NRBQ announce 'Brass Tacks' 10th Anniversary Edition out on Oct. 18 via Omnivore Recordings

NRBQ's wonderful album "Brass Tacks" is set to get an expanded 10th anniversary reissue next month. Learn more via the official media release below...Robert Kinsler 

NRBQ Announce Brass Tacks 10th Anniversary Edition on LP, CD, and Digital out on October 18 via Omnivore Recordings

CD and Digital Release Contain Three Bonus Tracks

Photo credit: Norm DeMoura

“What a KILLER record! Right up there with the Q’s best! Production, arrangements, performances and songs … just knocks me OUT!”  – Bonnie Raitt

September 10, 2024: NRBQ have announced a 10th Anniversary Edition of Brass Tacks to be released on October 18 via Omnivore Recordings. The acclaimed album returns with updated artwork including photos, new liner notes from John DeAngelis, and fresh remastering from Alan Stockwell, all fully approved by Terry Adams and the band. Plus there are three bonus tracks on the CD and Digital versions, two from the album recording sessions and a rare radio spot featuring Adams.   “If you look it up in your dictionary, you’ll find that ‘getting down to brass tacks’ means to get down to some sort of serious business,” writes DeAngelis in the liner notes. “But for NRBQ—in general, and specifically on this outstanding album from 2014—it means getting down to the business of making unique, memorable music while also having some serious fun.”

“Man, I love hearing a record that is not ironic or cynical. I love that the layers on it are musical and not a superficial spin on the top. Real emotion. It’s killing me.”  — Penn Jillette

With guitarist Scott Ligon, bassist Casey McDonough, and drummer Conrad Choucroun, the record starts out with a slamming beat from Choucroun on the fun “Waitin’ on My Sweetie Pie,” written by Ligon. Ligon also wrote one of the most touching songs, “It’ll Be Alright.” The band tears through originals, “I’d Like To Know” (written by long time Whole Wheat Horns member Jim Hoke), and a version of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Getting To Know You” from The King And I. (Come on—it’s NRBQ!) The record also serves as the debut of new bassist and songwriter, Casey McDonough. He wrote and sang two of their most popular songs in recent years, “Fightin’ Back” and “Can’t Wait to Kiss You”. A hell of a debut!   With songs like “Greetings From Delaware,” “This Flat Tire” and “Places Far Away,” Brass Tacks features some of Terry Adams’ most inventive works both musically and lyrically in the band’s long history. Brass Tacks not only showed the band was back—but back with the songs and sounds and fun NRBQ has always been known, loved, and revered for.

“NRBQ’s Brass Tacks is pure heart and soul nonstop. Listen from start to finish. Music you’ll find nowhere else.”  –P.J. O’Connell

The album was widely praised by the likes of Rolling Stone who said, “Brass Tacks contains the fun, zest, humor and flat-out rock that has defined the band since their birth decades ago.” In PopMatters, Will Layman wrote, "All of the music might have appeared on an old NRBQ collection: it is tuneful, rootsy, rockabilly, sentimental, about cars or love or both, weird, interesting.” AllMusic said, "NRBQ's mix of rock ’n’ roll, jazz, and R&B is as singular and as satisfying as ever,” and the Los Angeles Daily News exclaimed, “Brass Tacks is as accomplished and as spirited an album as the band has ever made …is a terrific addition to the band’s catalog, one that might even act as a gateway drug to NRBQ’s long and rewarding back history.” The New York Times once called NRBQ “the world’s sloppiest virtuosos.” But, NRBQ are actually the world’s most fun-loving virtuosos. And the proof of that is all over Brass Tacks.

“Keep Rockin’ NRBQ!”  — Terry Adams

Watch the trailer: https://youtu.be/1gqHvYfktNE   Pre-order Brass Tacks: www.omnivorerecordings.com/shop/brass-tacks   Brass Tacks tracklist: 1. Waitin’ On My Sweetie Pie 2. Greetings From Delaware 3. Sit In My Lap 4. Fightin’ Back 5. It’ll Be Alright 6. Places Far Away 7. This Flat Tire 8. Can’t Wait To Kiss You 9. I’d Like To Know 10. I’m Not Here 11. Love This Love We Got 12. Getting To Know You   Bonus Tracks 13. That Makes Me A Fool (Early Version) 14. Yes I Have A Banana 15. Radio Spot - Rhodes All Over The Map

New music: The Aquabats!, Steeleye Span, Terry Adams

In this column, I highlight a diverse field of artists featured on outstanding titles available now.

Artist: The Aquabats!

Title: Finally (Gloopy Records / MVD Audio)

You might like if you enjoy: The Cars, Devo, Reel Big Fish

Tell me more: Anyone who caught The Aquabats! at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in April knows just how much fun the Huntington Beach-spawned musical troupe is in concert. Released on June 21, 2024, The Aquabats!'s seventh studio album Finally fully delivers on the band's freewheeling and fun live shows and brings that undeniable party to a 17-track LP that will please the band's generations-spanning fan base known as "Aquacadets." The expansive sonic extravaganza — the band's first new album since 2020's Kooky Spooky...In Stereo — kicks off with the driving alt rocker "Whatever Forever!," a cut bolstered by melody and virtuoso guitar work. Other standouts include the pop-styled "Unicorn Babies!," sci-fi themed foray "Dr. Space Mummy!" (the latter among the highlights of the band's Coachella appearance), post-punk rockers "Algebro!" and "Roofus The Doofus!," electronica "Let's Go Live In A Cave!," comedic "Spider Love!," ska sortie "Sun Blocker!" and enticing melodic cut "Don't Make Me Run!"

The Aquabats! features the collective talents of The MC Bat Commander (lead vocals), Crash McLarson (bass guitar), Jimmy the Robot (saxophone, keyboards), Ricky Fitness (drums, percussion), Eaglebones Falconhawk (guitar, bass), Chainsaw The Prince of Karate (guitar, vocals), Cat Boy (trumpet, vocals) and Gorney (piano, keys, vocals, bass, guitar). Information: theaquabats.com and mvdaudio.com.

Artist: Steeleye Span

Title: Live At The Bottom Line, 1974 (Omnivore Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: Fairport Convention, Richard Thompson, traditional Irish music, Solas

Tell me more: A previously-unissued performance by British folk-rock troupe Steeleye Span, Live At The Bottom Line, 1974 is an exciting and wonderful audio document of a performance captured 50 years ago that ranks as one of this year's most outstanding concert recording releases. The recording features instrumental standouts such as "Beg Your Leave," "Irish Jigs (Including Paddy Clancy's)," and a fiery medley ("The Musical Priest/The Silver Spear/The High Reel") as well as sweeping songs like the driving folk rocker "Alison Gross," the dazzling duet "John Barleycorn," the troupe's enticing #14 UK hit "Gaudete" and spirited fiddle-anchored closer "The Mason's Apron." The recording also introduces one of the sextant's most beloved songs, "Thomas The Rhymer," a perfect fusion of British folk and rock bolstered by bewitching vocal harmonies. The Scottish ballad "Cam Ye O'er Frae France," dark "Little Sir Hugh," the haunting "Saucy Sailor" and lovely "Summer is a Comin' In" are among the other wonderful tracks featured on the 74-minute set. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.

Artist: Terry Adams

Title: Terrible (Omnivore Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: NRBQ, jazz, GoGo Penguin, Vince Guaraldi

Tell me more: The first solo album from NRBQ founder Terry Adams has been reissued and remastered by Omnivore Recordings with four bonus tracks. Originally released in 1995, Terrible puts the focus on Adams' talents as a composer. Adams is backed by fellow New Rhythm & Blues Quartet bandmates Johnny Spaminato (guitar), Joey Spaminato (bass) and Tom Ardolino (drums) as well as a slew of other guests —  notably Marshall Allen (alto sax), Tyrone Hill (trombone) and Dave Gordon (trumpet). The track listing includes the bona fide jazz sorties "Toodlehead" and "Hilda," New Orleans-flavored "Venusian Sunset," cinematic "Yes Yes Yes," the sublime "Little One," beautiful ballad "Thinking Of You" and aptly-titled "These Blues." Two of the more interesting selections are the otherworldly "Distant Instant" and "Kalimba," which both feature Adams alone on dulcitone. The reissue includes new liner notes, remastered audio, and is available as a double-LP set, on audio CD and via digital. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.

Robert Kinsler

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

New Music: NRBQ, The Stayawakes, Panthervision, The Arcs

Check out some terrific new music titles available now.

Artist: NRBQ

Title: Tiddlywinks (Omnivore Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: R.E.M., the Monkees' "Headquarters," The Minus 5

Tell me more: Originally released in 1980 via Rounder Records, NRBQ's album Tiddlywinks has just been reissued via a delightful expanded edition courtesy of Omnivore Recordings. The Louisville, Kentucky-spawned band has always been a genre-defying delight; Tiddlywinks showcases the troupe's eclectic sonic instincts in spades. Band mates Terry Adams (piano, clarinet, harmonica, vocals), Joey Spampinato (bass, guitar vocals), Al Anderson (guitar, vocals) and Tom Ardolino crafted some of NRBQ's most beloved tracks on their eighth album including two winning singles (the propulsive "Me And The Boys" and "Never Take The Place Of You," the latter a particularly lovely soul-mining original). Additional standouts include the buoyant opener "Feel You Around Me," Baroque folk ballad "Beverly," rollicking "That I Get Back Home," '50s-flavored cut "Want You To Feel Good Too" (featuring plenty of great piano work from Adams) and power pop nugget "You Can't Hide." The bonus track "Big Goodbyes" is very interesting with jarring blasts from guests The Whole Wheat Horns and Adams' own harmonica work providing a haunting delivery over the course of its almost four minute run. The reissue features updated artwork and liner notes from original engineer Tom Mark. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.

Artist: The Stayawakes

Title: Dogs And Cats/Living Together — Special Edition (Kool Kat Musik)

You might like if you enjoy: Goo Goo Dolls, Fountains of Wayne, Psychic Rain, Something Corporate

Tell me more: In 2022, Kool Kat Musik cast a well-deserved spotlight on The Stayawakes with the release of the band's acclaimed Pop Dreamz. Fast forward to 2023 and the record label has reissued The Stayawakes' 2018 under-the-radar effort Dogs And Cats/Living Together — Special Edition. An outstanding album of energetic power pop, the album opens with the dashing "Slumbers," an original which struck this listener as a magical collaboration between the Gin Blossoms and Goo Goo Dolls. The album's top-tier tracks abound, including the cascading "Keepsakes," literate "Little Explorer," aptly-titled "High School Weirdness," and artfully sumptuous "Overdue." Lead singer Andrew Ricks' poignant lead vocals have a perfect fit in the musical brew created by guitarist Peter Foulk, drummer Steven Hart, keyboardist David Pryce and bassist Jimmy Cooper. The "Special Edition" also includes six additional previously-unreleased tracks not included on the original 2018 release. Information: KoolKatMusik.com.

Artist: Panthervision

Title: Now In 3-D (Kool Kat Musik)

You might like if you enjoy: Beyond Veronica, the Muffs, the Bangles' early albums

Tell me more: Lead vocalist/rhythm guitarist Bonnie Veronica and lead guitarist Kirk Larsen fronted Portland-based power pop/garage rockers Beyond Veronica for 15 years before forming the harder-edged Panthervision. On their wonderful new debut album Now In 3-D (available Feb. 3, 2023 via Kool Kat Musik) the quartet (whose lineup also features drummer Ben Asher and bassist Ty Gerhardt) provide proof that modern rock can simultaneously be melodic, bold and flat out fun. The parade of tuneful tracks include the driving opener "Say What You Like," undeniably catchy "Trouble," raucous "Out in the Street," lively "Through My Window" (which recalls the sound of the Bangles' All Over The Place era), psychedelia-tinged "Mister Riley" and bewitching lead guitar-loaded "I Need You." Panthervision also shines on an amped up cover of the 1966 Love classic "Can't Explain." Panthervision's forceful brand of power pop is elevated by shining harmonies embellishing the rapid fire pacing. Information: KoolKatMusik.com.

Artist: The Arcs

Title: Electronphonic Chronic (Easy Eye Sound)

You might like if you enjoy: The Shins, Modest Mouse, Dan Auerbach

Tell me more: In 2015, Dan Auerbach (of The Black Keys) went into the studio with Leon Michels, Homer Steinweiss, Nick Movshon and the late Richard Swift (who passed away July 3, 2018) to record The Arcs' debut album Yours, Dreamily. The ensemble recorded so many tracks that didn't make it on that debut that they put together the best of those cuts to complete and release as a way to honor Swift resulting in the newly released Electronphonic Chronic. The sound of the album is a welcoming brew of electronica, neo-psychedelic rock, funk-fed grooves and indie rock. The dreamy "Keep On Dreamin'," shimmering "Eyez," hypnotic "Heaven Is A Place" and low-fi delight "Califone Interlude" are among the early standouts; the magic continues with the soul-flavored "River," Americana-tinged "A Man Will Do Wrong" and soulful ballad "Only One For Me" on the marvelous disc. Information: thearcs.com.

Robert Kinsler

Omnivore Recordings and NRBQ announce expanded reissue of 1980 classic 'Tiddlywinks', with 4 bonus tracks, out on Jan. 27, 2023

A legendary NRBQ album will be the focus of an expanded reissue coming on Jan. 27, 2023...Robert Kinsler

Omnivore Recordings and NRBQ Announce Expanded Reissue of 1980 Classic Tiddlywinks

out on January 27

Featuring The Hits “Me And The Boys,” “Never Take The Place Of You,” plus four bonus tracks

January 5, 2023: Today, NRBQ announced that the expanded reissue of their 1980 classic album Tiddlywinks will be released on January 27 through Omnivore Recordings.

Over a decade into their career, NRBQ entered Bearsville Studios in upstate New York and recorded their eighth album. The line-up featured Terry Adams (keyboards), Joey Spampinato (bass), Tom Ardolino (drums) and Al Anderson (guitar), plus The Whole Wheat Horns (Donn Adams and Keith Spring). The end result was Tiddlywinks, which contained the singles “Me And The Boys” and “Never Take The Place Of You.” It immediately became another fan favorite NRBQ classic album, and provided an entry point for a new audience to come on board as “Me And The Boys” garnered repeat airplay on radio stations across the country.

Now, over four decades later, Tiddlywinks returns. This time, four bonus tracks are added to the mix; “I Don’t Think Of...” and “Big Goodbyes” – recorded during the Tiddlywinks sessions and released on 1983’s Tapdancin’ Bats collection, plus the Radio and TV Spots originally issued on the flip side of the “Never Take The Place Of You” 7” single.

Featuring updated artwork and liner notes from original engineer Tom Mark (who had worked with the band on At Yankee Stadium), the Tiddlywinks experience is now complete. From Mark’s liner notes: “Working with those guys was such a pleasure. We always had fun. Four amazing musician/writers really listening to each other, what else do you want? Thank you NRBQ.” Available on LP, CD, and Digital, it’s time to stop playing games, and grab some Tiddlywinks!

After the releases of High Noon – A 50 Year Retrospective (2016), the Happy Talk (2017) and April Showers EPs (2018), reissues of their debut album NRBQ (2018) and All Hopped Up (2018), the live Turn On, Tune In (2019), and In • Frequencies (a rarities collection, 2020), all of which are available on Omnivore Recordings, NRBQ returned in 2021 with their first full-length release since 2014, Dragnet. In addition to their version of the Dragnet theme, the album contains 10 new, original songs, all of which were written or co-written by the band—including Adams’ “Sunflower,” which was originally recorded for the 2018 film Change In The Air.

NRBQ will be on the road throughout 2023. Look out for tour dates to be announced at www.nrbq.com.

Watch the trailer: https://youtu.be/cTwb5C2amsg

Pre-order: www.omnivorerecordings.com/shop/tiddlywinks

Tiddlywinks Tracklist:

1. Feel You Around Me

2. Me And The Boys

3. Music Goes Round And Around

4. Beverly

5. That I Get Back Home

6. Roll Call

7. I Don’t Think Of... [Bonus Track]

8. Want You To Feel Good Too

9. Never Take The Place Of You

10. You Can’t Hide

11. Definition Of Love

12. Hobbies

13. Big Goodbyes [Bonus Track]

14. Tiddlywinks TV Spot [Bonus Track]

15. Tiddlywinks Radio Ad [Bonus Track]

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

NRBQ collects 16 rarities on 'In * Frequencies,' including 12 unissued songs, due from Omnivore on October 2, 2020

One of rock's all-time greats will be the focus of a special rarities-minded release coming this fall courtesy of Omnivore Recordings. Read on!

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — “The music goes ’round with love. It’s why this band means so much to so many,” writes MC Kostek about his favorite band, NRBQ, in his liner notes from the band’s new rarities retrospective.

NRBQ in 1969 / Photo: Phil Crandon

In their over five-decade career, NRBQ have never played by the rules. Why should they? They’re the ’Q. While other artists may have supplemented their discography with rarities sets by this point in their career, In • Frequencies has the distinction of being the first-ever collection of NRBQ outtakes and rare tracks! Sure, there have been other odds ’n’ ends albums, but none before like this one.

The 15-song collection from Omnivore Recordings will hit the streets October 2, 2020 on CD and LP (Digital to follow at a later date). A limited, yellow-vinyl edition will be made available exclusively via omnivorerecordings.com while supplies last.

NRBQ in 1977 / Photo: Kink Kume

In • Frequencies is a journey with the ’Q through a different lens. A true, career-spanning release, the album begins at the band’s beginning, with a soundcheck recording from October of 1968, and travels all the way to recent days, including the first physical appearance of their 2018 digital EP track, “April Showers” (recorded for the 2018 film Change in the Air, with the late, great, Hal Willner as musical director). 

All but four tracks are previously unissued. Of the recordings that have previously escaped into the world, two made their debut on now-rare 45s. They are the NRBQ offshoot “mock” group, Dickens, which provides the obscure 1970 single track “Sho’ Need Love” (“We just put everything on 10 and went wild”) and “Sourpuss,” recorded in Memphis in 1974 and first issued on the Select-O-Hits label. 

The songs are annotated with information, anecdotes and photos elaborating on the recordings made in studios, radio stations and stages across the country and the decades.

According to NRBQ member Scott Ligon, “As a member of the band, I get to hear an awful lot of stuff that other people don't have access to, but I’m hearing most of these tracks for the first time. The Dickens track ‘Sho’ Need Love’ is a real favorite for me. It’s almost too good to be true! It’s also hard to believe that I had never heard Terry’s ‘Get Real’ or ‘Let Me Tell You ‘Bout My Girl’ until this collection came together. You think you know a person!  But ‘April Showers’ is my sentimental favorite. The piano break is unreal. The singer ain’t bad either.”

Founding member Terry Adams adds: “When these songs surfaced on the tapes I felt like I was meeting an interesting woman for the first time. I had to say, ‘What’s a song like you doing on a tape like this?’”

In • Frequencies is a deep dive into why the band is a favorite of humans the world over and is a perfect compendium to the core studio albums and retrospectives you already love. 

No need to ask Kenneth the frequency; all of the magical sounds and majesty of America’s favorite band are on full display on In • Frequencies.

Track List: 

1. Dogwood Winter (Soundcheck Recording) 

2. Get Real
3. Sho’ Need Love - Dickens
4. Orioles
5. It’s A Wild Weekend (Soundcheck Recording) 

6. Let Me Tell You ‘Bout My Girl
7. Love Came To Me (Live at WDET-FM)
8. We’ll Make Love (Live at Trinity College)
9. April Showers
10. That’s All
11. Everybody’s Smokin’ (Alternate Version)
12. Blues Stay Away From Me
13. My Dearest One
14. Sourpuss
15. Too Much (Live At The Pyramid Arena) 

16. Chapel Of Love