New music: The Lucky Losers, Radio California

Check out my latest album reviews...

Artist: The Lucky Losers
Title: Arrival (MoMojo Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Mavis Staples, John Nemeth
Tell me more: The Lucky Losers' sixth studio album Arrival is a stellar effort that brings the retro sounds of blues, funk, country blues, 1960's soul, '70s rock and R&B into the here and now. With Cathy Lemons' terrific vocals at the fore, the ensemble of terrific players includes Phil Berkowitz (vocals, harmonica), Chris Burns (keyboards), Simon Govan Smith (guitar), Edgar San Gabriel (bass), drummer Jon Otis and several top-tier guests. Early standouts on the disc include the timely funkified opener "S-C-A-M," delightful harmonica-adorned blues rocker "Sunday Stroller" and powerful "I Believe Her (Because I Am Here)" — the latter a track about the sexual abuse of young girls penned by Lemons. Later highlights include "Sorry Brother" (featuring Berkowitz's masterful harmonica playing), the soulful "My Father's Song" featuring Berkowitz on lead vocals), grooving "Pig Iron Tough" and emotive horns-filled ballad "Don't Let It Slip Away." Information: theluckylosers.com.

Artist: Radio California
Title: Youth (Radio California)

You might like if you enjoy: The Pixies, Husker Dü, Bob Mould
Tell me more: Blending post punk and alt rock stylings with an undeniable amount of melodic songcraft, Radio California's latest album Truth boasts a slew of great tracks. The rousing opener "Antoinette Squad" with its surf rock guitar overtones, the hypnotic noise pop sortie "Keep Jumping," driving "Girls in L.A.," indie rocker "Porcelain Nights," shimmering "Empty Champagne Glass," explosive title cut and dreamy "Rich Girl" are among the outstanding originals on the title. In addition to lead-singer/guitarist Jesse Ojeda, the Southern California-based band includes drummer Jeff Williams, bassist/backing vocalist Daniel Marker and lead guitarist Steve Shoemaker. Information: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100045496762199. 

Robert Kinsler 

New Music: Colin Blunstone, Radio California, The Babys

In this column I feature a trio of eclectic, under-the-radar releases that are well worth adding to any music lover's library!

Artist: Colin Blunstone

Title: Less Is More (Symphonic Distribution)

You might like if you enjoy: The Zombies, Sting, Colin Bunstone

Tell me more: Sixty years after the world first heard Colin Blunstone's glorious singing on The Zombies' breakout hit "She's Not There" the English singer-songwriter continues to thrill fans with his signature vocals. Now Blunstone has surprised with Less Is More, a digital-only EP of five one-take demos he recorded in December 2008. Blunstone — who calls the lyrics "little diaries" of things that happened to him or someone he knowns — delivers affecting performances to the accompaniment of his classical guitar on the selections. The confessional opener "Now I Know I'll Never Get Over You," tender "The Sun Will Rise Again" (the latter written for Blunstone's daughter), jazzy "Any Other Way" (a track that would be recorded by The Zombies' for their 2011 album Breathe Out, Breathe In), reflective "Feels Like Rain" and flamenco-flavored "Love Left A Long Time Ago" all shine on the wonderful release. Listen to the digital EP HERE. Information: colinblunstone.net.

Artist: Radio California

Title: Beauty & Heart (Holloway Productions)

You might like if you enjoy: Social Distortion, Old 97's, Neil Young & Crazy Horse

Tell me more: Southern California-based Radio California has long defied easy categorization on a string of compelling independent releases. On the outfit's latest album Beauty & Heart that freewheeling approach remains. Jesseo (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Steve Shoemaker (lead guitar), Jeff Williams (drums) and Dan Maker (bass) prove to be at the height of their powers and deliver 10 compelling songs. The punkish alt country opener "Beauty and Heart," yearning "You Have So Many Lights," hypnotic garage rocker "Double Checking" and rootsy "Plant My Feet" are early standouts on the disc. The wide-ranging album mines more nuggets on its last half with the spirited ear candy cut "Hello," rocking kiss off "Tolerate Me," edgy "Sidewalk" and thoughtful rocker "Angry." Jesseo's signature vocals project melancholy and power with equal nuance on one of my favorite albums of early 2024. The album is available via amazon.com (find the album using "Radio California USA" in the search field). Information: cdbaby.com or hearnow.com.

Lost Classics

Artist: The Babys

Title: Live At The Bottom Line, 1979 (Omnivore Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: The Babys, Bad Company, John Waite, Bad English

Tell me more: There were so many great rock bands in the mid and late 1970s, it's easy to overlook a key artist of the era. Leave it to a special previously-unissued recording featuring The Babys (Live At The Bottom Line, 1979) released by Omnivore Recordings in January to recall the collective power and magic of singer-songwriter John Waite, guitarist Wally Stocker, bassist Ricky Phillips, keyboardist Jonathan Cain and drummer Tony Brock. Recorded on the band's "Head First" tour, the concert recording features three new-at-the-time songs making their official debut. The crowd-pleasing opener "Head First," Bad Company-styled rockers "Give Me Your Love" and "Run To Mexico" (the latter bolstered by Wally Stocker's sharp lead guitar play), inspired "Every Timer I Think Of You" and a poignant reading of their 1977 hit "Isn't It Time" all shine on the wonderful 11-track live set. More than 45 years after The Babys were captured at The Bottom Line the magic of the performance expands the legacy of the British-American quintet. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.

Robert Kinsler

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

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

Artist: Los Lobos

Title: Native Sons (New West Records)

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

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

Artist: Cruzados

Title: She's Automatic (Scamco Records)

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

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

Artist: Divine Horsemen

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

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

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

Artist: I See Hawks in L.A.

Title: On Our Way (Western Seeds Records)

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

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

Artist: Radio California

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

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

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

Artist: Colin Hay

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

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

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

Robert Kinsler

Under The Radar Releases Worth Discovering

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

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

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

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



LOST CLASSIC

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

Robert Kinsler

Far-flung heroes highlighted on new releases

A new album from Barry Gibb, a fitting tribute to the late Jerry Garcia, a unique collaboration celebrating loss, stoner rock from Sweden and a legendary live collection are among the far-flung sounds to be discovered via a number of exciting new releases.

Artist: Barry Gibb
Title: In The Now (Columbia Records)
You might like if you enjoy: The Bee Gees, Barry Gibb
Tell me more: Barry Gibb's first album in 32 years, In The Now showcases the former Bee Gee's fantastic voice, sterling songwriting and his uncanny gift for creating intoxicating soundscapes that demand repeated listening.  Time has been kind to Gibb's 50-year legacy as a songwriter, with "I Started a Joke," "Run to Me," "Jive Talkin'," "To Love Somebody" and "Stayin' Alive" recognized as enduring pop masterworks. On "In The Now," Gibb joins forces with his children (sons Ashley Gibb and Stephen Gibb, the latter who performs guitar on the collection) to create striking confessionals in the 21st century. The driving power pop gem "Blowin' A Fuse," affecting "Home Truth Song" and impactful "Meaning of the Word" are early standouts. Gibb celebrates the legacy of his family (his brother Andy died in 1988, while Maurice died in 2003 and Robin died in 2012) on "End of the Rainbow," written as Robin was dying; it is a lovely song that builds from a quiet ode with Gibb's voice and piano to a more swelling symphonic fanfare before the song artfully segues back to a solemn and hushed finale. Information: BarryGibb.com.

Artists: Phil Lesh, Bob Weir, Mickey Hart, Peter Frampton, more
Title: Dear Jerry: Celebrating the Music of Jerry Garcia (Rounder Records)
You might like if you enjoy: the Grateful Dead, Peter Frampton, Trampled by Turtles
Tell me more: It takes an army of talented players to bring justice to Jerry Garcia's stellar musical legacy, and fortunately that is how the stars align on the aptly-named Dear Jerry: Celebrating the Music of Jerry Garcia. Released by Rounder Records in multiple formats (Blu-ray, DVD, CD and digital download), the collection shimmers with the same magic that drew legions to follow the late Garcia and the Grateful Dead during the 30 years he led the band (1965-1995). The first track (a mini-medley of "The Wheel" and "Uncle John's Band") features Grateful Dead bassist Phil Lesh & Communion and stretches more than 16 minutes, and not a second is wasted. It's honestly tough to highlight any of the tracks without criminally ignoring others just as deserving. That being said, a bluegrass take on "Shady Grove" featuring David Grisman, a rocking "(I'm a) Road Runner" with Peter Frampton on vocals and lead guitar, a wistful "Loser" courtesy of jam rockers moe and an Appalachian version of "Brown-Eyed Woman" from Trampled By Turtles scratches the surface of the power of the two & a half hour concert event staged on May 14, 2015 that is one of the finest tributes to a modern musical hero ever captured on film and audio (with true Dolby 5.1 surround stereo). Information: jerrygarcia.com.

Artists: Paul Kelly & Charlie Owen
Title: Death's Dateless Night (Cooking Vinyl)
You might like if you enjoy: Paul Kelly, Charlie Owen, John Paul White
Tell me more: Singer-songwriter Paul Kelly and multi-instrumentalist Charlie Owen mine the deepest corners of death and loss on their stunning collaboration Death's Dateless Night. The duo have recorded a mix of melancholic and contemplative covers, as well as two Kelly originals in an exploration that blends blues, folk and Americana with subtlety and expertise. Conceived by the two long-time friends at the end of a funeral in 2015, the force of the album is clear across its full length. The pensive "Pretty Bird Tree," country blues classic "Pallet on Your Floor," traditional Celtic ballad "The Parting Glass," as well as a brilliant reworking of Leonard Cohen's "Bird On The Wire"  and a stirring version of the Hank Williams hymn "Angel of Death" are among the artful arrangements on "Death's Dateless Night." Information: Facebook.com/paulkellyofficial.

Artist: Siena Root
Title: Pioneers (Cleopatra Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Deep Purple, Fu Manchu, Iron Butterfly
Tell me more: Swedish stone rockers Siena Root don't necessarily set out to explore any new ground on their new album Pioneers, but fans of classic Deep Purple, Iron Butterfly and Uriah Heep would be advised to get the disc specifically because of the strength and authenticity of the Stockholm quintet's retro approach. Widely recognized as one of the nation's best hard rock outfits, Siena Root's virtuoso chops, undeniable riffs and keen sense of melody shine across the nine-track album. The head-banging "7 Years," the British blues-flavored "Root Rock Pioneers" and Blue Cheer-flavored/slide guitar-adorned "The Way You Turn" are epic to be sure. Strong lead vocals from Jonas "Joe Nash" Ahlen, terrific keyboards from Erik "Erika" Petersson, and blazing lead guitar work from Matte Gustafsson provide dynamics that make this more than a paint-by-numbers affair. And the rhythm section of bassist Sam Riffer and drummer Love "Billy" Forsberg impresses, notably on the Ten Years After-styled "Spiral Trip." The audio CD version of the release includes a heavy metal take on Led Zeppelin's "Whole Lotta Love" as a welcome bonus track. Information: cleopatrarecords.com.

Artist: Mark Collie & His Reckless Companions
Title: Alive at Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary (Eagle Rock Entertainment)
You might like if you enjoy: John Mellencamp, Johnny Cash, Kelly Willis
Tell me more: In 2001, country-meets-rockabilly artist Mark Collie led a group of top-flight musicians into Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary in his home state of Tennessee to give several full-length performances. Collie hoped his appearance at one of the nation's most infamous prisons might help spread a message of hope and redemption, but shuffles at his record label left a commercial release of the project in limbo - until now. Now that 15-year-old concert recording has been released, and the good news is that Mark Collie & His Reckless Companions: Alive At Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary packs a punch far beyond the walls of the penitentiary that closed in 2009. The hard-rocking Collie original "One More Second Chance," a shimmering "Heaven Bound" (featuring songstress Kelly Willis on lead vocals), inspired "On The Day I Die," anthemic "Reckless Companions" and an apt take on the Johnny Cash jewel "Folsom Prison Blues" make the wait for this fine live set more than worth the wait.  Information: markcollie.com.

Artist: Radio California
Title: Pioneer's of Change (independent)
You might like if you enjoy: Violent Femmes, the B-52's, Frank Zappa, Youth Gone Mad
Tell me more: On the band's Pioneer's of Change, Radio California has captured the fierce and authentic sounds of 1980s college rock, art damage and post-punk via a captivating 10-track collection. This is rock that challenges the listener to be sure. While both the title track and "Gossip Hounds" are lilting and tuneful, the spoken word-anchored "Alligator Teeth & Coffee Grounds" and ferocious Pencils and Pistols" recall alt rock's adventuresome origins. The hypnotic "Woman" is built on a simple repeating chord change and singer-songwriter Jesseo's distinctive baritone wielded into a potent brew. "Close My Eyes" blends punk rock and spoken lyrics before a more textured and melodic chorus emerges. "Wall" is another great song, the mix of tunefulness, synthpop and lyrical repetition adding up to something riveting and original. Information: radiocalifornia.bandcamp.com.

Robert Kinsler