Pop innovator Matthew Sweet cancels tour after suffering a stroke

Matthew Sweet and yours truly backstage
at the Coach House in San Juan
Capistrano, CA.

My thoughts and deepest prayers go out to Matthew Sweet; please read the media release below and help if you can. I have interviewed the beloved power pop hero several times and always enjoyed his concert dates too..Robert Kinsler

The power pop artist suffered a debilitating stroke while on tour in Canada All tour dates have been canceled To help cover his extensive medical bills  Sweet's friends have set up a GoFundMe HERE

Octber 23; Omaha, NE: Alt-rock trailblazer Matthew Sweet was forced to cancel an extensive cross-country tour of both headline dates and support slots for longtime friends, Hanson, after suffering a debilitating stroke in Toronto late Saturday evening of October 12. He was quickly admitted to Toronto Western Hospital where he received excellent care and was taken out of immediate danger. Matthew was transferred to a rehabilitation center back home in Omaha yesterday, where he will undergo extensive therapy. He is now on a long, difficult road to recovery. Matthew's longtime manager, Russell Carter, has issued this statement: "All of us who know and love Matthew have hope for a speedy recovery. Matthew has always been intensely focused and tenacious in all of his endeavors, not only in his recording career, but in all of his artistic and intellectual pursuits. I am confident that his signature determination will serve him well as he focuses now on recovery to good health." Matthew's medical expenses in Canada and Omaha are exorbitant and his primary source of income — like most professional musicians -— is live touring. He cannot perform for the foreseeable future. Matthew's management have set up a GoFundMe campaign so family, friends, and Matthew's amazing network of fans can contribute to help pay his medical expenses. Please contribute if you can and please repost the link to the GoFundMe fundraiser anywhere you can.  MATTHEW SWEET GoFundMe page HERE Matthew Sweet online: Website Facebook Instagram Vevo

ABOUT MATTHEW SWEET After spending the '80s as an up-and-coming jangle pop multi-instrumentalist with acts like Oh-OK, Lloyd Cole, The Golden Palominos, and The Buzz of Delight, Matthew Sweet emerged as the leading figure of the power pop revival with the release of his platinum-selling breakout record Girlfriend in 1991. Sweet adhered to traditional song craft, yet subverted the form by adding noisy post-punk guitar and flourishes of country-rock, resulting in an amalgam of the Beatles, Big Star, R.E.M., and Neil Young. Girlfriend became a word-of-mouth critical and commercial hit with its title track reaching the Top Five on the Modern Rock charts and its anime-styled music videos entering heavy rotation on MTV.  His next two records, Altered Beast (1993) and 100% Fun (1995), continued the hot streak, producing multiple top ten singles and achieving gold and platinum sales. Sweet's success continued in the late ‘90's and 2000's with successful US and European tours, major label releases (including Blue Sky on Mars, In Reverse, Modern Art), and a revered collaboration series with Susanna Hoffs (The Bangles) - Under Covers Vols. 1-3. More recent studio albums Sunshine Lies and Tomorrow Forever are championed by critics as persuasive testaments to the enduring qualities of Sweet's adventurous, emotion-charged songcraft. On Matthew’s thirteenth album, Catspaw (2021), he plays every instrument (except drums) for the first time in his career. American Songwriter called it “a one-man show of sorts that represents another high point in a career that’s now almost four decades long and shows no signs of lagging.” 2024 saw the release of a newly remixed and remastered archival live recording of Sweet’s epic July 4, 1993 headline performance at WXRT’s “Taste of Chicago” in Chicago’s Grant Park, Live at Grant Park Chicago July 1993. Sweet's next studio album os tentatively titled Midsommer.

New Music: Soundtracks aplenty, Sigur Rós, Rufus Wainwright, Terry Adams & Steve Ferguson, Young the Giant

A long awaited return from Iceland's Sigur Rós, a folk music detour from Rufus Wainwright and fantastic reissue featuring Terry Adams & Steve Ferguson are all available now.

Artist: Sigur Rós

Title: ÁTTA (BMG Rights Management)

You might like if you enjoy: Sigur Rós, Moby, Howard Shore's "Lord of the Rings" soundtracks, Cocteau Twins

Tell me more: Iceland's beloved Sigur Rós is back with their first new studio album in a decade (2013's Kveikur) thanks to the surprise release of the 10-track ÁTTA on June 16. The cinematic and sweeping Neo classical approach of Sigur Rós plays out over ÁTTA's more than 55 minutes; the sumptuous selections feature singer-guitarist Jónsi, bassist Georg Hólm and multi-instrumentalist Kjartan Sveinsson (the latter had left Sigur Rós in 2012 but rejoined the group last year). Because Jónsi's astonishing falsetto vocals are sung in Icelandic and non-linguistic vocalizations (the latter dubbed "Vonlenska" by the band), a good approach is to listen to the singular sound of Sigur Rós like a classical symphony with choir. The ambient "Blóðberg," lavish "Skel," ambitious "Klettur," poignant "Mór" and soaring 10-minute closer "8" are among the amazing tracks on the modern-day masterwork. ÁTTA is now available digitally, and will be released via audio CD and vinyl on Sept. 1, 2023. Information: sigurros.com.

Artist: Rufus Wainwright

Title: Folkocracy (BMG)

You might like if you enjoy: Rufus Wainwright, Brandi Carlile, Susanna Hoffs, Van Dyke Parks

Tell me more: On his latest album (Folkocracy), singer Rufus Wainwright delivers a full disc of shining traditional folk classics worthy of rediscovery. With a distinguished line of guests to bring additional warmth and power to the covers, this is a terrific listen that captivates across its 15-track run. Wainwright's incredible voice dazzles on each and every selection including the gentle opener "Alone" (featuring Madison Cunningham), on a poignant take on Neil Young's "Harvest" (featuring Andrew Bird and Chris Stills), a bewitching recording of "High on a Rocky Ledge (with David Byrne) and beaming version of the Peggy Seeger standard "Heading For Home" where John Legend and Wainwright share lead vocals. Among the other stellar tracks on the collection are a version of The Mama and The Papas song "Twelve-Thirty (Young Girls Are Coming to the Canyon)" which is ornately covered by Wainwright, Susanna Hoffs, Chris Stills and Sheryl Crow; a duet with Brandi Carlile ("Down In The Willow Garden") is an especially poignant musical reading of the murder of a young woman with the two singers voices blending in artful perfection. Other guests featured on the Mitchell Froom-produced album include Chaka Khan, Van Dyke Parks, ANOHNI and Nicole Scherzinger. Information: rufuswainwright.com.

Artist: Terry Adams & Steve Ferguson

Title: Louisville Sluggers (Omnivore Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: NRBQ, The Jayhawks, Terry Adams

Tell me more: Digitally remastered and expanded with four previously unissued bonus tracks, the reissue of Terry Adams and Steve Ferguson's 2006 release Louisville Sluggers is a welcome opportunity to rediscover this outstanding collaboration. Long-time friends who had met in 1965, Adams and Ferguson went on to perform together as charter members with NRBQ and record several Columbia Records titles together before Ferguson left the groundbreaking group. Always friends, they reunited to record this eclectic album in 2006. The depth of far-flung material ranges from the jazzy instrumental opener "Peanut Vendor," Ferguson-penned Southern-fried rockers "Outer Space Boogie" and lovely "Same Train" to the genre-defying "Ichabod," New Orleans-flavored R&B sortie "Knucklehead" (the latter really showcasing Adams' incredible piano skills), and fun arrangements of "Turkey In The Straw" and "Blue Monk" showcasing the tandem-aimed virtuoso skills of Adams and Ferguson. Sadly this reissue also serves as a celebration of Ferguson; the acclaimed singer-guitarist died of cancer at the age of 60 on Oct. 7, 2009. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.

Robert Kinsler

This week: 'Nuggets' all-star tribute via Lenny Kaye, Wild Honey Foundation and Rhino Records, May 19 in Glendale, Calif.

Looking for a great way to spend this Friday? Check out this event coming to Glendale, CA...Robert Kinsler

WILD HONEY FOUNDATION, LENNY KAYE  AND RHINO RECORDS PRESENT  NUGGETS: ORIGINAL ARTYFACTS FROM THE FIRST PSYCHEDELIC ERA, 1965–1968:A 50th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION    Live benefit for the Autism Healthcare Collaborative Friday, May 19th, 2023, 8 p.m. at the historic Alex Theatre in Glendale, Calif.    Guest performers include: Our host and guitarist Lenny Kaye (Patti Smith Band), Susanna Hoffs, Peter Buck (R.E.M.), “Weird Al” Yankovic, Mike Peters (The Alarm), Elliot Easton (Cars), Johnny Echols (Love), James Lowe (Electric Prunes), The Count Five, Jim Pons (the Leaves), David Aguilar (Chocolate Watchband), Billy Vera, Ron Dante, The Three O’Clock, Evie Sands, Peter Zaremba (Fleshtones), Peter Case, Carla Olson, Kathy Valentine (The Go-Go’s),  Tom Kenny (Sponge Bob), and more!

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — To celebrate the 50th Anniversary the release of the classic compilation Nuggets: Original Artyfacts From the First Psychedelic Era, 1965-1968, benefit concert producers the Wild Honey Foundation, original curator Lenny Kaye, and Rhino Records will present a live performance of songs from legendary LP and bonus material from the era as a benefit for the Autism Healthcare Collaborative, will take place Friday, May 19, 2023 at 8 p.m., at the historic Alex Theatre in Glendale, Calif. The Wild Honey Orchestra Nuggets All-Star Band will include Lenny Kaye, Rob Laufer, Andrew Sandoval, Darian Sahanaja, Debbie Shair, Alec Palao, Jim Laspesa, Nick Vincent, Willie Aron, Jordan Summers, David Nolte, Robbie Scharf, Nelson Bragg, and Derrick Anderson. Led by Kaye, Laufer and Sandoval, this crack ensemble will deliver a tight but appropriately gritty backing for a hugely talented ensemble of guest performers including originals Jim Pons (The Leaves), James Lowe (Electric Prunes), The Count Five, David Aguilar (Chocolate Watchband), and Daryl Hooper (The Seeds). With well-timed guest stints by guitar legends like Elliot Easton (The Cars), Johnny Echols (Love), and Peter Buck (R.E.M.) and more, this will be rousing exploration of mid-‘60s garage and early psychedelia. Also appearing: "Weird Al' Yankovic, Susanna Hoffs (The Bangles), Kathy Valentine (The Go-Go's), Peter Case, Mike Peters (The Alarm), Billy Vera, Ron Dante, Peter Zaremba (The Fleshtones), Cindy Lee Berryhill, Evie Sands, Tom Kenny (Sponge Bob), Carla Olson, The Three O'Clock, and more. Nuggets: Original Artyfacts from the First Psychedelic Era is the influential 1972 compilation album of American psychedelic and garage-rock singles that were released during the mid-to-late 1960s. Curated by legendary Lenny Kaye (Patti Smith Band guitarist since the early 70’s), the original Nuggets’ liner notes contained one of one of the first mentions of the phrase “punk rock.”  The Nuggets series has influenced many generations of rockers from the Ramones to the Lemon Twigs. With Rhino Records releasing a limited Record Store Day version this spring, Nuggets continues to influence young bands across the globe with its visceral garage/psychedelic power with songs like “Gloria,” “96 Tears,” “I Had Too Much To Dream Last Night,” “Psychotic Reaction,” “Pushin’ Too Hard,” “Dirty Water,” “7 and 7 Is,” and over 20 more! The show will benefit the Autism Healthcare Collaborative, an internationally recognized non-profit organization committed to facilitating the medical and psychosocial stabilization of individuals and families living with autism. The Autism Healthcare Collaborative provides a multidisciplinary team approach to the identification and treatment of the complicated medical comorbidities of autism by connecting medical experts to families and physicians around the world through medical videoconferencing.   AHC offers innovative solutions for individuals with autism, across the spectrum and throughout their lifetime, through comprehensive case management, community outreach, advocacy, and education. https://www.autismhc.org/ About the Wild Honey Foundation Since 1994, Wild Honey Foundation, a 501(c)(3), non-profit, has produced concerts, film screenings, online fundraisers, and live stream events to benefit autism treatment/research and members of the music community in need. Founded and led by Paul Rock, David Jenkins, and Andrew Sandoval, Wild Honey is a grassroots, volunteer organization dedicated to passing on the passion, creativity, and idealism found in rock, rhythm & blues, folk, classical, and pop music to future generations through cultural events of all types.  For more information on the Wild Honey Foundation, please go to: https://www.facebook.com/groups/183120448393501/   Email: Wildhoneyfoundation@yahoo.com                                                                    # # #

Catching up with 2022 releases: First Aid Kit, Freedy Johnston, Mamas Gun, Early James, Larkin Poe

It's not too late to catch up on some of 2022's most exciting new albums.

Artist: First Aid Kit
Title: Palomino (Columbia Records)

You might like if you enjoy: First Aid Kit, The Cowsills

Tell me more: First Aid Kit returned with their fifth studio album Palomino in November. Sisters Klara and Johanna Söderberg wrote and recorded the 11-track album in their home country of Sweden. The duo's shining harmonies and bewitching songcraft shine across Palomino with the sweeping "Ready to Run," soaring title track, Laurel Canyon-flavored "Turning Onto You" and romantic "The Last One" among the gems that showcase their artistry. The gorgeous "29 Palms Highway" and yearning "Angel" (the latter featuring a truly unforgettable chorus) are other standouts on the album. Palomino is available digitally as well as in various physical configurations including standard black LP, translucent green D2C exclusive LP, white indie retail exclusive LP and audio CD. Information: FirstAidKit.com.

Artist: Freedy Johnston
Title: Back on the Road to You (Forty Below Records)

You might like if you enjoy: James Taylor, Susanna Hoffs, Aimee Mann, Bird Streets, Julian Lennon

Tell me more: Singer-songwriter Freedy Johnston returned in spring 2022 with Back on the Road to You, a winning album of 10 stellar originals bolstered by well crafted arrangements, terrific musicianship from his studio band and smart contributions from guests Aimee Mann, Susanna Hoffs and Susan Cowsill. An artist able to conjure up the magic of classic melody-adorned songcraft, Johnston's latest album also benefits from a contemporary authenticity that serves as the perfect bridge between the past and present. The buoyant Americana-flavored title track, opulent "Somewhere Love," chamber pop gem "That's Life" (featuring Hoffs' lovely vocal harmonies), melodic rocker "The Power of Love," and instantly-infectious "There Goes a Brooklyn Girl" are among the wonderful songs on the set. But it's important to note that each and every track adds to the artistic depth of the collection. Information: FreedyJohnston.com.

Artist: Mamas Guns
Title: Cure the Jones (Candelion)

You might like if you enjoy: Marvin Gaye, Curtis Mayfield, Bill Withers

Tell me more: British pop soul outfit Mamas Gun's fifth full-length album Cure the Jones is a full-on celebration of 1970s soul. The 11-track album was written and produced by Mamas Gun front man Andy Platts during the global pandemic, and also features the talents of Terry Lewis (guitar), Dave Oliver (keyboards), Chris Boot (drums) and Cameron Dawson (bass). The sound of the album thrives on slick grooves, emotional performances and a sonic spirit that draws favorable comparisons with the likes of Marvin Gaye, Curtis Mayfield and Bill Withers. The tender "When You Stole The Sun From The Sky," infectious "Good Love" and up-tempo "Winner's Eyes" are among the wonderful originals to be heard on the disc. Information: mamasgun.co.uk.

Artist: Early James
Title: Strange Time To Be Alive (Easy Eye Sound)

You might like if you enjoy: Tom Waits, John Prine, Townes Van Zandt, Dan Auerbach

Tell me more: Early James — the moniker for Troy, Alabama native Fredrick James Mullis Jr. — fuses old-time Americana, roots and blues on his aptly-titled second studio album What A Strange Time To Be Alive. From the experimental-styled opener "Racing to a Red Light" and 1940s-flavored "Straitjacket For Two" to the beautiful piano-anchored "Pigsty" and freewheeling blues nugget "Dance In The Fire," the decidedly atmospheric collection of blues, rockabilly and roots is a sumptuous listen. Information: EarlyJames.com.

Artist: Larkin Poe
Title: Blood Harmony (Tricki-Woo Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Samantha Fish, The Record Company

Tell me more: Larkin Poe — sisters Rebecca Lovell and Megan Lovell — are one of today's leading Southern blues rock troupes as evidenced across the duo's fantastic 11-track album Blood Harmony. There are a slew of fiery tracks on the LP, all enhanced by the sisters' dynamic Southern swagger and solid songwriting. Rebecca Lovell is a powerful singer, and the tandem sound of her guitar along with the firepower of Megan's lap steel guitar work constantly dazzles. Standouts abound on the title, including the rousing "Strike Gold," bewitching title track and shimmering "Southern Comfort." Information: LarkinPoe.com.

Robert Kinsler

Big Star's '#1 Record' celebrated in Nov. 5, 2022 Wild Honey Foundation all-star show

Exciting news for SoCal music fans! You have plans for Nov. 5, 2022! Robert Kinsler

WILD HONEY FOUNDATION, JODY STEPHENS,  and the ALEX THEATRE PRESENT  BIG STAR’S #1 Record, A 50th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION   Benefit for the Autism Healthcare Collaborative 8pm Saturday, November 5th, 2022 Alex Theatre, Glendale, Calif.   Performers include Jody Stephens (Big Star), Chris Stamey (The dB’s),  Mike Mills (R.E.M.), Pat Sansone (Wilco), Susanna Hoffs (Bangles), and  The Lemon Twigs, Jon Auer (the Posies),  and others. LOS ANGELES, Calif. — To celebrate the 50th Anniversary the release of the classic album Big Star #1 Record, benefit concert producers the Wild Honey Foundation and Big Star founder Jody Stephens will present a live performance of this legendary LP, performed in its entirety and in order by Jody Stephen’s all-star ensemble. Bonus songs from Big Star’s Radio City (“September Gurls”), Big Star Third, and Chris Bell solo material will also be performed. The event, a benefit for the Autism Healthcare Collaborative, will take place November 5th, 2022 at 8 p.m., at the historic Alex Theatre in Glendale, Calif. (Los Angeles metro).  Jody Stephens of Big Star The Big Star #1 Ensemble includes: Jody Stephens (Big Star), Jeff Crawford, Mike Mills (R.E.M.), Pat Sansone (Wilco), Charles Cleaver, Django Haskins, Brett Harris, Chris Stamey (The dB's), Skylar Gudasz, and Audley Freed. Guest vocalists include Susanna Hoffs, The Lemon Twigs, Luther Russell, Chris Price, Jon Auer (Posies) and more TBA. The Big Star Ensemble will be accompanied by Wild Honey Orchestra members: Kaitlin Wolfberg, violin; Eric KM Clark, violin 2; Lyn Bertles, viola; Emily Elkin, cello; and brass players Sarah Kramer, trumpet; David Ralicke, trombone/sax; and Nelson Bragg, percussion The show will benefit the Autism Healthcare Collaborative: an internationally recognized non-profit organization committed to facilitating the medical and psychosocial stabilization of individuals and families living with autism. The Autism Healthcare Collaborative provides a multidisciplinary team approach to the identification and treatment of the complicated medical comorbidities of autism by connecting medical experts to families and physicians around the world through medical videoconferencing. AHC offers innovative solutions for individuals with autism, across the spectrum and throughout their lifetime, through comprehensive case management, community outreach, advocacy, and education. https://www.autismhc.org/ About the Wild Honey Foundation: Since 1994, Wild Honey Foundation, a 501(c)(3), non-profit, has produced concerts, film screenings, online fundraisers, and live stream events to benefit autism treatment/research and members of the music community in need. Led by Paul Rock, David Jenkins, and Michael Ackerman, Wild Honey is a grass roots, volunteer organization dedicated to passing on the passion, creativity, and idealism found in rock, rhythm & blues, folk, classical, and pop music to future generations through cultural events of all types.   For more information on the Wild Honey Foundation, please go to: https://www.facebook.com/groups/183120448393501/  Email Wildhoneyfoundation@yahoo.com                                                          # # #

 

 

'TheNews' episode: The Smithereens, Joni Mitchell, Susanna Hoffs, Orianthi, Olivia Newton-John, more!

Watch the latest episode of "TheNews" where TJR and Robert Kinsler discuss the latest music news headlines to grab their attention. Notable music greats featured on the episode include The Smithereens, Joni Mitchell, Susanna Hoffs, Orianthi, Olivia Newton-John and more!

Watch the episode HERE.

New music: Eric Clapton, Susanna Hoffs, NRBQ, The Odd Birds

Rock and roll greats Eric Clapton, Susanna Hoffs and NRBQ along with newcomers The Odd Birds are in top form on their latest releases.

Artist: Eric Clapton

Title: The Lady in the Balcony: Lockdown Sessions (Mercury Studios)

You might like if you enjoy: Eric Clapton, Nathan East, classic rock, British blues

Tell me more: When Eric Clapton was forced to cancel several Royal Albert Hall concerts because of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2021, the legendary singer-songwriter/guitarist brought his band to the English countryside. Since no audience was able to attend, Clapton along with bassist-vocalist Nathan East, drummer Steve Gadd and keyboardist Chris Stainton performed in front of the cameras at Cowdray House in West Sussex, England. Highlights from those intimate recordings are featured on The Lady in the Balcony: Lockdown Sessions. Not only does the title feature incredible audio and visual quality, but the performances are sure to please fans of one of rock's greatest and most influential artists. There is a rich mix of Clapton originals and other selections including blues and country nuggets across the 17-track collection. In the first few selections, Clapton plays a 12-string guitar, including on the beautiful "Golden Ring" and "Black Magic Woman" (Clapton introduces the latter by saying "This one's for Peter," referencing songwriter Peter Green who sadly died in October 2020). Even in the acoustic-styled setting Clapton and company are able to deliver some pretty dynamic performances; both Clapton and Stainton solo during uptempo runs through "After Midnight" and "Rock Me Baby." The emotion is palpable in riveting performances of "River of Tears," the instrumental "Kerry" and "Tears in Heaven." And the talented troupe has a blast when Clapton switches to an electric instrument to run through the blues classics "Long Distance Call," "Bad Boy," and "Got My Mojo Working." The Lady in the Balcony: Lockdown Sessions is available on DVD+CD, Blu-ray+CD, 4K UHD+Blu-ray, 2 LPs pressed on yellow vinyl, and a Deluxe Edition containing the DVD, Blu-ray and audio CD packaged in a 40-page 12-inch by 12-inch hardback photo book, digital video and digital audio. In addition, a CD-only version is available exclusively at Target stores. Information: EricClapton.com.

Artist: Susanna Hoffs

Title: Bright Lights (Baroque Folk Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Susanna Hoffs, Aimee Mann, The Bangles

Tell me more: Susanna Hoffs is well recognized for her exceptional talent of interpreting songs penned by other artists and making them her own. Indeed, her trio of essential "Under The Covers" releases with Matthew Sweet as well as masterful reworkings recorded as a member of The Bangles' (including Prince's "Manic Monday" and Simon & Garfunkel's "A Hazy Shade of Winter") are part of a must-hear audio story that now includes her latest album Bright Lights. Hoffs' detailed and mature readings of a range of masterworks shines, her lovely vocals a part of artful arrangements that mine the deeper elements of each selection. She magically blends chamber pop and Americana on a reading of the Monkees' "You Just May Be the One," her soprano perfectly dancing with a soundscape adorned with lush harmonies and pedal steel guitar. The haunting take on the Velvet Underground's "Femme Fatale" is striking, starting sparsely and slowly building in beauty and power. A completely-reworked rendition of Prince's "Take Me With U" dazzles, Hoffs' voice positioned amidst a backdrop of acoustic guitar and strings. She joins forces with Aimee Mann on a marvelous version of Badfinger's "Name of the Game," the two singers tackling verses alone before blending their voices to create magical harmonies together. Other winning highlights on the album include her melodic reading of The Merry-Go-Round's "Time Will Show the Wiser," a rollicking and tuneful take on Paul Revere & The Raiders' "Him or Me – What's It Gonna Be?" and lovely acoustic interpretation of Chris Bell's "You and Your Sister." Information: SusannaHoffs.com. 

Artist: NRBQ

Title: Dragnet (Omnivore Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: NRBQ

Tell me more: NRBQ is back with their first new album since 2014. Dragnet features a characteristically rich mix of diverse styles ranging from rock and pop to jazz and spoken word sure to please and challenge music lovers. The catchy opener "Where's My Pebble?" magically blends surf rock with Texas blues — it's as if the Chantays had teamed up with Billy F Gibbons to record a track. The melodic "I Like Her So Much" features sweet lead and harmony vocals along with a delightfully delicate approach from keyboardist Terry Adams, guitarist Scott Ligon, bassist Casey McDonough and drummer John Perrin. NRBQ's well known bent to include high spirits, intellect, irony and a sense of humor in the wide-ranging proceedings is intact as evidenced by the upbeat "Miss Goody Two Shoes," polished pop song "You Can't Change People," sumptuous "The Moon and Other Things" and "L-o-n-e Lone-ly." Dragnet is available on audio CD and Digital. The album will be released on vinyl in early 2022. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com. 

Artist: The Odd Birds

Title: Tremolo Heart (The Odd Birds)

You might like if you enjoy: The Odd Birds, The Jayhawks, The Fallen Stars

Tell me more: The Odd Birds are back with a pleasing disc (Tremolo Heart) featuring 10 wonderful tracks showcasing the duo's affecting songcraft, strong vocals and nuanced arrangements. From the breezy opening folk rock track "Alright Now" and lovely "Another One Like You" to the countrified "Drowning Rain" and the folk ballad "Today I Started Loving You Again," Ron Grigsby and Jennifer Moraca immerse the listener in a soundscape that is sure to please fans of top-tier folk and acoustic Americana. Drummer Matt Froehlich, lead guitarist Bobbo Byrnes (who also produced the album), bassist Tracy Byrnes and fiddler Georgiana Hennessy add their talents to the wonderful LP as well. Information: https://www.facebook.com/theoddbirds. 

Robert Kinsler