The Choir's 'Last Call: Live at the Music Box' set for release on June 5, 2020

Exciting news that a two-disc live set from '60s rockers The Choir is coming later this spring! Here is the official media release...

The Choir's 'Last Call: Live at the Music Box' captures 50th anniversary in hometown Cleveland; 2-CD set coming on June 5, 2020

Features live versions of their hits, plus covers of the Kinks, the Nice, Spooky Tooth, Procol Harum, Bob Seger and others. The band contributed liner notes to the set!

"We started as teenagers with high hopes and great expectations. Our lives took different paths and the years brought each of us different experiences. One thing remained throughout, and that was friendship. That friendship has lasted over a half century!" - Jim Bonfanti

CLEVELAND, Ohio — In 2018, when Omnivore Recordings put out The Choir’s first-ever full-length platter, no one knew what impact the release of that recording would have. (Note: this Choir is not to be confused with the ’80s SoCal band.)

 

Sure, the group, in its many different manifestations during the ’60s, had released several singles, including a Top 10 smash, 1967’s “It’s Cold Outside,” in its hometown of Cleveland. That song would reach #68 on the Billboard national charts. But the garage rock band — whose many different members went on to form other important bands like Raspberries and the James Gang — had never made an album of their own before.

So 50 years on, when the tapes of an aborted album were found, mixed and released as Artifact: The Unreleased Album to unanimous critical acclaim, the 1968 version of The Choir suddenly found itself back in the limelight with a weighty decision: to reclaim their vision and perform live, back where they came from, the home of rock ’n’ roll, Cleveland, Ohio.

 

Omnivore Recordings is proud to announce the release of Last Call: Live at the Music Box, the Choir’s 50th anniversary performance captured liveat Cleveland’s Music Box the night of September 20, 2019.

 

The band plays perfect renditions of material from Artifact, and also dips into their deep bag of influences. Hear dynamite versions of songs by Procol Harum, Billy Preston, Spooky Tooth, the Nice, the Kinks, Bob Seger and yes, even a cover of Jimmy Webb’s grandiose epic “MacArthur Park.” And a rearranged “It’s Cold Outside” reflects the current musical makeup of the group, which includes Ken Margolis (keyboards), Phil Giallombardo (organ), Randy Klawon (guitars), Denny Carleton (bass), and Jim Bonfanti (drums).

 

This two-disc set, in stores June 5, 2020, also includes remembrances from each member of the band as well as photos from the night of the show. 

 

So, if you meant to buy that plane ticket to Cleveland for this concert but didn’t, or even if you were there, step right up and don’t be late for Last Call with the Choir!

 

Track Listing:

 

Disc One:

1. A Whiter Shade Of Pale 

2. Anyway I Can

3. Love Really Changed Me 

4. Ladybug

5. Shine On Brightly

6. I Can’t Stay In Your Life 

7. That’s The Way God Planned It

8. Boris’ Lament

9. What About You

10. Have I No Love To Offer

11. America

 

Disc Two:

1. Kaleidoscope

2. If These Are Men

3. David Watts

4. It’s All Over

5. Mummer Band

6. For Eric

7. A Salty Dog

8. Good Times

9. Macarthur Park

10. It’s Cold Outside

11. Conquistador

12. Ramblin’ Gamblin’ Man

 

Recorded live, September 20, 2019, at the Music Box Supper Club, Cleveland, Ohio by Mike Miller.

# # #

The Choir trailer: https://youtu.be/-ukO9okq2SU 

Celebrating the legacy of Adam Schlesinger

Adam Schlesinger, on the right, with Fountains of Wayne.
Photo: Courtesy of the Artist

As I write this column it's unbelievable that more than 337,000 Americans have been stricken during the coronavirus pandemic; sadly more than 9,600 persons across the U.S. have died as of April 6, 2020. 

Among those who have lost their life from complications caused by COVID-19 is singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist/music producer Adam Schlesinger. The famed artist — only 52 and the father of two young daughters — died on April 1, 2020 in an Upstate New York hospital after reportedly battling against the infectious disease for more than a week. 

Although Schlesinger was best known as a member of groundbreaking New Jersey-spawned power-pop quartet Fountains of Wayne, over the past 25 years he was an in-demand tunesmith and producer who achieved acclaim for far-flung projects that earned him a Grammy win along with multiple Emmy wins and even an Academy Award nomination. 

Sprinkled across Fountain of Wayne's handful of full-length albums are countless masterworks (FoW also featured lead vocalist Chris Collingwood, lead guitarist Jody Porter and drummer Brian Young). Here are some of my favorites songs that benefit from Schlesinger's artistic touch.


Fountains of Wayne

"Radiation Vibe" — A stellar cut from FoW's eponymous 1996 debut, "Radiation Vibe" is bolstered by edgy guitar (including a touch of artful feedback), a driving rhythm section and an anthemic chorus. 

"She's Got a Problem" — Another standout from Fountains of Wayne, the wistful "She's Got a Problem" is a wonderful song that is more ballad than rocker but nevertheless has a driving quality that warrants the fuzzy guitars and sonic shadows of Lou Reed. 

"Sick Day" — Brilliant. The mix of literate and observant lyrics about the challenges of going into the office day after day enhanced by a rich melodic rockscape combine for a powerful punch. Another highlight on FoW's debut. 

"Hackensack" — FoW is best known for their gloriously uptempo power-pop-meets-indie rock. However, immerse yourself in "Hackensack" (off 2003's Welcome Interstate Managers), a baroque pop ballad that is as tender and affecting as anything put on disc that decade. 

"Mexican Wine" — We could all use a little hope in these dark times, right? Just listen to the melancholy-drenched chorus from "Mexican Wine" off Welcome Interstate Managers: "The sun still shines in the summertime / I'll be yours and you'll be mine / I tried to change but I changed my mind / Think I'll have another glass of Mexican Wine." A witty and tuneful song that kicks off the album, the ambitious harmony vocals and dramatic dynamics on the track make this one of the band's most interesting cuts.

"Stacy's Mom" — Fountains of Wayne's biggest-ever hit, the 2003 single "Stacy's Mom" reached number 21 on the US Billboard Hot 100. The infectious track revisited the sound of the Cars to be sure, and the accompanying much-played music video starring model Rachel Hunter (conjuring up the 1982 teen coming-of-age flick "Fast Times at Ridgemont High") helped solidify the song's success.

 "The Girl I Can't Forget" - One of the standouts on the 2005 compilation collection Out-of-State Plates is the exuberant "The Girl I Can't Forget." Few artists have ever delivered as convincing a story of youthful lust-meets-enduring love with as much force and cleverness wrapped in melodic sheen over a mere 3 and a half minutes as Fountains of Wayne achieved with this joyful ride.

"Strapped for Cash" — I was listening to "Strapped for Cash" (off 2007's Traffic and Weather) recently and memories of FoW tearing through the rocker on the main stage at Coachella in 2007 came flooding back to me. Like so many of FoW's greatest songs, there is a combination of brilliant storytelling, smart wordplay and undeniable song craft that makes for required and repeated listens. 

"Someone's Gonna Break Your Heart" — When FoW released their brilliant album Sky Full of Holes via Yep Roc Records in summer 2011 few knew this would be the band's final studio effort. As years go by, I become more bewitched by the musical magic and lyrical poetry painted across its lucky 13 tracks. "Someone's Gonna Break Your Heart" is just one of the classics on the disc. The lines enthrall, none more than this: "Melancholy comes like a robin at your window." 






Favorite Other Projects

"That Thing You Do" — The instantly-memorable title cut from the Tom Hank-directed film "That Thing You Do!" sounds as great today as it did when we first heard the Beatlesque gem in movie theaters and over the airwaves in 1997. Schlesinger wrote the song and sang back-up vocals on the recording as well.

"Work To Do" — The duo America's bona fide comeback album, 2007's "Here and Now" featured the legendary act performing Schlesinger's inspired "Work To Do." The breezy folk rock song blends the strains of Americana and tuneful pop in a beguiling track custom made for America singers Dewey Bunnell and Gerry Beckley. Here and Now also features the winning "Ride On," an acoustic-flavored nugget he co-wrote with Bunnell.

"Our Own World — Monkees fans will always be grateful for Schlesinger's production on the band's most recent two studio albums (2016's Good Times! and the 2018 holiday album Christmas Party). On the wonderful "Our Own World," Schlesinger's contribution includes writing the inviting track and playing bass guitar as well.  

"Me & Magdalena" — One of the most beautiful pop recordings in recent memory, the Ben Gibbard-penned "Me & Magdalena" may well be the highlight on the Schlesinger-produced Monkees LP Good Times! The nuanced production showcases Schlesinger's all encompassing gifts as a master in any corner of a recording studio.

"House of Broken Gingerbread" — Schlesinger teamed up with American novelist Michael Chabon to co-write the rollicking power pop salvo "House of Broken Gingerbread" for the Monkees' Christmas Party. Don't let the title fool you; Micky Dolenz delivers an amazing lead vocal performance on an instant classic that sounds as good in summer as around Christmastime. 



Robert Kinsler

Fastball's seventh album, 'The Help Machine,' produced by Steve Berlin, out October 18

It's definitely an exciting day when you hear that Fastball has another album on the way. Click here to read my review of the band's 2017 album 'Step Into The Light' release. Read on for news as it relates to the talented trio's forthcoming album 'The Help Machine' ...

AUSTIN, Texas — “In the past, we’d make a record and then everybody would go their separate ways for awhile,” says Fastball's Miles Zuniga. "But now, we're feeling so excited about the music that it’s ‘How soon can we make another record?’ We’re feeling a sense of urgency about the music that’s really refreshing.” 

Fastball’s new album The Help Machine follows on the heels of their acclaimed 2017 release Step Into Light. The 11-song set, on the Austin, Texas trio’s own 33 1/3 label and due out October 18, 2019, once again demonstrates the distinctive songwriting, expressive vocals and inventive melodic sensibilities of Zuniga and his bandmate Tony Scalzo. With drummer Joey Shuffield completing the longstanding lineup, the band’s time-tested creative rapport is as potent as ever on such tunes as Scalzo’s “White Collar,” “All Gone Fuzzy,” and “The Girl You Pretended To Be,” and the Zuniga compositions “Friend or Foe,” “Holding the Devil’s Hand,” and the album's enigmatic title track. 

The Help Machine’s original compositions gain added sonic resonance from the production of Los Lobos member and versatile Grammy-winner Steve Berlin, whose studio resume includes work with the likes of Alejandro Escovedo, Faith No More, Rickie Lee Jones, and the Tragically Hip.

“Steve became an integral part of the team,” Shuffield asserts. “He’s a really positive guy, he’s got a great ear, and he helped us come up with some great sounds. His personality fit right in to what we were doing, and he understood where each of us was coming from. He just about drove us into the ground; it would be one or two in the morning and he’d say, ‘All right, what do you guys want to do next?’”

“Steve was the perfect guy to produce this album,” adds Zuniga. “We worked really fast. We did it in ten days, and we didn’t really need the last three.”

Recording at Austin’s Treefort Studios with engineer Jim Vollentine, who’d worked on Fastball’s 2004 release Keep Your Wig On, the band and Berlin maintained an organic creative atmosphere that allowed the band members to break out of their respective comfort zones. Scalzo didn’t even play his usual instrument, bass, on the sessions, instead tackling new challenges on keyboards and guitar. The group brought in old friend Bruce Hughes (formerly of Cracker and Poi Dog Pondering) to handle the album’s bass parts. Other guest players include Austin legend Charlie Sexton, who adds guitar on “The Girl You Pretended To Be"; Wye Oak member Andy Steck, who plays multiple instruments on a pair of tracks; and Band of Heathens members Gordy Quist and John Chipman.

“We had a great time in the studio, and the whole thing was a very creative experience,” Scalzo notes. “When Fastball started out, we were almost like two different bands, and Miles and I tended to be careful to keep our hands off of each other’s songs. But now, we just view them all as Fastball songs, and we generally feel free to mess with them. It works better that way.”

With nearly a quarter-century of music-making under their collective belt, the members of Fastball continue to extend and expand the band’s widely loved body of work, which encompasses such memorable albums as their 1996 debut Make Your Mama Proud, their 1998 platinum breakthrough All the Pain Money Can Buy (which spawned the Grammy-nominated Top Five hit “The Way”), 2000’s The Harsh Light of Day, 2004’s Keep Your Wig On, 2009’s Little White Lies and 2017’'s Step Into Light.

"When I look at our catalog, there’s not a bad record in there," Shuffield opines, adding, “We’ve been through our ups and downs, but I think we’ve really found our groove over the last few years. We spent a lot of time on a major label, so initially the transition back to being an indie band was a little bumpy. But now it feels comfortable being responsible for everything ourselves, because that way we’re more likely to get it right. We’re all so into the music now, and I think you can hear that on the last couple of albums.”

“It’s only natural,” Scalzo adds, “that you get better at what you do as you get older and more experienced. But you can't always figure that out when you’re in your 20s. Now that we’re on our own label, the pressure’s all on us, and that’s fine. All I ever really wanted was a consistent creative outlet, and we've got that now.” 

The ongoing resonance of Fastball’s music is reflected in the personally charged passion of Fastball’s ardent fan base. Shuffield: “We’re always meeting people who tell us how we helped them get through college, and we have whole families that come to the shows now. At nearly every show, we’ll meet people who’ve flown in from other states, or other countries, to see us play. That kind of thing really warms the heart, and makes us feel like we're doing something right.”  

“We’d love to have another massive hit single,” Zuniga reflects, “but you can’t really plan that. We’re living in a different world now, and all we can do is just make the best music we can. When you're young, you’re insecure and trying to get attention for yourself. But when you get a little more mature, you start to care more about what's right for the music. When I was in my 20s, I was always trying to impress people. But now all I care about is making great music, and I think that the whole band feels that way. 

“We’re all grown-ups with kids now, so there's more of a sense of urgency now,” Zuniga concludes. “We’re all still here, everyone’s healthy, and we all still feel like if we’re going to do something, we should do it now. I don’t want to wake up ten years from now and wonder what I did with my time.  We’ve still got things we want to do, and I think that our attitude now is ‘Let’s get this stuff done, there's no time to waste.’”  

Tony Scalzo - vocals, bass, guitar, keyboards

Joey Shuffield - drums

Miles Zuniga - vocals, guitar

Tour dates:

Fri., Aug. 9  CHAMBLEE, GA Changlee City Park DUO SHOW

Sat., Aug. 31  PORT LAVACA, TX  Flip Flop Festival

Fri., Sept. 13  NEW YORK, NY Le Poisson Rouge

Fri., Sept. 20  LAWRENCEBURG, IN Lawrenceburg Event Center  DUO SHOW
Fri., Jan. 24  FORT LAUDERDALE, FL Abdo NRR -– Broward Center DUO SHOW

Fastball web site: http://www.fastballtheband.com 

Pre-sale link: https://shop.bandwear.com/thehelpmachine 

Masters Showcased on Outstanding Collections

Whether you are a fan of classic or modern rock, singer-songwriter excellence, power pop or even popular songs of the 18th and 19th centuries, there are new releases that excite.

Artist: Elvis Costello & The Imposters
Title: Look Now (Concord Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Elvis Costello's "Imperial Bedroom," Joe Jackson, Burt Bacharach
Tell me more: Who knew Elvis Costello & The Imposters would be back and release one of the best albums of 2018? The proof comes via the glorious Look Now, Costello's first new album in five years (Wise Up Ghost, a collaboration with the Roots, was released in September 2013). Look Now most closely recalls Costello's 1982 Geoff Emerick-produced gem Imperial Bedroom and his masterful baroque pop collaboration with Burt Bacharach, 1998's Painted from Memory. Indeed, Bacharach has co-written and added his piano talents on several tracks on "Look Now," including the stirring title track and the poignant "Photographs Can Lie" (the latter featuring some of Costello's most affecting vocals in memory); elsewhere there are echoes of Memphis soul (the rousing "Burnt Sugar is So Bitter," a song he co-wrote with Carole King back in the '90s), Springsteen "Burn to Run"-era rock ("Unwanted Number") and even Philadelphia soul ("Suspect My Tears"). "Look Now" is co-produced by Costello and five-time Grammy winner Sebastian Krys. The stellar collection also proves to be an outstanding celebration of The Imposters (Steve Nieve, drummer Pete Thomas and bassist Davey Faragher). Elvis Costello & The Imposters are going on tour in support of the release of Look Now; you can catch them at the Anaheim House of Blues on Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2018. Information: ElvisCostello.com.

Artist: Echo & the Bunnymen
Title: The Stars, The Oceans & The Moon (BMG)
You might like if you enjoy: The Church, Echo & the Bunnymen
Tell me more: On their latest full-length album The Stars, The Oceans & The Moon English rockers Echo & the Bunnymen revisit and reinterpret more than a dozen of the band's most beloved songs. "The Stars, The Oceans & The Moon" comes as the band celebrates its 40th anniversary. Formed in Liverpool, England in 1978, the band is fronted by founding members Ian McCulloch (vocals, rhythm guitar) and Will Sergeant (lead guitar), Among the outstanding tracks featured on the set are the scintillating "Bring On the Dancing Horses," buoyant "Bedbugs & Ballyhoo," propulsive "The Cutter" and a haunting decidedly-sparse take on "The Killing Moon." While the versions on the new disc don't supplant the original versions, they do bring out fresh elements that make for essential listening for fans of the groundbreaking British band. New tracks that make their debut include the mystical rocker "The Somnambulist" and reflective "How Far?" Information: bunnymen.com.

Artist: Tom Petty
Title: An American Treasure (Reprise Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, Mudcrutch
Tell me more: Filled with previously-unreleased studio songs, live cuts and spellbinding alternate takes of beloved favorites taken from throughout his career, the aptly-titled An American Treasure' captures the singular sound that Tom Petty carved out over forty-plus years. The four-disc set is broken down by decade with cuts from the 1970s, '80s, '90s and 2000s featured. Things kick off with the Byrds-flavored "Surrender," recorded by Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers in 1976. Listening to the track is to be instantly transported back to the exuberance of the ensemble's early days. Live performances of "Listen To Her Heart" (from April 1977), and "Anything That's Rock 'n' Roll and "Breakdown" (from a November 1977 set) also capture that spirit. The power of this collection thrills with each cut, and across the expansive set. The soulful "Lost in Your Eyes" (from 1975), power pop-meets-psychedelic album track "You and I Will Meet Again (1991), lush "Crawling Back To You (1994) and a live version of "Southern Accents" are among the super cuts on this 63-track collection. My favorite track is the previously-unreleased melodic rocker "Gainesville," an autobiographical track recorded in early 1998. Information: TomPetty.com.

Artists: Linda Thompson, Teddy Thompson, Colin Firth, Martha Wainwright, Jools Holland, more
Title: My Mother Doesn't Know I'm On The Stage (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: Theater music of the 18th and 19th centuries, the Sherman Brothers
Tell me more: Over the years this writer has always enjoyed the experience of being introduced to musical styles developed from far-off places around the world as well as musical styles showcasing other times. That is especially true when the songs are as fun, literate and well performed as on Linda Thompson's My Mother Doesn't Know I'm On The Stage. Featuring Linda Thompson – who went by the name Linda Peters during the late '60s/early '70s British folk-rock scene – the collection is bolstered by a diverse and far-flung group of singers and musicians who bring the past to sonic life in 2018. There are a wide range of terrific songs on the set including the triumphant "I Might Learn to Love Him Later On (Tra-la-la-la)" featuring Linda Thompson, the wistful "London Heart" (sung by James Walbourne), the pensive "GoodBye Dolly Gray" (featuring Thompson) and the dramatic "My Mother Doesn't Know I'm On The Stage" (sung by Colin Firth). The melancholy of "Brother, Can You Spare A Dime?" (featuring Teddy Thompson) defies the ages with its timeless arc. All artists are donating all royalties earned by the album to the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC). "My Mother Doesn't Know I'm On The Stage" is a wonderful and inspired collection. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.

Artist: Ken Sharp
Title: Beauty in the Backseat
You might like if you enjoy: Matthew Sweet, Jeremy, Shoes 
Tell me more: Ken Sharp's fifth LP Beauty in the Backseat mixes up things in all the right ways, unabashed in terms of being forcefully melodic while fused with a heavy dose of Philly soul. Lead-off track "Rock Show" is a splendid mix of soulful gospels, power pop tunefulness, fuzzy guitar textures adorned with a great solo from KISS guitarist Ace Frehley. The driving melodic rocker "Mona Lisa Smile" is pure ear candy. Other sonic delights include the intoxicating "No One Seems to Stay Together Anymore," lovely "Closer" and racing "24 Hours a Day." Sharp is joined by another one of his heroes when Rock and Roll Hall of Famer John Oates guests on "Philly Kind of Night." Sharp also pays tribute to several other musical heroes courtesy of the ambitious baroque pop "The Day That David Bowie" died and joyful "I Wanna Be David Cassidy." Information: Ken-Sharp.com.



Robert Kinsler

Reviews: Justin Hayward, Kansas, The Heaters, The Legal Matters

Classic rock, prog rock, girl group and power pop styles are on tap thanks to four fabulous releases that celebrate timeless sounds with a 21st sensibility.

Artist: Justin Hayward
Title: Live in Concert at the Capitol Theatre (IM3 Global Entertainment)
You might like if you enjoy: The Moody Blues, Justin Hayward
Tell me more: Fresh on the heels of the release of Justin Hayward's All The Way album comes the DVD release of the concert film Live in Concert at the Capitol Theatre. The DVD features the singer-songwriter/lead guitarist performing 18 songs, including favorites from the Moody Blues, solo career highlights and newer material. An amazing look back at a his 50-year music career, highlights include an Renaissance flavored "Tuesday Afternoon" (where Hayward plays acoustic guitar while Julie Ragins plays keyboards), the breezy folk rock medley "It's Up To You"/"Lovely To See You," his wonderful new 12-string guitar anchored Americana original "The Western Sky," a solo performance of the holiday gem "December Snow," and potent versions of the Moody Blues' "Question" and "I Know You're Out There Somewhere." The official "The Wind of Heaven" music video and a solo acoustic performance of "Blue Guitar" and "Who Are You Now" are included as bonus features on the title. Audiophiles can choose between Dolby Stereo and Dolby Surround 5.1. Information: JustinHayward.com or IM3global.com.

Artist: Kansas
Title: The Prelude Implicit (InsideOutMusic)
You might like if you enjoy: Kansas, Asia, Triumph
Tell me more: Before the release of their new album The Prelude Implicit last month, it had been 16 years since progressive rockers Kansas had released an album of new material ("Somewhere to Elsewhere" was released in 2000). The good news is that the seven-member ensemble has returned with an epic album that builds on the legacy of the band's 1970s masterworks (Leftoverture and Point of No Return) via virtuoso musicianship, ornate songcraft and timely lyrics that explore love, sacrifice, faith, and mortality with poetic force that is palpable. The fusion of melodic choruses and prog rock has always worked well for the band, and that magical formula will transfix discerning listeners on "The Voyage of Eight Eighteen," "Summer," the potent "Crowded Isolation" and other cuts. Information: insideoutmusic.com.

Artist: The Heaters
Title: American Dream: The Portastudio Recordings (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: The Ronettes, the Shangri-Las, She & Him
Tell me more: The 1980s music world was about much more than New Wave, neo-rockabilly, metal hair bands and college rock. The release of The Heaters' American Dream: The Portastudio Recordings is a musical glimpse back at The Heaters, a group featuring Mercy Bermudez and sisters Maggie and Missy Connell. The 10-track disc features remastered and restored songs originally recorded more than 30 years ago on a multi-track cassette recorder, with the shimmering harmonies and propulsive songs blending the magic of the 1960s and '80s masterfully. The fast-moving disc is a joy start to finish, with the retro title track, lush "Just Around the Corner," aptly-titled "Rock This Place," and tuneful "Love Will Be Hurrying To You" capturing the exhuberence of the musicians' love of the golden era of girl groups that spanned from the mid-1950s to the late '60s. Information: omnivorerecordings.com.

Artist: The Legal Matters
Title: Conrad (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: Fountains of Wayne, Crowded House, Matthew Sweet
Tell me more: Detroit trio the Legal Matters' sophomore disc Conrad is a spirited and wonderful effort that is anchored by the sterling harmonies of band mates Andy Reed, Chris Richards and Keith Klingensmith. But the threesome's great vocals wouldn't mean anything without first-rate songs and commanding musicianship, and fortunately those key components are everywhere on the 11-song Conrad. The musically textured/lyrically sharp "I'm Sorry Love," luxuriant "Minor Key" (that would be at home on a Crowded House disc), scintillating "Pull My String" and yearning "Hip Hooray" are among this writer's favorites. Information: omnivorerecordings.com.

Robert Kinsler

Album reviews: Michael Ubaldini, Seth Swirsky, Hank Williams, Alligator Records collection

Upcoming albums from groundbreaking Southern California-based artists Michael Ubaldini and Seth Swirsky, as well as an essential Hank Williams collection and a superb blues compilation from Alligator Records make for some mighty fine listening. 

Artist: Michael Ubaldini
Title: Starshaker (Blackwater Records)
You might like if you enjoy: John Fogerty, Bruce Springsteen, The Rolling Stones' "Exile on Main Street"
Tell me more: Alt-Americana rocker Michael Ubaldini is set to release an album that is very much of our time even while it is steeped in authentic songcraft that ensures it is a masterwork for the ages. While even gifted songwriters are often content to revisit the same themes over and over again, Ubaldini is able to draw inspiration aplenty from a far-flung assortment of places. His Starshaker is ripe full of timely observations: the biting "Politician Superstar" is likely the sharpest jab ever aimed as modern-day candidates while "Jeanie Lees Phone" takes an equally direct swing at those who see the world exclusively through their smart phone. The affecting Mississippi blues-draped "Ballad of Brian Jones" celebrates the enduring power of the late Rolling Stones guitarist's legacy; authentic country (including some great pedal steel from Gary Brandin) is used to support Ubaldini's infatuation-filled tale of "Tombstone Woman." Information: rocknrollpoet.com.

Purchase 'Starshaker' here



Artist: Seth Swirsky
Title: Circles and Squares (Grimble Records)
You might like if you enjoy: John Lennon, Paul McCartney, ELO, Brian Wilson
Tell me more: Seth Swirsky is a true power-pop master, able to tap into the best of his influences and create something as contemporary as it is original. His latest album Circles and Squares marks another milestone for the singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist (who plays the majority of instruments on the 16-song set). The shimmering "Shine" (which could have been at home on the Beach Boys' Pet Sounds), wistful "Far Away" (tapping into a Jeff Lynne-meets-Paul McCartney vibe), beautiful baroque pop musical proposal "Let's Get Married" and sparse acoustic ballad "The Simplest Way" are among the many fantastic originals on Circles and Squares. If Roger McGuinn and Sir Paul had ever teamed for a song, it might come off as the scintillating "Table." Wonderful stuff start to finish. Information: seth.com.

Get 'Circles and Squares' here



Artist: Hank Williams
Title: The Complete Mother's Best Collection…Plus! (Time Life)
You might like if you enjoy: Hank Williams, Michael Ubaldini
Tell me more: When Hank Williams died in January 1953, he was only 29. Despite his young age, he left an enduring legacy widely acknowledging him as the first and most formidable country music superstar; he is also one of America's greatest songwriters of the 20th century. Now fans of "the Hillybilly Shakespeare" can dig even deeper into his mastery thanks to one of the most important collections of 2016. Hank Williams: The Complete Mother's Best Collection…Plus! features 15 audio CDs and 1 DVD gather together in a box set. There are 142 performances from Williams' "Mother's Best Flour Radio Shows" recorded in 1951 and the DVD that features behind-the-scenes conversations with Williams' daughter (Jett Williams) and several of Hank Williams' band members (Don Helms and Big Bill Lister). Information: HankWilliams.com.

Buy 'Hank Williams: The Complete Mother's Best Recordings…Plus!' (15CD/1DVD)



Artists: Shemekia Copeland, Elvin Bishop, Charlie Musselwhite, Tommy Castro, more
Title: Alligator Records 45th Anniversary Collection (Alligator Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Joe Bonamassa, James Cotton, Albert Collins, Johnny Winter, Lee Rocker
Tell me more: It is difficult to single out any of the tracks on the outstanding collection Alligator Records 45th Anniversary Collection. Disc 1 includes memorable tracks from a slew of legends including Shemekia Copeland, Elvin Bishop, Charlie Musselwhite, Koko Taylor and Tommy Castro & the Painkillers. Up-and-comers including guitar great Selwyn Birchwood, Toronzo Cannon, and the amazing Moreland & Arbuckle bring a modern-day energy to the proceedings. Moving on the disc 2, what better way to start than with the amazing tandem of harmonica legend James Cotton and guitar virtuoso Joe Bonamassa to deliver the hard-charging "Cotton Mouth Man." The slow side of Chicago blues is captured by the great Albert Collins on "If Trouble Was Money." The late Johnny Winter is celebrated via a propulsive slide guitar-powered "Shake Your Moneymaker." And this writer hasn't even mentioned outstanding turns from Lee Rocker, Delbert McClinton, Mavis Staples and Guitar Shorty. There are stellar moments everywhere. Information: alligator.com.

Get 'Alligator Records 45th Anniversary Collection' here

Robert Kinsler

Soundtracks, rock and power pop releases prove to be required listening

Great soundtracks make the films for which they were created infinitely better, and are more than able to stand alone as rich musical works worthy of repeated listens. Such is the case with Nicholas Britell's Free State of Jones, and the Thomas Wander and Harald Kloser score for Independence Day: Resurgence. Other notable new releases include the latest album from Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Heart as well as the debut from Swedish power pop troupe Arvidson and Butterflies. 

Artist: Nicholas Britell
Title: Free State of Jones (Sony Classical)
You might like if you enjoy: Lucinda Williams, Nicholas Britell's soundtrack for the film "The Big Short," Americana music
Tell me more: The success of artists such as The Civil Wars, Dawes and the Avett Brothers have a kindred spirit in composer Nicholas Britell's extraordinary soundtrack for the film Free State of Jones. The music here ties in perfectly with the film's 19th century Civil War storyline, and the sparse soundscape layered with fiddle, fragmented keyboards, guitar, mandolin, cello and other acoustic instruments has a stirring and evocative arc even when listened to apart from the film. The weight of Newt Knight's armed rebellion against the Confederacy is captured on a majestic soundtrack, with singer-songwriter Lucinda Williams' own "I'm Crying" providing a wonderful finale on the 18-track soundtrack. Information: SonyClassical.com.

Artists: Thomas Wander and Harald Kloser
Title: Independence Day: Resurgence (Sony Classical)
You might like if you enjoy: "The Day After Tomorrow," "10,000 BC" and "The Legend Of Tarzan" soundtracks
Tell me more: The orchestra is used with both force and nuance by Austrian composers Thomas Wander and Harald Kloser in their soundtrack for the science fiction film Independence Day: Resurgence. "Fear" stretches from a sweeping romantic opening to a dark close: "Welcome to the Moon" captures that otherworldly sentiment with a rousing symphonic expanse; the muscular "What Goes Up," tense "The Sphere" and ravishing "Worth Fighting For" also enchant. Information: SonyClassical.com.

Artist: Heart
Title: Beautiful Broken (Concord Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Heart, Led Zeppelin
Tell me more: Classic rock audiences who embraced early Heart releases such as their 1976 debut  Dreamboat Annie and 1977's Little Queen might want to get a listen of the group's superb new album Beautiful Broken. Heart's sixteenth album Beautiful Broken has the feel of a late 1970s' recording blended with the power and maturity of a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame veteran still moving forward 40 years into their stellar career. Not only do sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson still both possess incredible voices undiminished by time, but their spirit of sonic adventure shines through in the newly-penned material (this writer's fave is the symphonic Led Zep-flavored "Heaven"), artful reworkings of older songs (notably the hard-rocking title track featuring guest vocals from Metallica's James Hetfield, and the string section adorned "Sweet Darlin'") and a wonderful version of R&B singer-songwriter Ne-Yo's "Two." The Seattle-spawned rockers are currently on tour with Cheap Trick and Joan Jett; the three artists will perform at The Forum in Los Angeles on Aug. 23. Information: heart-music.com.

Artist: Arvidson and Butterflies
Title: Arvidson and Butterflies (Kool Kat Musik)
You might like if you enjoy: Justin Currie, Crowded House, Paul Weller
Tell me more: Sweden-based Arvidson and Butterflies features singer-guitarist Roger Arvidson and a number of fine musicians from that nation's Gothenburg music scene who have their pulse solidly on power pop. The songs on Arvidson and Butterflies explode with melody, while artful arrangements and authentic performances tie the dozen songs together in a cohesive and stylistic mixture. The wistful "Will Follow," cascading "Changing All The Time" and longing "Want What I Can't Have" are among the many rousing tracks on the magnificent disc. Information: koolkatmusik.com.

Robert Kinsler