NRBQ announce 'Brass Tacks' 10th Anniversary Edition out on Oct. 18 via Omnivore Recordings

NRBQ's wonderful album "Brass Tacks" is set to get an expanded 10th anniversary reissue next month. Learn more via the official media release below...Robert Kinsler 

NRBQ Announce Brass Tacks 10th Anniversary Edition on LP, CD, and Digital out on October 18 via Omnivore Recordings

CD and Digital Release Contain Three Bonus Tracks

Photo credit: Norm DeMoura

“What a KILLER record! Right up there with the Q’s best! Production, arrangements, performances and songs … just knocks me OUT!”  – Bonnie Raitt

September 10, 2024: NRBQ have announced a 10th Anniversary Edition of Brass Tacks to be released on October 18 via Omnivore Recordings. The acclaimed album returns with updated artwork including photos, new liner notes from John DeAngelis, and fresh remastering from Alan Stockwell, all fully approved by Terry Adams and the band. Plus there are three bonus tracks on the CD and Digital versions, two from the album recording sessions and a rare radio spot featuring Adams.   “If you look it up in your dictionary, you’ll find that ‘getting down to brass tacks’ means to get down to some sort of serious business,” writes DeAngelis in the liner notes. “But for NRBQ—in general, and specifically on this outstanding album from 2014—it means getting down to the business of making unique, memorable music while also having some serious fun.”

“Man, I love hearing a record that is not ironic or cynical. I love that the layers on it are musical and not a superficial spin on the top. Real emotion. It’s killing me.”  — Penn Jillette

With guitarist Scott Ligon, bassist Casey McDonough, and drummer Conrad Choucroun, the record starts out with a slamming beat from Choucroun on the fun “Waitin’ on My Sweetie Pie,” written by Ligon. Ligon also wrote one of the most touching songs, “It’ll Be Alright.” The band tears through originals, “I’d Like To Know” (written by long time Whole Wheat Horns member Jim Hoke), and a version of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Getting To Know You” from The King And I. (Come on—it’s NRBQ!) The record also serves as the debut of new bassist and songwriter, Casey McDonough. He wrote and sang two of their most popular songs in recent years, “Fightin’ Back” and “Can’t Wait to Kiss You”. A hell of a debut!   With songs like “Greetings From Delaware,” “This Flat Tire” and “Places Far Away,” Brass Tacks features some of Terry Adams’ most inventive works both musically and lyrically in the band’s long history. Brass Tacks not only showed the band was back—but back with the songs and sounds and fun NRBQ has always been known, loved, and revered for.

“NRBQ’s Brass Tacks is pure heart and soul nonstop. Listen from start to finish. Music you’ll find nowhere else.”  –P.J. O’Connell

The album was widely praised by the likes of Rolling Stone who said, “Brass Tacks contains the fun, zest, humor and flat-out rock that has defined the band since their birth decades ago.” In PopMatters, Will Layman wrote, "All of the music might have appeared on an old NRBQ collection: it is tuneful, rootsy, rockabilly, sentimental, about cars or love or both, weird, interesting.” AllMusic said, "NRBQ's mix of rock ’n’ roll, jazz, and R&B is as singular and as satisfying as ever,” and the Los Angeles Daily News exclaimed, “Brass Tacks is as accomplished and as spirited an album as the band has ever made …is a terrific addition to the band’s catalog, one that might even act as a gateway drug to NRBQ’s long and rewarding back history.” The New York Times once called NRBQ “the world’s sloppiest virtuosos.” But, NRBQ are actually the world’s most fun-loving virtuosos. And the proof of that is all over Brass Tacks.

“Keep Rockin’ NRBQ!”  — Terry Adams

Watch the trailer: https://youtu.be/1gqHvYfktNE   Pre-order Brass Tacks: www.omnivorerecordings.com/shop/brass-tacks   Brass Tacks tracklist: 1. Waitin’ On My Sweetie Pie 2. Greetings From Delaware 3. Sit In My Lap 4. Fightin’ Back 5. It’ll Be Alright 6. Places Far Away 7. This Flat Tire 8. Can’t Wait To Kiss You 9. I’d Like To Know 10. I’m Not Here 11. Love This Love We Got 12. Getting To Know You   Bonus Tracks 13. That Makes Me A Fool (Early Version) 14. Yes I Have A Banana 15. Radio Spot - Rhodes All Over The Map

New music: The Aquabats!, Steeleye Span, Terry Adams

In this column, I highlight a diverse field of artists featured on outstanding titles available now.

Artist: The Aquabats!

Title: Finally (Gloopy Records / MVD Audio)

You might like if you enjoy: The Cars, Devo, Reel Big Fish

Tell me more: Anyone who caught The Aquabats! at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in April knows just how much fun the Huntington Beach-spawned musical troupe is in concert. Released on June 21, 2024, The Aquabats!'s seventh studio album Finally fully delivers on the band's freewheeling and fun live shows and brings that undeniable party to a 17-track LP that will please the band's generations-spanning fan base known as "Aquacadets." The expansive sonic extravaganza — the band's first new album since 2020's Kooky Spooky...In Stereo — kicks off with the driving alt rocker "Whatever Forever!," a cut bolstered by melody and virtuoso guitar work. Other standouts include the pop-styled "Unicorn Babies!," sci-fi themed foray "Dr. Space Mummy!" (the latter among the highlights of the band's Coachella appearance), post-punk rockers "Algebro!" and "Roofus The Doofus!," electronica "Let's Go Live In A Cave!," comedic "Spider Love!," ska sortie "Sun Blocker!" and enticing melodic cut "Don't Make Me Run!"

The Aquabats! features the collective talents of The MC Bat Commander (lead vocals), Crash McLarson (bass guitar), Jimmy the Robot (saxophone, keyboards), Ricky Fitness (drums, percussion), Eaglebones Falconhawk (guitar, bass), Chainsaw The Prince of Karate (guitar, vocals), Cat Boy (trumpet, vocals) and Gorney (piano, keys, vocals, bass, guitar). Information: theaquabats.com and mvdaudio.com.

Artist: Steeleye Span

Title: Live At The Bottom Line, 1974 (Omnivore Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: Fairport Convention, Richard Thompson, traditional Irish music, Solas

Tell me more: A previously-unissued performance by British folk-rock troupe Steeleye Span, Live At The Bottom Line, 1974 is an exciting and wonderful audio document of a performance captured 50 years ago that ranks as one of this year's most outstanding concert recording releases. The recording features instrumental standouts such as "Beg Your Leave," "Irish Jigs (Including Paddy Clancy's)," and a fiery medley ("The Musical Priest/The Silver Spear/The High Reel") as well as sweeping songs like the driving folk rocker "Alison Gross," the dazzling duet "John Barleycorn," the troupe's enticing #14 UK hit "Gaudete" and spirited fiddle-anchored closer "The Mason's Apron." The recording also introduces one of the sextant's most beloved songs, "Thomas The Rhymer," a perfect fusion of British folk and rock bolstered by bewitching vocal harmonies. The Scottish ballad "Cam Ye O'er Frae France," dark "Little Sir Hugh," the haunting "Saucy Sailor" and lovely "Summer is a Comin' In" are among the other wonderful tracks featured on the 74-minute set. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.

Artist: Terry Adams

Title: Terrible (Omnivore Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: NRBQ, jazz, GoGo Penguin, Vince Guaraldi

Tell me more: The first solo album from NRBQ founder Terry Adams has been reissued and remastered by Omnivore Recordings with four bonus tracks. Originally released in 1995, Terrible puts the focus on Adams' talents as a composer. Adams is backed by fellow New Rhythm & Blues Quartet bandmates Johnny Spaminato (guitar), Joey Spaminato (bass) and Tom Ardolino (drums) as well as a slew of other guests —  notably Marshall Allen (alto sax), Tyrone Hill (trombone) and Dave Gordon (trumpet). The track listing includes the bona fide jazz sorties "Toodlehead" and "Hilda," New Orleans-flavored "Venusian Sunset," cinematic "Yes Yes Yes," the sublime "Little One," beautiful ballad "Thinking Of You" and aptly-titled "These Blues." Two of the more interesting selections are the otherworldly "Distant Instant" and "Kalimba," which both feature Adams alone on dulcitone. The reissue includes new liner notes, remastered audio, and is available as a double-LP set, on audio CD and via digital. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.

Robert Kinsler

New Music: The dB'S, Skeeter Davis & NRBQ, Fastball

New albums featuring under-the-radar heroes The dB'S, Skeeter Davis & NRBQ, and Fastball are featured in my column this week.

Artist: The dB'S

Title: Stands for deciBels (Propeller Sound Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: The dB's, Big Star, R.E.M., early Cheap Trick

Tell me more: Groundbreaking American rock outfit the dB's' 1981 debut album Stands for deciBels has just been reissued digitally as well as on audio CD and vinyl by Propeller Sound Recordings; the newly remastered album had never previously been released on vinyl in the U.S. 

The dB's / Photo by Stefan Wallgren

A true sonic bridge between power pop pioneers Big Star and college rock heroes R.E.M., the dB'S' glorious 12-track Stands for deciBels busts out of the gate with the driving "Black and White," a song that somehow blends jangly guitar rock, garage rock and new wave stylings in an artfully new way. Subsequent cuts on the disc include the hypnotic "Dynamite," psychedelic-minded "She's Not Worried," style-defying "Espionage" and "Cycles per Second," driving rocker "Bad Reputation" and exuberant "I'm In Love." The CD and digital editions of Stands for deciBels closes with the sumptuous "Judy," a single not included on the original release but available on a late '80s I.R.S. Records reissue. The dB'S (Peter Holsapple, Chris Stamey, Gene Holder and Will Rigby) are set to embark on their first national tour since 2012 on the heels of their studio album issued that year (Falling Off the Sky) when they perform at the Hopscotch Music Festival in Raleigh, North Carolina on Sept. 7, 2024. Information: propellersoundrecordings.com and thedbs.com.

Artist: Skeeter Davis & NRBQ

Title: She Sings, They Play (Omnivore Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: NRBQ, Skeeter Davis, She & Him, Emmylou Harris, the Davis Sisters

Tell me more: One of the more interesting and bold collaborations of the 1980s, Skeeter Davis & NRBQ's 1985 album She Sings, They Play has been released as an expanded reissue by Omnivore Recordings. A true fusion between the talents of acclaimed singer Davis and genre mash up-minded American rock outfit NRBQ, the album (released via vinyl, on CD and digitally) thrills across its entire gloriously-expanded run. Delights abound on the outstanding title,  including the traditional country nugget "Everybody Wants A Cowboy," heartfelt ballad "I Can't Stop Loving You Now" featuring Buddy Emmons' wonderful pedal steel guitar work, the lively duet "Ain't Nice To Talk Like That," the previously-unissued retro rocker "I Want You Bad," a rootsy heartfelt cover of "Someday My Prince Will Come," the Baroque ballad "How Many Tears" and previously-unreleased rockabilly cut "I Gotta Know." Also included on the disc are tracks recorded live at The Bottom Line in New York City on Oct. 18, 1985 — the date of the album's initial release — that are included on the audio CD and digital versions of She Sings, They Play; "Gonna Get Along Without You Now," "Things To You" and a bewitching take on Davis' own 1962 hit "The End Of The World" are particularly strong. The packaging contains updated artwork, photos from the recording sessions and liner notes from John DeAngelis. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.

Artist: Fastball

Title: Sonic Ranch (Sunset Blvd Records)

You might like if you enjoy: dada, Fastball, Goo Goo Dolls, Oasis

Tell me more: One of the most talented American rock bands to emerge at the dawn of the 1990s, Austin, Texas-based Fastball is back with a new album that recalls the trio's best work. Produced by David Garza (Fiona Apple, Rhett Miller), the new album titled Sonic Ranch (released on June 21) features a slew of memorable and diverse originals. The explosive first single "Rather Be Me Than You" is an infectious and hard-charging cut that is equal parts testosterone and melody. The aptly-titled "Daydream" is a sweeping mid tempo track recalling early Oasis. Fastball's talent at crafting top-tier ear candy is highlighted by the luxurious "Hummingbird" and buoyant "Let Love Back In Your Heart." The fast-paced "Get You Off My Mind" blends the band's signature melodic rock sound with a New Wave flourish that really works, while the countrified folk nugget "Grey Sky Blue" and Spaghetti Western-tinged "America" collectively showcase the ambitious range of Fastball. Other standouts include the harmonies-draped "On And On" and enchanting "The Island Of Me." Sonic Ranch marks a wonderful return for Tony Scalzo, Miles Zuniga and Joey Shuffield. Information: fastballtheband.com. 

Robert Kinsler

New Music: NRBQ, The Stayawakes, Panthervision, The Arcs

Check out some terrific new music titles available now.

Artist: NRBQ

Title: Tiddlywinks (Omnivore Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: R.E.M., the Monkees' "Headquarters," The Minus 5

Tell me more: Originally released in 1980 via Rounder Records, NRBQ's album Tiddlywinks has just been reissued via a delightful expanded edition courtesy of Omnivore Recordings. The Louisville, Kentucky-spawned band has always been a genre-defying delight; Tiddlywinks showcases the troupe's eclectic sonic instincts in spades. Band mates Terry Adams (piano, clarinet, harmonica, vocals), Joey Spampinato (bass, guitar vocals), Al Anderson (guitar, vocals) and Tom Ardolino crafted some of NRBQ's most beloved tracks on their eighth album including two winning singles (the propulsive "Me And The Boys" and "Never Take The Place Of You," the latter a particularly lovely soul-mining original). Additional standouts include the buoyant opener "Feel You Around Me," Baroque folk ballad "Beverly," rollicking "That I Get Back Home," '50s-flavored cut "Want You To Feel Good Too" (featuring plenty of great piano work from Adams) and power pop nugget "You Can't Hide." The bonus track "Big Goodbyes" is very interesting with jarring blasts from guests The Whole Wheat Horns and Adams' own harmonica work providing a haunting delivery over the course of its almost four minute run. The reissue features updated artwork and liner notes from original engineer Tom Mark. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.

Artist: The Stayawakes

Title: Dogs And Cats/Living Together — Special Edition (Kool Kat Musik)

You might like if you enjoy: Goo Goo Dolls, Fountains of Wayne, Psychic Rain, Something Corporate

Tell me more: In 2022, Kool Kat Musik cast a well-deserved spotlight on The Stayawakes with the release of the band's acclaimed Pop Dreamz. Fast forward to 2023 and the record label has reissued The Stayawakes' 2018 under-the-radar effort Dogs And Cats/Living Together — Special Edition. An outstanding album of energetic power pop, the album opens with the dashing "Slumbers," an original which struck this listener as a magical collaboration between the Gin Blossoms and Goo Goo Dolls. The album's top-tier tracks abound, including the cascading "Keepsakes," literate "Little Explorer," aptly-titled "High School Weirdness," and artfully sumptuous "Overdue." Lead singer Andrew Ricks' poignant lead vocals have a perfect fit in the musical brew created by guitarist Peter Foulk, drummer Steven Hart, keyboardist David Pryce and bassist Jimmy Cooper. The "Special Edition" also includes six additional previously-unreleased tracks not included on the original 2018 release. Information: KoolKatMusik.com.

Artist: Panthervision

Title: Now In 3-D (Kool Kat Musik)

You might like if you enjoy: Beyond Veronica, the Muffs, the Bangles' early albums

Tell me more: Lead vocalist/rhythm guitarist Bonnie Veronica and lead guitarist Kirk Larsen fronted Portland-based power pop/garage rockers Beyond Veronica for 15 years before forming the harder-edged Panthervision. On their wonderful new debut album Now In 3-D (available Feb. 3, 2023 via Kool Kat Musik) the quartet (whose lineup also features drummer Ben Asher and bassist Ty Gerhardt) provide proof that modern rock can simultaneously be melodic, bold and flat out fun. The parade of tuneful tracks include the driving opener "Say What You Like," undeniably catchy "Trouble," raucous "Out in the Street," lively "Through My Window" (which recalls the sound of the Bangles' All Over The Place era), psychedelia-tinged "Mister Riley" and bewitching lead guitar-loaded "I Need You." Panthervision also shines on an amped up cover of the 1966 Love classic "Can't Explain." Panthervision's forceful brand of power pop is elevated by shining harmonies embellishing the rapid fire pacing. Information: KoolKatMusik.com.

Artist: The Arcs

Title: Electronphonic Chronic (Easy Eye Sound)

You might like if you enjoy: The Shins, Modest Mouse, Dan Auerbach

Tell me more: In 2015, Dan Auerbach (of The Black Keys) went into the studio with Leon Michels, Homer Steinweiss, Nick Movshon and the late Richard Swift (who passed away July 3, 2018) to record The Arcs' debut album Yours, Dreamily. The ensemble recorded so many tracks that didn't make it on that debut that they put together the best of those cuts to complete and release as a way to honor Swift resulting in the newly released Electronphonic Chronic. The sound of the album is a welcoming brew of electronica, neo-psychedelic rock, funk-fed grooves and indie rock. The dreamy "Keep On Dreamin'," shimmering "Eyez," hypnotic "Heaven Is A Place" and low-fi delight "Califone Interlude" are among the early standouts; the magic continues with the soul-flavored "River," Americana-tinged "A Man Will Do Wrong" and soulful ballad "Only One For Me" on the marvelous disc. Information: thearcs.com.

Robert Kinsler

Omnivore Recordings and NRBQ announce expanded reissue of 1980 classic 'Tiddlywinks', with 4 bonus tracks, out on Jan. 27, 2023

A legendary NRBQ album will be the focus of an expanded reissue coming on Jan. 27, 2023...Robert Kinsler

Omnivore Recordings and NRBQ Announce Expanded Reissue of 1980 Classic Tiddlywinks

out on January 27

Featuring The Hits “Me And The Boys,” “Never Take The Place Of You,” plus four bonus tracks

January 5, 2023: Today, NRBQ announced that the expanded reissue of their 1980 classic album Tiddlywinks will be released on January 27 through Omnivore Recordings.

Over a decade into their career, NRBQ entered Bearsville Studios in upstate New York and recorded their eighth album. The line-up featured Terry Adams (keyboards), Joey Spampinato (bass), Tom Ardolino (drums) and Al Anderson (guitar), plus The Whole Wheat Horns (Donn Adams and Keith Spring). The end result was Tiddlywinks, which contained the singles “Me And The Boys” and “Never Take The Place Of You.” It immediately became another fan favorite NRBQ classic album, and provided an entry point for a new audience to come on board as “Me And The Boys” garnered repeat airplay on radio stations across the country.

Now, over four decades later, Tiddlywinks returns. This time, four bonus tracks are added to the mix; “I Don’t Think Of...” and “Big Goodbyes” – recorded during the Tiddlywinks sessions and released on 1983’s Tapdancin’ Bats collection, plus the Radio and TV Spots originally issued on the flip side of the “Never Take The Place Of You” 7” single.

Featuring updated artwork and liner notes from original engineer Tom Mark (who had worked with the band on At Yankee Stadium), the Tiddlywinks experience is now complete. From Mark’s liner notes: “Working with those guys was such a pleasure. We always had fun. Four amazing musician/writers really listening to each other, what else do you want? Thank you NRBQ.” Available on LP, CD, and Digital, it’s time to stop playing games, and grab some Tiddlywinks!

After the releases of High Noon – A 50 Year Retrospective (2016), the Happy Talk (2017) and April Showers EPs (2018), reissues of their debut album NRBQ (2018) and All Hopped Up (2018), the live Turn On, Tune In (2019), and In • Frequencies (a rarities collection, 2020), all of which are available on Omnivore Recordings, NRBQ returned in 2021 with their first full-length release since 2014, Dragnet. In addition to their version of the Dragnet theme, the album contains 10 new, original songs, all of which were written or co-written by the band—including Adams’ “Sunflower,” which was originally recorded for the 2018 film Change In The Air.

NRBQ will be on the road throughout 2023. Look out for tour dates to be announced at www.nrbq.com.

Watch the trailer: https://youtu.be/cTwb5C2amsg

Pre-order: www.omnivorerecordings.com/shop/tiddlywinks

Tiddlywinks Tracklist:

1. Feel You Around Me

2. Me And The Boys

3. Music Goes Round And Around

4. Beverly

5. That I Get Back Home

6. Roll Call

7. I Don’t Think Of... [Bonus Track]

8. Want You To Feel Good Too

9. Never Take The Place Of You

10. You Can’t Hide

11. Definition Of Love

12. Hobbies

13. Big Goodbyes [Bonus Track]

14. Tiddlywinks TV Spot [Bonus Track]

15. Tiddlywinks Radio Ad [Bonus Track]

New music: Johnny Marr, Sarah Borges, Urge Overkill, Scorpions, Natalie Cole

Johnny Marr, Sarah Borges, Urge Overkill and Scorpions are back with outstanding new studio albums. Also worth celebrating is the 30th Anniversary Edition of Natalie Cole's acclaimed Unforgettable...With Love available now.

Artist: Johnny Marr

Title: Fever Dreams Pts 1-4 (New Voodoo/BMG)

You might like if you enjoy: The Smiths, Johnny Marr, New Order, The The

Tell me more: Since Johnny Marr embarked on his bona fide solo career in 2013 with the release of his debut effort The Messenger, the British singer-songwriter/guitar master has carved out an essential new chapter in his career that builds on his immense contributions with The Smiths, the Pretenders, The The, 7 Worlds Collide, Modest Mouse and more. Add to that growing legacy the release of his ambitious new album Fever Dreams Pts 1-4. The 16-track album — which runs more than 72 minutes — finds Marr at the top of his game using his sharp vocals, signature guitar work and honed songcraft in the service of another truly incredible album. The thrilling opener "Spirit Power & Soul," hypnotic "All These Days," 1980s-meets-2022 "Hideaway Girl" and fiery modern rocker "Tenement Time" are among the thrilling early entries on the must-hear collection. The second half of the album continues to showcase Marr's razor-sharp approach as evidenced by the spellbinding "The Speed of Love," infectious "Night and Day," driving "The Whirl" and meditative closer "Human." Information: JohnnyMarr.com.

Artist: Sarah Borges

Title: Together Alone (Blue Corn Music)

You might like if you enjoy: Rosanne Cash, Aimee Mann, Sarah Borges

Tell me more: Years from now music historians will likely shine a reflective light on the myriad of masterworks created amidst the global COVID-19 pandemic that stopped the world in its tracks in early 2020. Among the albums deserving of their future attention —  and ours now —  is Sarah Borges' excellent Together Alone. Recorded remotely with her longtime producer Eric "Roscoe" Ambel, Together Alone features 10 original songs anchored by Borges' marvelous talents as singer, songwriter and guitarist. The lead-off track "Wasting My Time" sets up the lyrical themes and inviting soundscape to come with Borges singing: "It's been a while now since I've seen my friends / Don't know when I'm gonna see 'em again / Without them around / It's harder to pretend that I know where I'm going." The buoyant rocker "Lucky Day," rootsy "Wouldn't Know You" (featuring nice lead guitar work and piano playing from Amber), poetic "13th Floor," rollicking "You Got Me On The Boat" and introspective "Together Alone" are among the great songs on the disc. Ambel's liner notes add insight into the challenges and rewards of the way that Borges and a cast of great players —  including members of NRBQ and The Bottle Rockets — were able to complete the recording of this superb album. Information: bluecornmusic.com.  

Artist: Urge Overkill

Title: Oui (Omnivore Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: The Replacements, Husker Dü, Weezer

Tell me more: Back with their first new album since 2011's Rock & Roll Submarine, Chicago-based Urge Overkill's Oui marks a wonderful addition to the discography of the Nash Kato- and King Roeser-led troupe. The duo's loose and energetic Rolling Stones-on-steroids approach shines across the long-awaited album. Urge Overkill's parade of killer cuts on Oui includes a sparkling reworked version of George Michael's Wham!-era "Freedom," the tuneful "I Been Ready," rapid-fire "Forgiven," wistful "Litany" and crunchy "Won't Let Go." Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.  

Artist: Scorpions

Title: Rock Believer (Spinefarm)

You might like if you enjoy: Deep Purple, Scorpions, UFO

Tell me more: Crank it up. Famed German rockers Scorpions are back with the pedal-to-the-metal Rock Believer, created during the global pandemic in Hanover. The venerable hard rock quintet fires through 11 melody-minded rockers including the opening sortie "Gas In The Tank," ripping "Roots In My Boots," soaring "Shining Of Your Soul," poignant "Seventh Sun," inspired "Peacemaker" and lovely closer "When You Know (Where You Come From)." Many of the songs celebrate the band's strong ties with their fans and the music they play; there is a growing appreciation of their lasting place 55+ years into their marathon rock 'n' roll run (the band has reportedly sold more than 100 million records since 1972). Indeed, on the title track lead vocalist Klaus Meine sings: "Scream for me screamer / I'm a rock believer / like you just like you / Come on scream for me screamer / I'm a rock believer, like you just like you." The audio CD release is packaged in a 4-panel digipak and comes with a 16-page booklet. Information: scorpions.com. 

Artist: Natalie Cole

Title: Unforgettable...With Love [30th Anniversary Edition] (Craft Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: Natalie Cole, Nat King Cole, David Foster

Tell me more: Long before she recorded Unforgettable...With Love at the dawn of the 1990s, Natalie Cole had often been encouraged to complete a collection of songs that had been recorded by her late father Nat King Cole. Unforgettable...With Love was ultimately Natalie Cole's most successful album, selling more than seven million copies and earning the artist a number of Grammys including Album of the Year, Record of the Year and Best Traditional Pop Vocal Performance for the title track. Now the 1991 album has been newly remastered and sounds better than ever. Natalie Cole brings her own signature style to classic material, her soprano bringing technical precision and emotional warmth to uptempo numbers ("Route 66," "This Can't Be Love," "Orange Colored Sky"), slower nuggets ("Mona Lisa," the jazzy "That Sunday That Summer," the gorgeous ballad "Too Young") and many of the most beloved songs of the 20th century (notably Charlie Chaplin's "Smile," George and Ira Gershwin's "Our Love Is Here To Stay," Irving Gordon's "Unforgettable" and Nat King Cole's own "Straighten Up and Fly Right"). In addition to the inclusion of all 22 selections featured on the original release, the 30th Anniversary Edition of Unforgettable...With Love includes two bonus tracks ("At Last" and "Cottage For Sale"). A wonderful 24-page booklet includes extensive liner notes and historical photos of Natalie Cole with her legendary father. Information: CraftRecordings.com.

Robert Kinsler