Reissues Roundup: Kelly Willis, Sorrows, NRBQ, Uncle Walt's Band, The Cowsills, Jimmie Dale and the Flatlanders

This column features a wide-ranging mix of fantastic audio titles available now including the latest reissues featuring the music of Kelly Willis, Sorrows, NRBQ, Uncle Walt's Band, the Cowsills and Jimmie Dale and the Flatlanders. Both Omnivore Recordings and Big Stir Records release many of the greatest and most important reissues on a consistent basis and this column features a number of those two labels' recent audio releases that are more than worthy of adding to any music lover's home library. 

Artist: Kelly Willis
Title: What I Deserve — 25th Anniversary Edition (Omnivore Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: Nanci Griffith, The Jayhawks, Jennifer Hanson

Tell me more: Celebrated Americana-country artist Kelly Willis' acclaimed 1999 album What I Deserve has been reissued as a deluxe expanded edition on CD and vinyl; the edition also includes five previously unissued tracks recorded live on Nov. 14, 1999 on Mountain Stage. The album's musical and lyrical strengths shine as strong now as they did at the time of the disc's release. Early highlights include the irresistible opener "Take Me Down," countrified "Heaven Bound," confessional "Talk Like That" and "Not Forgotten You." Later gems include "Wrapped" (an excellent romance-minded track written by Bruce Robison), tender "Cradle Of Love," emotive take on Nick Drake's "Time Has Told Me" and the Appalachia-tinged "Happy With That" (the latter a song Willis co-wrote with the Jayhawks' Gary Louris). The packaging includes lyrics as well as new liner notes from Peter Blackstock (No Depression, Austin American-Statesman). Information: omnivorerecordings.com.  

Artist: Sorrows
Title: Parting Is Such Sweet Sorrow (Big Stir Records)

You might like if you enjoy: The Knack, the Plimsouls, the Kinks

Tell me more: More than four decades after New York City power pop quartet Sorrows recorded their third album in a single night back in 1981, the LP has finally been released courtesy of Big Stir Records. Now the inspired album featuring the talents of Arthur Alexander (vocals, guitar), Joey Cola (vocals, guitar), Ricky Street (vocals, bass) and Jett Harris (drums) can be heard in its entirety; music fans can only marvel at the power of a recording made 44 years ago that showcases a troupe that was masterfully blending power pop, new wave and punk genres with a signature sound that was definitely the band's own. The explosive opener "Never Mind," poignant light speed take on the Rolling Stones' "Have You Seen Your Mother, Baby, Standing In The Shadow?," glorious melodic rocker "Out Of My Head," rockabilly-fueled "Let Me Know" and the fiery instrumental "Slo' Surfin'" are early standouts on the disc. An ambitious tribute to John Lennon titled "Cricket Man," infectious new wave rocker "Just One Fool To Blame," euphoric power pop cut "Too Much Love," a bona fide punk rock reading of Eddie Cochran's "Something' Else" and genuinely tender "Love Ain't Nothin' (Without You)" thrill on the latter half of the 14-track LP. Parting Is Such Sweet Sorrrow closes out with Sorrows' blistering cover of the Pirates' "You Don't Own Me." Information: bigstirrecords.com.  

Artist: NRBQ
Title: Brass Tacks (Omnivore Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: NRBQ, R.E.M., Buck Owens

Tell me more: NRBQ has been releasing top-tier albums since 1969, with virtuoso musicianship, far-flung songcraft and genuine ambition a distinctive feature across the band's impressive discography. Last year saw the release of a 10th anniversary deluxe reissue of NRBQ's Brass Tacks, featuring the original album along with three bonus tracks. This stellar set includes a wide range of great material including the joyful opener "Waitin' On My Sweetie Pie," satirical "Greetings From Delaware" addressing the dangers of racking up credit cards, the Buck Owens-flavored "Fightin' Back" featuring Casey McDonough's wry vocals, Terry Adams' romantic "Sit In My Lap," jazzy "Places Far Away" rooted in the Lydian scale that Adams had written as a teenager decades earlier, the reflective roots rocker "This Flat Tire," the sparkling love song "Can't Wait To Kiss You," and harmonies-filled "I'd Like To Know." This being NRBQ, surprises elevate the musical proceedings at every turn; just listen to the group's wonderfully cheerful take on "Getting To Know You"from the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical "The King and I." The album also includes informative liner notes from John DeAngelis. Information: omnivorerecordings.com. 

 

Artist: Uncle Walt's Band
Title: Thought You'd Never Ask: The Complete 1975 Armadillo Records Recordings  (Omnivore Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: David Ball, Uncle Walt's Band

Tell me more: A groundbreaking Americana trio featuring Walter Hyatt, Champ Hood and David Ball, Uncle Walt's Band were among the most popular artists in Austin, Texas' burgeoning music scene in the 1970s and early '80s. Thanks to their strong songwriting and performance skills, as well as their intricate three-part vocal harmonies and blending of genres in their approach, they were a major influence on the celebrated likes of Lucinda Williams, Marcia Ball, Jimmie Dale Gilmore and Lyle Lovett. Now comes the release of Thought You'd Never Ask: The Complete 1975 Armadillo Records Recordings, a new collection featuring 22 tracks — including early versions of tracks that would appear on future Uncle Walt's Band releases. Three of the selections on Thought You'd Never Ask appeared as bonus material on Omnivore's 2019 expanded edition of the band's self-titled debut but the other 19 tracks are previously unissued. The warmth and authenticity of the trio can be heard across the essential collection, ranging from the rich opener "Beauty In The Flesh," Americana-styled "Say Goodbye" and heartfelt "Deeper Than Love" to the uptempo rootsy folk rocker "Getaway," an intoxicating take on the traditional favorite "Midnight Special," wistful "As The Crow Flies" and captivating "Whatever Reason." Thought You'd Never Ask: The Complete 1975 Armadillo Records Recordings also includes new liner notes from renowed journalist and producer Bill Bentley. Information: omnivorerecordings.com.  

Artist: The Cowsills
Title: Global (Omnivore Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: The Cowsills, The Continental Drifters, The Bangles, Badfinger

Tell me more: Great voices. Wonderful songs. Creative arrangements. Top-notch musicianship. The Cowsills' 1998 Global (their first album of new material in nearly three decades) was reissued via a restored and remastered edition late last year. Appearing for the first time on vinyl, as well as via audio CD and on digital, Global also features three bonus tracks. The jangly harmonies-drenched opener "What About Love," evocative "Under The Gun," soaring "What I Believe," beautifully heart-wrenching "Is It Any Wonder?" and the rollicking bonus track "Maybe It's You" are among my favorites on the LP. Guests on the disc include Vicki Peterson (The Bangles, Continental Drifters), Berton Averre (The Knack), Peter Holsapple (The dB's, Continental Drifters) and John Stamos. A 12-page booklet includes updated artwork and new liner notes from Brett Milano and Bob Cowsill. Information: omnivorerecordings.com.  

Artist: Jimmie Dale and the Flatlanders
Title: All American Music (Omnivore Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: Jimmie Dale, Joe Ely, Butch Hancock, Old Crow Medicine Show

Tell me more: Jimmie Dale and the Flatlanders were a legendary troupe that featured Jimmie Dale Gilmore on lead vocals, lead and rhythm guitar, as well a Joe Ely (vocals, harmonica, guitar) and Butch Hancock (harmony vocals, guitar, harmonica, banjo). Recorded back in 1972 and scheduled for release the following year, the group's All American Music was put on hold and went unissued — save for a few copies that were released on 8-Track. It wasn't until 1980 when a compilation released in the U.K. collected all the known Flatlanders material for release. Fast forward 45 years and now Omnivore Recordings has collected every recording from the band (including from an out-of-print German collection) and released the outstanding 18-track All American Music. Under the direction of Grammy winner Cheryl Pawelski, the collection was mastered by Grammy Award winner Michael Graves; the packaging features liner notes from author Colin Escott. The acoustic-styled band's old-time sound is a delight that enthralls with a single listen. Highlights include the authentic "The Heart You Left Behind," sumptuous "She Had Everything," lovely "Tonight I Think I'm Gonna Go Downtown," uptempo "Rose From The Mountain," wonderfully off-kilter "Stars In My Life" and gorgeous "I Know You." As Escott notes: "More than a half-century later, The Flatlanders' original music still sounds fresh. It was truly a sound like no other." Information: omnivorerecordings.com.  

Robert Kinsler

The Beach Boys bring 'Sixty Years of the Sounds of Summer' to Greek Theatre

Beach Boy singer Mike Love, left,
with Mark McGrath (of Sugar Ray fame).

Who: The Beach Boys

Where: The Greek Theatre

When: Sunday, Aug. 8, 2022

Information: TheBeachBoys.com

The Beach Boys brought their "Sixty Years of the Sounds of Summer" tour to the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles on Sunday night, Aug. 7. This being a high profile hometown celebration of their 60th anniversary, Mike Love and Bruce Johnston (along with their talented touring troupe) invited a few notable guests to the three-hour concert event.

From left, Mike Love, John Stamos and drummer
drummer John Cowsill.

Indeed, the Hawthorne, California-spawned group took the stage right at 8 p.m. to perform the 1968 hit "Do It Again" with Sugar Ray singer Mark McGrath and actor/musician John Stamos along to add celebratory firepower to the festive opener. That joyful sprit continued as the ensemble immediately moved into "Surfin' Safari" and "Catch a Wave" with archival film footage of surfers and beach scenes playing on a large rear projection screen. During "Surfin' Safari" lyrics were displayed to assist with the audience sing-along.

The Beach Boys, along with John Stamos, performing "Surfin' Safari" at the Greek Theatre.

The concert was divided into two parts with The Beach Boys' most beloved hits comprising the majority of the setlist. Select covers that fit nicely alongside the signature sound of the group's originals were also a nice addition to the special night.

Singer-keyboardist Bruce Johnston, left, with
singer Mike Love at the Greek Theatre.

While Love, 81, and Johnston, 80, handled principal vocals across much of the night, other members of the collective bolstered the parade of songs with their strong lead and harmony vocals. This writer was particularly impressed by the strong vocals of drummer-vocalist John Cowsill and guitarist-vocalist Brian Eichenberger.

Early in the night, Eichenberger used his soaring falsetto on a tender version of "Don't Worry Baby" before the lead vocal duties were handed to Cowsill for an inspired take on "Darlin'," the latter a criminally overlooked melodic wonder from the band's 1967 masterwork Wild Honey. Cowsill's unmistakable vocals also helped bolster a cover of the Mamas & the Papas 1965 hit "California Dreamin' " to kick off the second half of the show.

Other strong contributors from the touring band showcased during the concert included Scott Totten, Keith Hubacher and Christian Love and Tim Bonhomme.

Highlights were frequent during part 1 of the fast-moving affair, with a fun cover of the Ramones' 1977 surf rock-mining "Rockaway Beach," tender "In My Room," McGrath taking over the proceedings for a crowd-pleasing take on Sugar Ray's 1997 No. 1 hit "Fly," rousing "Little Deuce Coupe" and "I Get Around."

The second half of the event included energetic takes on "California Girls," "Dance, Dance, Dance," the country-flavored Lead Belly-penned "Cotton Fields," a rollicking take on Chuck Berry's timeless 1957 gem "Rock and Roll Music," and an especially affecting version of the Baroque pop masterpiece "God Only Knows" originally released in 1966.

Mike Love on Aug. 7, 2022.

Bruce Johnston at the Greek.

While the concert was heavy on radio favorites, there were some cool surprises on the special night. Love delivered a poignant version of "Pisces Brothers," a song he wrote for George Harrison after his friend passed away in 2001. During the performance of the song, images and riveting video footage of Harrison and Love taken in India in the late 1960s helped transport the audience to the dawn of the two artists' friendship. Johnston reached similarly potent territory with his turn leading a version of his self-penned "Disney Girls" from the Beach Boys' 1971 album Surf's Up.

John Stamos at the Greek Theatre.

Stamos — whose talents as guitarist and drummer impressed frequently during the concert — took over lead vocals on an impactful version of "Forever" dedicated to his late friend Bob Saget (who sadly passed away in January 2022).

There were even more surprises for the audience. The country music Nashville-based duo LOCASH (Chris Lucas and Preston Brust) — who have a rising hit titled "Beach Boys" on the iTunes Charts — joined the bash for a breezy take on "Kokomo," "Good Vibrations" and "Beach Boys" (the latter an animated version of their aptly-titled hit that pays tribute to the Beach Boys).

The night ended with a spirited run by the Beach Boys through "Barbara Ann" and "Fun Fun Fun" with the audience on their feet and letting decades of memories crest as high as the pyrotechnics that lit up the warm summer night.

The Beach Boys reveal special guest to join performance at City National Gove of Anaheim

 A timely announcement for those craving live music here in Orange County, CA!

THE BEACH BOYS REVEAL SPECIAL GUESTS JOHN STAMOS AND MARK MCGRATH TO JOIN PERFORMANCE AT

CITY NATIONAL GROVE OF ANAHEIM’S DRIVE-IN OC ON DECEMBER 13

 

Countless artists have cited Pet Sounds as their inspiration for creating their own musical masterpieces. Rolling Stone ranked Pet Sounds number 2 on its list of the “500 Greatest Albums of All Time,” and The Beach Boys number 12 on its list of the "100 Greatest Artists of All Time.”

  

ANAHEIM, CA (December 02, 2020)  --- Today, The Beach Boys announced special guests John Stamos and Mark McGrath will join the iconic band for their performance at City National Grove of Anaheim’s Drive-In OC on December 13^th.  Tickets are on sale now via AXS.com.  One ticket per vehicle, five-passenger maximum.

 

The drive-in show will feature a mix of Beach Boys’ classics as well as new material, including Love’s latest single, “This Too Shall Pass,” which he released at the start of the pandemic via BMG to encourage positivity during this unprecedented time. Produced by Scott Totten and featuring special guest John Stamos on drums, the song is available for streaming and download HERE. To watch the music video, produced by John Stamos, click HERE.  All artists and label royalties from "This Too Shall Pass" go to Feeding America's COVID-19 Response Fund to help food banks across the country as they support communities impacted by the pandemic.

 

As the show is taking place in Anaheim, CA, The Beach Boys are encouraging concert-goers to support the Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County, which is a member of the Feeding America food bank network. In Orange County, an average of 506,000 people look to Second Harvest for food assistance each month.  To learn more about the organization and how you can help, please visit: https://www.feedoc.org/.

 

“We feel so blessed to be able to play live music again," said Mike Love. "And for all of our friends, fans and those in attendance, we encourage you to donate to Feeding America and your local food bank to help the countless people around the country in need right now. We appreciate your love and support."

 

“People need something to look forward to, and if we can do it safely, then I am grateful we get a chance to bring this much-needed music to people at a live drive-in event like this one,” said John Stamos.

 

The Beach Boys will also perform material off Love’s holiday album Reason For The Season, which features an array of new holiday songs and Christmas classics ranging from bright guitar and horn-filled pop and rock and track to softer traditional carols and ballads. Sam Hollander (One Direction, Panic! at the Disco, Train) and Steve Greenberg (Hanson, AJR) produced five tracks on the album, including the jubilant title track and the buoyant anthems "It Must Be Christmas" and "Finally it's Christmas" featuring Hanson. Additionally, Love’s children Ambha, Brian, Christian, and Hayleigh Love (All Love) are featured on the album.

 

Since Love penned the lyrics to The Beach Boys’ first hit, “Surfin’” (1961), dozens of the bands chart toppers have become eternal anthems of American youth:  “Surfin’ USA,” “Surfer Girl,” “Fun, Fun, Fun,” “I Get Around,” “California Girls,” “Help Me Rhonda,” “Barbara Ann,” “Good Vibrations,” “Wouldn’t It Be Nice,” “Rock and Roll Music” and “Kokomo.”

                                                           

The Beach Boys have sold over 100 million records worldwide and have received more than 33 RIAA Platinum and Gold record awards.  The Rock And Roll Hall of Famers were also honored at the 2001 Grammy Awards with the Lifetime Achievement Award.  With more than five decades of touring under their belts, The Beach Boys have performed more concerts than any major rock band in history.

 

Sounds Of Summer: The Very Best Of The Beach Boys, Capitol/EMI's 30-track collection of the band's biggest hits, has achieved triple-platinum success with sales of more than three million copies in the U.S. since its release. Rolling Stone ranked the album Pet Sounds, as number 2 on its list of the “500 Greatest Albums of All Time,” and The Beach Boys number 12 on its list of the "100 Greatest Artists of All Time.”  Additionally, in a recent poll of Sirius listeners, The Beach Boys were voted the Number One American Group of the 60s.

 

The Beach Boys are led by Mike Love, who, along with longtime member Bruce Johnston, musical director Scott Totten, Brian Eichenberger, Christian Love, Tim Bonhomme, John Cowsill, Keith Hubacher, and Randy Leago continue the legacy of the iconic band. This concert will not feature Brian Wilson, Al Jardine or David Marks.

 

Drive-In OC at City National Grove of Anaheim has been engineered with safety and wellness top of mind.  For more details about social-distancing guidelines and event details, visit DriveInOC.com.

The Beach Boys' Mike Love releases "This Too Shall Pass" featuring John Stamos

It's beginning to feel a bit like summer here in SoCal, so why not take in a new Mike Love track to help benefit a COVID-19-related charity...

THE BEACH BOYS' MIKE LOVE RELEASES "THIS TOO SHALL PASS"  REMINDING US BETTER DAYS ARE YET TO COME   NEW SONG AND VIDEO FEATURE SPECIAL GUEST JOHN STAMOS    TO WATCH THE VIDEO, CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE SONG, CLICK HERE

Los Angeles, CA - Legendary Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee, Grammy®winner and co-founder of The Beach Boys, Mike Love, released a new song and video today titled, "This Too Shall Pass," via BMG. Love wrote the upbeat rock and roll song as a fun way to encourage positivity during this unprecedented time. Produced by Scott Totten and featuring special guest John Stamos on drums, the song is available for streaming and download HERE. To watch the music video, produced by John Stamos, click HERE.   All artist and label royalties from "This Too Shall Pass" will go to Feeding America's COVID-19 Response Fund to help food banks across the country as they support communities impacted by the pandemic. The fund will enable food banks to secure the resources they need to serve the most vulnerable people during this difficult time. Through the music, Love hopes fans will join him in giving back, amplifying the good and rallying around their global community.   "A lifetime of performing to millions of people all over the world and suddenly everything came to a halt," said Love. "I've lived through enough good times and bad to know that eventually, this too shall pass, and better days are yet to come. With today being May Day, new beginnings are around corner and as the lyrics of this song say, 'we'll get back to havin' fun, fun, fun in the sun.'"    "I'm really proud of Mike for writing this song," said John Stamos.  "About three weeks into the pandemic, Mike, his wife Jacquelyne and I discussed out how to contribute to the crisis. I suggested he do a parody of one of his songs like Neil Diamond did with Sweet Caroline.  He insisted on doing something original and then he started singing 'This Too Shall Pass.'  I thought it was really special.  At 79 years old, he could be on a boat counting his royalty checks on the way to Kokomo, but not Mike. He continues to challenge himself and care deeply about the world and the people in it. That's why it was so important for him to do something new, and say something hopeful."   Although "This Too Shall Pass" was made in isolation -  all musicians featured on the song recorded their part from home while self-quarantined -  it traveled from one collaborator to the next, serving as a reminder that although we're apart, we're never alone.   Due to the pandemic, The Beach Boys, like so many artists, have had to postpone several of their 2020 tour dates due to the coronavirus. Although the situation is disappointing, Love says the silver lining is that he's been able to spend quality time with his wife Jacquelyne and connect with family and friends on video calls. While self-quarantining at his home in Lake Tahoe, he has also turned to meditation, a practice many say reduces anxiety, to stay centered during the coronavirus pandemic. A devotee of TM for over 45 years, he meditates twice a day and credits the practice for helping him endure life's trials and tribulations saying, "It gives me clarity and happiness, and affords me the ability to deal more effectively with all the different issues that life brings."    "This Too Shall Pass" marks Love's first new studio release since the 2019 album, 12 Sides of Summer, via BMG. Produced by Sam Hollander (Panic At The Disco), Josh Edmonson, and The Beach Boys' longtime musical director Scott Totten, the album features a mix of original songs, covers and fresh takes on classic hits, as well as updated renditions of The Beach Boys' most celebrated songs. Prior to Love's 2018 holiday album, Reason For The Season, he released Unleash the Love in 2017, a special double album featuring 13 previously unreleased songs and 14 re-recordings of Beach Boys classics. In 2016, in honor of the 50th anniversary of the hit "Good Vibrations," Love released his highly anticipated memoir titled GOOD VIBRATIONS: My Life as a Beach Boy, which made its way to The New York Times Best Seller list immediately following its publication.