New music: Ringo Starr, Peter Case, Rick Vito, Wormstew

In this column I showcase four fantastic new audio titles available now.

Artist: Ringo Starr
Title: Long Long Road (Ringo Starr)
You might like if you enjoy: Ringo Starr, The Beatles, Molly Tuttle, Billy Strings

Tell me more: Beloved singer-songwriter/drummer Ringo Starr is back with yet another wonderful studio album, the aptly titled Long Long Road. The 10-track Nashville-mining album features a slew of musical heavyweights who add their talents to bolster the T Bone Burnett-produced LP. Indeed, Sheryl Crow, Sarah Jarosz, Molly Tuttle, St. Vincent and Billy Strings are among the notables featured on Starr's 22nd solo album; the original songs on the disc were co-written by Starr alongside Burnett as well as with Daniel Tashian and Bruce Sugar. Early highlights on the album abound; the breezy Appalachia-tinged "Returning Without Tears" finds Starr's signature vocals a perfect fit with harmony vocals courtesy of Tuttle's lovely soprano (she also plays acoustic guitar on the track). The breezy "Baby Don't Go" (the latter featuring some flashy acoustic guitar work from Strings), the driving "It's Been Too Long" with Starr's masterful drumming front and center (his outstanding lead vocals blend perfectly with backing vocals provided by Tuttle and Jarosz), and the buoyant gem "Why," the latter featuring stellar acoustic guitar work from both Tuttle and Strings are fantastic. The last half of Long Long Road continues to cast its magic via the shimmering "You and I (Wave of Love)," lovely "My Baby Don't Want Nothing" and Beatlesque "Choose Love." Bringing it all home is the pedal-string swept title track that finds a grateful Starr looking back at his incredible life and how — no matter the challenge — he continues to live each day with purpose, love and strength. Long Long Road is available on audio CD, vinyl LP, "Ultraviolet Dream" color vinyl and via all streaming/download services. Ringo Starr and his All Starr Band have a number of upcoming concert dates on the West Coast this spring, including a performance at Findlay Toyota Center in Prescott Valley, AZ on Sunday, May 31, 2026. Information: ringostarr.com. 

Artist: Peter Case
Title: My Life To Live: Peter Case At McCabe's (Sunset Blvd Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Peter Case, Bob Dylan, The Nerves, The Plimsouls
Tell me more: Three-time Grammy nominated artist Peter Case's stellar legacy is celebrated across the new commercial concert recording My Life To Live: Peter Case At McCabe's. Recorded during a sold-out two-night stand at McCabe's in Santa Monica, CA, the stellar songwriting and top-tier vocal delivery of Case shines across the recording that highlights material from across his celebrated discography. Highlights include the melodic "Estella Hotel," nuanced "Ain't Gonna Worry No More," blues-folk political sortie "Water From A Stone," poetic "Underneath The Stars," piano-anchored "Oldest Story In The World" and literate thought-provoking cut "Every 24 Hours." Nothing captures the "unplugged" magic of the album's sweep like the authentic take of "Somebody Told The Truth" which features Case's a cappella vocals and blues harmonica blasts perfectly framed by the spot-on clapping accompaniment of the entire audience. Information: petercase.com. 

Artist: Rick Vito
Title: Slidemaster (MoMojo Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Bonnie Raitt, Derek Trucks
Tell me more: If you love slide guitar, you are going to absolutely love Grammy-nominated guitarist Rick Vito's aptly-titled Slidemaster. This truly unique album features Vito's all-instrumental selections played exclusively on slide guitar. Standouts on the dozen-track collection include the fiery opener "Vegas Jump," emotive slow Chicago blues-flavored "Steal Away," the moody '60s-mining "The Danger Zone," and "Soul Shadows," sumptuous reading of Peter Green's "Albatross," a nuanced version of Sam Cooke's "A Change Is Gonna Come" and ambitious original "River Of Blues." Information: rickvito.com. 

Artist: Wormstew
Title: The Last Days Of Loma (Big Stir Records)
You might like if you enjoy: They Might Be Giants, Del Amitri, The Kinks, sparkle*jets u.k.
Tell me more: Released on April 24, Wormstew's debut album The Last Days Of Loma is loaded with originals that are artful, melodic, intelligent and never less than alluring. Mike Schnee (lead vocals, guitars, keyboards, percussion), Teresa Cowles (bass, vocals, keyboards) and Michael Simmons (drums, vocals, electric guitar, keyboards and more) are a formidable trio, conjuring up past masters while bravely crafting a sonic palette all their own. The melodious jazz-tinged opener "Spinning," tuneful "Sheriff Brody" (a literate look back at the protagonist from the classic movie "Jaws"), shining harmonies sortie "Letters On The Wall," delightfully driving Americana nugget "Movin' Along" and haunting "J.P. McCartney" are among my early faves on the 14-track disc. The exuberant bluegrass gem "Assholes," wistful "Irony At Its Finest," melancholy-filled Kinks-flavored "When Cats Are Sad," soaring "When Our Worlds Collide" and sophisticated "Another Stupid Song" thrill on Side 2 of the masterwork. The Last Days Of Loma is available on vinyl, audio CD and via streaming services worldwide. Information: bigstirrecords.com. 

Robert Kinsler

This week: 'Nuggets' all-star tribute via Lenny Kaye, Wild Honey Foundation and Rhino Records, May 19 in Glendale, Calif.

Looking for a great way to spend this Friday? Check out this event coming to Glendale, CA...Robert Kinsler

WILD HONEY FOUNDATION, LENNY KAYE  AND RHINO RECORDS PRESENT  NUGGETS: ORIGINAL ARTYFACTS FROM THE FIRST PSYCHEDELIC ERA, 1965–1968:A 50th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION    Live benefit for the Autism Healthcare Collaborative Friday, May 19th, 2023, 8 p.m. at the historic Alex Theatre in Glendale, Calif.    Guest performers include: Our host and guitarist Lenny Kaye (Patti Smith Band), Susanna Hoffs, Peter Buck (R.E.M.), “Weird Al” Yankovic, Mike Peters (The Alarm), Elliot Easton (Cars), Johnny Echols (Love), James Lowe (Electric Prunes), The Count Five, Jim Pons (the Leaves), David Aguilar (Chocolate Watchband), Billy Vera, Ron Dante, The Three O’Clock, Evie Sands, Peter Zaremba (Fleshtones), Peter Case, Carla Olson, Kathy Valentine (The Go-Go’s),  Tom Kenny (Sponge Bob), and more!

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — To celebrate the 50th Anniversary the release of the classic compilation Nuggets: Original Artyfacts From the First Psychedelic Era, 1965-1968, benefit concert producers the Wild Honey Foundation, original curator Lenny Kaye, and Rhino Records will present a live performance of songs from legendary LP and bonus material from the era as a benefit for the Autism Healthcare Collaborative, will take place Friday, May 19, 2023 at 8 p.m., at the historic Alex Theatre in Glendale, Calif. The Wild Honey Orchestra Nuggets All-Star Band will include Lenny Kaye, Rob Laufer, Andrew Sandoval, Darian Sahanaja, Debbie Shair, Alec Palao, Jim Laspesa, Nick Vincent, Willie Aron, Jordan Summers, David Nolte, Robbie Scharf, Nelson Bragg, and Derrick Anderson. Led by Kaye, Laufer and Sandoval, this crack ensemble will deliver a tight but appropriately gritty backing for a hugely talented ensemble of guest performers including originals Jim Pons (The Leaves), James Lowe (Electric Prunes), The Count Five, David Aguilar (Chocolate Watchband), and Daryl Hooper (The Seeds). With well-timed guest stints by guitar legends like Elliot Easton (The Cars), Johnny Echols (Love), and Peter Buck (R.E.M.) and more, this will be rousing exploration of mid-‘60s garage and early psychedelia. Also appearing: "Weird Al' Yankovic, Susanna Hoffs (The Bangles), Kathy Valentine (The Go-Go's), Peter Case, Mike Peters (The Alarm), Billy Vera, Ron Dante, Peter Zaremba (The Fleshtones), Cindy Lee Berryhill, Evie Sands, Tom Kenny (Sponge Bob), Carla Olson, The Three O'Clock, and more. Nuggets: Original Artyfacts from the First Psychedelic Era is the influential 1972 compilation album of American psychedelic and garage-rock singles that were released during the mid-to-late 1960s. Curated by legendary Lenny Kaye (Patti Smith Band guitarist since the early 70’s), the original Nuggets’ liner notes contained one of one of the first mentions of the phrase “punk rock.”  The Nuggets series has influenced many generations of rockers from the Ramones to the Lemon Twigs. With Rhino Records releasing a limited Record Store Day version this spring, Nuggets continues to influence young bands across the globe with its visceral garage/psychedelic power with songs like “Gloria,” “96 Tears,” “I Had Too Much To Dream Last Night,” “Psychotic Reaction,” “Pushin’ Too Hard,” “Dirty Water,” “7 and 7 Is,” and over 20 more! The show will benefit the Autism Healthcare Collaborative, an internationally recognized non-profit organization committed to facilitating the medical and psychosocial stabilization of individuals and families living with autism. The Autism Healthcare Collaborative provides a multidisciplinary team approach to the identification and treatment of the complicated medical comorbidities of autism by connecting medical experts to families and physicians around the world through medical videoconferencing.   AHC offers innovative solutions for individuals with autism, across the spectrum and throughout their lifetime, through comprehensive case management, community outreach, advocacy, and education. https://www.autismhc.org/ About the Wild Honey Foundation Since 1994, Wild Honey Foundation, a 501(c)(3), non-profit, has produced concerts, film screenings, online fundraisers, and live stream events to benefit autism treatment/research and members of the music community in need. Founded and led by Paul Rock, David Jenkins, and Andrew Sandoval, Wild Honey is a grassroots, volunteer organization dedicated to passing on the passion, creativity, and idealism found in rock, rhythm & blues, folk, classical, and pop music to future generations through cultural events of all types.  For more information on the Wild Honey Foundation, please go to: https://www.facebook.com/groups/183120448393501/   Email: Wildhoneyfoundation@yahoo.com                                                                    # # #

New Music: The Zombies, Peter Case, The New Pornographers

The long-awaited return from The Zombies as well as new releases from acclaimed singer-songwriter Peter Case and indie rock heroes The New Pornographers make for an especially strong field of essential new albums released on March 31, 2023.  

Artist: The Zombies

Title: Different Game (Cooking Vinyl)

You might like if you enjoy: The Zombies, Colin Blunstone, Rod Argent

Tell me more: The Zombies have returned with the magnificent Different Game, the groundbreaking British band's first new studio album since 2015's Still Got That Hunger. Delayed by the arrival of the global pandemic — the band members had decided from the beginning of the process in 2019 after their well-deserved induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame that they would record the songs together to capture the energy of their legendary live performances — Different Game continues to find the quintet conjuring up the magic of their past performances while embracing the future. The 10-track album's stellar track listing spans from the opening title track (a gorgeous Baroque pop gem that includes a lush instrumental finale), jazzy "Dropped Reeling & Stupid" (the latter bolstered by a particularly sophisticated organ solo from Rod Argent that segues into a marvelous turn showcasing guitarist Tom Toomey), the lovely ballad "You Could Be My Love" featuring Colin Blunstone's amazing tenor vocals and sumptuous rocker "Merry-Go-Round." Other standouts include the shimmering "Love You," the rousing blues-rocker "Got To Move On" and tender closer "The Sun Will Rise Again." The work of the Q Strings quartet (Laura Stanford, Ellie Stanford, Amy Stanford and Jess Cox) adds magic across the marvelous disc, notably on the aforementioned title track and "I Want To Fly," the latter where they provide the full accompaniment for Blunstone. Information: thezombiesmusic.com.

Artist: Peter Case

Title: Doctor Moan (Sunset Blvd. Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Warren Zevon, The Waterboys, Dr. John

Tell me more: Peter Case is back. The legendary singer-songwriter's 16th solo album Doctor Moan finds the top-tier artist tackling original material anchored by his piano playing — this is a departure from Case fronting modern rock favorites The Plimsouls in the late 1970s and '80s and subsequent solo career marked by more guitar-focused material. To be sure the 11-track Doctor Moan is a rich tapestry that serves the New York native's literate and compelling songcraft fully at every turn. Standouts abound on the 11-track disc; the uptempo jazz-tinged "Downtown Nowhere's Blues," absolutely beautiful "Eyes of Love," Dr. John-flavored "The Flying Crow" and reflective "Girl In Love With A Shadow"; "Wandering Days" is the lone guitar-anchored track and the breezy cut is another highlight on the album. In addition to his outstanding piano and acoustic guitar work, Case utilizes harmonica (in spades on the bluesy "Give Me Five Minutes More") and mellotron; the album also features the talents of Jonny Flaugher on electric and acoustic base, and Chris Joyner on B-3 organ. Information: PeterCase.com.

Artist: The New Pornographers

Title: Continue as a Guest (Merge Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Neko Case, Kathryn Calder, Beck, Gorillaz

Tell me more: The New Pornographers have returned with another batch of far-flung and stellar songs, proving ambition and evolution works wonders for the Canadian collective. Bandleader A.C. Newman along with Neko Case, Kathryn Calder, Todd Fancy, John Collins and Joe Seiders are exploring new sonic territory across their ninth studio album, having added a bit of rawness to their well-known melodic pop sheen (just listen to the urgent "Pontius Pilate's Home Movies"). The challenges of recording during the pandemic may have elevated the magic here; just listen to the soaring "Bottle Episodes," probing experimental-tinged title track, sweeping "Really Really Light," opulent "Marie And The Undersea" and genre-defying "Cat And Mouse With The Light." Information: TheNewPornographers.com.

Robert Kinsler

Under the Radar Heroes Thrill on New Releases

The world is full of artists waiting to be discovered, as well as those worth rediscovering. Australia's The Church, Kansas City blues great Samantha Fish, Canadian icon Bruce Cockburn and Southern California's own The Red Button all have outstanding new audio collections available now.

Artist: The Church
Title: Man Woman Life Death Infinity (Unorthodox)
You might like if you enjoy: The Cure, Interpol
Tell me more: Although Man Woman Life Death Infinity is the 26th album from Australia's the Church, lovers of intelligent alt rock will be happy to hear the band continues to challenge listeners with creative and expansive song craft. There is a dreamy and textured otherworldly sound that ties the disc's 10 songs together; hypnotic rhythms and shimmering guitar textures surround Steve Kilbey's rich baritone. The songs themselves often focus on ideas or themes surrounding water; the affecting "Submarine," lush "Undersea," propulsive "Before the Deluge" and goth-tinged "In Your Fog" invite the listener to join the Church in the depths of this sonic soundscape. And it is a musical journey worth taking to be sure. Information: TheChurchBand.net.

Artist: Samantha Fish
Title: Belle of the West (Ruf)
You might like if you enjoy: Samantha Fish, Rhiannon Giddens
Tell me more: A gifted singer, songwriter and lead guitarist, Samantha Fish is releasing her second great album of 2017. Having issued the intoxicating top 10 Billboard Blues LP Chills & Fever back in March 2017, now comes the equally-rousing Belle of the West. This time out, Fish (aided by producer Luther Dickinson of North Mississippi Allstars fame) has recorded an album at Zebra Ranch Studios in the North Hills of Mississippi and blended the rich traditions of Delta blues with her own Kansas City roots. The songs are steeped in the region's authentic sounds and includes material that is at times joyful and and elsewhere decidedly introspective. The album kicks off with "American Dream," a breezy song featuring Fish's strong soprano and relatively sparse but propulsive groove locked in with a strong drum pattern. More representative of the traditional Mississippi sound is "Blood in the Water," with Fish's soulful vocals positioned amidst a soundscape of slide guitar and evocative harmonica. The lovely and graceful folk blues of "Need You More," countrified "Cowtown," the gorgeous title track and free wheeling "No Angels" shine elsewhere on this wonderful disc. Information: SamanthaFish.com.

Artist: Bruce Cockburn
Title: Bone on Bone (True North)
You might like if you enjoy: Neil Young, Nils Lofgren
Tell me more: Master singer-songwriter-guitarist Bruce Cockburn has returned with the epic "Bone on Bone," his first new full-length album since 2011's "Small Source Of Comfort." Always an artist difficult to pigeonhole, Cockburn's new album finds the 72-year-old Canadian great once exploring roots, folk, blues and more with a master's touch. The gorgeous folk song "Forty Years in the Wilderness" is one of the beautiful songs in his extensive discography. His songs are rich in alluring textures and melodies, and the probing and confessional lyrics challenge in ways that vastly outdistance the cliches and trite observations too common in the digital age. "Cafe Society" somehow brings in the timely topics of refugees, drug use, police violence and dozens of other topics without sounding calculated; the jazz-tinged spoken word heavy "3 Al Purdys," introspective "Looking and Waiting" and instrumental finger style guitar work "Bone on Bone" collectively serve to remind long-time and new fans of Cockburn's brilliant and wide-ranging talents. Information: BruceCockburn.com.

Artist: The Red Button
Title: Now It's All This! (Jem Records)
You might like if you enjoy: The. Beatles, Fountains of Wayne
Tell me more: Listening to the wonderful Red Button 33-track retrospective Now It's All This! is to be awed that the musical duo of Seth Swirsky and Mike Ruekberg have written and recorded a slew of songs that fully recall the magic of the Beatles with a unique voice of their own. The rocking "Cruel Girl" and "Can't Let Candy Go" have the energy and feel of Fab Four cuts such as "You Can't Do That" and "I Call Your Name" but have original melodies; the wistful "Floating By" and "Picture" each sound as if Paul McCartney and Burt Bacharach had teamed up in the mid-1960s to pen a few songs together. As if the songs aren't great enough, the musical performances and stellar harmonies further bolster the material across the collection. Now It's All This! contains a new six-song EP and four unplugged rarities in addition to The Red Button's previously-released masterworks (2007's She's About to Cross My Mind and 2011's As Far As Yesterday Goes). Information: JemRecordings.com.


Robert Kinsler

New music: Icons shine across wide-ranging releases

An authentic tribute to Stax Records by Melissa Etheridge, a delightfully divergent direction for Dawes, an astounding return by the great Doyle Bramhall II, a reissue of Peter Case's masterful 1986 debut and an intoxicating soundtrack add up to an eclectic collection of great new titles.



Artist: Melissa Etheridge
Title: MEmphis Rock and Soul (Stax Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Mavis Staples, Paul Rodgers' "The Royal Sessions," Melissa Etheridge 
Tell me more: The legacy of Memphis-based Stax Records looms large with the celebrated likes of Southern soul giants Otis Redding, Albert King, Sam and Dave, Mavis Staples and Rufus Thomas continuing to influence new generations of artists. Melissa Etheridge isn't the only top-tier vocalist to undertake an ambitious tribute to Stax (Bad Company singer Paul Rodgers' terrific The Royal Sessions was released in 2014); but make no mistake that her MEmphis Rock and Soul is truly an inspired listen across its 12-track length. Highlights include a lively take on the little-known nugget "Memphis Train," scorching "Respect Yourself (People Stand Up)," fiery "Hold On, I'm Coming," the soulful ballad "I've Been Loving You Too Long" and ascending blues-based "Rock Me Baby" (featuring John Mayer on lead guitar). A heartfelt version of "I've Got Dreams to Remember" closes out the outstanding set. Among the amazing Memphis musicians who joined Etheridge in the studio to create the recordings are the Rev. Charles Hodges (organ), Leroy Hodges (bass), Archie "Hubbie" Turner (keyboards), James "JRob" Robertson (drums) and Michael Toles (guitar). Information: MelissaEtheridge.com or ConcordMusicGroup.com.

Purchase 'MEmphis Rock And Soul' here




Artist: Dawes
Title: We're All Gonna Die (HUB Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Jackson Browne, My Morning Jacket, Neil Young
Tell me more: It is often difficult for even the most loyal of fans of a band to accept a major artistic change in direction. Such is the case of Los Angeles-based quartet Dawes, whose 5th studio album We're All Gonna Die signals a dramatic shift and leap forward. While the group's previous discs had the sonic feel of a Laurel Canyon-rooted folk rock champion, the new disc is decidedly more experimental - perhaps not a surprise since it was produced by Blake Mills (already legendary for his work with Alabama Shakes). Gone at singer-songwriter Taylor Goldsmith's sterling lead guitar solos. Intact are Goldsmith's songs (many co-written by Mills) that are literate and descriptive in their scope. For discerning listeners willing to give the 10-song disc a serious listen, they are sure to be rewarded thanks to artful tracks including the soulful "We're All Gonna Die," the sobering and layered rocker "Roll With the Punches" and art rocker "Quitter." This writer's favorite original on the winning disc is the genre-defying bass guitar-anchored masterpiece "Less Than Five Miles Away," a song bolstered by real life observations wielded with a master writer's touch. Information: DawesTheBand.com.

Buy 'We're All Gonna Die' here





Artist: Doyle Bramhall II
Title: Rich Man (Concord Music)
You might like if you enjoy: Jeff, Healey, Gary Clark Jr., Eric Clapton, Robert Cray Band
Tell me more: Doyle Bramhall II is an especially gifted singer, songwriter and guitarist whose Rich Man is a musical blend of R&B, soul, blues and world music with the different musical shades coming in the service of magnificent songs. Rich Man is Bramhall's first solo album release in a full decade (he has, however, kept busy collaborating and/or worked with the likes of Eric Clapton, Gregg Allman, Elton John, Amos Lee, Derek Trucks and Sheryl Crow over the years). The eclectic sonic home runs on his new album include the exotic blues-gospel foray "My People," the acoustic "New Faith" featuring Norah Jones and Bramhall joining their voices in perfection, and a freewheeling take on the Jimi Hendrix classic "Hear My Train A Comin'." Information: concordmusicgroup.com.

Purchase 'Rich Man' here today



Artist: Peter Case
Title: Peter Case (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: Peter Case, John Doe, Michael Ubaldini
Tell me more: The 30th anniversary deluxe reissue of singer-songwriter Peter Case's self-titled debut remains as great as the illustrious collection of top-tier talents who assisted with the groundbreaking release. Produced by T Bone Burnett (John Mellencamp, Elton John, Leon Russell) and Mitchell Froom (Crowded House, Ron Sexsmith, Los Lobos), the range of artists who contributed their talents included Roger McGuinn, John Hiatt, Victoria Williams, Jim Keltner, Mike Campbell, Rusty Anderson and Van Dyke Parks. A bona fide Americana album before the style was recognized as a distinct genre, "Peter Case" showcases uptempo roots rock ("I Shook His Hand," "Horse & Crow"), folk rock ("Steel Strings"), country blues-meets-baroque Appalachia ("Small Town Spree"), acoustic folk ("Old Blue Car," "Walk In The Woods"), blues ("Three Days Straight," "Icewater") and jangly indie rock ("Satellite Beach"). Providing a musical exclamation point is a terrific version of Shawn McGowan's Celtic-flavored pearl "Pair Of Brown Eyes." A landmark that remains essential listening, the icing on the cake of Case's eponymous debut is the inclusion of seven bonus tracks. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.

Get 'Peter Case' here



Artist: James Horner and Simon Franglen
Title: The Magnificent Seven - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (Sony Classical)
You might like if you enjoy: James Horner, John Williams
Tell me more: Before he lost his life in a tragic plane crash in June 2015, James Horner was a celebrated and prolific composer who scored countless film and television projects including James Cameron's "Titanic" (which earned the Los Angeles native two Academy Awards and two Golden Globe Awards), as well as scores for "Avatar," "A Beautiful Mind," "Field of Dreams," "Star Trek II" and many other great films. At the time of his death, Horner and Simon Franglen had just started working on themes for director Antoine Fuqua's 2016 remake of "The Magnificent Seven." The select pieces on The Magnificent Seven - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack live up to the legacy established by Horner and Franglen during their earlier collaborations (including "The Amazing Spider-Man," "Karate Kid" and "Southpaw"). Highlights include the tense "Rose Creek Oppression," stirring "Volcano Springs," evocative "The Deserter" and the lush "Town Exodus - Knife Training." Information: sonyclassical.com.

Buy 'The Magnificent Seven (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)' here


Robert Kinsler

Album reviews: Supersuckers, Peter Case, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Danielle Nicole, Ted Hawkins tribute

American music is front and center on the latest albums from indie alt-country rockers Supersuckers, singer-songwriter Peter Case, Southern rock giants Lynyrd Skynyrd and songstress Danielle Nicole. There is also an outstanding tribute titled Cold and Bitter Tears: The Songs of Ted Hawkins that features a number of great Americana artists.


Artist: Supersuckers
Title: Holdin' The Bag (Acetate Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Old 97's, Steve Earle, Johnny Cash
Tell me more: Irreverent and honest, Supersuckers are an American treasure. Having released more than 20 albums over the past 25 years, singer Eddie Spaghetti and company are on the top of their game on the newly-released "Holdin' The Bag." The band's characteristic freewheeling approach works wonder on a batch of songs that are as melodic as they are lyrically sharp. The delightful country-styled "High and Outside," cow punk "Man On A Mission" and a lovely reworked sing-along cover of Hank Williams Jr. cover "All My Rowdy Friends (Have Settled Down)"  are among the standouts here. Information: Acetate.com.

Buy 'Holdin' The Bag' today



Artist: Peter Case
Title: Hwy 62 (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: Bob Dylan, Peter Case's previous albums
Tell me more: Acclaimed singer-songwriter Peter Case has long been a leading voice on the music scene, dating back to the mid 1970s when he was a member of indie melodic rockers the Nerves before finding more acclaim as the leader of the Plimsouls and his subsequent solo career. His new album, Hwy 62, marks his first album release since 2010's "Wig!" and this disc finds Case seemingly building on a wide range of themes inspired by the highway that runs from Juarez, Mexico to Niagara Falls on the Canada-U.S. border. Having grown up one block away from U.S. Route 62 in Hamburg, New York, highlights include the tenderhearted "Water From A Stone," textured folk tale "If I Go Crazy," the sparse acoustic title track and a stellar acoustic cover of Bob Dylan's "Long Time Gone." Guitarist Ben Harper and drummer D.J. Bonebrake are among the notables who lend their talents to the tracking on "Hwy 62." Information: petercase.com.

Buy 'HWY 62' here



Artist: Lynyrd Skynyrd
Title: Pronounced 'L h-'nérd 'Skin-'nérd and Second Helping - Live From Jacksonville at the Florida Theatre (Eagle Vision)
You might like if you enjoy: Lynyrd Skynyrd, the Outlaws
Tell me more: Few bands have persevered through challenge as strongly as Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Lynyrd Skynyrd. From the 1977 plane crash that took the lives of three of its members to the death of original drummer Bob Burns earlier this year and original guitarist Gary Rossington's heart attack on Oct. 8, 2015, the Florida-spawned band brings that undercurrent of survival to the stage whenever they perform. The aptly-titled "'L h-'nérd 'Skin-'nérd and Second Helping" features the rockers covering their first two studio albums in their entirety; recorded at the Florida Theatre in the band's hometown of Jacksonville, Florida, the performance is powerful and ultimately as triumphant as Lynyrd Skynyrd itself. "'L h-'nérd 'Skin-'nérd and Second Helping" is available as a DVD + 2 CD physical set exclusively at Walmart. The collection is also available on standard DVD, Blu-ray and digital formats. Information: eagle-rock.com.

Get 'Pronouced Leh-Nerd Skin-Nerd & Second Helping Live [Blu-ray]' here 


Artist: Danielle Nicole
Title: Wolf Den (Concord Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Trampled Under Foot, Marcia Ball, Shemekia Copeland
Tell me more: New Orleans R&B, gospel and Memphis soul inform the sound of singer-bassist Danielle Nicole (formerly of Trampled Under Foot) on her winning new solo debut "Wolf Den." A young singer of remarkable power and artistry, Nicole's vocals immerse the listener in the slow-burning Louisiana blues of "How You Gonna Do Me Like That," the solid kiss-off blues rocker "You Only Need Me When You're Down" and a smooth cover of the R&B favorite "Breaking Up Somebody's Home," the latter featuring guest guitarist Luther Dickinson of North Mississippi Allstars fame. Information: ConcordMusicGroup.com.

Get 'Wolf Den' here 

 
Artists: James McMurtry, Kasey Chambers & Bill Chambers, Tim Easton, more
Title: Cold and Bitter Tears: The Songs of Ted Hawkins (Eight 30 Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Ted Hawkins, James McMurtry, Kasey Chambers, Michael Ubaldini
Tell me more: Time has a way of celebrating the greats, even if it takes awhile. The Mississippi native who became a Venice Beach, California street performer, Ted Hawkins suffered a stroke and died Jan. 1, 1995 just as he was gaining widespread acclaim for his masterful songs and big voice. Hawkins was only 58. Now more than a dozen contemporary Americana and roots music champions have banded together to contribute versions of Hawkins' material on Cold and Bitter Tears: The Songs of Ted Hawkins. Hawkins' style was rooted in blues, but the material here clearly spans from that style to authentic country folk and rootsy storytelling. Highlights on "Cold and Bitter Tears" include the Appalachia-soaked ballad "Big Things" courtesy of James McMurtry, the beautiful traditional country "Cold and Bitter Tears" from Aussie songstress Kasey Chambers (with her father Bill Chambers), and the lovely "Happy Hour" from singer Sunny Sweeney. Information: eight30records.com.

Buy 'Cold & Bitter Tears: Songs of Ted Hawkins' here 

Robert Kinsler