New Music: The Rolling Stones, Neil Young, Duran Duran, The Bootheels, Bruce Sudano

Now is the perfect time to celebrate titles featuring a parade of talents including The Rolling Stones, Neil Young, Duran Duran, The Bootheels and Bruce Sudano.

 

Artist: The Rolling Stones

Title: Tattoo You: 40th Anniversary Deluxe Edition (Polydor/Interscope/UMe)

You might like if you enjoy: The Rolling Stones, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, classic rock

Tell me more: The Rolling Stones' beloved 1981 album Tattoo You has been reissued via a slew of 40th Anniversary editions. The 2CD edition of the album includes the newly-remastered 11-track album on disc one, and a brand new collection of nine previously-unreleased songs offered on disc two; these so-called "Lost & Found" tracks are newly completed with additional vocals and guitar work by the band. There are some really great tracks here; my favorites include the full-hearted rocker "Living in the Heart of Love," a rousing take on the Chi-lites' "Troubles a' Comin'," fiery original rocker "Come to the Ball" and freewheeling cover of bluesman Jimmy Reed's "Shame Shame Shame." The remastered original album — which features favorites such as "Start Me Up," "Hang Fire," "Neighbours" and "Waiting On A Friend" — sounds glorious. In addition to the two-disc version reviewed in this column (which also has an excellent 20-page booklet including an essay from Kevin Howlett and Jeff Slade), there are several expanded configurations of the album that include "Still Life: Wembley Stadium 1982," The Rolling Stones' London Show of the "Tattoo You" tour. That 26-track set includes hits such as "Under My Thumb," "Let's Spend The Night Together," "Honky Tonk Women" and Brown Sugar." Information: RollingStones.com.

Artist: Neil Young

Title: Carnegie Hall 1970 (Reprise)

You might like if you enjoy: Neil Young

Tell me more: Amidst all the recent high profile deluxe reissues of classic rock-minded titles issued by The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and The Doors this year, don't let Neil Young's two-disc Carnegie Hall 1970 escape your attention. On Dec. 4, 1970 Young performed two solo acoustic shows at Carnegie Hall in New York. The 23 tracks featured on Young's essential Carnegie Hall 1970 have been mixed from the original 1/4 inch tapes by Young and Niko Bolas. The historical recording is magnificent;  the power of Young's  performance, stellar set list and energy of the event is palpable. The audience is fully attentive cheering when Young starts and stops but wonderfully quiet during his delivery of a parade of masterworks ranging from "Down By The River," "Cinnamon Girl" and "I Am A Child" early on disc one to "Only Love Can Break Your Heart," "Old Man," "Ohio" and "Birds" on disc two. Young performs many of his most beloved early classics to the lone accompaniment of his acoustic guitar, harmonica and piano. Carnegie Hall 1970 is the first release of the "Neil Young Archives" series; keep 'em coming! Information: NeilYoungArchives.com. 

Artist: Duran Duran

Title: Future Past (BMG)

You might like if you enjoy: Duran Duran, Graham Coxon, Tove Lo

Tell me more: Duran Duran is back with the aptly-titled Future Past. Available as a standard 12-track set or via a deluxe edition with three additional tracks (the latter is reviewed here), the album finds the groundbreaking British band in top form. Singer Simon Le Bon, bassist John Taylor, keyboardist Nick Rhodes and drummer Roger Taylor have enlisted the esteemed likes of guitarist Graham Coxon (Blur), pianist Mike Garson (David Bowie) and vocalist Lykke Li to bolster their own talents on this ambitious return — the quartet's first new studio effort since 2015's Paper Gods. Additionally, acclaimed producers Erol Alkan, Giorgio Moroder, Joshua Blair and Mark Ronson bring their collective talents to the material. Duran Duran blends its synth-pop, rock and dance signature sound in the service of songs that are melodic and expertly presented. The soaring opener "Invisible," funk-tinged anthem "All Of You" and cascading "Anniversary" are early highlights. The cinematic "Velvet Newton," dance floor sortie "Tonight United," opulent "Wing" and sophisticated "Laughing Boy" all elevate Future Past. To be certain this is an album where the addition of guests enriches the reach of the album. The bewitching mid tempo "Give It All Up" has Le Bon's distinctive vocals blending perfectly with Swedish songstress Tove Lo; rapper Ivorian Doll brings an artful edge to "Hammerhead." The Japanese DIY-pop band CHAI add a delightful vocal energy to the buoyant "More Joy!"; Mike Garson's masterful piano work escalates "Falling," an tempestuous track that builds in power across most of its run until a jazzy finale that defies any obvious genre with gusto. The deluxe edition comes housed in a hardback book format with artful images (including band portraits by Rhodes) and full lyrics for the songs. Information: DuranDuran.com. 

Artist: The Bootheels

Title: 1988: The Original Demos (Omnivore Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: Hüsker Dü, Radio California, Dinosaur Jr.

Tell me more: Before Luther Russell formed Those Pretty Wrongs with Big Star's Jody Stephens and Jakob Dylan and Tobi Miller rose to fame with The Wallflowers, those musicians and drummer Aaron A. Brooks were members of the short-lived late '80s outfit The Bootheels. The quartet's 1988: The Original Demos reveals The Bootheels were something special despite their abbreviated tenure. Carving out a sound blending alternative rock, post-punk and noise rock, the group's strengths are obvious. Inspired performances abound, all heightened with the smart songwriting and particularly sharp interplay between the guitar work of Dylan and Miller. The mix of hard-edged material (the racing "See It In Your Eyes," "Wasted Dime," "Queen of Hearts"), edgy melodic rock ("Empty Wallet, Empty Bottle, Empty Heart," "Halfway There") and more rueful sonic territory ("The Deal," "Interstate 68 Blues," "B-Line for You") makes for a fun listen. Produced for release by Russell and Grammy winner Cheryl Pawelski, it's wonderful to see these 33-year-old recordings arrive for rock fans to celebrate. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com. 

Artist: Bruce Sudano

Title: Ode To A Nightingale (UMe)

You might like if you enjoy: Bruce Sudano, Andrew Gold, Boz Scaggs, classic rock

Tell me more: Singer-songwriter Bruce Sudano is back with another winning album, the eight-track "Ode To A Nightingale." There is a life-affirming spirit displayed by Sudano in the performance of his songs; the arrangements on the new release showcase his emotive lead vocals and smart song craft. The shimmering melody-rich "A Cosmic Ride" has a joyful and positive vibe. The darting folk rocker "Ode To A Nightingale" features lead and harmony vocals, dancing musical textures and an infectious rhythm that play in perfect symmetry. "Not Your Hero" is a confessional and affecting acoustic ballad. The highlights on the album are "In Shadowland" and even more sparse "All Hands," songs that are reflective and stirring — both capture the uncertainty of these times with power and sway. Information: BruceSudano.com. 

Robert Kinsler

New Music: Los Lobos, Cruzados, Divine Horsemen, I See Hawks in L.A., Radio California, Colin Hay

In this column the focus is on six Los Angeles area artists. All have newly-available or soon-to-be released titles definitely worth a listen.

Artist: Los Lobos

Title: Native Sons (New West Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Los Lobos, the Mavericks, the Blasters

Tell me more: East Los Angeles-spawned legends Los Lobos revisit the music of a diverse field of their influential musical heroes on the newly-released Native Sons. The quintet (singer-guitarist David Hidalgo, singer-guitarist Louie Pérez, Jr.,singer-guitarist-keyboardist Cesar Rosas, singer-bassist Conrad Lozano and saxophonist-keyboardist Steve Berlin) honors 13 classics by infusing their own signature style into each of the well-crafted remakes. Thinks kick off with an infectious run through of Thee Midniters' "Love Special Delivery" (bolstered by the blend of horns, freewheeling drums and lead guitar). Classic rock favorites from Buffalo Springfield get the dual treatment via Los Lobos' intoxicating take on "Bluebird" and Americana-flavored "For What It's Worth." Other highlights include a beautiful and nuanced version of Jackson Browne's "Jamaica Say You Well," a rousing jump blues reading of Percy Mayfield's "Never No More" and soulful take on The Beach Boys classic "Sail On, Sailor." Long a champion of Chicano rock, mariachi and música norteña, Los Lobos performs a rollicking version of Lalo Guerrero's "Los Chucos Suaves" and the tender ballad "Dichoso." Los Lobos' stunning version of War's "The World is a Ghetto" features several guests, including Little Willie G. (who sang on the title track back in 1972) along with Jacob G. (Willie's son), R&B artist Barrence Whitfield and world class percussionist Camilo Quinones. Los Lobos also ties the thematic journey together via the inclusion of the original "Native Son." Information: LosLobos.org.

Artist: Cruzados

Title: She's Automatic (Scamco Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Los Lobos, Billy F Gibbons, Steve Earle, The Doors' "L.A. Woman" album

Tell me more: Signed to Clive Davis' Arista Records in 1983, Los Angeles-based Cruzados released two acclaimed albums featuring an infectious and raucous style of Latin-tinged post-punk hard rock before calling it quits in 1991 (those wanting to see the band in those early years can catch their screen appearance in the 1989 film "Road House" performing "Don't Throw Stones" from the band's After Dark LP). Now, Cruzados are back with She's Automatic (out Aug. 13, 2021 via Scamco Records), an 11-track disc that fully delivers on the band's genuine legacy. Founding bassist-songwriter Tony Marsico, guitarists Loren Molinare and Mark Tremalgia, singer Ron Young and drummer Rob Klonel bring a rootsy power and fun spirit to the songs, with a slew of great guests adding additional wizardry to the tracks.  The classic rock-mining "On The Tilt A Whirl," hard-hitting "Nine Million Tears," heavy Texas blues stomp "Son of the Blues," gentle "Sad Sadie" (featuring guest vocals from John Doe), Southern blues rocker "Let Me Down" (featuring guitarist Dave Alvin and accordion player David Hidalgo) and rowdy "54 Knockouts" (with sax great Steve Berlin of Los Lobos) are among the winning originals on the Cruzados return. The album draws to a killer close with the hypnotic blues rocker "Rock That Boat," featuring some killer blues harp from Jimmy Z and the collective power of all five members of Cruzados. Information: CruzadosBand.com.

Artist: Divine Horsemen

Title: Hot Rise of an Ice Cream Phoenix (In the Red Records Records)

You might like if you enjoy: The Flesh Eaters, X, Dinosaur Jr.

Tell me more: On Aug. 20, Los Angeles' Divine Horsemen returns after 33 years to release Hot Rise of an Ice Cream Phoenix. The forthcoming album will mark the band's first release of new music since the "A Handful of Sand" EP was released in January 1988. Chris Desjardins (a.k.a. Chris D.) and Julie Christensen introduced their groundbreaking project via Time Stands Still (released in 1984 via Enigma Records). The end of the duo's marriage around the time of their A Handful of Sand release might have ended the story of Divine Horsemen for good, but the two remained in touch and on good terms. A series of fortuitous events led the two artists to reform Divine Horsemen to record the forthcoming album. The two singers voices blend with the kind of magical allure that draws comparisons with Exene Cervenka and John Doe of X fortified with the heavy rock sweep associated with Crazy Horse and Dinosaur Jr. on select tracks and gentle nuance of the collaborations between Leonard Cohen and Jennifer Warnes on others. A mix of originals and creatively reworked covers fill the album, all potent. The crunchy opener "Mystery Writers" (with terrific lyrics from Chris D.), beautiful acoustic cut "Barefoot in the Streets" (with lyrics by Chris D. and music by Christensen) and snappy indie rocker "Stony Path" are among my faves on the album. The epic "Falling Forward" is striking, a masterful blend of the two singers' voices enhanced by expansive guitar work from Peter Andrus. Information: DivineHorsemen.com. 

Artist: I See Hawks in L.A.

Title: On Our Way (Western Seeds Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Chris Hillman, Gram Parsons, John Doe

Tell me more: While the world has changed in monumental and challenging ways since I See Hawks in L.A. released their previous album Hawks with Good Intentions in September 2019, the Los Angeles troupe's forthcoming album On Our Way (coming Aug. 27, 2021) offers the perfect chance to reconnect with the beauty around us. On the alt country quartet's On Our Way the efforts of singer-guitarist Rob Waller, multi-instrumentalist/backing vocalist Paul Lacques, bassist-vocalist Paul Marshall and percussionist-vocalist Victoria Jacobs to stay connected by songwriting via FaceTime and completing recording remotely during the pandemic astound. This is a beautiful and soul-stirring set of songs that defies the angry shouting heard on 24-hour cable news in favor of songs about "Geronimo, Muhammad Ali, the Faulknerian dilemma, in language sometimes more abstract and mirroring than narration" (according to press notes) as well as "...classic Hawks train beats and country rockers about Marin Wiccans, London mod dub hippie markets and the [un]certainties of love and broken hearts." Indeed, the range of topics is equaled by the musical depth displayed on the collection. From the lovely mandolin- and pedal steel guitar-adorned Americana opening gem "Might've Been Me" and authentic countrified "On Our Way" to the spoken word neo-trance blues of "Mississippi Gas Station Blues" and psychedelia-laced "Kensington Market" and poignant "Geronimo" I See Hawks in L.A. creates songs that tap into authentic country, roots, bluegrass and folk stylings with amazing warmth and might. A number of guest performers help further bring the rich tapestry of songs to life. Information: iseehawks.com. 

Artist: Radio California

Title: Whiskey Sour and a Cheap Motel (Radio California)

You might like if you enjoy: Youth Gone Mad, Hüsker Dü 

Tell me more: Los Angeles area-based Radio California is back with another batch of genre-be-damned originals (Whiskey Sour and a Cheap Motel) pulled from the band's signature sonic stew of art damage, garage rock, punk, spoken word and experimental rock 'n' roll. I'm always amazed where singer--guitarist-lyricist Jesseo and company come up with their truly-original sound; Jesseo's songs and vocal delivery are reflective and emotive even when the sonic sphere around him is awash with various instrumental textures and rhythms. The opener ("Whiskey Sour") is dreamy at its core thanks to some cool Johnny Marr-styled rhythm guitar work even while a driving drum pattern and forceful lead guitar blasts (the latter courtesy of guest player Hank Williams) assure the listener is in for something different. "Over the Top" blends punk and garage rock styles with a clap-along rhythm; spoken word, harmonies and vocal humming along with some evocative lead guitar lines intersect in "URA Wonder." The hard-edged punk rocker "Same Fate" tackles the grim reality that "Your all the same when it comes to the end / No matter what kind of box they put you in" with melodic force. Elsewhere, "My Monet" recalls the approach of The Cure's early work. Information: https://www.facebook.com/Radio-California-429692217119882.

Artist: Colin Hay

Title: I Just Don't Know What To Do With Myself (Compass Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Colin Hay, Men At Work, The Beatles

Tell me more: Colin Hay is back with another essential album, this one a full-length disc of incredible covers — I Just Don't Know What To Do With Myself — he makes his own. Indeed, beloved songs from The Beatles, Kinks, Faces and others benefit from the Men At Work front man's meticulous touch. There is so much to celebrate on the 10-track collection. Hay's natural melancholy-rich baritone hits its mark early on via the confessional title track (a Burt Bacharach/Hal David composition), Ray Davies' 1967 favorite "Waterloo Sunset" and The Beatles' "Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)." In Hay's skilled hands, there is a reflective approach where the songs' melodies and lyrics are thrust center stage sans cliche — just listen to his tearful take on Gerry and the Pacemakers' "Don't Let the Sun Catch You Crying." I've always been disappointed by attempts to cover the Jimmy Webb-penned Glen Campbell classic "Wichita Lineman"; Hay's ethereal take on the song is beautiful and moving. The arrangement is mostly faithful, but Hay's signature vocals envelop each line of the masterwork as it artfully builds to a majestic close. While most of the selections are pulled from the 1960s, Hay effectively reintroduces the Justin Currie-penned mid-'90s Del Amitri masterpiece "Driving with the Brakes On" via a bold rendition that burgeons from its plaintive opening into a glorious finale. Information: ColinHay.com.

Robert Kinsler

Under The Radar Releases Worth Discovering

In addition to featuring a number of recent must hear releases, this column marks the debut of a new feature where I will profile a different "Lost Classic" release each week.

Artist: Beth Bombara
Title: Evergreen (All The Right Pills/Lemp Electric)
You might like if you enjoy: Aimee Mann, Phoebe Bridgers
Tell me more: Singer-songwriter Beth Bombara's new album Evergreen (set for release on Aug. 9) finds the songstress tapping into that magical sonic-sphere comprised of equal parts melancholy, melody, literate verse and solid songcraft. The Michigan native who now calls St. Louis home created the 10-song disc while spending time in a remote cabin nestled in the wilderness of the Rocky Mountains and the results are glorious. The luxurious opening track "I Only Cry When I'm Alone" recalls some of Aimee Mann's best work; as if that wasn't enough of a recommendation the disc's subsequent cuts offer endless opportunities to hear the power of the singer-guitarist's knack for crafting undeniable material that showcases her emotive soprano and the importance of arrangements that are nuanced and come in the service of the songs. Great songs abound on "Evergreen" as evidenced by the shimmering title track, haunting "Anymore," Americana-tinged "Tenderhearted" and "Does It Echo?," and the melodic rocker "Good News." Information: www.bethbombara.com.

Artist: Radio California
Title: Chewing Gum Kind of Day (Jesse Ojeda)
You might like if you enjoy: Youth Gone Mad, Hüsker Dü
Tell me more: Southern California-based avant-garde prog rockers Radio California are back with another batch of edgy, groundbreaking and original tracks that mix and mash punk, rock, blues and art damage across the involving Chewing Gum Kind of Day. The 10-track album challenges the listener at every turn, with multi-layered tracking of instruments and hypnotic vocals courtesy of leader Jesse Ojeda. Standouts on this album include the wistful "You Can't Go Back," driving "Giant," and haunting "When Love is Gone." The lyrics capture the edginess of modern life to be sure but there is also a hopeful spirit where there is always a promise of something better ahead. An interesting and independent album worth discovering. Information: https://store.cdbaby.com/Artist/RadioCalifornia1.

Artist: Blue Moon Marquee
Title: Bare Knuckles & Brawn (Blue Moon Marquee Music)
You might like if you enjoy: Robert Johnson
Tell me more: Listening to Canadian Gypsy blues duo Blue Moon Marquee's Bare Knuckles & Brawn is to be transported back to the early 20th century even while the artful mix-up of genres provides a welcome modern twist. Indeed all 11 tracks on Bare Knuckles & Brawn are original (courtesy of British Columbia's singer-guitarist A.W. Cardinal and bassist-vocalist Jasmine Colette); the duo and a collection of talented guests blend early blues with western swing (just listen to "Smoke Rings For My Rider"!), jazz and New Orleans stylings. The ambitious LP was recorded in a mere three days, an approach that helped yield the authentic and infectious spirit of the album. The arc of the disc can be uptempo and swing with excitement, and quickly journey to introspection. The beautiful jazz-flavored ballad "Hard Times Hit Parade" and apt "As I Lay Dying" showcase the impressive range of Blue Moon Marquee's approach. Information: www.bluemoonmarquee.com.



LOST CLASSIC

Artist: Ten Years After
Title: Ssssh (Chrysalis Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Led Zeppelin, Alvin Lee
Tell me more: Those planning to catch the 50th anniversary showing of "Woodstock: The Director's Cut" when it returns to movie theaters on Thursday, August 15 should be sure to catch one of the concert film's key performances - Ten Years After's "I'm Going Home." Recorded two months before that legendary performance and released in August 1969, Ssssh was the British blues rock band's third album and endures as one of the best albums of the genre. Although the album charted at #4 in the United Kingdom and #20 in the U.S. the LP has sadly slipped away from the spotlight over the past 50 years. Listening to the essential 2018 reissue of the disc is to be reminded of the freewheeling approach and virtuoso musicianship of Alvin Lee (guitar, vocals), Leo Lyons (bass), Ric Lee (drums) and Chick Churchill (keyboards). In addition to scorching blues rockers (including "Bad Scene," "Stoned Woman," "I Woke Up This Morning") and acoustic blues nuggets ("Two Time Mama," "If You Should Love Me") penned by Lee, the album also features a fiery take on Sonny Boy Williamson's "Good Morning Little School Girl." Information: amazon.com.

Robert Kinsler

Merge Records to re-issue Sugar catalog this summer

Fans of Hüsker Dü frontman Bob Mould can get amped due to exciting news about forthcoming Sugar releases set to land soon. Here is the latest news pulled from my inbox...


Merge Records to re-issue Sugar catalog on July 24, 2012

Through both his solo work and as a frontman for the legendary Hüsker Dü, Bob Mould pioneered a signature wall of guitar sound and unmistakable vocal style that has imprinted a defining influence on more than one generation—impacting artists including Dave Grohl, Ryan Adams and Britt Daniel of Spoon, all of whom paid homage to Mould by performing songs from all stages of his career at a tribute show last year at L.A.’s Disney Hall. In the three decades encompassing his career thus far, however, Bob Mould saw his greatest success during his stint as lead singer, guitarist and songwriter for iconic early ‘90s trio Sugar.



Mould broke onto the rock scene in the early 1980s as front man of the hardcore band Hüsker Dü. Hüsker Dü packed decades of creative evolution into the barely five years between the release of its first and final records, blowing eardrums and minds in equal measure while progressing from the primal breakneck caterwaul of Everything Falls Apart to the double-vinyl conceptual opus Zen Arcade to bona fide initial pop rock inroads with Candy Apple Grey before disintegrating in 1987. Mould re-emerged in 1989 as a sober and formidable singer/songwriter with his landmark solo debut Workbook, and continued working as a solo artist through the following year’s Black Sheets Of Rain.


Mould returned to a three-man band format with the 1992 debut of Sugar. With Mould on guitar and vocals, David Barbe on bass and vocals, and Malcolm Travis on drums, Sugar harnessed the sonic chaos of Hüsker Dü into a more focused pop/rock framework with increased emphasis the songs’ exciting melodies and irresistible hooks as well as the increasingly accomplished musicianship behind them. Critics and audiences alike warmed to Sugar’s fresh and innovative balance of punishing volume and pop sparkle, with many regarding this phase as their favorite of Mould’s entire career.

Sugar’s 1992 debut album Copper Blue sold over 250,000 units upon its original release and received overwhelming praise. Rolling Stone christened it “thunderous”; Vogue dubbed it “smashing”. NME would ultimately name it their 1992 Album of the Year. Currently, Mould has been commemorating Copper Blue’s 20th anniversary by playing the record in its entirety with his current band of Jason Narducy (bass) and Jon Wurster (drums).



Recorded and mixed during the same intense sessions that produced Copper Blue, the Beaster EP was originally released in April 1993. Notably darker in tone than the widescreen power-pop of Copper Blue, Beaster nevertheless boasts some of Mould’s most powerful songwriting.


File Under: Easy Listening -- the third and final album by this short-lived but brilliant trio -- was originally released in September 1994, featuring songs such as “Your Favorite Thing” that endure as mainstays of Mould’s solo performances to this day.

You can pre-order the releases via Merge Records' site here.

Watch the video below for an exciting overview of the upcoming Sugar re-issues!