New music: Cowboy Junkies, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Jenny Lewis

Three veteran artists are back with wonderful returns.

Artist: Cowboy Junkies

Title: Such Ferocious Beauty (Cooking Vinyl)

You might like if you enjoy: Cowboy Junkies, Mazzy Star

Tell me more: Loss. Love. Aging and mortality. Those weighty themes — and others — are addressed with otherworldly beauty and poetic candor on Cowboy Junkies' latest album Such Ferocious Beauty. The Canadian indie rock heroes' music has always demanded that listeners immerse themselves in the group's sumptuous sound and introspective songcraft. That holds true across the masterful 10-track Such Ferocious Beauty. The disc features nuggets aplenty; the rootsy "What I Lost," experimental psychedelic-tinged "Flood" and sparse Americana offering "Circe and Penelope" are among early standouts on the album. The mood-swept "Shadows 2," hypnotic "Knives," Baroque roots foray "Mike Tyson (Here It Comes)" and poignant "Blue Skies" are late album highlights. Information: CowboyJunkies.com.

Artist: Joan Jett and the Blackhearts

Title: Mindsets (Blackheart Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Billy Idol, The Runaways

Tell me more: Joan Jett and the Blackhearts are back! On the new six-song EP Mindsets (released via Blackheart Records on June 2) the spirit and sonic firepower of the groundbreaking troupe's late '70s/early '80s melody-styled punk rock is fully on display. The original material — written by Blackhearts lead guitarist Dougie Needles and Jett — is full of the brash attitude of Jett's classic work (notably "Bad Reputation," "I Hate Myself For Loving You" and "I Love Rock 'n' Roll"). The infectious opener "If You're Blue," countrified foray "Whiskey Goes Good," fiery "Before The Dawn," tuneful sing-along "Rear View Mirror" and other new cuts collectively celebrate Jett's winning past as well as her continuing contributions to modern rock. The EP was produced by Jett, Kenny Laguna and Thom Panunzio. Joan Jett and the Blackhearts will perform on a strong bill with Bryan Adams at Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert on Friday, July 28, 2023. Information: joanjett.com.

Artist: Jenny Lewis

Title: Joy'All (Blue Note)

You might like if you enjoy: Jenny Lewis, The Postal Service, Rilo Kiley, Aimee Mann

Tell me more: Joy'All finds acclaimed singer-songwriter Jenny Lewis delivering a dazzling set of enticing songs that are breezy on their surface yet reveal insights into life in the here and now with her characteristically-sharp wit. The selections across Lewis' 5th solo album — produced by Dave Cobb at Nashville's celebrated RCA Studio A — are positioned in an inviting sonic sphere where pop, 1990s R&B and indie country somehow meet. The infectious dance-minded single "Psychos," tuneful country-mining "Puppy And A Truck" and "Apples and Oranges," pop-fused "Love Feel," tender "Balcony," confessional "Essence Of Life" and genre-blending "Chain Of Tears" are all first-rate songs on the wonderful disc. Information: JennyLewis.com.

Robert Kinsler

Marr’s Guitars / A stunning photographic presentation of the guitars that defined the distinctive sounds and style of Johnny Marr

Johnny Marr at Coachella on April 19, 2013.
Photo: Kelly A. Swift

Lovers of guitar great Johnny Marr, as well as guitar and music-related photography will be excited by this news. "Marr's Guitars" is set to be issued as a beautiful hardcover edition in October 2023. I see the book is available for pre-order ($54) via Amazon.com...Robert Kinsler 

Marr’s Guitars

A stunning photographic presentation of the guitars that defined the distinctive sounds and style of Johnny Marr with personal reflections and insights from the legendary guitarist himself. 'Guitars have been the obsession of my life ... they’ve been a mission and sometimes a lifeline' – Johnny Marr The guitarist’s guitarist, Johnny Marr redefined music for a generation. His ringing arpeggios and chordal innovations helped elevate The Smiths to be one of the most influential and important British bands of all time. Tracing Marr's career from his teenage years to his recent work on the Bond soundtrack, Marr’s Guitars showcases the most significant of Marr’s superb collection of electric and acoustic guitars, revealing through them the evolution of his iconic sound and style of playing. Each guitar is identified with a crucial moment, a specific song or a particular sound, and each embodies a key aspect of Marr’s lifelong passion. Renowned photographer Pat Graham presents each instrument as a full portrait, supported by micro shots highlighting the specific details that make each one unique, while Johnny Marr himself reveals in his accompanying commentary on what tracks and at which shows the guitars were played. Many of the guitars are closely associated with Marr, such as the Rickenbacker 330, the Gibson ES-355 and the Johnny Marr Signature Fender Jaguar. Some were passed down to him, including Nile Rodgers’ Stratocaster, Bryan Ferry’s Roxy Music, Hagstrom and Bert Jansch’s Yamaha. Others are guitars once owned by Marr that have since been passed on to the next generation of guitar heroes, including the Stratocaster used by Noel Gallagher on ‘Wonderwall’ and the Gibson Les Paul Goldtop used on In Rainbows by Radiohead’s Ed O’Brien. Punctuating the photography of the guitars and the accompanying commentary are contextual studio, backstage and onstage shots. Together, they make Marr’s Guitars a unique cultural history of modern music and guitar playing told through the prism of Johnny Marr’s experiences and achievements.

Check out Peter Frampton Band's tribute to George Harrison with video premiere of "Isn't It A Pity"

Make sure to watch the wonderful video of the Peter Frampton Band's version of "Isn't It A Pity." Details on the video and release of the album Frampton Forgets The Words are below...Robert Kinsler

THE PETER FRAMPTON BAND’S TRIBUTE TO GEORGE HARRISON’S “ISN’T IT A PITY” PREMIERES WITH VIDEO

 

FRAMPTON FORGETS THE WORDS OUT NEXT FRIDAY, APRIL 23 VIA UMe

 

ALBUM FEATURES INSTRUMENTALS OF SONGS BY DAVID BOWIE, RADIOHEAD, STEVIE WONDER,

ROXY MUSIC, LENNY KRAVITZ AND MORE

 

 

 

                        Photo by Austin Lord

 

“One of rock ‘n’ roll’s lifelong major players”

  

 

April 16, 2021—The Peter Frampton Band’s tribute to George Harrison’s “Isn’t It A Pity” is the latest track to be revealed off their forthcoming album Frampton Forgets the Words. “‘Isn’t It A Pity’ from George’s album All Things Must Pass, was the track I could hear playing when I first arrived at Abbey Road to record,” Frampton explains.” Of the video, which begins with footage from Frampton’s Farewell Tour in 2019, he furthers, “We have all been in the same boat for over a year now. Our video lets you into my world of lockdown and possibly yours too. I think we can all relate.” Watch/share HERE.

 

Frampton Forgets The Words, out next Friday, April 23 on UMe, includes instrumental versions of some of Frampton’s favorite songs and is the follow up to his 2007 Grammy Award-winning instrumental album, Fingerprints. The music is receiving early critical acclaim:

 

“Frampton Forgets the Words is a grab-bag of 10 covers of rock songs that just plain move Frampton, and he imbues every lick and line of tunes by Radiohead (‘Reckoner’), Roxy Music (‘Avalon’) Lenny Kravitz (‘Are You Gonna Go My Way’) and other legacy artists with deep feeling and panache.”—Grammy.com

 

“Peter Frampton is one of the greatest guitar players in the history of rock, so if anyone were to put out an album of instrumental tracks, why shouldn’t it be him?”—Nashville Lifestyles

 

“Frampton and his band’s version [of Roxy Music’s ‘Avalon’] doesn’t stray too far from the 1982 original, with his guitar a stand-in for Bryan Ferry’s inimitable vocals.”—Rolling Stone

 

“…a perfect example of how Frampton can employ his arranging acumen to power a great song even further.”—Something Else Reviews

 

Additionally, Frampton caught up with friend and acclaimed actor Alec Baldwin about the forthcoming album, and more. Watch the Instagram Live HERE.

 

Frampton Forgets the Words is co-produced by Frampton and Chuck Ainlay and was  recorded/mixed at Frampton’s own Studio Phenix in Nashville. With his storied 1954 Les Paul Phenix—which was lost in a plane crash in 1980 and recovered more than 30 years later—Frampton brings virtuosic guitar playing to songs including David Bowie’s “Loving The Alien,” Roxy Music’s “Avalon,” Radiohead’s “Reckoner,” and more.

 

Peter Frampton is among the most celebrated guitarists in rock history. At 18, he co-founded one of the first supergroups, Humble Pie. By 22, he was touring incessantly and making use of the talk box which would become his signature guitar effect. He’s collaborated with such legendary artists as George Harrison, David Bowie, Jerry Lee Lewis and Ringo Starr, among many others, and has toured with the likes of Stevie Nicks, Greg Allman, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Cheap Trick, and the Steve Miller Band. In 2014 he was inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame.

 

His 2019 album All Blues (UMe), was #1 for fifteen weeks on Billboard’s Blues Chart, and his autobiography Do You Feel Like I Do?: A Memoir, released last October via Hachette Books, debuted on The New York Times Bestsellers list. His 1976 album, Frampton Comes Alive! remains one of the top-selling live records of all time and was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame last year.

 

FRAMPTON FORGETS THE WORDS TRACK LIST

1. If You Want Me To Stay

2. Reckoner

3. Dreamland

4. One More Heartache

5. Avalon

6. Isn’t It A Pity

7. I Don't Know Why

8. Are You Gonna Go My Way

9. Loving The Alien

10. Maybe

 

FIND PETER FRAMPTON ONLINE

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New Music: Greta Van Fleet, Cheap Trick, Ken Sharp, Jon Klages, Jarrod Lawson

Fans of modern and classic rock, power pop, jazz, Americana and blues all have reason to celebrate thanks to a particularly strong field of new releases.

Artist: Greta Van Fleet

Title: The Battle at Garden's Gate (Republic)

You might like if you enjoy: Greta Van Fleet, Led Zeppelin, Bad Company

Tell me more: There is a common oft-repeated perception that rock music is dead. Don't tell that to rising young rock quartet Greta Van Fleet, whose epic full-length sophomore album The Battle at Garden's Gate will be released on Friday, April 16. The Frankenmuth, Michigan-spawned outfit follows up their outstanding 2018 full-length debut Anthem of the Peaceful Army with a 12-track Greg Kurstin-produced album that is decidedly ambitious and filled with songs that simultaneously challenge and entice the listener. The evocative seven-minute "Age of Machine," luxurious "Broken Bells" (which spans from ballad to soaring anthem over its daring run) and absorbing "Heat Above" tap into everything that lovers of classic '70s rock love so much; dynamic performances featuring a mighty lead singer (Josh Kiszka's voice is a wonder), killer solos that masterfully propel each song's arc (lead guitarist Jake Kiszka delivers), and a strong rhythm section (bassist Sam Kiszka and drummer Danny Wagner). Every track is crucial; other exceptional originals include the dazzling "Built By Nations," acoustic-flavored "Tears By Rain" and electrifying "The Barbarians." Information: GretaVanFleet.com. 

Artist: Cheap Trick

Title: In Another World (Universal Music Enterprises)

You might like if you enjoy: Cheap Trick, Matthew Sweet, The Smithereens

Tell me more: Enduring rock outfit Cheap Trick is back with In Another World, the quartet's first new album since 2017's Christmas Christmas holiday celebration. No band has ever fused power pop with hard rock as powerfully as the Rockford, Illinois-spawned Rock and Roll Hall of Famers and that is very much in evidence across their latest LP. Singer Robin Zander's signature vocals are as sharp as ever; just listen to the driving rocker "Boys & Girls & Rock N Roll" (bolstered by Rick Nielsen's fiery guitar work) and even heavier "Light Up The Fire" (which recalls the AC/DC meets Beatles approach of the Smithereens' best material). The parade of tracks is charged from start to finish; the shimmering harmonies-filled opener "The Summer Looks Good On You," tuneful "Quit Waking Me Up," Beatlesque "Passing Through" and inspired take on John Lennon's "Gimme Some Truth" are among my other faves. Originally set to be released in late 2018, In Another World was delayed by the arrival of the COVID-19 global pandemic. Nice to be able to crank this one up now. Information: CheapTrick.com.

Artist: Ken Sharp

Title: Miniatures (Ken Sharp)

You might like if you enjoy: Paul McCartney, Badfinger, Pugwash

Tell me more: Singer-songwriter Ken Sharp uses Miniatures to convincingly prove that less can certainly be more. The songs on his new LP are short and sweet to be sure; all clock in at under two minutes. With an impressive 32 tracks on Miniatures, there are tune-filled joys aplenty. The chamber pop confessional "Me and My Big Fat Mouth," McCartneyesque "Susannah Silently Shining" and "Rise," up-tempo folk rocker "Day In Night," jazzy "A Kind of Blue and Smokey Too," nostalgic "Stack O' Records" and shining "My Lullaby" are early nuggets. The wealth of riches continues with the romantic "If I Called You," the confessional "Growing Up So Fast," dreamy "Perfect Sun," biting "Down The Drain," infectious power-pop confection "Somethings Happening" and the poignant "Jeanne I Will Remember." The disc closes with the stellar Baroque-styled title track, enhanced by exquisite toy piano magic. Information: ken-sharp.com.

Artist: Jon Klages

Title: Fabulous Twilight (Danbury Fair Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: Raul Midón, Dire Straits, Jon Klages

Tell me more: The leap from rock to a decidedly more diverse soundscape is not an easy one, but but that hasn't deterred indie rock hero Jon Klages (The Individuals, Richard Lloyd Band) whose wonderful Fabulous Twilight is an inviting and polished collection of 11 new originals. Chief among the jazzy gems here are the breezy opener "Best That We Can," lovely "Rosalie," playful "Long-Tailed Cat," and wistful "1133 Ave. of the Americas (For Enoch Light)." Klages also delves into an array of other styles via the cool '60s-flavored instrumental "Too Cool for Spy School," the sparse blues of "Red-Dirt Country," funk-tinged "Kazoos Are People Too" and country tale of musical discovery titled "God Bless the Columbia House Record Club." Klages' smooth vocals and skilled fret work take center stage (just listen to the blazing "Remains"), with keyboardist Neil Larsen, bassist Davey Faragher, drummer Pete Thomas, backing vocalist Arnold McCuller and the Honey Whiskey Trio fortifying the album's impact. A portion of the proceeds of the album will benefit the Wild Honey Foundation's ongoing quest to aid for advancement in autism research. Information: JonKlages.com.

Artist: Jarrod Lawson

Title: Be the Change (Dome Records Ltd)

You might like if you enjoy: Gavin DeGraw, Donny Hathaway

Tell me more: With a rich soulful voice set amidst a rich palette of jazz, R&B, gospel, funk and other styles, Jarrod Lawson's "Be the Change" is a nice invitation to an immersive blend of musical riches. A top-flight singer and keyboardist, Lawson showcases his vocal talents on the grooving funk track "Battlefield," lush ballad "Love Isn't Always Enough," scintillating "Universal Chord," tender ballad "Evalee," smooth jazz swoop "Connected," soulful celebration of song "Soul Symphony" and bewitching "How Long." He is joined by guest vocalist Moonchild on the captivating duet "I'll Be Your Radio." Information: JarrodLawsonMusic.com. 

Robert Kinsler

The Peter Frampton Band Pays Tribute To David Bowie With Cover Of "Loving The Alien"

 Another enticing advance cut off The Peter Frampton Band's forthcoming album Frampton Forgets The Words. The instrumental version of David Bowie's "Loving The Alien" is terrific, and the emotional power of the video is palpable too. Frampton's guitar playing is expressive across this wonderful cut... Robert Kinsler

THE PETER FRAMPTON BAND’S TRIBUTE TO DAVID BOWIE’S “LOVING THE ALIEN” PREMIERES WITH VIDEO

 

FRAMPTON FORGETS THE WORDS OUT APRIL 23 VIA UMe

 

ALBUM FEATURES INSTRUMENTALS OF SONGS BY RADIOHEAD, GEORGE HARRISON, STEVIE WONDER, ROXY MUSIC, LENNY KRAVITZ AND MORE

 

                        Photo by Austin Lord

 

“One of rock ‘n’ roll’s lifelong major players”

  

 

March 26, 2021—The Peter Frampton Band’s tribute to David Bowie’s “Loving The Alien” is the latest track to be revealed off their forthcoming album Frampton Forgets the Words. The performance video, which premiered yesterday on Grammy.com, features personal photos of Bowie and Frampton together as well as archival MTV footage. Watch/share the video HERE.

 

Frampton Forgets The Words, out April 23 on UMe, includes instrumental versions of some of Frampton’s favorite songs and is the follow up to his 2007 Grammy Award-winning instrumental album, Fingerprints. 

 

“Loving The Alien” follows the release of the band’s version of Roxy Music’s “Avalon,” of which Rolling Stone notes, “Frampton and his band’s version doesn’t stray too far from the 1982 original, with his guitar a stand-in for Bryan Ferry’s inimitable vocals,” and Radiohead’s “Reckoner,” which continues to receive critical acclaim from SPIN, Stereogum, Guitar World and more.  

 

Frampton Forgets the Words is co-produced by Frampton and Chuck Ainlay and was  recorded/mixed at Frampton’s own Studio Phenix in Nashville. With his storied 1954 Les Paul Phenix—which was lost in a plane crash in 1980 and recovered more than 30 years later—  Frampton brings virtuosic guitar playing to songs by George Harrison, Stevie Wonder, Lenny Kravitz and more. See track listing below. 

 

Frampton notes, “This album is a collection of ten of my favorite pieces of music. My guitar is also a voice and I have always enjoyed playing my favorite vocal lines that we all know and love. These tracks are my great band and me paying tribute to the original creators of this wonderful music. So much fun to do and I really hope you enjoy it too.”

 

Peter Frampton is among the most celebrated guitarists in rock history. At 18, he co-founded one of the first supergroups, Humble Pie. By 22, he was touring incessantly and making use of the talk box which would become his signature guitar effect. He’s collaborated with such legendary artists as George Harrison, David Bowie, Jerry Lee Lewis and Ringo Starr, among many others, and has toured with the likes of Stevie Nicks, Greg Allman, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Cheap Trick, and the Steve Miller Band. In 2014 he was inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame. 

 

His 2019 album All Blues (UMe), was #1 for fifteen weeks on Billboard’s Blues Chart, and his autobiography Do You Feel Like I Do?: A Memoir, released last October via Hachette Books, debuted on The New York Times Bestsellers list. His 1976 album, Frampton Comes Alive! remains one of the top-selling live records of all time and was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame last year.

 

FRAMPTON FORGETS THE WORDS TRACK LIST

1. If You Want Me To Stay 

2. Reckoner 

3. Dreamland 

4. One More Heartache 

5. Avalon 

6. Isn’t It A Pity 

7. I Don't Know Why 

8. Are You Gonna Go My Way 

9. Loving The Alien 

10. Maybe

 

FIND PETER FRAMPTON ONLINE

Facebook | Website | Instagram | Spotify | Twitter

The Peter Frampton Band pays tribute To David Bowie, George Harrison, Stevie Wonder, Radiohead and more on new instrumental covers album

Exciting news for fans of Peter Frampton with today's announcement of an upcoming instrumental covers album and a great advance single (he guitar playing is truly affecting)...Robert Kinsler

THE PETER FRAMPTON BAND’S INSTRUMENTAL COVERS ALBUM FRAMPTON FORGETS THE WORDS OUT APRIL 23 ON UMe

 

VIDEO FOR RADIOHEAD COVER “RECKONER” DEBUTS TODAY

ALBUM FEATURES ADDITIONAL INSTRUMENTALS OF SONGS BY DAVID BOWIE, GEORGE HARRISON
STEVIE WONDER, LENNY KRAVITZ AND MORE

 

 

                        Photo by Austin Lord

 

“One of rock ‘n’ roll’s lifelong major players”

 

Los Angeles – January 29, 2021—Frampton Forgets the Words, the new studio album by The Peter Frampton Band, will be released April 23 via UMe. The album features instrumental tributes to some of Frampton’s favorite songs and is the follow up to his 2007 Grammy Award-winning instrumental album, Fingerprints. The first track to be revealed is their take on Radiohead’s “Reckoner,” alongside a video—watch/share HERE.   

 

Frampton Forgets the Words was co-produced by Frampton and Chuck Ainlay and was  recorded/mixed at Frampton’s own Studio Phenix in Nashville. With his infamous 1954 Les Paul Phenix—which was lost in a plane crash in 1980 and recovered more than 30 years later —  Frampton brings virtuosic guitar playing to songs by David Bowie, George Harrison, Stevie Wonder, Lenny Kravitz and more. See track listing below. 

 

Frampton notes, “This album is a collection of ten of my favorite pieces of music. My guitar is also a voice and I have always enjoyed playing my favorite vocal lines that we all know and love. These tracks are my great band and me paying tribute to the original creators of this wonderful music. So much fun to do and I really hope you enjoy it too.”

 

Peter Frampton is among the most celebrated guitarists in rock history. At 18, he co-founded one of the first supergroups, Humble Pie. By 22, he was touring incessantly and making use of the talk box which would become his signature guitar effect. He’s collaborated with such legendary artists as George Harrison, David Bowie, Jerry Lee Lewis and Ringo Starr, among many others, and has toured with the likes of Stevie Nicks, Greg Allman, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Cheap Trick, and the Steve Miller Band. In 2014 he was inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame. 

 

His 2019 album All Blues (UMe), was #1 for fifteen weeks on Billboard’s Blues Chart, and his autobiography Do You Feel Like I Do?: A Memoir, released last October via Hachette Books, debuted on The New York Times Bestsellers list. His 1976 album, Frampton Comes Alive! remains one of the top-selling live records of all time and was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame last year.

 

FRAMPTON FORGETS THE WORDS TRACK LIST

1. If You Want Me To Stay 

2. Reckoner 

3. Dreamland 

4. One More Heartache 

5. Avalon 

6. Isn’t It A Pity 

7. I Don't Know Why 

8. Are You Gonna Go My Way 

9. Loving The Alien 

10. Maybe

 

FIND PETER FRAMPTON ONLINE

Facebook | Website | Instagram | Spotify | Twitter

New releases inspire amidst COVID-19 pandemic

Check out a roundup of outstanding albums that bring much needed joy and inspiration during the continuing coronavirus pandemic.

Artist: The Monkees
Title: The Mike & Micky Show (Rhino Records)
You might like if you enjoy: The Monkees, Micky Dolenz, Michael Nesmith
Tell me more: Hard to believe, but the Monkees' latest release The Mike & Micky Show marks the first-ever official live album from the '60s hitmakers. While the group's lineup is down to Micky Dolenz and Michael Nesmith (Davy Jones died in February 2012, while Peter Tork passed away in February 2019). This terrific collection sounds fantastic, with oft-shimmering harmonies, a joyful spirit, timeless strength of songcraft and sparkling storytelling shining across the 25-track set. Dolenz is one of his generation's most gifted lead singers, able to elevate power pop, garage rockers, Americana and tender ballads with equal potency. Even now, his voice remains a wonder as evidenced by top-flight singing on the freewheeling rocker "Mary, Mary," the wistful "For Pete's Safe," jubilant "Pleasant Valley Sunday" and rollicking "(I'm Not Your) Steppin' Stone." Nesmith's strong signature baritone takes center stage on original country-flavored gems including "Sunny Girlfriend," "Listen to the Band," "Sweet Young Thing," "Circle Sky" and "St. Matthew." Together, their duel voices create magic on "Birth of an Accidental Hipster" (a psychedelic gift penned by Noel Gallagher and Paul Weller), country-western original "Papa Gene's Blues," the Ben Gibbard-penned baroque ballad "Me & Magdalena" and inspired "I'm a Believer." Information: monkees.com.

Artist: Bruce Sudano
Title: Spirals, Vol 1- Not a Straight Line to be Found (Purple Heart Recording Co.)
You might like if you enjoy: Nils Lofgren, Tom Rush
Tell me more: Singer-songwriter Bruce Sudano's newly-released EP Spirals, Vol 1- Not a Straight Line to be Found includes a tuneful set of five tracks that are both melodic and well crafted. The probing "The Mountain," intimate "Shelter Island" (bolstered by his nuanced guitar work and Kenny White's touch on keyboards) and evocative "Back in the Neighborhood" all resonate, exuding a warm touch. Sudano further explores his pleasing blend of folk and light rock with the decidedly acoustic "In The Garden Of November" and disc-ending embrace of "See You When I Get There." Information: BruceSudano.com.

Artist: EOB
Title: Earth (Capitol Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Radiohead, Doves, Tom Yorke
Tell me more: It's little surprise that the solo debut release from Radiohead guitarist-backing vocalist Ed O'Brien (performing under the moniker EOB) both challenges and embraces the listener. Earth was written and recorded over a five-year span and the album is bolstered by a genre-defying exhilaration across its nine wonderful tracks. The decidedly uplifting spirit that permeates the album spans from the electronica rock opener "Shangri-La" and casual jazzy jewel "Long Time Coming" to the tranquil "Sail On," dance floor-ready "Olympik" and acoustic closer "Cloak of the Night" (the latter featuring Laura Marling sharing lead vocals with O'Brien). The ambitious acoustic-meets-electronica "Brasil" and swirling "Mass" are among the other standouts on a terrific and adventuresome debut. Other guests on the outstanding album include bassist Nathan East and Portishead's Adrian Utley. Information: eobmusic.com.

Artist: Peter Buck and Luke Haines
Title: Beat Poetry for the Survivalists (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: R. Stevie Moore, The Auteurs, Radio California
Tell me more: As interesting as it is fun, Beat Poetry for the Survivalists is an ambitious collaboration between famed guitarists Peter Buck (R.E.M.) and Luke Haines (the Auteurs). Against a sonic lo-fi soundscape of spoken word, textured melodious flourishes and nuanced dynamics, the two artists explore rocket scientist "Jack Parsons," alternate radio station "Apocalypse Beach," the art damage tale of "The Last of the Legendary Bigfoot Hunters," "Andy Warhol Was Not Kind" and other far-flung forays to be found in this crazy world we all call home. In addition to Haines and Buck, the album includes the talents of Scott McCaughey (bass guitar, keyboards), Linda Pitmon (drums), Joe Adragna (percussion) and Fred Ph (backing vocals). Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.

Artist: Tom Rush
Title: Voices (Appleseed)
You might like if you enjoy: Bruce Cockburn, Tom Rush, John Prine, Bob Dylan
Tell me more: The continuing toll that the coronavirus pandemic has inflicted on the world has taken the lives of more than 40,000 Americans — including acclaimed musicians Adam Schlesinger, John Prine, Joe Diffie, Ellis Marsalis and Lee Konitz. Fortunately, acclaimed folk singer Tom Rush, 79, has recovered from his battle with the dreaded disease. Now is a great time to revisit the New Hampshire native's most recent album, 2018's excellent Voices. Rush got his start singing folk songs in the early 1960s but Voices marked the first Rush album featuring a full run of original songs. His colorful and literate lyrics are delivered amidst a sonic landscape blending folk, blues, Americana and even spoken word stylings. On the aptly-pegged "Life is Fine," he whistles and sings in a celebration of everyday life's joy. On the rootsy rocker "How Can She Dance Like That?" Rush and a supporting cast of excellent players rock the house with playful abandon. A reworking of the traditional folk standard "Corina, Corina," countrified "Cold River," reflective "Far Away" and Appalachia-draped "Heaven Knows (But It Ain't Tellin')" display his sway with material be it comedic or solemn. Information: tomrush.com.


Robert Kinsler