New music: Matthew Sweet, Pete Yorn, the Lickerish Quartet

 Several of the first great discs of 2021 are highlighted in my column this week.

Artist: Matthew Sweet

Title: Catspaw (Omnivore Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: Tommy Keene, The Smithereens, Big Star

Tell me more: It's hard to believe, but Matthew Sweet's new album Catspaw is the power pop icon's fifteenth album. The good news is that the singer-songwriter/guitar great's newly-released disc bristles and soars like it's a hard-charging debut. In addition to his distinctive vocals and amazing songcraft, Sweet's edgy electric guitar work (frequently recalling Neil Young's freewheeling approach) takes center stage while Ric Menck's solid drumming holds down the rhythmic foundation throughout the dozen-track collection. Listening to the infectious "Give A Little," inspired "Challenge The Gods," tender "Hold On Tight," electrifying "At A Loss" and ambitious closer "Parade Of Lights" is to be reminded of how Sweet has an uncanny gift at fusing rock 'n'' roll instincts with showering melody and impressive musical chops to boot. Produced, recorded and mixed by Sweet at his home studio in Omaha, Nebraska, the artist handles rhythm and lead guitars, bass, piano and all lead and backing vocals on the masterwork. The lyrics here hit home as well, tackling the quest for life's meaning with artful candor. Information: MatthewSweet.com.

Artist: Pete Yorn

Title: Pete Yorn Sings The Classics (Shelly Music)

You might like if you enjoy: Crowded House, the Jayhawks, Pete Yorn

Tell me more: Singer-songwriter great Pete Yorn's wide range of influences are celebrated on his new aptly-titled Pete Yorn Sings The Classics, a 10-song set where the Los Angeles-based artist reworks well-known material into his own signature style. Among the bona fide delights on the disc are his shimmering take on The Stone Roses' "Ten Storey Love Song," a joyful version of Bob Dylan's "Lay Lady Lay," yearning musical reading of the Tracey Ullman 1983 hit "They Don't Know," rootsy version of Simon and Garfunkel's "I Am A Rock" and a magic rendition of Roxy Music's "More Than This." Yorn closes out the disc with an evocative version of the Henry Mancini/Johnny Mercer classic "Moon River." To be sure, every cut on the album is fantastic and this listener would welcome a sequel! Of the selections Yorn says: "...these songs all have one thing in common...they all stopped me in my tracks upon first discovery, simply because I loved the way they made me feel. They compelled me to listen repetitively...almost compulsively over and over again." Information: PeteYorn.com.

Artist: The Lickerish Quartet

Title: Threesome Vol. 2 (Stranger Danger Records and Tapes)

You might like if you enjoy: Jellyfish, Queen, Dada, Tears for Fears, XTC

Tell me more: The Lickerish Quartet has followed up their terrific debut EP Threesome Vol. 1 (released in May 2020) with the worthy follow-up Threesome Vol. 2. The new four-track EP again showcases a troupe able to perfectly fuse melodic power pop, art rock and intelligent lyrics with glorious results. Ex-Jellyfish members Roger Joseph Manning Jr. (Beck, Imperial Drag), Tim Smith (Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds, the Finn Brothers) and Eric Dover (Imperial Drag, Slash's Snakepit) craft songs that enthrall with a single listen. The melodic opener "Do You Feel Better?," exhilarating "Sovereignty Blues," sweeping "The Dream That Took Me Over" and breakneck sortie "Snollyguster Goon" collectively make for a perfect listen. Information: TheLickerishQuartet.com.

Robert Kinsler

Far-flung song craft abounds on new titles

A diverse and far-flung approach to song craft is showcased across four new releases available now.

Artist: Rob Laufer
Title: The Floating World (independent)
You might like if you enjoy: Andrew Gold, Crowded House, George Harrison's "All Things Must Pass"
Tell me more: Singer-songwriter Rob Laufer can be forgiven for not having released a full-length album in nine years leading up to his new masterwork The Floating World. An acclaimed producer, musical sideman and songwriter-for-hire, his list of bona fide credits includes working with the illustrious likes of Sir George Martin, Johnny Cash, Cheap Trick, Shawn Colvin and Fiona Apple. Additionally, Laufer serves as music director and band leader for the fabled Wild Honey Orchestra tribute concerts, an on-going Los Angeles-benefit series (this year's tribute to the Kinks' Village Green Preservation Society album included members of The Cars, R.E.M., Blur and Pugwash). The tracks enthrall across the aptly-titled "The Floating World" including the dreamy "Avalanche," luxurious "Highway Machine," magnificent Beatlesque "Floating World," baroque pop ballad "Fence" and inspired "This River."  An breathtaking album that resonates more with each listen. Information: www.roblaufermusic.com/.

Artist: Pete Yorn
Title: Caretakers (Shelly Music)
You might like if you enjoy: Jason Falkner, Beck, Big Star
Tell me more: Across Pete Yorn's wonderful new album Caretakers it's clear that the acclaimed singer-songwriter's considerable artistry is on display at every turn. On Yorn's seventh solo full-length effort there are quiet moments of reflection ("Caretakers," "Friends," "Do You Want to Love Again?"),  wistful celebration (the folk rocker "I Wanna Be The One," the infectious "POV") and a determined quest to translate this crazy thing we call life into song (the dreamy "Calm Down," the shimmering "Can't Stop You," "Opal") that add up to an outstanding return from Yorn. Information: www.PeteYorn.com.

Artist: Cherie Currie & Brie Darling
Title: The Motivator (Blue Elan Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Joan Jett, Fanny, The Runaways
Tell me more: Cherie Currie and Brie Darling have voices that blend magically across their new full-length collaboration The Motivator. Currie (front woman of the Runaways) and Darling (singer-drummer of Fanny) have unveiled a joyful tribute to many of the songs and artists who influenced them, and in the process sound as if they are having a blast. In addition to three newly-penned originals (including the infectious "This Is Our Time" and confessional blues rocker "Too Bruised"), the disc is filled with artful covers of classics from some of the most groundbreaking artists of the late 1960s and early '70s. The selection of material was likely focused on the strength of songs but it's amazing how powerfully the cuts' lyrics resonate with the world events of 2019. This writer's favorite tracks on the LP include the duo's version of the Rolling Stones' "Gimme Shelter," John Lennon's "Gimme Some Truth," The Youngbloods' "Get Together," Stephen Stills' stellar "For What It's Worth," and a particularly effective amped-up take on Stevie Wonder's "Higher Ground." Information: blueelan.com.

Artist: Arielle Paul
Title: Burn (Mad Monkey Records)
You might like if you enjoy: First Aid Kit, Jenny Lewis, Grace Potter
Tell me more: It's not easy to blend Americana and pop convincingly but that's exactly what Los Angeles songstress Arielle Paul does on her new EP Burn. Across the disc's six solid tracks she proves to be a talented musical chameleon. The title track finds her providing a fresh coat of sonic paint to contemporary Americana; "This Way" and "Epically In Love" magically blend contemporary pop with authentic sweeps of psychedelia. The acoustic "Sometimes" is a confessional and beautiful foray, her emotive voice showcased amidst a soundscape that artfully builds from start to finish. The uptempo "Go" recalls some of the best work of Grace Potter, a rousing blend of rock, soul and R&B stylings. Information: AriellePaul.com.

Robert Kinsler