Eagerly-awaited returns from Australia's Hoodoo Gurus, American rock troupe Band of Horses and Nashville-based songstress Jackie Bristow are among the new essential titles featured in my column this week. There is also a new collection of extraordinary recordings by groundbreaking country music icon Hank Williams available now.
Title: Chariot of the Gods (Big Time Phonographic Record Co/EMI Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Hoodoo Gurus, The Scientists, Ghostwriters
Tell me more: More than a decade since the release of their last album (2010's Purity of Essence) and first new music since 2014 (the EP Gravy Train), Hoodoo Gurus has returned with the brilliant Chariot of the Gods. Formed in Sydney, Australia back in 1981, Chariot of the Gods finds the quartet tearing artfully through more than a dozen outstanding originals — utterly proving their literate and unique rock approach is fully relevant in 2022. The thundering "World of Pain," confessional "Was I Supposed To Care?," punk-styled "Hang With The Girls" and introspective "My Imaginary Friend" are early standouts on the disc. The melodic '60s-tinged "Equinox," blistering "I Come From Your Future," soaring "Carry On" and sparkling "Settle Down" keep the magic soaring on the last half of the album. Let's hope that we hear more from Dave Faulkner (vocals, guitars), Brad Shepherd (vocals, guitar), Rick Grossman (vocals, bass) and Nik Reith (drums) soon. Information: hoodoogurus.net.
Title: Things Are Great (BMG)
You might like if you enjoy: Band of Horses, Neil Young, The War on Drugs
Tell me more: While the title of Band of Horses' long awaited new album Things Are Great is seemingly at odds with the world around us — just think of soaring inflation, Russia's terrifying war against the innocent people of Ukraine and the continuing death toll from the global pandemic — there is no denying the marvelous experience at being immersed in the band's first new studio album since 2016. Lead singer Ben Bridwell and company have crafted another modern day masterwork; this is an album that recalls the expansive joy of 2010's Infinite Arms. The parade of enthralling originals on Things Are Great includes the soaring "Warning Signs" and "Lights," ascending "Crutch," luxurious "Tragedy of the Commons," inspired "In Need of Repair" and dreamy "Aftermath." Information: BandOfHorses.com.
Title: Outsider (Mesa Bluemoon Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: Alice Wallace, Darling West, Kasey Chambers
Tell me more: Released on March 4, Outsider is Nashville-based singer-songwriter Jackie Bristow's first new album in six years. Blending rock, pop, Americana and country music across a dozen delightful tracks, Bristow's wonderful soprano is positioned amidst a backdrop of nuanced acoustic and electric guitars, banjo and pedal steel, and even strings and horns. The contributions of Bristow's longtime musical partner Mark Punch (Kasey Chambers, Tim Finn) along with a number of top-tier singers and musicians further elevate the project. The material ranges from the smooth "Livin' For Love," lovely "Shakin' My Bones" (the latter bolstered by Norwegian singers Tor Egil Kraken and Mari Kraken of Darling West fame) and bewitching "Without You" to the Southern soul-drenched "Tennessee" and the expansive jewel "Never To Late." Information: https://jackiebristow.com.
Title: I'm Gonna Sing: The Mother's Best Gospel Radio Recordings (BMG)
You might like if you enjoy: Hank Williams, Hank Snow, Gram Parsons
Tell me more: The new Hank Williams collection I'm Gonna Sing: The Mother's Best Gospel Radio Recordings marks a perfect chance to discover (or rediscover) the art of Hank Williams. Although he died when he was only 29, Williams remains one of the most significant and influential American singer-songwriters of the 20th century even nearly 70 years after his passing. The track listing on I'm Gonna Sing never falters, with harmonies-adorned pre-20th century hymns ("I Am Bound For The Promised Land," "That Beautiful Home," "The Blind Child's Prayer"), early 20th century hymnals ("The Old Country Church," "I'll Fly Away," "I'll Have A New Life"), black gospel ("When God Dips His Love In My Heart," "When the Saints Go Marching In," "Precious Lord, Take My Hand"), 1940s material ("Thy Burdens Are Greater Than Mine," "Searching For A Soldier's Grave") and Williams originals ("I Saw the Light," "Jesus Died For Me," "I'm Gonna Sing," "Jesus Remembered Me") collectively showcasing Williams' deep and life-long connection with gospel and religious music. The audio 2-CD digipak version reviewed here comes with an informative 12-page booklet that includes detailed liner notes by Williams biographer Colin Escott. The set has also been released via a three-LP triple-gatefold album pressed on 140g vinyl, marking the first time these recordings have been issued on vinyl. The 40 tracks recorded at the dawn of the 1950s sound fantastic; the collection was produced by Cheryl Pawelski while the recordings were restored and mastered by Michael Graves. Information: HankWilliams.com.
Robert Kinsler
