New music: Peter Frampton, Jason Aldean, The Corner Laughers

In this column I highlight the highly-recommended returns from Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Peter Frampton, country music great Jason Aldean and indie folk-pop quartet The Corner Laughers. 

Artist: Peter Frampton
Title: Carry the Light (UMe)
You might like if you enjoy: Peter Frampton, Sheryl Crow, Bill Evans, H.E.R.

Tell me more: Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Peter Frampton is back with Carry the Light, his first album of all-new material in 16 years. Co-written and produced with his son Julian Frampton, Carry the Light features guest appearances from singer Sheryl Crow, saxophone player Bill Evans, guitarists H.E.R. and Tom Morello, singer Graham Nash and keyboardist Benmont Tench. But make no mistake, it are Frampton's top-tier talents as singer and guitar master that anchor the outstanding 10-track effort. The depth and range of material on the album is impressive to be sure, from the intoxicating world music-flavored title track, fiery blues rocker "Lions At The Gate," the gorgeous "I'm Sorry Elle" (the latter featuring Nash on guest vocals) and confessional "Breaking The Mold" are all early standouts. The nuanced "I Can't Let It Be," jazzy "Can You Take Me There," genre-blending "Tinderbox" and expressive instrumental "At The End Of The Day" are among the highlights on the last half of the LP. My favorite cut on the album is "Buried Treasure," a blistering rocker that is actually a tribute to Tom Petty's SiriusXM radio show of the same name that forcefully showcases Frampton's signature vocals and virtuoso lead guitar work. Information: peterframpton.com.

Artist: Jason Aldean
Title: Songs About Us (BBR Music Group)
You might like if you enjoy: Jason Aldean, Daughtry, Southern rock

Tell me more: Country music great Jason Aldean is back with his 12th studio album, Songs About Us, an ambitious disc that finds the Macon, Georgia native continuing to deliver infectious rock-flavored lived-in modern country tracks that touch on themes of romance and heartbreak, determination in the face of defeat and independence with a masterful touch. The parade of alluring songs includes the stellar anguish-mining opener "Anytime Soon," rocking "Drinking About You," tender "How Far Does A Goodbye Go," surefire sing-along "Good Thing Going," reflective "Backroads Of My Memory," soaring "Easier Gone," and luxurious love song "Her Favorite Color." Information: jasonaldean.com. 

Artist: The Corner Laughers
Title: Concerns Of Wasp And Willow (Big Stir Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Belle And Sebastian, XTC, Kate Bush, Neko Case

Tell me more: There is something both decidedly different and wonderfully familiar in the inviting sound of Northern California-based The Corner Laughers. The indie-pop quartet has returned after a five-year absence with the wonderful Corners Of Wasp And Willow, an album that showcases the stellar talents of Karla Kane (lead vocals, ukulele), Khoi Huynh (bass, vocals), KC Bowman (guitar, vocals) and Charlie Crabtree (drums) with aplomb. The 10-song disc features a myriad of wonderful originals including the environmental-minded opener "Terra Mia," shimmering melodic gem "Dusking," dream-swept retro folk sortie "Rainbow Cardigan," beautiful "The Harvestman," tuneful Halloween-aimed nugget "Dark Matter," luxurious "Victoria Sponge" and evocative album closer "Larkspur Landing." The Corner Laughers have crafted a marvelously literate album that would have sounded great if it had been issued a generation ago and one that will undoubtedly resonate with listeners decades from now. Information: bigstirrecords.com.

Robert Kinsler

New Music: Neil Young, Shplang, Randy Lee Riviere, Jason Aldean

Although 2023 is winding down, there are still a slew of great new releases available now and definitely worth adding to your music library. 

Artist: Neil Young
Title: Before and After (Reprise Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Neil Young, Nils Lofgren, Michael Ubaldini
Tell me more: More than 55 years into his remarkable recording career it's clear that Neil Young can still surprise even the most discerning of listeners. As evidenced on his latest full-length LP Before and After, Young uses his otherworldly powers as a singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist to revisit some of his lesser known gems with a masterful and genuine emotional touch sure to please fans of the artist. As Neil Young notes about his new solo acoustic album Before and After: "Songs from my life, recently recorded, create a music montage with no beginnings or endings." Kicking things off with his surefire strumming on an acoustic guitar Young launches into the reflective "I'm The Ocean," a song further bolstered by his signature harmonica playing. Artful nuggets follow one after another, with the beautiful country-flavored "Homefires," affecting "On The Way Home," pump organ-draped "If You Got Love," shimmering "A Dream That Can Last," delicate "Birds," striking "Mother Earth" and tender "Comes A Time" are among the sparse and compelling performances that collectively add up to a truly extraordinary listen. Information: neilyoungarchives.com.

Artist: Shplang
Title: Thank You, Valued Customer (Big Stir Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Cheap Trick, XTC, Squeeze, Frank Zappa, Sparks
Tell me more: Shplang has returned with one of the last great album releases of 2023, the bewitching melodic rock-minded Thank You, Valued Customer. As ambitious as it is listenable, Thank You, Valued Customer showcases the literate and involving approach of core members Peter Marston and John Krause. The winning horns-adorned single "Understood," wistful psychedelic-tinged "Look Me Over," playful "Das Diddley" (the latter showcasing the band's virtuoso musical chops) and luxurious "Everyone Can Change" are early standouts on the ambitious album. Shplang's sixth full-length album continues its intoxicating run with the modern rockers "Buddha (What Was That?)" and "Lay A Little Love On Me" (the latter bolstered by a super cool instrumental bridge), and tuneful-meets-crunchy delight "A Son Son." The sci-fi-themed "Little Mushroom Men From Mars" somehow blends spoken word, a terrific chorus and virtuoso lead guitar work from Scott Goldbaum into something fully original. Information: bigstirrecords.com and https://orcd.co/shplang.

Artist: Randy Lee Riviere
Title: Blues Sky (Wilderness Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Billy F Gibbons, Neil Young, Ben Harper

Tell me more: Blending roots rock, Americana and electric blues with a stylish touch, singer-songwriter/guitarist Randy Lee Riviere impresses across his latest album Blues Sky. Surrounded by a top-tier group of talented players — Kevin McKendree (electric guitars, keyboards), Kenneth Blevins (drums), David Santos (bass), and the McCray Sisters (Ann, Regina and Freda) on backing vocals — Riviere's song craft shines across the McKendree-produced disc. Riviere, who divides his time between a Montana farm and a home outside of Nashville, taps into classic and contemporary American music across the album. Highlights include the Southern-fried "American Redoubt," catchy "Do Or Don't," blistering "Needles," the beautiful rootsy ballad "Just One More Time," rousing blues rocker "Old Country's Son," classic rock-tinged "Rocky's Road" and lovely closer "Cold Cold River." Information: randyleeriviere.com. 

Artist: Jason Aldean
Title: Highway Desperado (Broken Bow Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Jason Aldean, Eric Church, Luke Bryan, 3 Doors Down
Tell me more: One of country music's biggest stars of the 21st century, Jason Aldean has successfully used his talents as a dynamic live performer and exceptional recording artist to propel more than two dozen of his singles to number 1 on either the Hot Country Songs or Country Airplay charts. On his latest full-length album Highway Desperado, the Macon, Georgia native continues his incredible run with a terrific collection that showcases real life triumphs and struggles while simultaneously celebrating the American spirit with an otherworldly and emotional touch. Aldean has been especially masterful at blending modern country and classic rock genres into a signature style that resonates at festivals and arena settings. Each of the 14 songs on Highway Desperado are immediately infectious; the timely number one hit "Try That In A Small Town" taps into the well-founded fears of millions of Americans who have seen violent crime soar in big cities across the United States over the past several years. The Michael Knox-produced album's strengths are found across its run; the tender ballad "Hungover in a Hotel" offers a heartfelt message of regret, while the country rocker "Let Your Boys Be Country" celebrates time-honored traditions that champion how boys grow into men. Aldean sings of romantic loss poignantly on the beautiful "Whose Rearview" and "I'm Over You." Aldean explores newfound love on the soaring "Knew You'd Come Around," while the moody closer "Highway Desperado" taps into the powerful and invisible forces that lure some to keep moving on down the open road. Information: JasonAldean.com.

Robert Kinsler

Music aplenty courtesy of new DVD/Blu-ray sets and must-have albums

Majestic returns from modern-day guitar hero Joe Bonamassa and Southern hard rocker 3 Doors Down, as well as the release of a wonderful tribute to George Harrison and enthralling documentary about '80s hard rock hit makers Twisted Sister are among a parade of fantastic new releases available. Also worth discovering is an unreleased collection of outstanding recordings from the late Jeff Healey and the debut album from power-pop trio Yorktown Lads.

Artists: Brian Wilson, Cold War Kids, Dhani Harrison, Norah Jones, Ben Harper, more
Title: George Fest: A Night to Celebrate the Music of George Harrison (Universal Music)

You might like if you enjoy: Ann Wilson, Ian Astbury, Brian Wilson, George Harrison

Tell me more: On Sept. 28, 2014, a diverse and potent line-up of musicians gathered at the Fonda Theatre in Los Angeles for "George Fest," a night to celebrate the music of George Harrison. Now that once-in-a-lifetime concert event is available as a deluxe edition with the complete audio recording featured on two audio CDs and the concert film itself on a DVD. Many of the performances are faithful to Harrison's iconic recordings, including a stunning "I Me Mine" (featuring Brett Daniel of Spoon), "I Got My Mind Set On You" (with the Killers' Brandon Flowers on lead vocals) and a shining take on the Traveling Wilburys gem "Handle With Care" that features Flowers, Daniel, Dhani Harrison, "Weird Al" Yankovic and Jonathan Bates. Elsewhere, the arrangements likewise honor the original Harrison tracks but with enough variation to keep it interesting (Heartless Bastards' Americana-styled "If Not For You," Jamestown Revival's folk-rock take of "If I Needed Someone" and Black Rebel Motorcycle Club's brooding "Art of Dying"). Information: GeorgeHarrison.com.

Buy 'George Fest: A Night To Celebrate The Music Of George Harrison' [2 CD/DVD Combo]

Artist: Twisted Sister

Title: We Are Twisted F***ing Sister! (Music Box Films)

You might like if you enjoy: Quiet Riot, Twisted Sister

Tell me more: Fans who caught Andrew Horn's We Are Twisted F***ing Sister! when it was shown in movie theaters in February 2016 can now add the documentary film to their personal collection. Despite that it appeared as if the New York quintet's appearance on rock radio (with the 1984 singles "We're Not Gonna Take It" and "I Wanna Rock") was a overnight success story, Twisted Sister spent years without a record deal. Interviews with the band members, management, fans and archival footage provide a compelling tale of a band that persevered despite all odds and the film takes a universal approach in examining what it takes for an ensemble to find success via a long journey from bars and dives to the big time. Available on DVD, Blu-ray and digital formats, We Are Twisted F***ing Sister! is one of the more interesting music documentaries in memory. Information: TwistedSister.com and TwistedSisterTheMovie.com.

Buy 'We Are Twisted F***ing Sister!' [Blu-ray] - Collector's Edition

 

Artist: 3 Doors Down
Title: Us and the Night (Republic)

You might like if you enjoy: Daughtry, Three Doors Down

Tell me more: Long-time fans of Mississippi-spawned rockers 3 Doors Down will find plenty to savor via the riff rockers and ballads that grace the band's satisfying sixth album Us and the Night. Singer Brad Arnold and company have consistently been able to blend hard and alternative rock styles with lyrics that typically address the highs and lows of romance, or introspective themes; the band does that here on their first new full-length disc since 2011's "Time of My Life." The spirited anthem "The Broken," in-the-pocket heavy rocker "Still Alive" and affecting ballads "Inside of Me" and "Pieces of Me" are among the standouts on a very solid return. Information: 3doorsdown.com.

Purchase 'Us And The Night' on audio CD

Artist: Joe Bonamassa
Title: Blues of Desperation (J&R Adventures)

You might like if you enjoy: Walter Trout, Joe Bonamassa

Tell me more: Few modern-day artists are as talented as singer-songwriter-guitarist Joe Bonamassa, who was seemingly born to play guitar (indeed, the New York native began playing the instrument when he was four and was only 12 when he opened a string of dates for B.B. King in 1989). Bonamassa is also prolific, having just released his 12th studio album (Blues Of Desperation) since 2000. And that doesn't include a number of live albums and concert films, and several high-profile collaborations with the likes of singer Beth Hart and Black Country Communion. It speaks volumes about Bonamassa's gifts that Blues of Desperation has the sound and firepower of a hungry bluesman's debut. The 11 original songs tap into British, Chicago and Southern blues traditions, with Bonamassa having worked with other songwriters and recorded in Nashville to push his talents in new directions. The fiery and virtuoso guitar work thankfully remains intact (notably on an extended lead in "No Good Place for the Lonely"), but there are forays that provide evidence that Bonamassa remains a hungry artist interested in exploring new territory. The glorious English-meets-Southern-fried title track, breezy country blues of "The Valley Runs Low" (with his voice positioned against a trio of female vocalists) and uptempo Chicago blues burner "You Left Me Nothin' but the Bill and the Blues" are among this writer's faves. Information: jbonamassa.com.

Get 'Blues Of Desperation' right here

 

Artist: Jeff Healey
Title: Heal My Soul (Mascot Label Group)

You might like if you enjoy: Gary Clark Jr., Jimi Hendrix, Ten Years After

Tell me more: Released in connection with what would have been singer-guitarist-songwriter Jeff Healey's 50th birthday, Heal My Soul features a dozen previously-unreleased songs recorded by the legendary artist between 1996 and 1998. The opening track "Daze Of The Night" is a flat-out blues rockers, filled with soaring guitar work and unbridled energy. The psychedelic-anchored "Moodswing" recalls the experimental touch of Hendrix, while the album is loaded with tuneful classic rock-worthy material ("Baby Blue," "Misunderstood," "Love In Her Eyes" and "It's the Last Time" in particular) and a beautiful acoustic ballad "All the Saints." Want to have some fun? Listen to Healey's original "Please" with headphones (and the dueling guitar leads battling during the track's breathtaking finish). A joyful introduction - or reintroduction - to the talented Healey who sadly lost his battle against cancer on March 2, 2008. Information: jeffhealey.com.

Purchase 'Heal My Soul' today

Artist: Yorktown Lads

Title: Songs About Girls and Other Disasters (Crab Apple Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Tommy Keene, Matthew Sweet, sparkle*jets u.k.

Tell me more: Although the debut album from power-pop trio Yorktown Lads was issued in 2015, lovers of all things vinyl and melodic rock will want to discover the collection titled Songs About Girls and Other Disasters that comes wrapped in a gatefold cover with full lyrics and colorful artwork. Cameron Lew, Addison Love and Michael Simmons have come up with a strong set of shimmering originals including the uptempo "Something to Write About," infectious "Rewind" and wistful ballad "Home." Songs About Girls and Other Disasters is available via red translucent 180 gram audiophile quality vinyl, and every LP comes with a download card so even those without a turntable can get a listen to this essential release. Information: YorktownLads.com.

Purchase 'Songs About Girls and Other Disasters' here today

Robert Kinsler

Sights and Sounds: Elvis Presley, writer Ben Wener, Johnny Winter, Ted Nugent, Pistol Day Parade

Happy Friday everybody. Here is your morning roundup...

Photo: Warner Bros. Home Entertainment

In 1970 - after spending much of the 1960s making movies - Elvis Presley made a highly-celebrated return to the concert stage. Elvis: That's the Way It Is is a long-unavailable documentary that looks at Elvis' rehearsals and road back to music that is being remastered by Warner Bros. Home Entertainment. Click here to see the trailer and learn more.

As many Southern California-based readers know, long-time Orange County Register pop music critic Ben Wener left the newspaper last month voluntarily as part of a buyout that impacted approximately 75 writers, editors and photographers at the publication. Fortunately, Ben continues to write on a freelance basis (welcome to my world...) and has had several reviews published in the Hollywood Reporter. You can read his review of several jazz greats who performed at the Hollywood Bowl on July 17 including Boz Scaggs here. You can read his review of Steely Dan's July 12 concert at The Forum here.

Johnny Winter at the Doheny
Blues Fest in 2012. Photo: Bob Steshetz

Sadly, I never saw Texas guitarist Johnny Winter at the height of powers, and actually only watched a bit of his set at the Doheny Blues Festival in May 2012. But his impact on the blues scene, including influencing a number of blues fans, was notable. Read the nice celebration of his legacy penned by Randall Roberts in the Los Angeles Times here. Billboard also has a nice appreciation of the guitarist, who died while on tour earlier this week.

I think one of the lessons of the loss of giants such as Winter is that if you have a chance to catch a legend in concert, don't wait. For example, over the years I have sought out to attend to attend shows to catch aging masters before time ran out. John Lee Hooker, Link Wray, Joe Willie "Pintop" Perkins, James Brown and Glen Campbell are among the other greats I caught live not long before they stopped performing or were taken from us far too soon...

Ted Nugent on July 14.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

Finally, I caught the forever loud and proud Ted Nugent for the first time (okay second time; I did catch him as part of a brief Damn Yankees reunion at the NAMM show in 2010. You can read my coverage of that in The Orange County Register here) when he performed at the second night of his two-night run at the City National Grove of Anaheim on Monday, July 14, 2014. I had heard that his political rants were the norm, so I expected that. But to the 65-year-old Detroit rocker's credit, he sure played the heck out of his guitar and seemed pumped up from start to finish. From his high-powered opening ("Gonzo") to the satisfying night-ending one-two punch of "Cat Scratch Fever" and an extended "Stranglehold," I did come away with a somewhat deeper appreciation of his powers playing the electric guitar.

Pistol Day Parade in Anaheim on July 14.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

I was also very impressed by the opening band, Detroit-based Pistol Day Parade. The band, whose hard-rocking straight ahead approach recalls 3 Doors Down and Chris Daughtry impressed early with the infectious "Better" and not long after with the power ballad "Where I Lay." The quintet closed with the ultimate sing-along, the catchy "Rockstar's Girlfriend."
Visit the band's official Web site to learn more.

Sights and Sounds: Rush, Coachella, Outside Lands, 3 Doors Down, Daughtry

Happy Wednesday everybody. Here is a roundup of the latest music news of note...

From left: Rush features Geddy Lee, Neil Peart and Alex Lifeson.

Rush is (finally!) getting into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. USA Today has a nice article focused on Rush's overdue inclusion into the Cleveland hall that will be celebrated with a big concert at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles on Thursday featuring the other inductees too. I'll be in Indio getting ready to cover the Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival, but I hope to catch the ceremony sometime later online or on the tube.

Speaking of Coachella, check out my rundown of some of my favorite acts scheduled to perform at the Empire Polo Club this weekend. Here is a link to my article posted on the Music News Nashville site.

Click here to get the complete rundown on the upcoming Outside Lands music festival, which arrives in San Francisco in early August.

The joint 3 Doors Down/Daughtry tour has added more dates. Click here for more details on the tour.

Daughtry rocks the house in Hollywood

This review was posted on The Orange County Register earlier today

Daughtry more relaxed but no less fiery at Hollywood show

When I caught Chris Daughtry in January 2007, it was the opening night of his national club tour at a packed House of Blues in Anaheim on the heels of the release of his self-named debut two months earlier. He displayed solid songwriting skills and always impressive vocals at that show, yet he was still somewhat hesitant as the high-profile leader of a hard-charging rock outfit. Daughtry was so serious, at times it was unclear whether he was actually enjoying his newfound fame.

What a difference 30 months makes.
Performing Wednesday night before an enthusiastic capacity crowd at the Music Box at the Fonda in Hollywood, the North Carolina native proved that while some things have remained the same now that his second album is out -– his soaring vocals and melodic hard-rock approach are constants throughout Leave This Town –- his skills as a performer are now equal to the rest of his arsenal.

Daughtry (also the name of his band) played a mere 11 songs when he headlined at the Mouse House several years ago, but his set at the Music Box featured 15 originals, many of which the audience (bundled close to the stage) were more than happy to sing along to while capturing photos and video with their digital cameras. The longer, 80-minute set allowed the singer-guitarist and his supporting players to deliver a set showcasing their engaging blend of successful radio rock (“Home,” “Feels Like Tonight,” “No Surprise”), neo-grunge (“Crashed,” the night-ending “You Don’t Belong”) and arena-ready ballads (“Open Up Your Eyes”).

What impressed most, however, were some of the creative rearrangements of several of his earliest songs, and how he reworked those by utilizing the skills of his band. With Daughtry, Brian Craddock and Josh Steeley all on electric guitar, “Breakdown” was launched with haunting, layered texture. Then Daughtry roared forth emotive vocals over that artful soundscape before bassist Josh Paul and drummer Joey Barnes came in with the heavy approach of the original recording. “Over You,” also from the first disc, benefited from a similar reworking.

What also struck me was how much Daughtry has grown into the role, interacting with audience members squeezed near the front and playing forceful rhythms on his Gibson guitar as Steeley unleashed an impressive solo during the hard-edged “There and Back Again.”
He even smiled.
Times being what they are, that was a good thing.

Singer-songwriter-keyboardist David Hodges, a member of Evanescence from 1999-2002, delivered a solid 30-minute opening set. With a sound that draws natural comparisons with Jack’s Mannequin, the Little Rock native’s best song was the infectious “Another Red Light.” A reworked cover of Snow Patrol’s “Run” was also effective.

Main set: Every Time You Turn Around / It’s Not Over / Ghost of Me / No Surprise / Breakdown / Crashed / Open Up Your Eyes / September / Over You / Life after You / Supernatural / Feels Like Tonight / There and Back Again
Encore: Home / You Don’t Belong