New music: The Rolling Stones, Charley Crockett, 'American Cosmic Revival, Vol. 2'

In this column, I celebrate the latest returns from The Rolling Stones, Charley Crockett and an essential tribute to "Cosmic American Music" spearheaded by alt country champion Christian Parker.

Artist: The Rolling Stones
Title: Foreign Tongues (Capitol)
You might like if you enjoy: The Rolling Stones

Tell me more: Against all odds — and time itself — The Rolling Stones are back. More than 60 years after emerging from the early '60s London music scene, the Rock and Roll Hall of Famers returned on July 10 with their 25th studio album, Foreign Tongues. Produced by Andrew Watt, the new star-studded followup to the band's 2023 album Hackney Diamonds features musical contributions from the illustrious likes of Cure frontman Robert Smith (vocals, guitar), Steve Winwood, keyboardist Benmont Tench (Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers), drummer Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers), Bruno Mars, Sir Paul McCartney and more. The album even features a track recorded with the late Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts just prior to his death in 2021! Is this a top-tier return from the English band featuring Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood? Definitely. The 14-track album is loaded with the band's signature brand of blues-influenced rock and roll. Just listen to the rowdy "Mr. Charm" featuring Jagger's rapid-fire vocals, the rousing blues-rock gem "Rough And Twisted" adorned with some killer blues harmonica, the shimmering instant classic "In The Stars," R&B-flavored "Jealous Lover" (the latter showcasing Jagger's terrific falsetto vocals) or countrified "Ringing Hollow" to feel the spirit of the so-called "greatest rock and roll band in the world" rear their glorious head in 2026. Other terrific cuts on the LP include the propulsive '80s-tinged rocker "Never Wanna Lose You" featuring backing vocals from Smith, the tender "Covered In You" and "Back In Your Life," and infectious dance-fueled "Side Effects." The album closes out with a delightfully raw slide guitar heavy reading of Chuck Berry's 1958 classic "Beautiful Delilah." Information: rollingstones.com.  

Artist: Charley Crockett
Title: Clovis (Atlantic Outpost)
You might like if you enjoy: Hank Williams, Michael Ubaldini, Waylon Jennings, Merle Haggard

Tell me more: Originally released on April 28, 2026 — and then pulled from all streaming services because of record company-related legal issues on May 7 — Charley Crockett's 17th studio album Clovis was re-released by Atlantic Outpost on July 3 in time for America's 250th Birthday. The 14-track LP is a true return to form for the Texas native. Recorded in a mere six days in Clovis, New Mexico (March 21-26, 2026) while Crockett, his entire band and album producer Shooter Jennings were sick with COVID-19, the album is a true celebration of Crockett's neotraditional country approach. The album is outstanding, bolstered by a parade of winning originals spanning from the driving opener "The Hallelujah Trail" (co-written by Jennings and Crockett) to the outlaw country-mining closer "Waylon Rides Again." Among this writer's favorite tracks on the disc are the Waylon Jennings-flavored "Down by Law," the soulful romance-themed "Image of a Woman," rowdy country rocker "Eagle and the Crow," autobiographical "Country Music," tender "Last Night at the Alamo" and deeply affecting cover of Johnny Cash's 1958 original "Don't Take Your Guns to Town." Information: charleycrockett.com.

Artists: Christian Parker, Earl Poole Ball, Patrick Cleary, Jay Dee Maness
Title: American Cosmic Revival Vol. 2: Miles From Nowhere (Subcat Records / Edgewater Music Group)
You might like if you enjoy: Gram Parsons, Michael Ubaldini, The Flying Burrito Brothers, Merle Haggard, Gene Clark, Bob Dylan

Tell me more: In the late 1960s and early '70s, Gram Parsons and Chris Hillman were among the principal artists who crafted music that blended country, folk and rock music into what would soon be dubbed "Cosmic American Music." Indeed, that movement influenced a number of other music icons including The Eagles, Neil Young, Emmylou Harris, Poco, Michael Ubaldini, First Aid Kit and even The Rolling Stones. Now New York-based singer-guitarist Christian Parker has released an ambitious tribute to the beloved musical tradition with an illustrious cast of players including pianist Earl Poole Ball (whose career includes work with Parsons, Johnny Cash, The Byrds and the International Submarine Band) and pedal steel guitar player Jay Dee Maness (a founding member of the International Submarine Band and later a member of the Desert Rose Band). The mix of wonderful selections include a bewitching take on the Parsons-Hillman composition "Wheels," an emotive reading of the countrified ballad "She Once Lived Here," wistful Americana take of the Gene Clark-Bernie Leadon co-write "Train Leaves Here This Morning," soaring version of the Everly Brothers' beautiful "So Sad," and touching rendition of Merle Haggard's "If We Make It Through December." Closing out the fantastic collection is a touching rendering of The Rolling Stones' classic "Wild Horses." Information: christianparker.com or subcat.net.

Robert Kinsler

The Rolling Stones unveil video for their latest single "In The Stars" featuring actress Odessa A’zion

Not only have The Rolling Stones released a rocking new track ("In The Stars"), but the band is back with a cool new music video that doubles as a bona fide time machine!..Robert Kinsler

THE ROLLING STONES UNVEIL VIDEO FOR THEIR LATEST SINGLE “IN THE STARS”  DIRECTED BY FRANCOIS ROUSSELET AND FEATURING ACTRESS ODESSA A’ZION – WATCH HERE! NEW STUDIO ALBUM FOREIGN TONGUES RELEASED JULY 10, 2026 VIA CAPITOL RECORDS

*In The Stars video still* May 14, 2026 – Today, The Rolling Stones have released the video for the upbeat and infectious lead single “In The Stars” from their newly announced studio album Foreign Tongues. Directed by Francois Rousselet, whose credits include work with Nike, Diesel, Pharrell Williams, and on the Stones' “Angry” from Hackney Diamonds and "Ride 'Em On Down," from Blue & Lonesome, the new video features acclaimed actress Odessa A’zion (Marty Supreme, I Love LA). The video, which was created by Deep Voodoo using groundbreaking deepfake technology, models the Stones from the 70’s performing “In The Stars” amongst musicians, singers, dancers from different eras, different cultures and subcultures. On working with The Rolling Stones, Odessa A’zion said “Are you kidding me? It's my dream. The first record that I ever got that I listened to from start to finish was Tattoo You. I'm obsessed with the Rolling Stones. This is in my bucket list for sure.” Foreign Tongues, arriving July 10th from Capitol Records, is an incredibly vibrant 14-track collection that follows less than three years after the band’s universally acclaimed, Grammy Award-winning Hackney Diamonds, which topped charts worldwide and achieved multi-platinum success. “In The Stars” track was released last week in conjunction with the band’s album announcement and is available digitally alongside the album’s opening track “Rough and Twisted.” “In The Stars” receives a physical release on May 15th. In the lead-up to the announcement of Foreign Tongues, the band have been subtly building anticipation for the new project, including the limited white label release of the track “Rough and Twisted” only on vinyl under the name The Cockroaches. Circulating among fans and collectors, the release has already sparked excitement and speculation around the sound and direction of Foreign Tongues, offering an early glimpse into the album’s raw and exploratory energy. Recorded during an exceptionally creative period, Foreign Tongues was brought to life in under a month at Metropolis Studios in West London, with Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood reuniting with Grammy-winning producer Andrew Watt, who also helmed Hackney Diamonds. The result is a dynamic and forward-looking record that captures the band’s unmistakable sound while pushing into new sonic and lyrical territory, further cementing their unparalleled legacy. Foreign Tongues Tracklisting;  1.    Rough and Twisted 2.    In The Stars 3.    Jealous Lover 4.    Mr Charm 5.    Divine Intervention 6.    Ringing Hollow 7.    Never Wanna Lose You 8.    Hit Me In The Head 9.    You Know I’m No Good 10. Some of Us 11. Covered In You 12. Side Effects 13. Back In Your Life 14. Beautiful Delilah

  Foreign Tongues will be available on a wide range of formats, including CD, deluxe CD editions, cassette, multiple vinyl variants (standard and limited colour pressings), exclusive retailer editions, and special box sets, alongside the single “In The Stars” on CD and vinyl formats. PRE-ORDER FOREIGN TONGUES HERE

The Rolling Stones announce release of 'Foreign Tongues'

The Rolling Stones have just announced the release of a new album, Foreign Tongues (you can see the album cover artwork on the right), set for release on July 10, 2026. 

This will mark the British band's 25th studio album! The album is reportedly set to include guest appearances from Paul McCartney, Steve Winwood and even Robert Smith (The Cure). The lead single "Rough and Twisted" is the lead single from the album and was recently released under the pseudonym The Cockroaches. Another track, "In The Stars," has also been released. Visit the band's website store HERE to learn more.

The Rolling Stones announce reissue of classic 1976 album, "Black and Blue"

The Rolling Stones have announced the reissue of the classic 1976 album "Black and Blue" including a new 2025 mix. Below is the official media release and artwork of the forthcoming title coming Nov. 14, 2025...Robert Kinsler

"BLACK AND BLUE"   SUPER DELUXE BOX SET OUT NOVEMBER 14, 2025   FEATURING NEW 2025 MIX, UNRELEASED STUDIO SESSIONS, LIVE CONCERTS + RARE FOOTAGE

September 24, 2025 - Nearly five decades after its original release, The Rolling Stones are set to celebrate their groundbreaking 1976 album Black and Blue with a definitive Super Deluxe Box Set, arriving globally on November 14, 2025 from Interscope/UMe. Originally released in April, 1976 Black and Blue marked a bold new chapter for the band and now returns in a stunning, remixed and expanded package across multiple formats. Available as a 5LP vinyl box set and a 4CD box set, both editions include a Blu-ray disc, a hundred-page hardback book, and a replica tour poster. A limited edition 5LP version on exclusive black and blue marbled vinyl will also be available via select online retailers, alongside streamlined 2-disc and 1-disc formats on both vinyl and CD. Additionally, a limited edition 1LP zoetrope vinyl will also be released. Now available to pre order here. Black and Blue is the Stones’ 13th studio album, the first following the departure of former guitarist Mick Taylor who was eventually replaced by Ronnie Wood. The recording sessions famously served as auditions with guitar greats Harvey Mandel, Wayne Perkins, Jeff Beck, and Robert A. Johnson all contributing. Ultimately, free from commitments to The Faces, it was Ronnie Wood who joined Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Charlie Watts & Bill Wyman as a bona fide Rolling Stone appearing on three tracks. Soon after Ronnie officially signed up for the band’s U.S. tour, starting his continuing tenure with the group across five decades with multiple live and studio albums and dozens of Stones groundbreaking world tours. In a brand-new interview included in the new box set, Ronnie reflects on joining the band in 1976 with these words - "Right then, this is where I’m meant to be." Musically, Black and Blue showcased The Rolling Stones’ adventurous spirit by infusing reggae, funk, and soul into their signature rock sound. The swaggering “Hot Stuff,” the driving “Hand of Fate,” the poignant ballad hit single “Fool to Cry,” fan favorite “Memory Motel” plus “Melody” featuring the talents of Billy Preston a heavy contributor to the whole album. Black and Blue was the second to be self-produced, credited to "The Glimmer Twins" a pseudonym used by Jagger and Richards for their roles as producers. On release it went to No. 1 on the USA album chart and stayed there for four consecutive weeks gaining immediate platinum status while in the UK Black and Blue went to No. 2 in May 1976. The Black and Blue 2025 reissue includes a six-track disc of previously unreleased recordings, including the Jagger/Richards composition “I Love Ladies,” plus a high-energy take on Shirley & Company’s “Shame, Shame, Shame” which is available to listen to now here. Also included are four amazing Stones instrumental jams from the 1975 sessions featuring the guest guitarists. To accompany the reissue, a new music video for “Shame, Shame, Shame” will premiere on September 25th, available to watch here. Directed by acclaimed Dutch filmmaker Camille Boumans, the video is a collage of Stones history and attitude, blending rare archival photography with hand-drawn animation and modern flair. Known for her award-winning work with global brands and her distinctive blend of classic and contemporary aesthetics, Boumans brings a fresh energy to the Stones’ legacy. In addition and a must for Stones fans is a full live concert recording from the bands celebrated six night residency at London’s Earls Court Exhibition Centre, where they were joined onstage by Ian Stewart, Billy Preston, and Ollie Brown - all of whom had contributed to the studio album. The accompanying Blu-ray disc offers a previously unreleased TV broadcast of the Stones’ 1976 show at Les Abattoirs in Paris, plus Dolby Atmos surround sound mixes of both the studio album and the live Earls Court concert. All audio content is also available in high-resolution stereo. Rounding out the Super Deluxe Box Set is a 100-page hardback book featuring a brand new essay by recognized Stones expert Paul Sexton, exclusive photographs from the album sessions and tour, and a replica poster from the 1976 Paris concert.   Release Formats Include: 5LP Super Deluxe Box Set 4CD Super Deluxe Box Set Limited Edition 5LP Marbled Vinyl Super Deluxe Box Set 2LP / 2CD (Album + Outtakes & Jams) 1LP / 1CD (2025 Steven Wilson Mix) 1LP Zoetrope Vinyl    FULL TRACK LISTING + CREDITS BELOW:   TRACKLISTING   1CD – STEVEN WILSON REMIX 2025   Hot Stuff Hand Of Fate Cherry Oh Baby Memory Motel Hey Negrita Melody Fool To Cry Crazy Mama   1LP – STEVEN WILSON REMIX 2025   Side A Hot Stuff Hand Of Fate Cherry Oh Baby Memory Motel Side B Hey Negrita Melody Fool To Cry Crazy Mama    2CD   Disc 1: Steven Wilson Remix 2025 Hot Stuff Hand Of Fate Cherry Oh Baby Memory Motel Hey Negrita (Inspiration by Ron Wood) Melody (Inspiration by Billy Preston) Fool To Cry Crazy Mama   Disc 2: Outtakes and Jams I Love Ladies Shame, Shame, Shame Chuck Berry Style Jam (With Harvey Mandel) Blues Jam (With Jeff Beck) Rotterdam Jam (With Jeff Beck & Robert A. Johnson) Freeway Jam (With Jeff Beck)   2LP   Disc 1: Steven Wilson Remix 2025 Side A Hot Stuff Hand Of Fate Cherry Oh Baby Memory Motel Side B Hey Negrita (Inspiration by Ron Wood) Melody (Inspiration by Billy Preston) Fool To Cry Crazy Mama   Disc 2: Outtakes and Jams Side A I Love Ladies Shame, Shame, Shame Chuck Berry Style Jam (With Harvey Mandel) Side B Blues Jam (With Jeff Beck) Rotterdam Jam (With Jeff Beck & Robert A. Johnson) Freeway Jam (With Jeff Beck)   SUPER DELUXE 4CD + BLU RAY   Disc 1: Steven Wilson Remix 2025 Hot Stuff Hand Of Fate Cherry Oh Baby Memory Motel Hey Negrita (Inspiration by Ron Wood) Melody (Inspiration by Billy Preston) Fool To Cry Crazy Mama   Disc 2: Outtakes and Jams I Love Ladies Shame, Shame, Shame Chuck Berry Style Jam (With Harvey Mandel) Blues Jam (With Jeff Beck) Rotterdam Jam (With Jeff Beck & Robert A. Johnson) Freeway Jam (With Jeff Beck)   Disc 3: Live at Earls Court 1976 1.    Honky Tonk Women 2.    If You Can’t Rock Me/Get Off My Cloud 3.    Hand Of Fate 4.    Hey Negrita (Inspiration by Ron Wood) 5.    Ain’t Too Proud To Beg 6.    Fool To Cry 7.    Hot Stuff 8.    Star Star (Starfucker)  9.    You Gotta Move 10. You Can’t Always Get What You Want 11. Band Intro 12. Happy 13. Tumbling Dice 14. Nothing From Nothing  15. Outa-Space   Disc 4: Live at Earls Court 1976 Midnight Rambler It’s Only Rock ‘n’ Roll (But I Like It) Brown Sugar Jumpin’ Jack Flash Street Fighting Man Sympathy For The Devil   Blu-Ray Disc 1. Black and Blue (Steven Wilson Remix 2025) 2. Les Rolling Stones Aux Abattoirs, Paris-Juin 1976  ·      Band Intro ·      Honky Tonk Women ·      Hand of Fate ·      Fool To Cry ·      Hot Stuff ·      Star Star ·      You Gotta Move ·      You Can’t Always Get What You Want ·      Band Introductions ·      Happy ·      Outa Space ·      Jumpin’ Jack Flash ·      Street Fighting Man 3. Live at Earls Court Live 1976  ·      Band Intro ·      Honky Tonk Women ·      If You Can’t Rock Me/Get Off My Cloud ·      Hand Of Fate ·      Hey Negrita ·      Ain’t Too Proud To Beg ·      Fool To Cry ·      Hot Stuff ·      Star Star (Starfucker) ·      You Gotta Move ·      You Can’t Always Get What You Want ·      Happy ·      Tumbling Dice ·      Nothing From Nothing ·      Outa-Space ·      Midnight Rambler ·      It’s Only Rock ‘n’ Roll (But I Like It) ·      Brown Sugar ·      Jumpin’ Jack Flash ·      Street Fighting Man ·      Sympathy For The Devil   SUPER DELUXE 5LP + BLU RAY   Disc 1: Steven Wilson Remix 2025 Side A Hot Stuff Hand Of Fate Cherry Oh Baby Memory Motel Side B Hey Negrita (Inspiration by Ron Wood) Melody (Inspiration by Billy Preston) Fool To Cry Crazy Mama   Disc 2: Outtakes and Jams Side A I Love Ladies Shame, Shame, Shame Chuck Berry Style Jam (With Harvey Mandel) Side B Blues Jam (With Jeff Beck) Rotterdam Jam (With Jeff Beck & Robert A. Johnson) Freeway Jam (With Jeff Beck)   Disc 3: Live at Earls Court 1976 Side A Honky Tonk Women If You Can’t Rock Me/Get Off My Cloud Hand Of Fate Hey Negrita (Inspiration by Ron Wood) Side B Ain’t Too Proud To Beg Fool To Cry Hot Stuff Star Star (Starfucker)    Disc 4: Live at Earls Court 1976 Side A You Gotta Move You Can’t Always Get What You Want Band Intro Happy Side B Tumbling Dice Nothing from Nothing Outa-space   Disc 5: Live at Earls Court 1976 Side A Midnight Rambler It’s Only Rock ‘n’ Roll (But I Like It) Brown Sugar Side B Jumpin’ Jack Flash Street Fighting Man Sympathy For The Devil   Blu-Ray Disc   Black and Blue (Steven Wilson Remix 2025) Hi-res stereo and Atmos Mix   2. Les Rolling Stones Aux Abattoirs, Paris-Juin 1976  ·      Band Intro ·      Honky Tonk Women ·      Hand of Fate ·      Fool To Cry ·      Hot Stuff ·      Star Star ·      You Gotta Move ·      You Can’t Always Get What You Want ·      Band Introductions ·      Happy ·      Outa Space ·      Jumpin’ Jack Flash ·      Street Fighting Man   3. Live at Earls Court Live 1976  ·      Band Intro ·      Honky Tonk Women ·      If You Can’t Rock Me/Get Off My Cloud ·      Hand Of Fate ·      Hey Negrita ·      Ain’t Too Proud To Beg ·      Fool To Cry ·      Hot Stuff ·      Star Star (Starfucker) ·      You Gotta Move ·      You Can’t Always Get What You Want ·      Happy ·      Tumbling Dice ·      Nothing From Nothing ·      Outa-Space ·      Midnight Rambler ·      It’s Only Rock ‘n’ Roll (But I Like It) ·      Brown Sugar ·      Jumpin’ Jack Flash ·      Street Fighting Man ·      Sympathy For The Devil     CREDITS   Mick Jagger - Lead vocals, backing vocals (1, 3 – 5), percussion (1), piano (4, 7) electric guitar (8) Keith Richards - Electric guitar (all tracks except 4), backing vocals (except 6,7), piano (4, 8), bass (8), co-lead vocals (4) Ronnie Wood - Electric guitar (3,5,8), backing vocals (1, 2, 4, 5, 8) Bill Wyman - Bass guitar (except 8), percussion (1) Charlie Watts - Drums, percussion (1) Billy Preston - Piano (1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 8), organ (5, 6), percussion (6), backing vocals (1, 4, 5, 6, 8) Nicky Hopkins - Piano (7), organ (3) Harvey Mandel - Electric guitar (1, 4) Wayne Perkins - Electric guitar (2,7), acoustic guitar (4) Ollie Brown - Percussion (1, 2, 5, 8) Ian Stewart - Percussion (1) Arif Mardin - Horn (6)   Produced By The Glimmer Twins (Mick Jagger/Keith Richards)   # # #

New music: The Rolling Stones, The Dumbanimals, Alicia Witt

An expanded edition of The Rolling Stones' terrific 2023 return Hackney Diamonds, as well as the latest discs from power pop heroes The Dumbanimals and singer-songwriter Alicia Witt are available now. 

"Hackney Diamonds: Live Edition" is available now. 

Artist: The Rolling Stones

Title: Hackney Diamonds: Live Edition (Geffen Records)

You might like if you enjoy: The Rolling Stones, Lady Gaga, classic rock

Tell me more: Now there is even more reason to celebrate The Rolling Stones' 2023 masterwork Hackney Diamonds; the album has been reissued on audio CD as a deluxe expanded edition with all seven tracks performed at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band's October 2023's album launch event at Racket in New York filling disc two. A rollicking take on "Shattered" kicks off the live set before The Rolling Stones unleash a rowdy take on the band's 2023 single "Angry" from Hackney Diamonds. This writer's favorite track from Hackney Diamonds is the soaring "Whole Wide World" and the live version of that powerful cut is a highlight on the live set as well — singer Mick Jagger delivers an especially emotive vocal performance and the searing lead guitar work of Ronnie Wood really packs a punch too. Other highlights on disc two include a moving "Tumbling Dice," decidedly punk-styled "Bite My Head Off" and rousing "Jumpin' Jack Flash." The set closing R&B nugget "Sweet Sounds of Heaven" finds Lady Gaga joining the Rolling Stones for an ambitious duet with Jagger on another of Hackney Diamonds' great songs. The Rolling Stones' Hackney Diamonds U.S. tour dates will begin in April 2024. Among the closet Southwest dates for readers to attend are the band's appearance at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ on May 7; at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on May 11; and at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on July 10 and July 13. Information: rollingstones.com.

Artist: The Dumbanimals

Title: Thrift Pop (Kool Kat Musik)

You might like if you enjoy: Matthew Sweet, The Jesus and Mary Chain, Weezer, XTC, early Snow Patrol

Tell me more: Fans of melodic rock and power pop will all embrace the Dumbanimals' new album Thrift Pop. The Len Kenyon-led Vermont outfit artfully fuses melodic and alternative rock stylings with dream pop. Things begin with the shimmering midtempo gem "Hook in Our Jaw" and the album's riches continue from start to finish. Among the many marvelous originals featured on Thrift Pop are the propulsive "Lollygagger," freewheeling "Doorknob," introspective "Aim Lame," romantic retro-mining "In My Car" and dreamy "Lullaby For Jack." Information: koolkatmusik.com.

Artist: Alicia Witt

Title: Witness

You might like if you enjoy: Aimee Mann, Carole King, Vonda Shepard

Tell me more: Although Alicia Witt might be most recognizable for her acting roles (she made her debut at the age of 7 in David Lynch's "Dune" and has since appeared in countless films and television series including "Two and a Half Men," "The Walking Dead," "Justified," "Law & Order: Criminal Intent" and Showtime's 3rd season of "Twin Peaks"), her talents as an outstanding keyboardist, singer and songwriter are equally formidable. On her latest EP Witness, the artist delivers another batch of songs that probe the emotional currents of life, love and loss with a mix of undeniable melody, sumptuous arrangements and timeless song craft. The yearning title track, gorgeous "Clever Mind," forceful rocker "Loop" and wistful jazz-tinged piano ballad "Always Tuesday" are among the stellar originals on the six-track disc. The EP closes with the emotional and sweeping "Someone To Write Me a Song." Information: aliciawittmusic.com. 

Robert Kinsler