New music: Simple Minds, Duran Duran, Dolph Chaney, Dokken

New returns from favorites Simple Minds, Duran Duran, Dolph Chaney and Dokken are available now.

Artist: Simple Minds

Title: New Gold Dream — Live From Paisley Abbey (BMG)
You might like if you enjoy: Simple Minds, U2
Tell me more: New Gold Dream — Live From Paisley Abbey captures the groundbreaking Scottish rock ensemble Simple Minds revisiting their beloved 1982 masterwork New Gold Dream on the occasion of its 40th birthday (the new live album was recorded in October 2022). The anthemic opener "Someone Somewhere In Summertime," soaring "Promised You A Miracle" and infectious "Glittering Prize" are instantly luring, while other tracks offer an additional invitation to hear Simple Minds' singular magic. The rhythmic "Color's Fly and Catherine Wheel," urgent "Big Sleep," enticing "New Gold Dream (81-82-83-84)," sumptuous "Hunter and the Hunted" and intense "King Is White And In The Crowd" are also key to the compelling full-length performance. Singer Jim Kerr's signature vocals remain a wonder, while guitar great Charlie Burchill offers up a myriad of glorious textures that bolster the live recording (just listen to the wonderful "Promised You A Miracle"). The band's other members — drummer Charisse Osei, bassist Ged Grimes, keyboardist Berenice Scott and acoustic guitarist Gordy Goudie — collectively add artful firepower to the track listing. Forty-five into their glorious run Simple Minds remains an important force in modern rock. Recorded late last year, the programme is part of Sky Arts’ ‘Greatest Albums live’ series, which captures iconic artists playing classic albums from their illustrious careers. 
New Gold Dream – Live from Paisley Abbey offers music lovers the chance to buy the audio of this special one-off performance, either as a digital download, audio CD or a limited edition red transparent marble vinyl LP housed in a gatefold sleeve. Information: SimpleMinds.com. 

Artist: Duran Duran

Title: Danse Macabre (BMG)
You might like if you enjoy: Roxy Music, Duran Duran, Danny Elfman
Tell me more: Duran Duran's Halloween-themed album Danse Macabre may immerse itself in the dark and spooky trappings of the holiday but is thankfully not bound but them. Indeed, Danse Macabre is a decidedly fun listen that finds the pioneering British quartet — singer Simon Le Bon, bassist John Taylor, drummer Roger Taylor and keyboardist Nick Rhodes — offering up a winning mix of brand new originals, creatively reworked covers of songs by Talking Heads, The Rolling Stones, Billie Eilish and The Specials and even new versions of past Duran Duran classics. What's more, the concept album includes a celebrated parade of musical guests including producer/guitarist/composer Nile Rodgers, Måneskin singer Victoria De Angelis and former Duran Duran members Andy Taylor and Warren Cuccurullo. Among the terrific cuts on Danse Macabre are the unsettling opener "Nightboat," a shimmering bass-heavy grooving version of Talking Heads' "Psycho Killer" featuring guest vocals from De Angelis, the gothic dance title track, instantly-accessible funk foray "Black Moonlight," playful "Ghost Town," a fiery run through Siouxsie and the Banshees' "Spellbound" and a propulsive take on The Rolling Stones' "Paint It Black." The 13-track album closes with the luxuriously beautiful "Confession In The Afterlife." Danse Macabre is out now via Tape Modern for BMG with artwork featuring images adapted from a collection of authentic vintage séance photos sourced by Nick Rhodes at auction.  It is available on Black 2LP and CD, with a limited-edition Translucent Galaxy 2LP. The album is also available on high res Blu-ray audio. Information: duranduran.com. 

Artist: Dolph Chaney

Title: Mug (Big Stir Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Matthew Sweet, Cheap Trick, Psychic Rain, Guided By Voices
Tell me more: Chicago-based great Dolph Chaney follows up his wonderful 2021 breakout album This Is Dolph Chaney with the equally stellar 2023 studio title Mug. Chaney's sharp songwriting, affecting lead vocals and an inspired sound that spans the 13-track disc are genuinely palpable. The rollicking opener "Nice" is the first of a slew of marvelous songs that will thrill fans of classic rock and power pop. The lovely Baroque pop gem "Cool in the Sunshine," rollicking single "Mr. Eli," rootsy "Love Around You," heartfelt "Good Luck With All That," ambitious "Undone," introspective rocker "Critic (The Mirror)" and irresistible closer "The First Time Back" display Chaney's expert touch across the musical universe. With hooks and melodies aplenty that are the equal of his literate and thoughtful song craft, Mug is a fantastic album worthy of discovery. Information: bigstirrecords.com. 

Artist: Dokken

Title: Heaven Comes Down (Silver Lining Music)
You might like if you enjoy: Dokken, Rainbow, Queensryche

Tell me more: Dokken's long-awaited return Heaven Comes Down fully delivers on the melodic hard rock stylings that elevated the band to fame in the mid 1980s. Led by singer-songwriter Don Dokken, the band's formidable lineup also includes guitarist Jon Levin, bassist Chris McCarvill and drummer BJ Zampa. Heaven Comes Down is Dokken's 13th album and was produced by Bill Palmer and Dokken; it is also the band's first new studio album since 2012's Broken Bones. The album includes a slew of straight-forward rockers including the strong opener "Fugitive," which is particularly strong with its wistful sonic atmospherics and virtuoso lead work from Levin. Other winning cuts on the disc include the heavy "Is It Me Or You?," sweeping "Just Like A Rose" (the latter enhanced by shining vocal harmonies), affecting rock ballad "I'll Never Give Up," evocative "I Remember" and autobiographical acoustic-flavored disc closer "Santa Fe." Heaven Comes Down is available via CD digital, 12-inch vinyl (black and color variants), digital formats and special direct-to-consumer (D2C) products and bundles. Dokken is currently on tour in support of the new album. Information: dokken.net. 

Robert Kinsler

Big Stir Records artists rally for United Help Ukraine

An important update in the effort by Big Stir Records to assist United Help Ukraine with its important mission to help the beleaguered nation. There are many fantastic artists involved in this effort and please champion their music while benefitting Ukraine...Robert Kinsler

Thoroughly moved by how quickly so many of Big Stir's artists rallied to this cause... here is the result! Introducing: The BIG STIR UNITED HELP UKRAINE BENEFIT STORE, with 50% of all sales of vinyl and CDs going to UNITED HELP UKRAINE to provide humanitarian and medical aid: 

https://bigstirrecords.com/united-help-ukraine-benefit-store 

What started as a single album from THE ARMOIRES and grew to include our full SORROWS and ARTHUR ALEXANDER catalogs is now a full-blown sub-store featuring over 12 BSR artists generously offering up over 50 titles -- peruse them closely as some have never been available via BSR before! The global roster of participating artists who've now joined up includes THE STAN LAURELS, PLASTICSOUL, THE CORNER LAUGHERS (and friends), KAI DANZBERG, THE LUNAR LAUGH, BLAKE JONES & THE TRIKE SHOP, SHPLANG, DOLPH CHANEY, and MYLITTLEBROTHER... and we have reason to expect more to come. 

Ukrainian-American-owned Big Stir Records most definitely stands with Ukraine... Дякую друзі! (Which is to say, thank you, friends!)

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

New Music Roundup: Billy F Gibbons, Del Amitri, Moby, Mark Rubin: Jew of Oklahoma, Dolph Chaney

Five new highly-recommended releases are featured in my column this week.

Artist: Billy F Gibbons

Title: Hardware (Concord Records)

You might like if you enjoy: ZZ Top, Billy F Gibbons

Tell me more: As lead vocalist and guitarist of Texas-spawned Rock and Roll Hall of Fame trio ZZ Top, Billy F Gibbons has enjoyed critical and commercial acclaim dating back to the band's 1970 debut for his work as a groundbreaking rock musician; what's more he won praise for his acting in seven episodes on the hit show "Bones," and is now enjoying a full-fledged third act with his solo recordings. On his third full-length solo album Hardware (set for release on June 4), the Texas icon shows no signs of slowing down and it's obvious he's having a blast. With his signature raspy vocals and distinctive guitar work he champions Southern blues rock via a dozen tracks recorded in the California high desert in summer 2020. Accompanied by drummer Matt Sorum and guitarist Austin Hanks, there is an energetic flow and strength across the fast-moving album. The deep blues rock opener "My Lucky Card" gets things started in a big way, Gibbons exploring a deep groove that builds as it zips along. On the speedy blues rocker "She's on Fire," Gibbons' fret work is particularly flashy even as it comes in service of the song's natural arc. The catchy "West Coast Junkie" evokes all kinds of retro atmosphere, all bolstered by Gibbons' smart vocal banter and brisk guitar play. The Calhoun, Georgia-spawned duo Larkin Poe (sisters Rebecca and Megan Lovell) join in on the boogie rocker "Stacking' Bones," adding some killer harmonies and instrumental muscle to the track. A cover of the tuneful "Hey Baby, Que Paso" in enhanced by some blasting harmonica. The album's final cut is pure psychedelic blues; "Desert High" finds Gibbons using his spoken word delivery and nuanced fret work to delve into desert lore spanning the ghosts of Jim Morrison and Gram Parsons to the Salton Sea and critters who call it home. Information: BillyGibbons.com.

Artist: Del Amitri

Title: Fatal Mistakes (Cooking Vinyl)

You might like if you enjoy: Fountains of Wayne, Gin Blossoms, Crowded House

Tell me more: Del Amitri has just released Fatal Mistakes, the Scottish quintet's first new full-length album since 2002 (Can You Do Me Good?). To say this writer loves Fatal Mistakes is an understatement; the band's blend of power pop tunefulness and lyrical melancholy is fully on display across the 13-track masterwork. On the surface, the shimmering opener "You Can't Go Back" might well be about a couple determined to rekindle the romance of their youth, but the song's concealed power hints at life itself and how each moment is worth celebrating no matter the cost. Mortality, love and time are explored with artful candor by singer-songwriter/bassist Justin Currie, lead guitarist-songwriter Iain Wallace Harvie, drummer Ash Soan, guitarist-songwriter Kris Dollimore and keyboardist Andy Alston. The mood-swept "All Hail Blind Love," luxurious "Close Your Eyes and Think Of England," melodic rocker "Losing The Will To Die," stirring "Otherwise" and reflective "Second Staircase" are among the ear candy tracks that bewitch with a single listen. The Americana-flavored "Mockingbird, Copy Me Now" and "Missing Person" are among the other nuggets on a fantastic album. Information: DelAmitri.Info.

Artist: Moby

Title: Reprise (Deutsche Grammophon)

You might like if you enjoy: Moby, Dead Can Dance, Hans Zimmer

Tell me more: Moby isn't the first artist to revisit a celebrated catalog with orchestral versions; Sting, Peter Gabriel, A Flock of Seagulls, Berlin and America are among well-known artists who have released like-minded projects.  But to be sure, Moby's Reprise really hits the mark. With his own and several guests vocals immersed amidst symphonic arrangements, the power of the songs retain their experimental mystery and weight. "Extreme Ways" is particularly affecting, Moby's baritone rising with the strings in the song's potent finale. The reflective "Almost Home," anthemic "Lift Me Up," lovely "The Last Day," soaring "Why Does My Heart Feel So Bad?" and otherworldly "We Are All Made of Stars" (the latter with its creative use of piano and a human vocal choir) are among the other highlights on the ambitious set. Also noteworthy on the album is a deeply affecting cover of David Bowie's "Heroes" featuring soprano Mindy Jones and an instrumental version of "God Moving Over the Face Of The Waters" featuring acclaimed Icelandic pianist Víkingur Ólafsson. Information: Moby.com.

Artist: Mark Rubin: Jew of Oklahoma

Title: The Triumph of Assimilation (Rubinchik Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Bad Livers, Bob Dylan, Americana and Jewish music

Tell me more: It's not easy to peg the sonic stew delivered by Mark Rubin: Jew of Oklahoma on the new album The Triumph of Assimilation – a forceful mix of folk, bluegrass, blues and Klezmer (an instrumental musical tradition of the Jews of Central and Eastern Europe). Rubin – a native of Oklahoma who was reared in Texas and is now based in New Orleans – uses a blend of humor and forceful truth to share his experience of being Jewish in regions of America where they are few in number. What's more, the hybrid of Americana and European musical styles further seals the approach; the opener "A Day of Revenge" is based on a poem penned by Mordechai Gebirtig (the poet was shot by Germans during the Holocaust in 1942) – Rubin's message in the song is ultimately one of peace and love and how that will ultimately be payback against suffering. Accompanied by his banjo, Rubin continues with "It's Burning," interpreting another Gebirtig poem ("Es Brent") to revisit a 1936 event aimed against the innocent: "There ain't no rain, there ain't no flood / We'll quench these flames with our blood." There are other tracks more hopeful to balance out the album; the bright "Down South Kosher (A Dance of Hunger & Reconciliation)" looks at the challenges of keeping kosher in a location where just about every dish contains pork or shellfish.  The mesmerizing "Yiddish Banjo Suite" is a beguiling solo instrumental work where Rubin displays his command of the instrument; the bluesy rocker "Unnatural Disasters" takes a satiric look at those blindly looking to blame who is behind floods, tornadoes, tsunamis and global warming ("Whatever goes wrong, it's always the Jews" he sings). On the joyful "Good Shabbes," Rubin celebrates the arrival of the Sabbath. Rubin has a powerful and inviting baritone voice, and his approach deals honestly and forcefully with prejudice and hatred in all its ugly forms and hopes for a better tomorrow. The album's power is sadly enhanced by the rising wave of violent antisemitism seen in recent years throughout Europe, and more recently on the streets of big American cities including in California and New York. Information: JewOfOklahoma.com.

Artist: Dolph Chaney

Title: This is Dolph Chaney (Big Stir Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Matthew Sweet, Jason Falkner, The Armoires

Tell me more: Loaded with 13 indispensable originals, Dolph Chaney's aptly-titled This is Dolph Chaney boasts enough song craft and melodic pay dirt to fill a number of albums. His smart songwriting incorporating multiple genres and solid musical skills (he handles lead vocals along with bass and guitar) are on display across the disc.  Early album standouts abound on the melody-rich Nick Beetling-produced effort courtesy of the driving "I Wanted You," tender acoustic ballad "Beat It," New Wave-tinged "Cuddle Party," crunchy "Now I Am A Man" and experimental "Meaningless." The blissful "Pleasant Under Glass," rollicking "My Good Twin," jazzy "Under the Overpass" and ambitious closer "Graveyard Shift" keep the magic coming in the album's last half. Information: BigStirRecords.com.

Robert Kinsler