New music: Crossword Smiles, Michael Ubaldini, Jan & Dean

In this column, I celebrated a wide range of great American artists who have new or reissued audio releases available now.

Artist: Crossword Smiles
Title: Consequences & Detours (Big Stir Records)
You might like if you enjoy: The Cars, Jason Falkner, Johnny Marr, Del Amitri
Tell me more: Detroit, Michigan melodic rock duo Crossword Smiles has just released their sophomore album, Consequences & Detours, a followup to the acclaimed 2022 debut disc Pressed & Ironed. Featuring the considerable talents of Tom Curless (Tom Curless & The 46%) and Chip Saam (The Hangouts), the new 11-track album features a slew of great tracks including the indie rock opener "Counting By Fives," rollicking Falling All Over Myself," wistful "Girls Club," ska-powered "Night Train," lush art Baroque pop foray "Once Or Twice" (the latter featuring some terrific vocal harmonies), melancholy filled "Fake A Smile" and freewheeling closer "The Never Seens." Fans of some of the great indie and melodic rock artists of the past 50 years — ranging from Crowded House and Del Amitri to Jason Falkner and Johnny Marr — will all find plenty to love about Crossword Smiles' signature approach. Released on May 23, Consequences & Detours is available via vinyl, audio CD and streaming platforms. Information: bigstirrecords.com.

Artist: Michael Ubaldini & the Lonesome Playboys

Title: Storms of Trouble (Blackwater Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Gram Parsons, Bruce Springsteen, Hank Williams, Bob Dylan

Tell me more: Acclaimed singer-songwriter Michael Ubaldini is back with Storms of Trouble, an EP featuring an outstanding batch of songs that artfully blend Americana, roots rock, alt country and others authentic styles in the service of his signature songcraft. The lead-off title track is a beautiful original where the artist sings of his own challenges with candor and insight, the power of his words bolstered by the roots-swept songcraft. "Lost In The Shuffle" is a rollicking countrified rocker that casts a probing and playful look at love gone wrong. 

Another standout track on his EP is "Long Road Back to Californy," a rootsy rock song whose lyrical story of the struggles of making a long road trip is simultaneously a metaphor for a journey through life itself.

Two rare bonus tracks round out the EP; "Tombstone Woman" and "One Good Woman Blues" were recorded in Austin, Texas and mastered by Jerry Tubb (the latter whose credits include working on records by John Lennon, Willie Nelson and Paul McCartney).

Storms of Trouble was recorded live in the studio with no overdubs, including Ubaldini's vocals and sharp guitar work. What's more, the title was recorded on analogue tape. Along with Ubaldini on guitar and vocals, the talents of Jeremy Long (piano, organ), John Mctuige (drums) and Jared Manzo (bass) are featured on the title. Storms of Trouble is currently available on 12-inch limited edition red colored vinyl.

Information: rocknrollpoet.com. 

Artist: Jan & Dean
Title: One Last Ride (RockBeat Records)
You might like if you enjoy: The Beach Boys, Jan & Dean, the Chantays
Tell me more: Celebrated surf music duo Jan & Dean's live album One Last Ride — recorded in Roslyn, New York in 1981 — was recently reissued and is worthy of discovery for fans of The Beach Boys, Chantays and other surf music greats. The audio CD collection features Jan Berry and Dean Torrence delivering tuneful takes on some of the most beloved songs of the 1960s including the spirited opener "New Girl In School," the doo-wop romp "Baby Talk," a speedy take of their top 10 hit "Drag City," a faithful run through The Beach Boys' 1963 hit "Little Deuce Coupe," the harmonies-filled "Ride The Wild Surf," infectious "Sidewalk Surfin'," sumptuous "The Little Old Lady From Pasadena" and euphoric "Surf City." Of particular interest is Jan & Dean's affecting cover of the Beatles gem "You've Got To Hide Your Love Away," as well as a fun-filled musical reading of the Turtles' "Happy Together" featuring that band's Howard Kaylan and Mark Volman. As most fans know, Berry suffered a debilitating brain injury due to a car accident, and he ultimately passed away on March 26, 2004 — eight days before his 63rd birthday. Information: LiberationHall.com.

Robert Kinsler

Classic performances come alive on new releases

Three new titles offer a great chance to see – and hear – top-tier music makers in action.

Artist: The Rolling Stone, John Lennon, The Who, Jethro Tull, Taj Mahal, more
Title: Rock and Roll Circus (ABKCO)
You might like if you enjoy: The Rolling Stones, John Lennon, The Who, Taj Mahal
Tell me more: The eclectic and diverse lineup showcased on The Rolling Stones' 1968 television special Rock and Roll Circus makes for one of the most essential concert television specials of the decade – even if the program was not released until the late 1990s. Now a deluxe and expanded special edition of Rock and Roll Circus is available and is bolstered by a slew of great bonus features that fill four discs and come housed in a hardcover package that includes a wonderful 48-page book, The performances are terrific to be sure, particularly the blistering soulful blues unleashed by Taj Mahal on "Ain't That a Lot of Love," The Who performing their early song cycle "A Quick One While He's Away," and The Dirty Mac (singer-guitarist John Lennon, bassist Keith Richards, lead guitarist Eric Clapton, drummer Mitch Mitchell) covering The Beatles' "Yer Blues." The memorable set from the Rolling Stones includes a rocking "Jumpin' Jack Flash," the Chicago blues-styled "Parachute Woman," acoustic blues gem "No Expectations" (featuring some cool slide work from Brian Jones), the fiery "Sympathy for the Devil" and set-ending "Salt of the Earth" featuring Mick Jagger and Keith Richards sharing lead vocals. Information: www.abkco.com.

Artists: Stevie Wonder, Bruce Springsteen, U2, Rush, more
Title: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: In Concert (Time Life)
You might like if you enjoy: Rock and popular music.
Tell me more: With 164 performances positioned across 11 DVD discs, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: In Concert collection has plenty of everything for every rock fan. This writer spent a full day immersed in the myriad of outstanding performances and this is simply a must-have title. Highlights include "Woodstock" with Crosby, Stills & Nash, an emotional take on "The Thrill is Gone" featuring B.B. King and Stevie Wonder, a 1990 performance featuring Simon & Garfunkel that brings chills via a ethereal set comprised of "The Sounds of Silence," "The Boxer" and "Bridge over Troubled Water." Equally powerful is a turn where U2 challenges and thrills the audience with an inspired performance including "Vertigo," "Magnificent" and "Beautiful Day" while several other tracks find the Irish quartet joining forces with the celebrated likes of Bruce Springsteen, Mick Jagger, Patti Smith, Fergie and will.i.am. Elsewhere, there are wonderful turns from the Hollies ("Bus Stop," "Carrie-Anne," more), Beck, ELO, Rush, Heart, Cheap Trick, Deep Purple, Aretha Franklin, Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band, and Ringo Starr and Paul McCartney. The video quality and audio across all 11 discs is excellent. Information: TimeLife.com.

Artist: NRBQ
Title: Turn On, Tune In (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: NRBQ, R.E.M., Alex Chilton
Tell me more: There is something to be said for a band focused on writing great songs and playing those in a freewheeling style that lends itself to spontaneity-styled live shows. Such is the case on NRBQ's two-disc release Turn On, Tune In. The title features six tracks recorded live at Sirius/XM's "The Loft," as well as a 15-song set captured at WFMU-FM's Monty Hall in Jersey City, N.J. (the latter concert recording appears on the audio CD and as a concert film on the DVD disc). The terrific cuts find the genre-defying four-man outfit exploring a number of styles and making all it sound completely their own. Choice cuts include the playful Southern-friend "Nature's Gonna Pay You Back," melodic power pop nugget "It Feels Good," the revival swing-enriched "That's Neat, That's Nice," Memphis soul-mining "Keep This Love Goin'," jazzy "Things To You" and countrified "The Animal Life." The songs here celebrate the riches to be found via stellar musicianship and a loose approach on stage that lends a buoyant style to the great material. NRBQ impresses equally with a deeply-affecting reworking of the Beach Boys' "Don't Worry Baby." Information: www.omnivorerecordings.com.



Robert Kinsler

Concert Films Showcase Classic Artists

With the holidays approaching now is a great time to consider picking up a number of new concert films available on blu-ray and/or DVD. All five performances were filmed in Europe but will definitely appeal to audiences on either side of the Atlantic.

Title: Hans Zimmer: Live In Prague (Eagle Rock Entertainment)
You might like if you enjoy: Hans Zimmer, Johnny Marr, Tina Guo
Tell me more: Hans Zimmer is among the rarest of musical talents. The famed composer/multi-instrumentalist has scored a countless number of outstanding movie soundtracks and attracted a far-flung fan base that rivals the most iconic of pop music greats. The newly-released Hans Zimmer: Live In Prague was filmed on May 7, 2016 (a few weeks after his already-legendary Coachella appearances) and features Zimmer and a total of 72 musicians (including his band, guests, an orchestra and choir) performing more than two hours of his music. While Zimmer himself plays keyboards, guitar, banjo and percussion along the way, the stellar line-up of top musicians make the wide-ranging sonic journey an intoxicating listen. Guitar great Johnny Marr (The Smiths, The The) joins the proceedings for many of Zimmer's most memorable works, including the anthemic "What Are You going To Do When You Are Not Saving The World" (from "Man of Steel") and the ambitious "Journey To The Line" (from "The Thin Red Line"). Information: eagle-rock.com.

Title: Sting: Live At The Olympia Paris (Eagle Rock Entertainment)
You might like if you enjoy: Sting, The Police
Tell me more: Filmed in April 2017, Sting: Live At The Olympia Paris is a rich journey through Sting's rich and wide-ranging 40-year career. Backed by a terrific band and several vocalists, Sting performs more than two dozen songs pulled from his time with The Police and subsequent solo career. The varied riches here include a lush arrangement of "Spirits In The Material World" whose power grows as the song moves along, the newly-penned melodic rocker "I Can't Stop Thinking About You," the heavy blues rocker "Petrol Head," a flamenco-tinged "Fields Of Gold" and buoyant take of the Police classic "Message In A Bottle (the latter which finds the audience singing, clapping and dancing around in palpable excitement)." Late set standouts include the reggae-flavored "So Lonely," a medley of "Roxanne" and Bill Withers' "Ain't No Sunshine," the world music-draped "Desert Rose" (notable for the dual guitar work of Rufus Miller and Dominic Miller) and a transcendent "Fragile." Sting also pays tribute to David Bowie via having his son Joe Sumner take over lead vocals as he leads the ensemble through a potent take of "Ashes To Ashes". Information: eagle-rock.com.

Title: Black Sabbath: The End (Eagle Rock Entertainment)
You might like if you enjoy: Black Sabbath, Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi
Tell me more: Heavy metal pioneers Black Sabbath closed out a 50-year legacy with a concert in the band's hometown of Birmingham, England on Feb. 4, 2017. That already-legendary show is celebrated on the aptly-dubbed "The End" (available as a DVD+CD or as a Blu-ray+CD set). Fans of Black Sabbath's hard-hitting rock will thrill at seeing singer Ozzy Osbourne, guitarist Tony Iommi, bassist Geezer Butler and touring members Tommy Clufetos (drums) and Adam Wakeman (keyboards, guitar) run through their signature blend of heavy metal in front of a sold-out crowd. All the essentials are included on the set, including "War Pigs," "Behind the Wall of Sleep," "Iron Man" and emotional encore-ending "Paranoid." Director Dick Carruthers did a terrific job of capturing the band's musical style and relationship with fans courtesy of a creative mix of camera shots showcasing the band's performance and crowd reactions that immerses the viewer into this career-capping moment. Information: eagle-rock.com.

Artist: The Who
Title: Tommy: Live at the Royal Albert Hall (Eagle Rock Entertainment)
You might like if you enjoy: The Who
Tell me more: Earlier this year, The Who performed the groundbreaking rock opera Tommy" at Royal Albert Hall, an event that marked the first time the British band had ever performed the opus in its entirety in concert. The event was captured and Tommy: Live at the Royal Albert Hall is essential viewing for rock fans. Written by guitarist-singer Pete Townshend, Tommy was released in May 1969 and almost instantly hailed as a masterwork. The rock opera is performed with energy and rock 'n' roll swagger by Townshend, singer Roger Daltrey and a group of talented players - including famed drummer Zak Starkey and singer-guitarist Simon Townshend. In addition to a memorable performance of "Tommy," The Who performed a mini-set of hits to finish out the night, including a rollicking take on "I Can't Explain" and deeply affecting "Love, Reign O'er Me." Information: eagle-rock.com.

Title: Donny Osmond: One Night Only (Gonzo Multimedia)
You might like if you enjoy: Donny Osmond, David Cassidy
Tell me more: Donny Osmond wrapped up his 2017 tour of the United Kingdom with a sold-out performance at the NEC Birmingham. That concert was filmed and has been released as a two-disc DVD, sure to appeal to fans of the singer-songwriter and one-time teen idol. The performance showcases Osmond's talents as a singer, dancer and all-around entertainer. The presentation has the feel of a Las Vegas-styled show but there is plenty to admire about Osmond's approach to honoring his family, friends (including Michael Jackson and Andy Williams) and adoring audience with a mix of hits from his teen years as well as his historic late 1980s comeback (including an animated version of "Soldier Of Love" and "Sacred Emotion"). Beyond his own hits, Osmond offers an uptempo reworking of Steely Dan's hit "Peg," revisits the Lennon & McCartney ballad "The Long and Winding Road" and showcases his strong vocals on the soulful Al Green classic "Let's Stay Together." Donny Osmond: One Night Only is also available on audio CD. Information: gonzomultimedia.co.uk.



Robert Kinsler

Paul McCartney & Ringo Starr, Dwight Yoakam, Buck Owens, Alice Cooper Shine on New DVD Titles

An already-legendary benefit concert featuring both Ringo Starr and Paul McCartney, companion releases capturing country music heroes Dwight Yoakam and Buck Owens, and a groundbreaking period of Alice Cooper's '70s career finally released on DVD make for some terrific viewing (and listening!) via new releases.

Artists: Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Moby, Donovan, Eddie Vedder, Sheryl Crow, more
Title: Change Begins Within: A Benefit Concert for The David Lynch Foundation (Eagle Rock Entertainment)
You might like if you enjoy: The Beatles, Moby, Betty LaVette, Ben Harper
Tell me more: A special event featuring sets from a number of legendary musicians is reason enough to celebrate, but imagine a once-in-a-generation concert boasting sets from both Ringo Starr and Paul McCartney with the former Beatles then joining forces to perform several Fab Four classics together. Those are among the many reasons to run out and get a copy of Change Begins Within: A Benefit Concert for The David Lynch Foundation. Filmed at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on April 4, 2009, the now-legendary concert also features performances teaming Moby and Bettye LaVette ("Trouble So Hard/Natural Blues"), Eddie Vedder and Ben Harper (an excellent cover of the Queen/David Bowie classic "Under Pressure"), and Sheryl Crow and Harper (George Harrison's "My Sweet Lord"). Appearances from British singer-songwriter Donovan and comedian Jerry Seinfeld also shine in the concert film, directed superbly by Michael Dempsey. Bonus features on the DVD include interviews with McCartney, Starr, Vedder and Harper. Information: eagle-rock.com.

Artists: Dwight Yoakam
Title: Dwight Yoakam – Live From Austin, TX (New West Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Buck Owens, Merle Haggard
Tell me more: On Oct. 23, 1988, Dwight Yoakam and Buck Owens each performed individual sets while cameras rolled as part of PBS' series "Austin City Limits." Now both those performances have been issued as individual releases, with each title providing the performance on audio CD and on DVD. Although Yoakam was a native of Kentucky, from his youth he fell in love with Owens' groundbreaking "Bakersfield" sound (also a favorite of country-rock pioneer Gram Parsons) and fused that with his own bluegrass and authentic country sound. The Live From Austin, TX appearance from Yoakam is an hour-long joyride, with both uptempo favorites ("Guitars, Cadillacs," "Please, Please Baby," the night-ending "This Drinkin' Will Kill Me") and tender ballads ("Home Of The Blues," "I Sang Dixie") among the choice cuts. Yoakam is joined by Owens for a wonderful duet of their number one single "Streets Of Bakersfield," (also featuring the beautiful accordion work of Flaco Jimenez). And everywhere across the set the stellar work of guitarist Pete Anderson and fiddler Scott Joss add nuanced firepower to the selections. Information: NewWestRecords.com.

Artist: Buck Owens
Title: Buck Owens – Live From Austin, TX (New West Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Dwight Yoakam, Merle Haggard
Tell me more: It was an enthusiastic Yoakam who pulled his musical idol Owens out of a self-imposed 10-year retirement in 1988, leading up to the tandem sets showcased on the newly-issued "Live From Austin TX" releases. Owens' turn is pure fun, with the Sherman, Texas native kicking things off with his 1963 number one hit "Act Naturally" (a favorite of Ringo Starr, who recorded it with the Beatles in 1965). The fast-paced set also includes other beloved Owens nuggets including the lovely ballad "Together Again," his signature Bakerfield romp "I've Got A Tiger By The Tail," rockabilly-styled "Hot Dog" (the title track from his 1988 studio album) and honky tonk gem "Put Another Quarter in the Jukebox." Owens is joined on stage by Yoakam for a duet of "Under Your Spell Again." He caps off his performance with a countrified take on Chuck Berry's rocker "Johnny B. Goode." Information: NewWestRecords.com.

Artist: Alice Cooper
Title: Welcome To My Nightmare Special Edition DVD (Eagle Rock Entertainment)
You might like if you enjoy: Vincent Price, KISS, Alice Cooper, Hollywood Vampires
Tell me more: Catching Alice Cooper deliver a powerful and entertaining concert at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles last month, this writer was anxious to watch the newly-released Welcome To My Nightmare Special Edition DVD, a title featuring both a TV special Alice Cooper: The Nightmare and the Welcome To My Nightmare concert film from the mid-1970s. Both features on the DVD will thrill fans of Cooper. Aired on ABC-TV in the U.S. in April 1975, Alice Cooper: The Nightmare fully developed the concept of Cooper's album Welcome to My Nightmare, with Cooper portraying the child Steven and Vincent Price serving as the Spirit Of The Nightmare. The television special (directed and choreographed by David Winters) is fascinating, with Cooper delivering groundbreaking segments animated by creatively-lit theatrical sets, talented dancers and dynamic glam and shock rock that bring Cooper's nightmare to life. Filmed at London's Wembley Arena in September 1975, Welcome To My Nightmare was shown in movie theaters in 1976. The entertaining concert features seminal tracks from Cooper's early career including rousing versions of "No More Mr. Nice Guy," "The Black Widow," "School's Out" and the affecting ballad "Only Women Bleed." Information: eagle-rock.com.


Robert Kinsler

New music: 'Frank Sinatra Collection,' Chris Fullerton, GospelbeacH, John Williams & Simone Pedroni

A mix of old and new treasures play out via several legendary television specials featuring many of the greatest singers of the 20th century, a collaboration between composer John Williams and classical pianist Simone Pedroni, and two new albums featuring outstanding emerging artists.  

Title: The Frank Sinatra Collection; The Timex Shows Vol. 1 & Vol. 2
You might like if you enjoy: Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Lena Horne, Bing Crosby, Elvis Presley, Ella Fitzgerald
Tell me more: The four hour-long episodes that play out across volumes 1 and 2 of "The Frank Sinatra Collection" are true time machines. Volume 1 features two episodes of the Sinatra series, including the first episode broadcast on Oct. 19, 1959 and featuring guests Dean Martin, Bing Crosby and Mitzi Gaynor. The second episode (broadcast in late 1959) is highlighted by several appearances by legendary singer Ella Fitzgerald, including the beautiful "There's a Lull in My Life." 

Kicking off the second volume is an early 1960 episode titled "To The Ladies" featuring Sinatra joined by guests Lena Horne, Mary Costa, Juliet Prowse and former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. The final episode serves as a tribute to Elvis Presley, with Sinatra and a cast of notables welcoming home Presley when he returned from his U.S. Army service in March 1960. But that episode also features Ol' Blue Eyes delivering a stirring live version of "Witchcraft" while Sammy Davis Jr. sings "Come On Bess" from "Porgy and Bess"; the show comes to a dramatic close with several performances featuring the King of Rock and Roll including Sinatra and Presley joining forces for a medley "Witchcraft" and "Love Me Tender." The comedy and music across the two discs is top-rate, and the episodes really serve as a time machine for the style of musical variety programming that graced the airwaves in television's formative years. Information: eagle-rock.com.

Artist: Chris Fullerton
Title: Epilepsy Blues (Eight 30 Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Corb Lund, Michael Ubaldini, Townes Van Zandt
Tell me more: Austin-based singer-songwriter Chris Fullerton is the rare modern-day artist able to tap into the traditional sounds personified by Hank Williams and Hank Snow while delivering wry and insightful lyrics that capture life's myriad of of challenges and joys in the here and now. The title of Fullerton's new album Epilepsy Blues is not merely a clever phrase; Fullerton has epilepsy and that reality informs many of the songs on the 10-song disc. "Bad Winds" is delivered with minimal accompaniment, Fullerton's deep baritone deciphering the pain of dark places; the title track chronicles the struggles of his condition, including enduring epileptic seizures as he sings: "The first time's bad but the second time it's worse / the third time's sad and the fourth time it just hurts / but it's all downhill from there, it don't get no worse." Elsewhere the magic of life plays out in sharp contrast to the bad times. The sparse "Float On Up & See" is as beautiful and affecting as any love song released in memory, and the acoustic ballad "Come On In" is almost equal to that master stroke with its quiet power. Information: chrisfullerton.com.

Artist: GospelbeacH
Title: Another Summer of Love
You might like if you enjoy: Dawes, Simon and Garfunkel, Tom Petty, Beachwood Sparks
Tell me more: While it has been 50 years since the original Summer of Love enraptured the world in 1967, the Brent Rademaker-fronted troupe GospelbeacH conjures up that mythical season on its aptly-titled disc Another Summer of Love. With a shimmering sound that recalls the Laurel Canyon sound of the late 1960s and early 1970s, Rademaker's pleasing voice and acoustic guitar is adorned with lush arrangements that make for folk rock that is melodic and ambitious. The breezy "In the Desert," driving "California Fantasy," alt country-spirited "You're Already Home" and "The City Limits," and Byrds-meets-Tom Petty gem "(I Wanna See U) All the Time" featuring Jason Soda's 12-string guitar textures. Other musicians whose notable contributions help create the beautiful soundscape that helps define Another Summer of Love include keyboardist Jonny Niemann, drummers Derek Brown and George Sluppick, bassist Ben Reddell, backup singers Miranda Lee Richards and Pearl Charles. Information: Alive-Records.com.

Artists: John Williams, composer; Simone Pedroni, piano
Title: John Williams: Themes and Transcriptions for Piano (Varèse Sarabande Records)
You might like if you enjoy: John Williams, Simone Pedroni
Tell me more: Composer John Williams and famed classical pianist Simone Pedroni have joined forces for one of the more interesting and successful collaborations in memory. Williams and Pedroni each transcribed about half of the pieces included on John Williams: Themes and Transcriptions for Piano, with Williams' own piano suites from his "Lincoln" and "The Book Thief" among the highlights. All of the piano-only arrangements dazzle thanks to Pedroni's incredible talents at the Steinway Concert Grand piano. Fans of Williams' enduring "Star Wars" and "Harry Potter"-related scores, as well as his soundtrack for "Schindler's List" and others will find this a dynamic listening experience allowing Williams' timeless compositions to be rediscovered. Information: VareseSarabande.com.

Robert Kinsler

Discover new music: Arcade Fire, Elbow, Whitney Rose, Hans Zimmer

Wonderful new releases highlighting groundbreaking Canadian art rock ensemble Arcade Fire, British alternative rock outfit Elbow, Americana songstress Whitney Rose and composer Hans Zimmer are among the strongest releases of early 2017.

Artist: Arcade Fire
Title: The Reflektor Tapes (Eagle Rock Entertainment)
You might like if you enjoy: Arcade Fire, U2, David Bowie 
Tell me more: With more than four hours of content, Arcade Fire's The Reflektor Tapes is simply a dream come true for fans of the seminal Canadian rock ensemble. The terrific release (available on blu-ray as well as a 2DVD release, the latter reviewed here) is anchored by The Reflektor Tapes, an insightful two-hour documentary directed by Kahlil Joseph about the making of Arcade Fire's acclaimed 2013 No. 1 Billboard album Reflektor. While that film fills one disc, the second disc features a fantastic full-length concert filmed at Earl's Court in London on June 6, 2014, captured during the band's Reflektor tour. Additionally, that disc features bonus features including promo videos and director's cut tracks of "Flashbulb Eyes," "Here Comes the Night Time," "Reflektor," "Sprawl II" and "The Suburbs." Information: eagle-rock.com.

Artist: Elbow
Title: Little Fictions (Concord Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Elbow, Peter Gabriel, Keane 
Tell me more: Elbow's Little Fictions is one of the first important masterworks of 2017. The expansive textures across the album enthrall, always bringing infinite depth and beauty to singer Guy Garvey's literate and engaging lyrics. On the sweeping string section-enriched "Magnificent (She Says)" he sings "The echoes slow to nothing on the tide / And where a tiny pair of hands / Finds a sea worn piece of glass / And sets it as sapphire in her mind / And there she stands." The 10-song"Little Fictions" is filled with songs that are simply magnificent, with the tranquil  "Gentle Storm," hypnotic "Trust The Sun," intimate "Montparnasse" and luxuriant "Kindling" among the glorious tracks that immerse the listener. Information: concordmusicgroup.com.

Artist: Whitney Rose
Title: South Texas Suite (Six Shooter Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Nikki Lane, Lindi Ortega, Patsy Cline
Tell me more: Austin-based songstress Whitney Rose's new six-track EP South Texas Suite boasts a wonderful sound that recalls classic country singers Patsy Cline and Kitty Wells, yet also bristles with the energy of modern day artists such as Nashville's Nikki Lane and Lindi Ortega. The playful "Three Minute Love Affair" is bolstered by a accordion and Rose's own sweet soprano; "My Boots" starts with the artist singing acapella before the band comes in on a spirited old school country romp. The original ballad "Lookin' Back On Luckenbach" is a beautiful ballad, fully displaying Rose's lovely and distinctive voice. Rose in scheduled to perform at Don The Beachcomber in Huntington Beach, CA on Saturday, March 4, 2017. Information: WhitneyRoseMusic.com.

Artist: Hans Zimmer
Title: The Classics (Sony Classical)
You might like if you enjoy: Hans Zimmer's soundtracks, Lindsey Stirling, Lang Lang 
Tell me more: One of the most popular and gifted composers working in Hollywood today, Hans Zimmer has scored countless popular movies since the mid-1980s. Now Sony Classical has issued a special collection, The Classics, that showcases some of the German composer's best-known works with versions that feature well-known guests bringing new dimensions to his movie themes. Violinist Lindsey Stirling adds firepower to "The Dark Knight Rises: Main Theme," the popular Piano Guys bring a buoyant touch to "Themes From Pirates of the Caribbean" and pianist Lang Lang is featured on "Gladiator Rhapsody" and later on "Man of Steel: Flight." Hans Zimmer will bring his highly-anticipated "Hans Zimmer Revealed" live tour to the upcoming Coachella festival in Indio on Sunday, April 16 and again on Sunday, April 23, 2017.  Information: hans-zimmer.com.

Robert Kinsler

Album reviews: Dave Gahan & Soulsavers, Rage Against the Machine, 'Goosebumps' soundtrack, Billy J. Kramer with The Dakotas

Dave Gahan & Soulsavers' new album was released Oct. 23, 2015. / Photo courtesy of the artist

Artist: Dave Gahan & Soulsavers
Title: Angels & Ghosts (Columbia)
You might like if you enjoy: Depeche Mode, Dave Gahan
Tell me more: Although the Depeche Mode faithful have long recognized Dave Gahan as a singer of considerable force and artistic range, his name is often sadly overlooked by the rock world at large. Maybe the English singer's latest project Dave Gahan & Soulsavers, a collaboration that is a particularly effective showcase for his vocal powers, will bring more attention to one of modern rock's greatest frontmen. Rather than immerse his rich baritone amidst the electronica of Depeche Mode, Gahan & Soulsavers' Angels & Ghosts is more rooted in blues, gospel and Americana, with the the spirited mix of nine songs recalling recent recordings from the far-flung likes of Other Lives, Florence + the Machine, the Doors and Blur's recent gem The Magic Whip. The blues guitar-drenched "Shine"  and ambitious "You Owe Me" are as melodic as they are forceful. "One Thing" is a beautiful ballad adorned by keyboards and a symphonic soundscape; "My Sun" is a sparse foray in its opening section with the song gradually building to a sweeping symphonic finale. Information: davegahan.com.

Purchase 'Angels & Ghosts' here 



Artist: Rage Against The Machine
DVD Title: Live at Finsbury Park (Eagle Rock Entertainment)
You might like if you enjoy: Rage Against the Machine, Tom Morello
Tell me more: Few bands have fused left-leaning politics and passion with as much firepower as Rage Against The Machine. Ironically, it was a creative effort by English DJ Jon Morter and his wife Tracy in early December 2009 to promote an alternative to the seemingly inevitable  "X-Factor" winner scoring the #1 Christmas hit on the UK singles chart that led to the ultimate release of Rage Against The Machine's "Live at Finsbury Park" (available on DVD, Blu-ray and digital video). Rage Against The Machine supported a campaign to have "Killing In The Name" promoted by the influential Morter with agreement that proceeds from the sales of the single would go to charity if the single reached number one by Christmas 2009. Further thrilling fans was when the band performed a free concert in England to celebrate reaching number 1; that concert (staged on June 6, 2010) is as powerful as fans would expect. Hard-hitting rockers such as "Bulls On Parade," "Sleep Now In The Fire" and the dramatic set-ending "Killing In The Name" are delivered with the band's groundbreaking rap-metal style. Information: eagle-rock.com.

Purchase 'Live at Finsbury Park' [Blu-ray] here



Artist: Danny Elfman
Title: Goosebumps (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) (Sony Masterworks)
You might like if you enjoy: Soundtracks scored by Danny Elfman
Tell me more: Coming 30 years after his first film score (the delightful music for "Pee-wee's Big Adventure" released in 1985), Danny Elfman's stellar soundtrack for the newly-released movie Goosebumps is yet another achievement for the former frontman for Oingo Boingo. A beautiful and expansive 29-track soundtrack that works even apart from the film, highlights include the lovely "Ferris Wheel," urgent "Ice Rink" and tender "Camcorder." Having scored 30 or so soundtracks and being the recipient of four Academy Award nominations, wouldn't it be nice if the talented GRAMMY and Emmy Award winner received an Oscar - perhaps for this deserving soundtrack. Information: SonyMusicMasterworks.com.

Purchase 'Goosebumps (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)' here



Artist: Billy J. Kramer with The Dakotas
Title: All-Time Greatest Hits (Varese Sarabande)
You might like if you enjoy: The Beatles, Gerry and the Pacemakers
Tell me more: Even Beatles fans who possess every studio Beatles album ever released don't necessarily have every John Lennon, Paul McCartney composition. For evidence, look (and listen) no further than the new Billy J. Kramer with The Dakotas retrospective All-Time Greatest Hits (Varese Sarabande Records issued the collection on Oct. 23, 2015). Managed by famed Beatles manager Brian Epstein, Kramer was the beneficiary of a number of Lennon/McCartney songs that comprised a good share of the hits he scored in the early and mid-1960s. The yearning "Bad To Me" and wistful "From A Window" are as strong as anything penned by Lennon and McCartney in the early 1960s (McCartney provided some harmonies on the latter), and the baroque pop gem "I'll Keep You Satisfied" has always struck this writer as evoking the song craft of George Harrison (even though it was penned by Lennon and McCartney). Fans of the early Beatles and Gerry and the Pacemakers will love the 14-track All-Time Greatest Hits, including a lovely take on the Burt Bacharach, Hal David standout "Trains and Boats and Planes." Information: VareseSarabande.com.

Get 'The Very Best Of Billy J. Kramer With The Dakotas' here


Robert Kinsler

Eclectic sonic stew: The Textones, Black Veil Brides, The Boomtown Rats, Robert Cray, von Grey

Terrific reissues of the Textones' first two albums, the first-ever DVD release from Black Veil Brides, an early 1978 concert featuring Boomtown Rats, a 40th anniversary collection celebrating Robert Cray, as well as the latest EP from von Grey are all worth exploring.


Artist: The Textones
Titles: Midnight Mission, Cedar Creek (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: Lone Justice, Carla Olson, Tom Petty
Tell me more: The Textones' 1984 debut "Midnight Mission" and 1987 follow-up "Cedar Creek" were not only terrific albums, but showcased the talents of a band that was a generation ahead of its time via a mix of guitar-anchored New Wave and what would someday be known as Americana. 
Recalling most closely the rollicking sound of early Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, the Textones featured lead singer/guitarist Carla Olson, guitarist George Callins, bassist Joe Read, multi-instrumentalist  Tom Junior Morgan and drummer Phil Seymour (later replaced by Rick Hemmert). "Midnight Mission" features a number of excellent songs, including the high-energy "Hands of the Working Man" and "No Love In You," along with the lovely countrified "Number One Is to Survive." "Cedar Creek" is an equal joy. The spirited lead-off track "Not Afraid," rousing "Gotta Get You Back" and Rolling Stones-styled "You Can Run" are balanced by tracks such as the mid tempo "Another Soul Searcher" (bolstered by Olson's slide guitar work), piano-anchored ballad "Austin" and textured "We Can Laugh About It" fully displaying the richness of the band's rootsy rock approach. The reissue of "Midnight Mission" includes five bonus tracks, while "Cedar Creek" boasts an 8-song live set recorded in Santa Cruz, CA in November 1987. Information: omnivorerecordings.com.

Purchase "Midnight Mission" here

Buy 'Cedar Creek' here


Artist: Black Veil Brides
Title: Alive and Burning (Eagle Rock Entertainment)
You might like if you enjoy: Pierce the Veil, Motionless in White, Rise Against
Tell me more: While there is little subtle about Black Veil Brides' hard rock approach, the quintet uses its first-ever live concert DVD ("Alive and Burning") recorded in late 2014 to deliver the goods to a solidly-engaged capacity crowd at the Wiltern Theater in its hometown of Hollywood, CA in connection with the band's "Black Mass" tour. The 17-track "Alive and Burning" features well-known tracks plucked from across Black Veil Brides' career. Standouts include the hard-hitting melodic opener "Heart of Fire," '80s-styled "Last Rites," the crowd-pleasing "Wretched & Divine" and anthemic closer "In The End." The bonus feature provides an intense and interesting look at the band's relationship with its hardcore fan base. Information: eagle-rock.com.

Purchase "Alive and Burning [DVD]" here

Artist: The Boomtown Rats
Title: Live Germany '78 (Gonzo Multimedia)
You might like if you enjoy: The Boomtown Rats, '70s-era Rolling Stones
Tell me more: Far better known in their native Ireland and neighboring U.K. than here in the U.S., the Boomtown Rats' groundbreaking mix of Sticky Fingers-era Rolling Stones, early punk rock and reggae is fully celebrated on Live Germany '78, a two-disc collection featuring a concert film with bonus tracks on the DVD and an audio CD of the 1978 performance. Singer Bob Geldof leads the band through more than a dozen originals including the old school punk rocker "Never Bite the Hand That Feeds You," the New Wave-minded "Neon Heart" and loose rocker "(It Feels) So Strange." 

Information: gonzomultimedia.co.uk.

Artist: The Robert Cray Band
Title: 4 Nights of 40 Years Live (Provogue / Mascot Label Group)
You might like if you enjoy: Robert Cray, Kim Wilson, Eric Clapton
Tell me more: Long celebrated for his nuanced and precise guitar playing, Robert Cray's talents have long extended to his top-flight vocals and wonderful songwriting. The five-time Grammy Award winner has just released the aptly-titled "4 Nights of 40 Years Live," an ambitious multi-format commemoration of the Georgia native's career. The audio CD portion of the title (disc 1 is reviewed here) features 13 tracks collecting live recordings captured across four nights in four different venues. Every performance is a winner; my favorites include the leadoff track "Shiver" highlighting both Cray's soulful vocals and artful guitar work, the infectious "Bad Influence," the guitar-anchored "These Things" and a freewheeling version of the Fabulous Thunderbirds' "Wrap It Up" where Kim Wilson joins in the fun. "4 Nights of 40 Years Live" is available on Blu-ray + CD, DVD + CD or on vinyl. Information: mascotlabelgroup.com.

Get "4 Nights of 40 Years Live (2LP)" on vinyl here 
 

Artist: von Grey
Title: Panophobia (VG Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Lindsey Stirling, Pentatonix, Della Mae
Tell me more: The Beach Boys, Bee Gees, Sparks and Dawes are among the far-flung musical ensembles that have created a unique and compelling sound with a line-up comprised from all (or mostly) siblings. Atlanta's indie-alt group von Grey may be making a case to join its illustrious ancestors based on the strength of the EP "Panophobia." Sisters Annika (vocals, violin, guitar, keys), Fiona (vocals, guitar, violin, percussion), Petra (keys, electronic percussion, backing vocals) and Kathryn (cello, bass pedals, keys, backing vocals) have followed up 2014's "Awakening" with their best release to date, one that fully showcases their artistry. Everywhere the songs, performances and arrangements are involving and dynamic. Blending acoustic instincts, lovely voices, and electronica and world music touches with a consistently deft touch, the infectious "Katie" (a song magically capturing the spirit of unrequited romantic longing) and "Say My Name" (with its hypnotic rhythm) are among the wonderful works here.  Information: vongreymusic.com.

Purchase "Panophobia" here 

 
Robert Kinsler, August 2015