Catching up on 2025: Turnpike Troubadours, Cheap Trick, Edward Rogers, The Black Keys, The Iveys

Before the arrival of 2026, I wanted to highlight a handful of the year's best albums I hadn't yet celebrated in previous columns. The latest full-length discs from Cheap Trick, Turnpike Troubadours, The Black Keys and Edward Rogers as well as a new anthology featuring The Iveys are among my favorite audio releases of the year.

Artist: Turnpike Troubadours
Title: The Price of Admission (Bossier City Records/Thirty Tigers)

You might like if you enjoy: Shooter Jennings, Trampled by Turtles

Tell me more: I was recently able to catch up with the Turnpike Troubadours' sixth album, The Price of Admission, released in April 2025. An 11-track masterwork where the timeless sounds of neotraditional country, honky-tonk and Americana are fused with songs of incredible lyrical depth, the Shooter Jennings-produced album immerses the listener upon a single listen. Singer-songwriter/guitarist Evan Felker's top-tier voice delivers the wide range of material with real world emotion while the rest of the ensemble delivers nuanced and virtuoso musical accompaniment at every turn. Highlights on the stellar album include the deeply affecting opener "On The Red River" (a powerful song that looks at loss and love for a late father), the countrified "Searching For A Light" that looks at remaining hopeful despite life's bona fide challenges, the uptempo bluegrass-fueled "The Devil Plies His Trade," the exuberant "Ruby Ann" celebrating the magic of new love, and the rousing roots rocker "What Was Advertised." Information: turnpiketroubadours.com.

Artist: Cheap Trick
Title: All Washed Up (BMG)

You might like if you enjoy: Cheap Trick, Matthew Sweet, Green Day

Tell me more: Cheap Trick returned in a big way in 2025 through a number of high profile appearances (including at the Kennedy Center Honors on Dec. 7 where the quartet performed in honor of their "lifelong brothers" KISS), as well as via the release of the beloved American rock band's 21st studio album All Washed Up. On the 11-track All Washed Up, singer Robin Zander, guitarist Rick Nielsen, bassist Tom Petersson and drummer Daxx X Nielsen deliver a bunch of killer originals with their signature zeal, blending power pop and alt rock with aplomb. They bust right out of the gate with the driving title track, and follow that up with the winning likes of the fiery "The Riff That Won't Quit," haunting "Bet It All" that looks at the dangers of gambling, the melodic romance-themed "The Best Thing," soaring "Twelve Gates," aptly-titled "Love Gone," bewitching "A Long Way to Worcester" and music hall-styled "Wham Boom Bang," the latter album closer really showcasing Zander's impressive tenor vocals. Information: cheaptrick.com. 

Artist: Edward Rogers
Title: Astor Place (Think Like A Key Music)

You might like if you enjoy: Badfinger, Bedsit Poets, Rogers and Butler, The Zombies

Tell me more: New York City-based singer-songwriter Edward Rogers is back with Astor Place, his first solo album in five years. Fans of '60s-era classic rock, modern power pop and literate singer-songwriter styles will all find something to love across the Don Fleming-produced 10-track disc. Among the winning parade of originals are the Baroque pop-styled "The Olde Church," melodic "Lies Cries and Alibis," enticing tuneful garage rocker "Romeo," acoustic foray "Diamonds Hidden in the Pearls," poetic "I Walk Behind Your Shadow," and evocative "On the Other Side of the Rainbow." Information: https://www.thinklikeakey.com/format/1758866-astor-place. 

Artist: The Black Keys
Title: No Rain, No Flowers (Warner Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Beck, The Black Keys, Gary Clark Jr.

Tell me more: The Black Keys returned this year with No Rain, No Flowers, an album showcasing the myriad of strengths of the ambitious Akron, Ohio-spawned duo (singer-guitarist Dan Auerbach and drummer Patrick Carney). The shimmering opener "No Rain, No Flowers," soulful "Make You Mine," melodic indie rocker "A Little Too High," playful romantic romp "Babygirl," melancholy-filled "Down to Nothing," edgy "Man On A Mission," dance floor-ready "Kiss It" and roots ballad "Neon Moon" are among the standouts on the Black Keys' 13th album. Information: theblackkeys.com. 

Artist: The Iveys
Title: Miniskirts And Rainbows (Y&T Music)

You might like if you enjoy: Badfinger, The Beatles, the Hollies

Tell me more: Miniskirts And Rainbows is an important new collection that features 19 tracks recorded between 1966 and 1969 by The Iveys, a pioneering power pop band that would later rise to fame as Badfinger courtesy of a series of memorable hit singles (including "No Matter What," "Come and Get It" and "Baby Blue"). Although many of the tracks on Miniskirts And Rainbows are demos and not originally intended for commercial release, the historical importance and palpable spirit of the essential recordings shine across the set. Among the wonderful cuts are "Cleopatra In A Miniskirt" (featuring lead vocals from Tom Evans), the buoyant "I Love You" (sung by Pete Ham), countrified delight "Blodwyn [demo]" (featuring outstanding vocal harmonies from Ham and Ron Griffiths), the Baroque ballad "Angelique [demo]," the psychedelic "Black & White Rainbows [version 2]," poignant Ham-penned "Yesterday Ain't Coming Back [demo]," Beach Boys flavored "Love Means Happiness," nostalgic "All The Fun Of The Fair" and Ham's sentimental "I Miss You [demo]."  Information: badfingerlibrary.com. 

Robert Kinsler

New music: The Rolling Stones, Gene Loves Jezebel, Bedsit Poets

In this column I review the latest titles featuring The Rolling Stones, Jay Aston's Gene Loves Jezebel and Bedsit Poets.

Artist: The Rolling Stones

Title: Live At The Wiltern (Mercury Studios)

You might like if you enjoy: The Rolling Stones, classic rock

Tell me more: For the countless millions of Rolling Stones fans who were not able to attend the band's intimate concert at The Wiltern in Los Angeles in late 2002, the good news is that the newly-released multi-format title Live At The Wiltern puts fans squarely amidst the action at the historic concert staged at the 2,000+ seat venue on Nov. 22, 2002. Available on DVD + 2CD, Blu-ray + 2CD (the latter reviewed here), 2CD and 3LP, the show captured the Rock and Roll Hall of Famers performing a mix of enduring favorites and inspired covers before an enthusiastic crowd that included the likes of Tom Petty, Neil Young, Sheryl Crow, Johnny Depp, Stephen Stills and Eddie Murphy. This was a night where singer Mick Jagger, drummer Charlie Watts, guitarists Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood rocked for two hours; the top-tier supporting cast included bassist Darryl Jones, keyboardist Chuck Leavell, saxophone great Bobby Keys, backing vocalist Lisa Fischer and many others — all smiling and genuinely having a blast. The energy level and joyous music making never falters across the concert; from the time the Stones take the stage and open with a powerful "Jumpin' Jack Flash" the audience is treated to the thrill of a lifetime. Some of my favorites include the rollicking "Neighbours" with Richards unleashing some Chuck Berry-styled lead guitar licks, a rowdy "Going To A Go-Go" featuring Keys' stellar sax playing, the rootsy "Thru And Thru" with Richards on lead vocals, and an emotional reading of the Chicago blues classic "Rock Me Baby." The extended "Can't You Hear Me Knocking" features Watts' rapid-fire work on his kit with virtuoso turns from Keys, Jagger on harmonica and Woods' dazzling lead guitar; the 20-track setlist also includes solid performances of "Honky Tonk Women," "Brown Sugar" and "Tumbling Dice." Another key reason to grab this release is the slew of rarely-performed gems including "Stray Cat Blues," "No Expectations" and a cover of "Everybody Needs Somebody To Love," the latter featuring guest soul singer Solomon Burke. The physical package includes a wonderful 12-page booklet with detailed liner notes by Paul Sexton, as well as colorful photographs of the band members and more. Information: mercurystudios.co.

Artist: Jay Aston's Gene Loves Jezebel

Title: X - Love Death Sorrow (Cleopatra Records)

You might like if you enjoy: The Church, The Cure, Gene Loves Jezebel

Tell me more: Jay Aston's Gene Loves Jezebel is back with X - Love Death Sorrow, the Welsh gothic rocker outfit's first studio album since 2017's Dance Underwater. The 12-track disc offers up a mix of original tracks as well as artful covers of material originally performed by Magazine, The Cure, Edwyn Collins and The Only Ones. Standouts on the outstanding return include the hypnotic opener "The Man That Time Forgot," soaring "Serpent Queen" featuring Aston's poignant lead and backing vocals, mood-swept ballad "I Breathe Easy," the enchanting "Young Girl," and captivating cover of Collins' 1994 hit "A Girl Like You." Particularly beautiful is the band's haunting version of the Robert Smith-penned "In Between Days." The stylish and strong work of James Stevenson (guitar), Peter "Bugs" Rizzo (bass, synthesizers), Smiley (drums, percussion) and album producer Peter Walsh (keyboards) impress across the masterwork. Jay Aston's Gene Loves Jezebel will embark on a U.S. tour with The Alarm and Belouis Some beginning May 1, 2024. Information: genelovesjezebel.co.uk or cleorecs.com.

Artist: Bedsit Poets

Title: All Roads Lead Me Back (Think Like A Key Music)

You might like if you enjoy: Leonard Cohen, Dead Can Dance, Edward Rogers, Amanda Thorpe, Rogers & Butler

Tell me more: All Roads Lead Me Back marks the third full-length album from Bedsit Poets, a collaboration between established solo artists Edward Rogers and Amanda Thorpe. The album opens with the lush "Come See About Me," a wonderful track blending folk, art rock and world music stylings into a luxurious sonic brew. Rogers and Thorpe have voices that ignite when heard alone and when heard coming together in harmony. Highlights include the beguiling dream pop original "London Town," spirited art folk rocker "Pelican Club," Celtic-flavored "Shadows Into Ashes," the Neo garage rocker "The Dark Night," jazzy "Never Had The Chance" and dazzling Baroque pop closer "December My Dear." Among the guests who contribute to the magic on All Roads Lead Me Back are guitarist James Mastro (Ian Hunter, John Cale), bassist Sal Maida (Roxy Music, Sparks) and drummer Konrad Meissner (Silos, Graham Parker). Information: Facebook.com/BedsitPoets/ and amazon.com.

Robert Kinsler

New Music: The Beach Boys, Rogers and Butler, Florence + The Machine, William Shatner

A mix of new music, deluxe reissues and a special vinyl single are featured in my column this week.

Artist: The Beach Boys

Title: Sounds Of Summer — The Very Best Of The Beach Boys (Capitol/UMe)

You might like if you enjoy: The Beach Boys, Brian Wilson, Mike Love, Jan and Dean

Tell me more: Originally released back in 2003, the wonderful collection Sounds Of Summer: The Very Best Of The Beach Boys was an immediate commercial success remaining on the charts for 104 weeks and ultimately earning 4x platinum certification for sales of four and a half million albums. Fast forward to 2022 and that 30-track collection has been expanded to a total of 80 tracks in celebration of The Beach Boys' yearlong 60th anniversary celebration. It includes 26 new mixes, two first-time stereo mixes as well as 24 new-and-improved stereo mixes. The good news is that both casual and die-hard fans of the beloved group will be rewarded with this expansive title. The parade of stellar hits that spans disc 1 is certainly a great overview of the band's timeless radio favorites ("California Girls," "Surfing' Safari," "Don't Worry Baby," In My Room," "God Only Knows," "Good Vibrations" and so many more), but discs 2 and 3 provide a vast and wider appreciation of the Beach Boys via treasures from the '60s, '70s and '80s. Among the standout selections include the luxurious "All Summer Long," lovely "Disney Girls," tender "Forever," joyous "Sail on Sailor," shimmering "Baby Blue," ambitious "Wind Chimes," harmonies-filled "Add Some Music To Your Day" and rollicking garage rocker "All I Want To Do." Sounds Of Summer: The Very Best Of The Beach Boys is available in a variety of formats including digitally, 3CD soft pack and as a Super Deluxe Edition 6LP vinyl boxed set on 180-gram black vinyl in two options - a standard set or a numbered, limited edition version featuring a rainbow foil slipcase and four collectible lithographs. The Beach Boys are currently on tour and will headline at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles on Aug. 7. Information: TheBeachBoys.com.

Artist: Rogers and Butler

Title: Brighter Day (Think Like A Key Music)

You might like if you enjoy: The Kinks, The Beatles, The Zombies

Tell me more: Rogers and Butler are back with their outstanding sophomore album, the shining Brighter Day, a melody-drenched set of 11 inviting tracks. The terrific return includes the Kinks-flavored title track, shining power pop gem "Where Does The World Hide," affecting piano ballad "Last Reply," the tuneful Baroque pop gem "Marmalade Eyes" (which captures the magic of Beatles and Zombies favorites), melodic rocker "Desire" and wistful "The Sun Won't Shine." Along the way, the talented songwriting team of Edward Rogers (lead vocals) and Steve Butler (lead vocals, guitars, keyboards, percussion) are joined by a skilled cast of players (guitarist Don Piper, bassist Sal Maida, drummer Konrad Meissner, keyboardist Joe McGinty, accordion player Joe Chiofalo and strings player Chris Carmichael) to further elevate the album. Information: ThinkLikeAkey.com. 

Artist: Florence + The Machine

Title: Dance Fever [Deluxe Edition] (Republic)

You might like if you enjoy: Kate Bush, Florence + The Machine, Bat for Lashes

Tell me more: Expanded beyond the standard 14-track version, Florence + The Machine's Dance Fever [Deluxe Edition] find's the artist's fifth studio album packaged in a hardback book; the audio CD includes five bonus tracks. Described as a "Fairytale in Fourteen Songs," Dance Fever marks the first release by British songstress Florence Welch and company since 2018. The majestic opener "King" (bolstered by all manner of sonic shifts), propulsive electronica-tinged "Free," soulful "Dream Girl Evil," anthemic "Cassandra," driving "Daffodil," acoustic "The Bomb" and intoxicating "My Love" are among the many standouts on the terrific return. Welch is a singer armed with a soprano that is both powerful and expressive, and the track listing across Dance Fever is the perfect expression of those marvelous gifts. The bonus tracks also serve to more fully appreciate Welch's artistry; she revisits four of the LP's cuts with sparse arrangement anchored by her poignant vocals — "Cassandra," "Free" and "My Love" are especially moving. Closing out the title is "Search and Destroy," a fiery take on the Iggy Pop-penned 1973 Stooges classic. Fans of Welch's singular vision will definitely want to pick up this version. Florence + The Machine are set to embark on a North American tour on Sept. 2, 2022, including two dates at The Hollywood Bowl on Oct. 14 and Oct. 15. Information: florenceandthemachine.net. 

Artist: William Shatner

Title: Rocket Man (Cleopatra Records)

You might like if you enjoy: William Shatner, Ritchie Blackmore & Candice Night, Steve Hillage, pop culture

Tell me more: In 2021 — at the age of 90 — actor/author/icon William Shatner become the oldest person to fly into space after his flight aboard the Blue Origin sub-orbital capsule. Now fans of the star can celebrate his historic flight with the limited edition "Rocket Man" single released by Cleopatra Records. The silver vinyl release features Shatner's take on the Elton John classic "Rocket Man" on Side A, where he joined by influential Gong guitarist Steve Hillage. Shatner delivers an especially strong performance of David Bowie's "Space Oddity" on Side B; that version is enhanced by the tandem talents of guitar great Ritchie Blackmore and vocalist Candice Night. Information: CleopatraRecords.com.

Robert Kinsler

New Music Roundup: Styx, Todd Rundgren & Joe Jackson, Van Dyke Parks & Verónica Valerio, Edward Rogers, Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds

A wide range of thrilling new releases await listeners who have a hunger for a myriad of sounds and musical styles.

Artist: Styx

Title: Crash Of The Crown (UMe)

You might like if you enjoy: Styx, Asia, Tommy Shaw

Tell me more: Styx has returned with Crash Of The Crown, the veteran band's 17th album and first since 2017's brilliant concept album The Mission. The new Will Evankovich-produced disc is another ambitious effort filled with a wonderful range of memorable and enticing originals. Styx (singer-guitarist James "JY" Young, singer-guitarist Tommy Shaw, bassist-vocalist Chuck Panozzo, drummer Todd Sucherman, singer-keyboardist Lawrence Gowan, bassist-vocalist Ricky Phillips) wrote the songs for Crash Of The Crown pre-pandemic and subsequently recorded the album during the challenging time of the COVID-19 outbreak. There is a decidedly defiant and uplifting spirit across the 15-track disc and it unquestionably resonates in an era where the U.S. is emerging from a prolonged and devastating pandemic. On the opener "The Fight of Our Lives," lyrics such as "We will not give in / The game is ours to win" and "This is our moment now / This is the fight of our lives" set to driving synth-adorned rock resound to be sure. Highlights abound across the ambitious set. The fearless rocker "A Monster" and psychedelia-tinged "Reveries" are early standouts, showcasing the band's incredible musicianship and intelligent songcraft. The lush "Hold Back the Darkness" is as beautiful and affecting as any track ever recorded by the classic rock troupe. On "Our Wonderful Lives," a rousing melodic chorus mesmerizes with lavish harmonies, Shaw's banjo playing and the deft drumming from Sucherman adding to the magic. The album's parade of strong songs continues with the reflective "Sound the Alarm," triumphant "Long Live the King" and "Coming Out the Otherside," and fanciful closer "Stream." Information: StyxWorld.com.

Artist: Joe Jackson & Todd Rundgren

Title: State Theater New Jersey 2005 (Purple Pyramid / Cleopatra Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Joe Jackson, Todd Rundgren, Ethel

Tell me more: A legendary 2005 tour teaming singer-songwriter greats Joe Jackson and Todd Rundgren is available to revisit via a special three-disc set available now. State Theater New Jersey 2005 features the two acclaimed artists performing solo sets, as well as several songs together. There is a great mix of hits and deep cuts sure to delight fans of Jackson and Rundgren. There is a warmth and intimacy displayed across the live recording; Jackson impresses on "Steppin' Out," "Is She Really Going Out With Him" and an artfully-reworked cover of the John Lennon-penned "Girl." Rundgren hits sonic pay dirt via the folk rocker "Love of the Common Man," the acoustic ballad "I Don't Want To Tie You Down," yearning "Hello It's Me" and whimsical "Bang The Drum All Day."  New York string quartet Ethel also performs a set of instrumental music, and then accompanies the headliners during the concert's finale (notably on a powerful take on The Beatles' George Harrison masterwork "While My Guitar Gently Weeps"). The special eight-panel digipak release includes the full 31-track concert on two audio CDs and a DVD of the event too. Information: CleoRecs.com.

Artist: Van Dyke Parks and Verónica Valerio

Title: Van Dyke Parks Orchestrates Verónica Valerio: Only In America (BMG Modern Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: Van Dyke Parks, Verónica Valerio

Tell me more: Classical, world music and alternative orchestral pop collide in varied and wonderful ways on the exciting new collaboration from composer Van Dyke Parks and singer-harp master Verónica Valerio. Van Dyke Parks Orchestrates Verónica Valerio: Only In America is a 4-song EP that effortlessly brings together the undeniable talents of Parks (best known for collaborating with Brian Wilson on The Beach Boys' "lost" masterpiece SMiLE and on the more recent Orange Crate Art) and Valerio, the latter who is an acclaimed singer-harpist who has performed her songs in Mexico, the U.S., Asia and Europe. "Two years ago, I wrote Van Dyke because he is a sincere person, a selfless communicator, polite, a fighter and great artist," explains Valerio in press notes. The two artists worked together from a distance during the global pandemic for a full year to create the extravagant songs that delight on the EP. Artist Klaus Voorman adds to the magic with a cover design (he created the iconic cover of The Beatles' Revolver album). Information: https://modernrecordings.de.

Artist: Edward Rogers

Title: Catch A Cloud (Zip Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Rogers & Butler, Public Image Ltd

Tell me more: Written and recorded pre-pandemic, the release of Edward Rogers' eighth solo album Catch A Cloud was put on hold when Rogers and Steve Butler released their full-length debut Poets & Sinners (issued in June 2020). The 11-track Catch A Cloud – co-produced by Rogers and Don Piper – includes a slew of top-tier guests including guitarist James Mastro (the Ian Hunter Band), guitarist Marty Willson-Piper (formerly of The Church), bassist Sal Maida (Roxy Music, Sparks), drummer Konrad Meissner (The Mammals) and sax player Geoff Blythe (Dexy's Midnight Runners). All that star power comes in the service of a wide-ranging and adventuresome listen; the probing opener "Imaginary Man," sweet-tempered "Button Box" and electro dream pop track "This Bird Has Flown" are among early high marks on the album. The wide range of ideas and observations Rogers fused into his track list continues via the lovely "Catch A Cloud," jazzy foray "Hayley" and disc-ending dark rocker "The Head of the Nail." Information: ZipRecords.com.

Artist: Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds

Title: Back The Way We Came: Vol. 1 (Sour Mash Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Oasis, Blur, Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds

Tell me more: A year after leaving Oasis in August 2009, singer-songwriter/guitarist Noel Gallagher formed the aptly-titled Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds. Now comes Back The Way We Came: Vol. 1, which collects Gallagher's favorite cuts released by the collective between 2011 and 2021. In addition to featuring 16 previously-released cuts from the group's first three full-length albums, Back The Way We Came: Vol. 1  includes several new songs (the sumptuous "We're On Our Way Now" and breezy "Flying on the Ground"). This retrospective serves as a great introduction to Gallagher's talents. Many of his greatest songs are featured on the set, including the wistful rocker "Riverman," fiery "Lock All The Doors," haunting "The Dying of the Light" and exhilarating "It's a Beautiful World." A bonus third disc on the deluxe edition reviewed here includes a dozen extras including instrumental versions, acoustic takes and remixes. Information: NoelGallagher.com.

Robert Kinsler