single-disc releases.

Artist: Cilla Black
Title: The Hit Singles (Varese Vintage)

You might like if you enjoy: The Beatles, Burt Bacharach, Shirley Bassey

Tell me more: A true icon in her native England, Cilla Black (who sadly passed away at age 72 in August 2015) enjoyed tremendous success as a singer, actress, and television host. Born in Liverpool, she was a close friend of the Beatles, and several of her first big hits were penned by John Lennon and Paul McCartney. On the new retrospective The Hit Singles, Black's tremendous power to bring emotional heft and nuanced power are wonderfully displayed across 18 tracks that span from 1963 to 1971. In particular her interpretations of Lennon & McCartney and Burt Bacharach & Hal David compositions remain pop standards. Her timeless version of the Bacharach/David masterwork "Anyone Who Had A Heart" ultimately proved to be the biggest single sung by a female artist of the 1960s in England. Fans of the Fab Four will also want to hear "Love of the Loved," "It's For You" and ""Step Inside Love," three seldom-heard gems penned by Lennon & McCartney. Another note confirming the strength of the singles here; all were originally produced by Sir George Martin. Information: VareseSarabande.com.

Buy 'The Hit Singles' here

Artist: Charlie Rich
Title: 25 All-Time Greatest Hits (Varese Vintage)

You might like if you enjoy: Elvis Presley, Roger Miller, Roy Orbison

Tell me more: The late Charlie Rich enjoyed a long and successful career as both a singer and songwriter, scoring top hits on the country and pop music charts in the 1960s and '70s. His 25 All-Time Greatest Hits assembles more than two dozen tracks Rich recorded for RCA and Epic Records on a single audio CD disc. With his expressive and smooth vocals, Rich was a master at singing country, pop, jazz, R&B and soul with complete mastery. Rich's wide-ranging spirit is showcased via the R&B flavored "Life's Little Ups and Downs," the lovely ballad "A Part of Your Life," the sweeping jazz foray "Every Time You Touch Me (I Get High)," and his top country-pop hits "Behind Closed Doors" and "The Most Beautiful Girl" (the latter a number 1 hit on both the pop and country music charts in 1973). Information: VareseSarabande.com.

Get '25 All-Time Greatest Hits' via this link

 

Artist: Leslie West
Title: Soundcheck (Provogue)

You might like if you enjoy: Bad Company, Mountain, Walter Trout, Peter Frampton

Tell me more: Hard rocking blues singer-guitarist Leslie West is back with Soundcheck, his first new album since 2013's Still Climbing. West's new disc finds the New York native visiting a number of sonic regions with aplomb. "Here for the Party" boasts an AC/DC approach with a decidedly crunchy riff-rock attack, Angus Young-worthy lead guitar work and party-styled lyrics. The two-fisted "Empty Promises / Nothin' Sacred" rocks with equal fervor. A rich Southern-fried take of Tracy Chapman's "Give Me One Reason" gives West all kinds of chances to solo, while a wistful instrumental cover of Paul McCartney's "Eleanor Rigby" featuring bassist Rev Jones further expands the scope of the album.  "You Are My Sunshine" is tender with West's big baritone voice supported by his impressive work on slide and Peter Frampton's distinctive guitar playing for a textured tandem approach.   Information: mascotlabelgroup.com.

Buy 'Soundcheck' here

Artist: Maia Sharp

Title: The Dash Between The Dates (eOne Music)

You might like if you enjoy: Grace Potter, Vonda Shepard, Bonnie Raitt

Tell me more: A singer-songwriter of incredible depth, it's no wonder that the rest of the world seems to fade away when listening to Maia Sharp on her latest album The Dash Between The Dates. Confessional, intelligent and lush arrangements of original songs probing life's far-flung corners fill the 12-song disc. The soulful infectious lead-off track "Nothing But The Radio" is a romantically-charged tune adorned with a full horn section, the tender "Underneath" takes a introspective look at understanding one's self with thrilling beauty. Even the upbeat "You're Alive" is a full-fledged look at the complexities of relationships, and the joys and sacrifices of falling in love; the song boasts the great lyric "You only stop crying to cry some more." Information: eonemusic.com.

Get 'The Dash Between the Dates' today

Artist: Joe Louis Walker
Title: Everybody Wants a Piece (Provogue)
You might like if you enjoy: Walter Trout, Buddy Guy
Tell me more: Blues Hall of Fame inductee Joe Louis Walker is in full form on the recently-issued Everybody Wants a Piece. A guitarist who isn't afraid to tear into his instrument with the freewheeling approach of Buddy Guy and the late Jimi Hendrix, the Bay Area native shines as both singer and guitarist across the 11-track disc, including on the blues rocker "Do I Love Here," soulful "Black & Blue" and "Witchcraft" (both showcasing Walker's strong lead vocals) and Delta-minded standout "Gospel Blues." The final track, "35 Years," recalls the infectious spirit of Chicago blues greats Howlin' Wolf and Muddy Waters. Information: mascotlabelgroup.com.

Get 'Everybody Wants A Piece' here



Robert Kinsler