New music: Big Stir Records Halloween collection, Christone "Kingfish" Ingram, Dave Keyes, 38 Special, Spike Jones

In this column I review five new audio titles.

Artists: Strawberry Alarm Clock, Graham Parker, Splitsville, The Armoires, more

Title: Chilling, Thrilling Hooks and Harmonies: The Big Stir Records Halloween Grimoire (Big Stir Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Strawberry Alarm Clock, sparkle*jets u.k., The Spongetones, The Corner Laughers
Tell me more: With Halloween's arrival in a couple of weeks, now is the perfect time to grab a listen of the marvelous Chilling, Thrilling Hooks and Harmonies: The Big Stir Records Halloween Grimoire. Twenty-one Big Stir Records artists contribute tracks to the outstanding set available now; the timely must-have collection is available as a deluxe double vinyl LP (on green wax and including a playable board game featuring the artists — as well as monsters and spooky game pieces to play it), as well as on audio CD and via streaming services. Early standouts on the ambitious set include Librarians With Hickeys' '60s flavored "Ghoul You Want" which conjures up the magic of The Zombies' classic recordings, sparkle*jets u.k.'s novelty delight "Eyeball Eater (From Outer Space)," The Corner Laughers' melodic "Dark Matter," the Armoires' wonderfully sumptuous "Full-On Witch Mode," The Spongetones' bewitching harmonies-adorned "Spirit World (Chilling, Thrilling 2025 Remix)," Splitsville's propulsive post-punk sortie "I Was A Teenage Frankenstein," and Graham Parker & The Goldtops' concert recording of the rollicking "Music Of The Devil." The collection's ghoulish parade of delights continue via The Jack Rubies' genre-blending "Phantom (Chilling, Thrilling 2025 Remix)," Blake Jones & The Trike Shop's aptly-titled "Halloween Wind," The Gold Needles' indie rock gem "Ghost In The Airwaves," Crossword Smiles' power pop nugget "Black Cats & Broken Mirrors," Dolph Chaney's collaboration with The Speed of Sound (the exhilarating "Zombie Century"), Strawberry Alarm Clock's haunting "Monsters" and many more great cuts. Information: bigstirrecords.com.

Artist: Christone "Kingfish" Ingram

Title: Hard Road (Red Zero Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Joe Bonamassa, Marcus King, Walter Trout
Tell me more: On his latest album Hard Road, singer-songwriter/guitar great Christone "Kingfish" Ingram certifies his place as one of his generation's most talented and essential new talents. Blending a number of musical genres with a master's touch, Kingfish's latest full-length effort is fueled by a drive to fuse his stellar guitar work and signature vocals with songwriting inspired by his life. Highlights abound on the Grammy Award-winning artist's fourth album including the confessional blues rockers "Truth" and "Bad Like Me," the soulful ballad "Clearly" bolstered by his expressive lead guitar work, sizzling "Voodoo Charm," acoustic Delta jewel "Memphis," fiery blues rocker "Back to L.A." and affecting R&B cut "Nothin' But Your Love." Information: christonekingfishingram.com.

Artist: Dave Keyes

Title: Two Trains (MoMojo Records)

You might like if you enjoy: TBA
Tell me more: Set for release on Oct. 24, Dave Keyes' outstanding new album Two Trains is filled with compelling blues tracks that address the "good/bad, love/loss, dark/light" — thus the two tracks that we travel down on our own life journeys. The rousing opener "Blues Ain't Looking For You," aptly-pegged "Boogie Till the Cows Come Home," affecting "I'm Alright," propulsive "What Just Happened," instrumental piano-anchored "Boogie for Patty," and beautiful "Rest In Peace." The 10-track album features guest and legendary drummer Bernard "Pretty" Purdie, as well as appearances by harmonica ace Rob Paparozzi, bassist Mike Merritt, slide guitarist Chris Bergson, and vocalist Alexis P. Suter. Two Trains features Keyes co-writing eight of its 10 songs with songwriting partner Mark Sameth. Keyes' official Two Trains album release show and party with his band will take place on Saturday, Nov. 1 at The Turning Point in Piermont, New York with shows at 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. Information: momojorecords.com.

Artist: 38 Special

Title: Milestone (38 Special Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Power Station, 38 Special, Lynyrd Skynyrd
Tell me more: 38 Special is back! The legendary Southern rock outfit led by lead singer-guitarist/co-founder Don Barnes that is behind rock hits including "Hold On Loosely" and "Caught Up In You" have released Milestone, the band's first new music in more than 20 years. The nine-track album features the group's signature blend of infectious guitar-anchored rock including the melodic opener "So Much So Right," heavy anthem "Slightly Controversial," enchanting "All I Haven't Said" and "Long Long Train," rocking sing-along "The Main Thing" and "Looking For My Life," and winning "Making Up For Lost Time." The album features guests and co-writes with Pat Monahan (Train) and Randy Bachman (Bachman Turner-Overdrive, The Guess Who) and longtime collaborator Jim Peterik (Survivor). 38 Special will perform at Gila River Resorts & Casinos in Chandler, AZ on Nov. 14. Information: 38special.com.

Artist: Spike Jones

Title: Spike Jones In Stereo: A Spooktacular In Screaming Sound! (Omnivore Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: Spike Jones, Omnivore Recordings reissues, Dr. Demento, novelty records
Tell me more: Spike Jones' Originally issued in 1959, Spike Jones In Stereo: A Spooktacular In Screaming Sound! has returned to physical formats for the first time in nearly 50 years — fully remastered and presented with new liner notes featuring new interviews with Spike's children: multi-Grammy-winning engineer Leslie Ann Jones, Emmy-winning producer-director Spike Jones Jr., Linda Lee Jones and Gina Jones. The late Lindley Armstrong "Spike" Jones (he passed away in May 196 at the age of 53) was celebrated for his recordings that specialized in spoof arrangements and satire of popular songs. The Halloween-minded A Spooktacular In Screaming Sound! delivers on Spike's groundbreaking approach with 10 timeless selections featuring the then-new format of stereo. The collection is available on slime-green vinyl and audio CD. Highlights include the spooky opener "I Only Have Eyes For You," hilarious Alfred Hitchcock-minded "Poisen to Poisen [Interview With A Famous Poisenality]," romantic duet "(All Of A Sudden) My Heart Sings [Vocal by Dracula and Vampira]," smart "Everything Happens To Me [Lament By Frankenstein]," swinging rockabilly gem "Monster Movie Ball [Vocal By The Fiend-ager]," vaudeville-flavored "My Old Flame [Vocal By I.M. Arson]" and ambitious "This Is Your Death [Featuring Dr. Jekyll And Other Ghouls] / Two Heads Are Better Than One [Beatnick Duet]." Discerning listeners will recognize the distinctive vocals of Paul Frees, Thurl Ravenscroft, George Rock and Louie Jean Norman featured on the title. Information: omnivorerecordings.com.

Robert Kinsler

New music: The Flashcubes, KP Hawthorn, Candice Ivory

In this column I feature a review of a full-length tribute to power pop favorites The Flashcubes as well as collections featuring singer/multi-instrumentalist KP Hawthorn and blues songstress Candice Ivory. 

Artists: The Flashcubes, sparkle*jets u.k., Dolph Chaney, The Armoires, Sorrows, more

Title: Make Something Happen! A Tribute To The Flashcubes (Big Stir Records)

You might like if you enjoy: The Cars, Big Star, The Knack, Weezer
Tell me more: The legacy of Syracuse, New York-spawned quartet The Flashcubes is front and center on the stellar new 24-track collection Make Something Happen! A Tribute To The Flashcubes, available now courtesy of Big Stir Records. Formed in the late 1970s, The Flashcubes are in the Power Pop Hall Of Fame rightfully alongside fellow genre champions Big Star, Cheap Trick and Raspberries. Among the slew of great early offerings on Make Something Happen! are sparkle*jets u.k.'s shimmering "Make Something Happen," Librarians With Hickeys' rollicking "Gone Too Far," a collaboration between Graham Parker and Mike Gent on the hearty "Pathetic," The Kennedys' jazzy "Walking Through The Park," and Dolph Chaney's post-punk nugget "Girl From Germany." Make Something Happen!'s delights continue via gems such as The Peppermint Kicks' exuberant "Muscle Beach," The Choosers' tender "Christi Girl," The Armoires' harmonies-draped "You're Not The Police," The Mayflowers' ambitious "Born To Cry," Sorrows' beguiling "Radio" and euphoric disc closing "Nothing Really Matters When You're Young" courtesy of The Spongetones. In addition to all the top-tier readings of Flashcubes classic materials are a trio of new cuts contributed by the Flashcubes; the infectious lead-off single "Reminisce," the soaring "The Sweet Spot" and deeply affecting "If These Hands" are rousing additions to the band's growing legacy and allow each of the band's songwriters — guitarist Paul Armstrong, bassist Gary Frenay and guitarist Arty Lenin — to shine. Information: bigstirrecords.com.

Artist: KP Hawthorn

Title: Til The Glitter End (Mule Kick Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Mary Chapin Carpenter, Rosie Flores, Beth Nielsen-Chapman
Tell me more: Already celebrated for her signature vocals, sterling songwriting and role as a founding member of both The HawtThorns and CALICO, KP Hawthorn has just released her outstanding full-length solo album Til The Glitter End. The new album — which finds Hawthorn contributing vocals, acoustic guitar, keyboards, mandolin and percussion along the way — was co-produced by Hawthorn with Steve Berns, and recorded at The Fitting Room Studio in Nashville. The lead-off track "Fool's Gold" immediately highlights Hawthorn's rich soprano, a beautiful instrument that carries emotional weight with each note. The album's parade of splendid cuts includes the rowdy country sortie "High Road" (the latter featuring legendary Rosie Flores on electric guitar), the enchanting "Roll Away The Stone," the irresistible "San Andreas Shake," Americana ballad "Come To Me" and beautifully introspective "The Lone Ranger," as well as a gorgeous disc-ending cover of Led Zeppelin's "Going To California" (the latter featuring guitarist-singer Johnny Hawthorn and violinist San Madigan). Information: https://kphawthorn.bandcamp.com/album/til-the-glitter-end.

Artist: Candice Ivory

Title: New Southern Vintage (Nola Blue Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Janiva Magness, Susan Tedeschi, Mavis Staples
Tell me more: Grammy-nominated blues songstress Candice Ivory's New Southern Vintage takes listeners on a marvelous trip through the richest corners of blues music, her soulful soprano used in the service of more than a dozen outstanding tracks that celebrate the American genre in spades. Fans of traditional and modern blues will be immersed in Ivory's artful approach when showcasing her own material as well as other material featured on the title. Her dynamic vocals are particularly powerful on the blistering opener "Ain't So Blind," the spirited take on Joe Hick's "I'm In Trouble" (the latter featuring the amazing harmonica of Jan Hartmann), the soulful "Look Away," the hypnotic "Catfish Blues" that finds Ivory sharing lead vocals with Jimmy "Duck" Holmes, the tradition-steeped "Corrina," and superlative versions of Memphis Minnie's "World of Trouble" and "Shout the Boogie." Information: nolabluerecords.com.

Robert Kinsler

New music: Ollee Owens, Continental Drifters, Beth Hart, The Armoires

In this column I highlight a number of outstanding new audio titles available now.

Artist: Ollee Owens

Title: Nowhere to Hide (Ollee Owens Music)
You might like if you enjoy: Beth Hart, Larkin Poe
Tell me more: On her outstanding new album Nowhere to Hide, Canadian soul/blues singer Ollee Owens taps into the day-to-day ups and downs of everyday life and sets that palpable tapestry to song. Her real world-focused songcraft is bolstered by her rich soprano that fuses soul, gospel and blues as well as the musical contributions of famed guitarist Will McFarlane on eight of the album's 11 tracks. Produced by Bobby Blazier, a number of studio musicians add magic to the proceedings. The range of material ranges from the nuanced title track and Muscle Shoals-flavored "Some Days" to the emotive blues ballad "Roots," joyful "Love You Better" and soulful "Still in Pieces." The album closes out with a rousing horn section-adorned reading of the 1990 Los Lobos track "The Neighborhood" and stirring version of Bob Dylan's "Lord Protect My Child." Information: olleeowens.com.

Artist: Continental Drifters

Title: White Noise & Lightning: The Best of Continental Drifters (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: The Bangles, Peter Holsapple, the Jayhawks

Tell me more: For those who haven't yet caught up with the magic of Continental Drifters, White Noise & Lightning: The Best of Continental Drifters is the perfect introduction to the beloved collective. The 11-track LP and 15-track audio CD collection casts an outstanding light on the congregation of musical talents whose members first found fame in the illustrious likes of the Bangles, Dream Syndicate, the dB's, the Cowsills and more. Brilliant songcraft, top-tier musicianship and alluring vocal harmonies are among the key elements of Continental Drifters' signature sound. Among this writer's top cuts is the jangly opener "The Rain Song" co-penned by Susan Cowsill and Vicki Peterson, the propulsive Americana rocker "Mezzanine" featuring Carlo Nuccio, countrified Peter Holsapple-penned "Invisible Boyfriend," shimmering "Get Over It," dreamy "Mixed Messages" and reflective "Drifters." The CD version of the collection features a previously unissued 12-minute live version of "Who We Are, Where We Live." The beautiful LP and audio CD packaging of the Omnivore Recordings release contains new liner notes from Sean Kelly (author of the band biography "White Noise & Lightning: The Continental Drifters Story." Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.

Artist: Beth Hart

Title: You Still Got Me (Provogue Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Beth Hart, Slash, Eric Gales, Janis Joplin

Tell me more: Modern blues songstress Beth Hart is back with her 11th studio album You Still Got Me, a hard hitting disc of original blues-rock sure to please fans of the Los Angeles-based artist. Armed with a strong and gritty voice, Hart delivers a slew of great tracks on the Kevin Shirley-produced album including the forceful "Savior With A Razor" (featuring lead guitar from Slash), the heavy blues cut "Suga N My Bowl" (the latter bolstered by the work of guitar great Eric Gales), the lovely title track "You Still Got Me," the tender "Little Heartbreak Girl" and the stirring single "Wonderful World." Information: bethhart.com.

Artist: The Armoires

Title: Octoberland (Big Stir Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Matthew Sweet & Susanna Hoffs, Fleetwood Mac, The Sundays

Tell me more: Released on Oct. 11, the Armoires' fourth album Octoberland is an exhilarating listen sure to please fans of top-tier indie rock and power pop. Produced by Michael Simmons (of sparkle*jets u.k. fame), the Armoires — singer-keyboardist Christina Bulbenko, singer-guitarist Rex Broome, drummer John M. Borack and bassist Clifford Ulrich — showcase an inviting sound that blends great musicianship,  sophisticated songcraft and effortless tunefulness that collectively elevate each of the 11 tracks on the disc. The tandem lead and harmony vocals of Bulbenko and Broome are a key element of the Armoires' signature sound. Broken into two parts, Octoberland's strength and momentum shines at every turn. Part One standouts include the psychedelic opener "We Absolutely Mean It," the shimmering new wave-mining "Ridley & Me After The Apocalypse," melodic "Ouroboros Blues (Crow Whisperer)" and Celtic-tinged "Green Hellfire At The 7-11." Part Two highlights include the sumptuous "You Oughta Be Cut In Half," sweeping "Snake Island Thirteen" (the latter "a windswept cry of solidarity with Christina Bulbenko's war-torn ancestral homeland of Ukraine"), and the winning ear candy-drenched closer "Music & Animals." Octoberland is one of the great new studio albums of 2024. Information: bigstirrecords.com.

Robert Kinsler

New Music: Marcus King, Gypsy Soul, 'We All Shine On; Celebrating The Music Of 1970' compilation, Ben E. King

Here are my latest listens that are definitely worth sharing in hopes you will delight in these titles too!

Artist: Marcus King

Title: Young Blood (American Records / Republic Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Gary Clark Jr., Marcus King Band, Walter Trout

Tell me more: Singer-songwriter/guitar master Marcus King is back with Young Blood, a sharp 11-track set of hard-hitting Southern-fried blues rock. Music lovers who miss the guitar heroes of yesteryear should run out and pick up King's new album. While listeners thrill in King's otherworldly talents (King began playing guitar at age 3), they will be gripped by a set of songs that collectively chronicle a dark period for King following a devastating break-up. The artist honestly addresses drug and alcohol excess as well as the real-life issues of depression and mental health. Tracks such as "It's Too Late," "Lie Lie Lie," "Pain" and "Good and Gone" showcase the rising 26-year-old South Carolina native focusing simultaneously on his signature gritty vocals and astonishing lead guitar work in the service of stylish genre-meshing songs blending Southern rock, blues and soul in good measure. Elsewhere — take the lovely "Rescue Me," sparse "Blues Worse Than I Ever Had" and groove-centered "Blood On The Tracks" and "Dark Cloud" — King uses his influences to create that same kind of dynamic firepower amidst a relatively quiet storm. Information: MarcusKingOfficial.com. 

Artist: Gypsy Soul

Title: Cover Story (Off The Beaten Track Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: Kate Bush, Bat for Lashes, Gypsy Soul 

Tell me more: For an independent artist to defy the odds and release a parade of 15 celebrated albums is impressive. But that is truly the continuing saga of Gypsy Soul, a genre-defying duo featuring the talents of singer Cilette Swann and multi-instrumentalist Roman Morykit. The musical pair have returned with Cover Story, a disc filled with reworked and original takes of selections by 10 notable artists who have influenced their own music. The completion of the wonderful album was uncertain when the husband-and-wife duo were both stricken with COVID in 2021 and Morykit almost died from complications from the coronavirus. These are not simple paint-by-numbers presentations of the originals — there is a level of creativity and craft that is palpable across the album. Songs that benefit from Gypsy Soul's adventuresome reinterpretations include Duran Duran's "Ordinary World," Tears For Fears' "Mad World," Van Morrison's "Into The Mystic," Peter Gabriel's "Don't Give Up" and The Beatles' "Day Tripper," the latter a delightful blend of jazzy and blues stylings. Information: GypsySoul.com.

Artist: Ben E. King

Title: Supernatural Soul (AFM Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Ben E. King, Vintage Trouble, Bootsy Collins, Bette Smith

Tell me more: Recently a group of friends and admirers joined forces to celebrate the talents of the late soul singer great Ben E. King (who sadly passed away in April 2015) with recut versions of his best-known classics. The results shine across Supernatural Soul, an 11-track album available now via audio CD and on vinyl. Highlights on this excellent celebration include the affecting "Stand By Me" (bolstered by a wonderful tandem vocals between King and Bette Smith as well as flashy guitar work from Ronnie Earl), the funky gem "Supernatural Thing" with bass virtuoso Bootsy Collins, the lovely "Spanish Harlem" (featuring flamenco guitar master Rafael Riqueni), soulful "Don't Play That Song (You Lied)," grooving "Do It In The Name Of Love" and smooth R&B cut "I Had A Love." Information: Order the CD and/or vinyl HERE. 

Artists: Bill Lloyd, The Armoires, Mitch Easter, Lannie Flowers, Irene Peña, more

Title: We All Shine On: Celebrating The Music Of 1970 (Spyderpop Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Power Pop, 1970s rock and pop music, Lannie Flowers

Tell me more: Anyone interested in getting a bona fide introduction — or immersive reminder — about the strength of music released in 1970 need simply listen to the wonderful new collection We All Shine On: Celebrating The Music Of 1970. Produced by celebrated music journalist/author/drummer John M. Borack, the 22-track collection features a myriad of artists covering some of the most beloved cuts of 1970 with stylish aplomb. Kicking off with Alan Petsche and Delbert Raines' soulful rendition of "Are You Ready" the track is bolstered by a gospel choir and fiery lead guitar work. Other early standouts on the outstanding collection include Bill Lloyd's rootsy take on Randy Newman's "Mama Told Me Not To Come," the Armoires' melodious reading of "Yellow River," Mitch Easter' inventive reworking of the Delfonics' "Didn't I (Blow Your Mind This Time)," Lannie Flowers' alt country-styled take on "Walk A Mile In My Shoes" and the Popdudes' rousing version of the Guess Who's "Share The Land." The track listing retains its magic and power on the second half of the disc courtesy of The Brothers Steve's inspired reading of the Neil Diamond hit "Crackling' Rosie," the Legal Matters' exuberant run through George Harrison's "What Is Life," the Test Pressings' rollicking take on "Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes)" and Diamond Hands' psychedelic-meets-garage rock spin jaunt through the Kinks classic "Lola." A terrific collection from start to finish. Information: BigStirRecords.com. 

Robert Kinsler

Big Stir Records artists rally for United Help Ukraine

An important update in the effort by Big Stir Records to assist United Help Ukraine with its important mission to help the beleaguered nation. There are many fantastic artists involved in this effort and please champion their music while benefitting Ukraine...Robert Kinsler

Thoroughly moved by how quickly so many of Big Stir's artists rallied to this cause... here is the result! Introducing: The BIG STIR UNITED HELP UKRAINE BENEFIT STORE, with 50% of all sales of vinyl and CDs going to UNITED HELP UKRAINE to provide humanitarian and medical aid: 

https://bigstirrecords.com/united-help-ukraine-benefit-store 

What started as a single album from THE ARMOIRES and grew to include our full SORROWS and ARTHUR ALEXANDER catalogs is now a full-blown sub-store featuring over 12 BSR artists generously offering up over 50 titles -- peruse them closely as some have never been available via BSR before! The global roster of participating artists who've now joined up includes THE STAN LAURELS, PLASTICSOUL, THE CORNER LAUGHERS (and friends), KAI DANZBERG, THE LUNAR LAUGH, BLAKE JONES & THE TRIKE SHOP, SHPLANG, DOLPH CHANEY, and MYLITTLEBROTHER... and we have reason to expect more to come. 

Ukrainian-American-owned Big Stir Records most definitely stands with Ukraine... Дякую друзі! (Which is to say, thank you, friends!)

New Titles: Lynyrd Skynyrd, Allen Ginsberg, First Aid Kit, the Armoires, Godzilla vs. Kong (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)

A truly dizzying mix of new releases are greeting listeners in early April, ranging from classic live recordings and dynamic new studio albums to a wonderful new movie soundtrack.

Artist: Lynyrd Skynyrd

Title: Live At Knebworth ‘76 (Eagle Rock Entertainment)

You might like if you enjoy: Lynyrd Skynyrd, the Outlaws, ZZ Top

Tell me more: On April 9, Lynyrd Skynyrd: Live At Knebworth '76 will be released as a DVD+CD, Blu-ray+CD, limited edition 2LP+DVD, and via digital video. The restored performance captures the original lineup of the groundbreaking Southern rock troupe via an amazing performance in England staged on Aug. 21, 1976. Indeed, 14 months before the tragic October 20, 1977 plane crash took the lives of several members of Lynyrd Skynyrd, singer Ronnie Van Zant, bassist Leon Wilson, drummer Artimus Pyle, keyboardist Billy Powell, along with the triple guitar array of Gary Rossington, Allen Collins and Steve Gaines, and The Honkettes (backing vocalists Cassie Gaines, JoJo Billingsley, Leslie Hawkins) delivered an inspired performance in front of a crowd of more than 150,000 concertgoers. The 11-song setlist is a dream for die-hard followers of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame outfit as well as casual classic rock fans; "Workin' For MCA," "Saturday Night Special," "Gimme Three Steps," "Call Me The Breeze," "Sweet Home Alabama" and a spellbinding set-ending 13-minute version of the beloved "Freebird" are all here. Both the audio recording and visual quality featured on the new release are exceptional; it's amazing to think this performance was staged 45 years ago. The Blu-ray set also includes the full-length 2018 documentary "If I Leave Here Tomorrow: A Film About Lynyrd Skynyrd" as a bonus feature. A side note: this historic performance was part of a daylong festival that also featured performances from Todd Rundgren's Utopia, 10cc and headliners The Rolling Stones. Information: eagle-rock.com or lynyrdskynyrd.com.

Artist: Allen Ginsberg

Title: Allen Ginsberg at Reed College: the first recorded reading of Howl and Other Poems (Omnivore Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: Allen Ginsberg, Jack Kerouac, William S Burroughs

Tell me more: This writer was fortunate to review a live reading by Allen Ginsberg before a sold-out crowd at Chapman University in Orange, CA in April 1993, where the groundbreaking beat poet read a sampling of his older and newer works. Sadly, the famed writer passed away five years after that memorable reading at the age of 70. Ginsberg was among the most controversial writers of his time, rattling the cage of the establishment with his opposition of militarism, sexual repression and capitalism. Los Angeles-based Omnivore Recordings has released the first recorded reading of Ginsberg's best-known poem "Howl," recorded on Feb. 14, 1956. Allen Ginsberg at Reed College: the first recorded reading of Howl and Other Poems is not only a thought-provoking celebration of Ginsberg's talents but a historical document that was long to have been thought forgotten until author John Suiter (researching at Reed College's Hauser Memorial Library in Portland, Oregon) found the tape in a box in 2007. In addition to "Howl," the new release has Ginsberg reading several shorter poems as well including "Wild Orphan" "Over Kansas" and "A Dream Record." Cheryl Pawelski, Grammy Award-winning record producer and co-founder of Omnivore Recordings, worked with the Ginsberg Estate to release the remastered Allen Ginsberg at Reed College: the first recorded reading of Howl and Other Poems via audio CD, digital and LP on April 2, 2021. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com. 

Artist: First Aid Kit

Title: Who By Fire (Sony Sweden / Columbia Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Emmylou Harris, Leonard Cohen, Jennifer Warnes

Tell me more: Leave it to a pair of Swedish sisters to deliver the ultimate tribute to the late Leonard Cohen. First Aid Kit — Klara and Johanna Söderberg — have released Who By Fire, a live 20-track recording captured across two nights at the Royal Dramatic Theater in Stockholm in March of 2017. Conceived and anchored by First Aid Kit, the sisters were joined by a number of fellow Swedish guests, an eight-member band and strings, two actors as well as a large choir on two of the songs. A mix of Cohen's original songs, poems and letters were included in the two-performance event chronicled on Who By Fire (released April 2, 2021). The Söderberg sisters are bona fide fans of Cohen, who passed away at the age of 82 on Nov. 7, 2016. Who By Fire celebrates Cohen's work via a diverse array of compositions, including the stirring "Suzanne," gorgeous "If It Be Your Will," plaintive "Hallelujah" (where they are joined by Annika Norlin), edgy "Famous Blue Raincoat," otherworldly masterwork "You Want It Darker" and gallant "Everybody Knows" (with guest Frida Hyvönen). The performances of Cohen's songs and poetry across "Who By Fire" are uniformly beautiful without diminishing the power of the literate tales of faith, romance, political strife and loss. Information: FirstAidKitBand.com.

Artist: The Armoires

Title: Incognito (Big Stir Records)

You might like if you enjoy: The Monkees, Matthew Sweet, Bright Blue Gorilla, XTC

Tell me more: When you release your album on April 1st —  also known as April Fools' Day —  best to make it count. That's exactly what The Armoires have accomplished via the joyful "Incognito." Led by Big Stir Records record label founders Rex Broome (vocals, guitar) and Christina Bulbenko (vocals, keyboards), the quintet also includes noted music writer/drummer John Borack, viola/violin player Larysa Bulbenko and bassist Clifford Ulrich. Incognito is actually a culmination of an ambitious six-month "secret project" where the Burbank-based group released a series of singles — each issued under a different fictitious "new and undiscovered" band name. Incognito collects the diverse material and the results are as wonderful as the concept. Anchored by the group's shining vocal harmonies, solid musicianship and artful arrangements, the blend of creative covers and originals keeps the momentum moving across the disc's 18-track run. Early title favorites include a magnetic cover of John Cale's "Paris 1919," an irresistible rendering of the Christie gem "Yellow River," the driving countrified "Bagfoot Run," a Gram Parsons-mining "Homebound" and shimmering take on the 20/20 classic "The Night I Heard A Scream." The wistful reworking of Andy Gibb's "Words And Music," infectious "Walking Distance," baroque pop sparkler "Magenta Moon" and beguiling styles-blending "Awkward City Limits" are among the late LP standouts. Information: BigStirRecords.com.

Artist: Tom Holkenborg

Title: Godzilla vs. Kong (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) (Watertower Music)

You might like if you enjoy: Hans Zimmer, Tom Holkenborg

Tell me more: Just weeks after composer Tom Holkenborg saw the release of his original motion picture soundtrack for "Zack Snyder's Justice League" receive well-deserved praise, his talents can be heard on Godzilla vs. Kong (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack). Issued a couple of days before the exciting Adam Wingard-directed film landed in theaters and on HBO Max on March 31, the 15-track soundtrack is a triumph with its mix of orchestral muscle, bold electronica and raging sound effects. For example, when Kong is featured on the screen the music is typically more classical in nature (as evidenced by the beautiful symphonic sweep in "Skull Island (Kong's Theme)," "A New Language" and "Antarctica"), thereby emphasizing the sympathetic qualities of the character. Elsewhere when Godzilla or manmade technological dangers loom, the music is decidedly more kinetic in tune with that monster's more volatile nature; the tempestuous "Tasman Sea" and aggressive "Mega" take advantage of the composer's ability to blend music and sound designs in dynamic ways to enhance a blockbuster. On the final track, "Hong Kong," Holkenborg is able to masterfully weave a myriad of sonic spheres together over the course of 13 magnificent minutes. Information: watertower-music.com.

Robert Kinsler