New Music: Bobbo Byrnes' 'October'; Shania Twain's 'Queen of Me'

Singer-songwriter Bobbo Byrnes and Canadian country-pop songstress Shania Twain both have essential new studio releases available now.

Artist: Bobbo Byrnes
Title: October (Kiss My Squirrel Music)

You might like if you enjoy: The Fallen Stars, Bruce Cockburn, Celtic folk, Americana

Tell me more: Bobbo Byrnes' new album October marks a welcome return for the talented singer-songwriter. Byrnes uses his gifts as singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist (guitar, mandolin) to deliver a strong set of nine acoustic gems. While on tour in Europe in the fall of 2022, Byrnes had the opportunity to record at the legendary Hansa Studios in Berlin, Germany and at Windmill Lane Studios in Dublin, Ireland. The results of those rich sessions have yielded selections that blend traditional folk with layered sound effects that provide enhanced soundscapes across the disc. "The Sea" benefits from an especially strong arrangement of more quiet verses that give way to driving instrumental sections; the dual use of driving guitar and mandolin further define this great cut. The lovely instrumental "October" fuses Byrnes' nuanced work on the acoustic guitar with the otherworldly layers of an e-bow. "Untitled" is a lovely and yearning nugget, with Byrnes' evocative vocals enhanced by sparse guitar accompaniment. Byrnes really immerses himself in a haunting Celtic-flavored cover of "Crooked Jack." His version of David Bowie's classic "Heroes" — the original version was recorded by Bowie at Hansa Studio in 1977 — is especially impressive, with Byrnes effectively building the power of the song with a combination of vocal firepower, well played rhythm guitar and soaring e-bow. Byrnes will celebrate the release of his new album October with a CD release show at The Harp Inn in Costa Mesa, playing 8-10 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 9. Information: BobboByrnes.com.

Artist: Shania Twain
Title: Queen of Me (Republic Nashville)

You might like if you enjoy: Shania Twain, Kacey Musgraves, Taylor Swift

Tell me more: Veteran country-pop music favorite Shania Twain is back with her sixth studio album, Queen of Me. Twain's first new album since 2017's Now, Queen of Me is an effort that finds the beloved Canadian singer-songwriter taking aim at the charts with a disc full of catchy and accessible synth-anchored modern music. The material here is commercial to be sure, with the new single "Giddy Up!" an obvious shot at returning Twain to the attention of her millions of fans. The driving dance track "Waking Up Dreaming" is an especially strong song, with Twain's signature vocals used to perfect effect. Other strong entries on the album include the genre-bending electronica-meets-country nugget "Pretty Liar," shining pop tracks "Inhale/Exhale AIR" and "Number One," super bewitching dream pop sortie "Got It Good" and confessional "The Hardest Stone." Information: ShaniaTwain.com.

Robert Kinsler

Artists shoot for the stars on new releases

New releases featuring Hollis Brown, Mindi Abair and the Fallen Stars are available now and should be on everyone's summertime listening list...

Artist: Hollis Brown
Title: Ozone Park (Cool Green Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: Collective Soul, Jackie Greene, Ben Harper
Tell me more: Queens, New York-based band Hollis Brown has just released Ozone Park, a magnificent album that blends the best elements of classic and modern rock along with other styles with authenticity and grace. Listen close to the work of the talented quintet (singer-guitarist Mike Montali, lead guitarist Jonathan Bonilla, drummer Andrew Zehnal, keyboardist Adam Bock and bassist Chris Urriola) and you'll hear rock solid instincts blended with R&B, pop, soul and more. "Do Me Right" is an infectious and alluring track, a magical musical bridge between the best melodic instincts of power pop, indie rock and synth pop masters. The triumphant "Someday Soon" strikes a similar artistic chord. Hollis Brown — named after a 1964 Bob Dylan track — impresses in other reaches of the musical universe; the lovely "After The Fire" segues into the nuanced "Forever In Me." "Bad Mistakes" is the LP's biggest surprise, a psychedelic rocker draped with buzz guitar lines and a swirling '60s feels right at home on this wonderful release. The album ends with an in-the-pocket finale courtesy of the funkafied "Go For It." Information: hollisbrown.com.

Artist: Mindi Abair and the Boneshakers
Title: No Good Deed (Pretty Good For A Girl Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Mindi Abair, Southern Avenue, Sue Foley
Tell me more: Mindi Abair and the Boneshakers' No Good Deed offers up plenty of musical firepower and infectious blues-styled songs on a fantastic set produced by famed producer Kevin Shirley (Led Zeppelin, Aerosmith, Joe Bonamassa). Recorded in a mere five days, the 10-track disc features plenty of Abair's incredible work on her collection of Yamaha soprano, alto and tenor saxophones. But listening to No Good Deed is to be instantly reminded of the skills of her Boneshakers band mates (guitarist Randy Jacobs, keyboardist Rodney Lee, drummer Third Richardson and bassist Ben White), all of whom add to the sway of the tracks. Although best known for her incredible sax playing with artists ranging from Aerosmith to Duran Duran, Abair is a first-rate vocalist; her nuanced singing on the stirring ballad "Sweetest Lies," nuanced "Who's Gonna Save My Soul?" and flat-out rocker "Movin' On" are especially persuasive. Information: mindiabair.com.

Artist: The Fallen Stars
Title: Leaves On The Wind Collection: Can't Stop the Signal (Kiss My Squirrel Music)
You might like if you enjoy: Joss Whedon's "Firefly," the Jayhawks, Gram Parsons & Emmylou Harris
Tell me more: Six years after the Fallen Stars embarked on an ambitious quest to create a cycle of songs based on the groundbreaking sci-fi western TV series "Firefly," the complete collection of 16 inspired tracks (including the pair's interpretation of the theme song from the series) has been compiled and released as the terrific "Leaves On The Wind Collection: Can't Stop the Signal." The Fallen Stars, featuring the talents of husband-and-wife duo Bobbo and Tracy Byrnes, are both big time fans of the show (which premiered in fall 2002) and the acclaimed 2005 film "Serenity." The new audio CD version of the collection allows fans of the series (known as "Browncoats") and lovers of top-tier Americana music to hear artful and rich songs based on "Firefly." The wistful "Still Flying" (bolstered by the Byrnes' blended vocal harmonies), edgy rockers "Nothing" and "Miracle," tender "Stronger Than Steel," mandolin-anchored "Goodnight Kiss" and probing "Here I Am" showcase the range of the show's themes as well as the depth of the couple's stellar songwriting. Information: TheFallenStars.com.

Artist: Bobbo Byrnes
Title: The Red Wheelbarrow (Kiss My Squirrel Music)
You might like if you enjoy: The Fallen Stars, Rhett Miller, Old 97's
Tell me more: In addition to his role in the Fallen Stars, Bobbo Byrnes is a prolific and leading voice on the independent Americana scene. That will come as little surprise after getting a listen to his new solo effort The Red Wheelbarrow. The clever "Part Time Cowboy" is a probing look at a musician finely tuned into the musical tapestry of country music even he doesn't "wear a cowboy hat…(or is not) built to wear a nudie suit." Able to deliver winning songs amidst detailed storytelling, Byrnes paints vivid musical soundscapes across the 10-song disc. The melodic nugget "Look For It," introspective "Looking At The World Thru a Windshield," countrified winner "Lovers" and freewheeling "Sally Starr" and "January" excel with equal doses of excellent song craft and rousing studio performance. Byrnes' poignant songs are brought to rich life via a cast of wonderful musicians including his wife Tracy Byrnes (bass guitar, backing vocals) and famed keyboardist Rami Jaffee (of Wallflowers fame). Information: songsandwhispers.com or bobbobyrnes.com.




Robert Kinsler

Must-hear releases include a mix of new music, reissues and live discs

An EP that wraps up a tribute to the Firefly science fiction western TV series, one of the strongest debuts in memory, a brilliant return for Boz Scaggs, an expanded two-disc reissue of the debut from Lords of the New Church and a new live set from Erasure are all available now.

Artist: The Fallen Stars
Title: Leaves on the Wind — Vol. 3: Can't Take The Sky From Me (Kiss My Squirrel Music)
You might like if you enjoy: Joss Whedon's "Firefly," the Jayhawks, Gram Parsons & Emmylou Harris
Tell me more: When Firefly first aired on the Fox network in September 2002, it immediately captured the attention of discerning fans (now known as "Browncoats") of science fiction with its unique cast of authentic characters, blend of outer space and Western landscapes, and sharp storytelling. Although the Joss Whedon-created series was cancelled after a mere 14 episodes, the influence of the series was profound (indeed the film "Serenity" was released in 2005 to critical acclaim). Look no further than the Fallen Stars' compelling trilogy titled Leaves on the Wind, with Vol. 3: Can't Take The Sky From Me having just been released. On volume 3 of Leaves on the Wind, musical duo Bobbo and Tracy Byrnes have crafted songs inspired by the final four episodes of "Firefly," as well as offering up their emotive take on Whedon's theme song for the series ("The Ballad of Serenity"). Fans of the first two "Leaves on the Wind" titles will pleased that "Can't Take The Sky From Me" is the equal with its Americana-styled songs capturing the magic of the series in song. The countrified rocker "Naked" serves as a duet for Tracy and Bobbo, whose voices shine alone or together in the spirited choruses. "Carry Me" is especially poignant, with an acoustic flavor and sweet melody that plays out in the verses and choruses. The rollicking "Home" and yearning "Here I Am" also capture the creative power of the groundbreaking sci-fi series. A portion of the proceeds from all three Leaves on the Wind titles go to support Equality Now, an organization working to end violence and discrimination against girls and women around the world. Information: thefallenstars.com.

Artist: Danny Wilkerson
Title: Wilkerson (SpyderPop Records)
You might like if you enjoy: ELO, Jellyfish, Paul McCartney, XTC
Tell me more: Listeners hungry for new music that is melodic, intelligent and ambitious almost beyond measure will be floored by Wilkerson, the brilliant debut from singer-songwriter Danny Wilkerson. The sonic ghosts of the Beatles, the Zombies, Jeff Lynne and XTC can be heard but to be sure the songs here are original and performances uniformly inspired. With songs this exceptional it doesn't hurt that Wilkerson is joined by an all-star cast of supporting players including Roger Joseph Manning Jr. (of Jellyfish, Imperial Drag and Beck fame) on keyboards and backing vocals, guitarist Pat Buchanan (Hall & Oates, Cyndi Lauper, Don Henley), multi-instrumentalist Joe Siders (The New Pornographers) and many others. If Jellyfish had teamed with Burt Bacharach it might sound something like the infectious opener "Everybody Loves to Love." The propulsive "Enough For Somebody" is buoyant and exuberant, perfectly capturing the joy of youthful love. Backed only by a string section, Wilkerson's inviting vocals shine on the probing "Endless Haze"; the Beatlesque "When Your Number's Up" puts his masterful talents as songwriter on display. The shimmering "How She Lost My Heart," lofty "Carry The One" and baroque pop "Let It Go Tonight" are late disc standouts. Produced and engineered by bleu, and mastered by Miles Showell at Abbey Road Studios in London, "Wilkerson" is an amazing debut. Information: spyderpop.com.

Artist: Lords of the New Church
Title: Lords of the New Church: Special Edition (Blixa Sounds Records)
You might like if you enjoy: X, The Dead Boys
Tell me more: More than 35 years after its original release in 1982, the reissued and expanded deluxe edition of the self-titled debut from Lords of the New Church connects with surprising sway. The band was a supergroup of sorts, teaming punk rock pioneers Stiv Bator (The Dead Boys), Brian James (The Damned), Dave Tregunna (Sham 69) and Nick Turner (The Barracudas). The band's collective pedigree wouldn't have meant much if the Lords of the New Church didn't rock with the authority and musical might so clearly showcased across the two-disc set. The songs here highlight the band's skills to blend ferocious early punk sensibilities with classic melodic songcraft; the anti-war "Russian Roulette," goth rocker "New Church" mesmerizing rocker "Open Your Eyes" and cowpunk-flavored "Li'l Boys Play With Dolls" showcase the range of the quartet. A second disc chronicles the band's blistering full-length live performance at My Father's Place in 1982. An illustrated 12-page booklet with revealing liner notes penned by Craig Rosen adds additional depth to the title. Information: Blixa.com.

Artist: Boz Scaggs
Title: Out of the Blues (Concord Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Tinsley Ellis, Bon Scaggs
Tell me more: With his signature vocals at the helm, Box Scaggs delivers a great set of performances on the aptly-titled Out of the Blues. The self-produced collection features a mix of outstanding remakes as well as original compositions by songwriter and long-time friend Jack Walroth (including the great Chicago blues-styled "Radiator 110" and playful New Orleans rocker "Little Miss Night and Day," the latter co-penned with Scaggs). Perhaps the most affecting track on the top-tier set is a version of Neil Young's "On The Beach," the title track from Young's fifth solo album. When Scaggs sings "The world is turning / I hope it don't turn away" the listener can hear the pain and power in Scaggs' voice; the selection of this track may well have been influenced by the terrible fire that burned down the artist's home and all its contents in a massive wildfire that struck Napa, California in 2017. Scaggs has also assembled a number of famed studio pros to help bring heft to all blues-minded nine tracks — indeed drummer Jim Keltner, bassist Willie Weeks, keyboardist Jim Cox, and guitar greats Doyle Bramhall II, Ray Parker Jr. and Charlie Sexton shine at every turn. Information: BozScaggs.com.

Artist: Erasure
Title: World Be Live (Mute Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Depeche Mode, Yaz
Tell me more: There was a time when live albums were seemingly a part of most established artists' discography. Listening to the terrific two-disc World Be Live from Erasure is to wish more popular artists would release concert recordings. The seminal synth pop duo Erasure (singer-songwriter Andy Bell and keyboardist Vince Clarke) is featured performing 24 tracks on the fast-moving release. World Be Live was recorded across two shows at the Event Apollo in London at the close of the group's sold-out UK World Be Gone tour. All the hits are too, and sound great. "Opening with "Oh L'Amour" and "Ship of Fools," fans are treated to favorites "Chains of Love," "Who Needs Love (Like That)," "Always," "Sometimes" and "A Little Respect" along the way. Erasure also digs deep into their catalog, performing tracks such as the lovely ballad "Mad As We Are," the catchy "Just a Little Love" from their 2017 "World Be Gone" album and even a rousing cover of Blondie's "Atomic." "World Be Live" is available in 2CD, triple vinyl and digital formats. Erasure is currently on tour and is scheduled to perform at the Wiltern Theater in Los Angeles on Aug. 21, 24, 25, 26, and at Symphony Hall in San Diego on Aug. 22. Information: ErasureInfo.com.



Robert Kinsler

Well-worn territory yields pay dirt for Americana champs

Americana continues to provide one of the most nourishing genres for both established and up-and-coming artists, as evidenced by a slew of new highly-recommended albums. 


Artist: Kiefer Sutherland
Title: Down In A Hole (Ironworks Music)
You might like if you enjoy: Emitt Rhodes, Shooter Jennings, Kris Kristofferson
Tell me more: The good news for fans of actor Kiefer Sutherland is that his new debut album Down In A Hole is a solid and highly-recommended artistic effort that blends Americana, folk rock and alt-country styles with style and substance. The sparse acoustic ballad "I'll Do Anything" and piano-and-guitar blending "Calling Out Your Name" display the artist at his most confessional, but other tracks also highlight the 49-year-old Sutherland's knack for constructing top-tier songs while mining real life experiences tackling life's highs and lows. The rocking "Can't Stay Away," infectious "Going Home," sweeping "Calling Out Your Name" and Johnny Cash-styled "Shirley Jean" are among the other standout originals (co-written by Sutherland and producer Jude Cole) on the disc. Sutherland has an easy-on-the-ears raspy baritone and sings with honesty that recalls the delivery of a young Bob Dylan or Merle Haggard. Information: kiefersutherland.com.

Purchase 'Down In A Hole' here



Artist: Bobbo Byrnes
Title: Motel Americana (Bobbo Byrnes)
You might like if you enjoy: The Fallen Stars, Dawes, Steve Earle
Tell me more: As a member of the Fallen Stars, Bobbo Byrnes has long proven himself as a key voice on the international Americana scene. On his new solo album Motel Americana, the singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist continues to successfully explore roots rock and alt-country, focusing on the slightly quieter and more nuanced regions of Americana. The songs bask in a sonic glow that fuses his own voice with those of singers Tracy Byrnes and Ben Riddle and a wide range of acoustic and electric instruments (Bobbo himself handles guitar, bass, mandolin, pedal steel, dobro and more!). The infectious mandolin-anchored "APB," shimmering "I May Never Know" (love the B3 work courtesy of Rami Jaffee on this one) and confessional "Hate This Town" are among the terrific songs on the dozen-song set. Information: songsandwhispers.com or bobbo.org.




Artist: The Coal Men
Title: Pushed To The Side (Vaskaleedez Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Mo Pitney, the Mavericks, Dwight Yoakam
Tell me more: Bigger isn't always better. The Nashville-based trio known as the Coal Men offers up plenty of magic via beautiful songs that are beautifully rendered by singer-guitarist-mandolin player Dave Coleman, drummer-vocalist Dave Ray and bassist Paul Slivka. The trio (aided by special guest keyboardist Seth Timbs) across Pushed To The Side. There are upbeat songs on the 12-song album (the driving "Fast Rider" and honky tonk delight "Speeding Like a Demon" for sure), but the majority of originals here thrive via sparse and relatively quiet presentations centered on artful arrangements; the lovely "Depreciate," introspective "Pushed to the Side," ethereal "Travis" and melodic "Stones River" benefit from quiet sonics and lyrics immersed in tangible emotion and honest stories. Information: TheCoalMen.com.

Get 'Pushed to the Side' right here




Artist: Hymn for Her
Title: Drive Til U Die (Hymn for Her)
You might like if you enjoy: Bright Blue Gorilla, Brown Bird, Alabama Shakes
Tell me more: Making music that is so potent the listener feels as if they can touch it sums up the sound and approach of Americana duo Hymn for Her. Lucy Tight and Wayne Waxing's latest album Drive Til U Die crackles with fire on countrified alt rockers (the blistering "Devil's Train," the psychedelic "Milkweed") and captures a lust for life even on the ballads (the pretty "Mazzy Star" and acoustic "Seas of Croatia"). Writing about what you know is almost always the best advice for indie artists, and because Hymn for Her live on the road (the duo call a 1961-vintage Bambi Airstream towed by a Ford van home) there is an authenticity about their blend of blues, alt-country, rock and folk that is infectious. The aforementioned "Seas of Croatia," rousing "Hi Ho Silver" (written about the challenges of hitching and unhitching their home on wheels), lovely "Acetylene" and disc-ending bluesy rocker "The Road Song" provide an inspired glimpse into the lives of the original Hymn for Her. Information: HymnforHer.com.

Buy 'Drive Til U Die' here



Artist: Lauren Adams
Title: Somewhere Else (Lauren Adams)
You might like if you enjoy: Mary Chapin, Carpenter, Carol Martini, Alice Wallace
Tell me more: On her latest album Somewhere Else, Los Angeles singer-songwriter Lauren Adams mixes the sounds of modern-day Americana, '70s soft rock, blues and authentic roots music in the service of original material. Adams has a straightforward style of songwriting that benefits from her nice soprano voice as well as a number of guest players and a solid line-up of players who bring richness to the wide range of material. One of Adams' greatest strengths comes in that each song is its own little slice of life, with a sparse ballad ("Heavy, Heavy Heart"), intimate folk rocker ("Miss You") or playful country rocker "We Try Harder" each taking the listener to a very different place. The album closes with a powerful reworking of John Anderson's "Seminole Wind," a powerful roots rocker that is bolstered by vocal harmonies, Nick Kirgo's electric guitar work and a strong Native American-minded environmental message delivered by Adams with emotional force. Information: LaurenAdams.com.

Purchase 'Somewhere Else' here


Robert Kinsler

Reviews: GoGo Penguin, 7Horse, Riddle & The Stars, the Bo-Keys, 'Turn It Up!' documentary

Four noteworthy ensembles are breaking new ground across a wide range of genres, while a new documentary celebrates the electric guitar and the masters who will be forever tied with their instrument.


Artist: GoGo Penguin
Title: Man Made Object (Blue Note Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Vince Guaraldi Trio, Robert Glasper Trio, Brian Eno
Tell me more: Manchester, UK-based trio GoGo Penguin crafts soundscapes as lush and exciting as any young jazz troupe in memory. The groundbreaking trio (drummer Rob Turner, double bassist Nick Blacka and pianist Chris Illingworth) have truly created a new sound that draws from a wide range of seminal jazz artists (ranging from the Vince Guaraldi Trio to contemporary heroes Robert Glasper Trio); the three members of GoGo Penguin use a deep sense of composition, acoustic instrumentation, electronic touches (think Brian Eno and Moby) and melody to draw in listeners. GoGo Penguin's latest album, Man Made Object, features 10 extraordinary instrumental selections. While the mesmerizing "Branches Break" and ""Surrender to Mountain" are the most accessible, tracks such as "Weird Cat," "Quiet Mind" and the haunting piano-anchored "Gbfisysih" also have an enormous power to evoke emotions. If you are bound for Coachella, make sure to catch GoGo Penguin at the festival on Saturday, April 23. Information: gogopenguin.co.uk/.

Get 'Man Made Object' (Deluxe Edition) here




Artist: 7Horse
Title: Livin' in a Bitch of a World (7Horse Music Ltd.)
You might like if you enjoy: Moreland & Arbuckle, dada, 7Horse
Tell me more: Blues-rock doesn't get much more honest and stripped down than 7Horse. The duo (lead singer-drummer Phil Leavitt and guitarist-vocalist Joie Calio) backed by several other talented players perform songs that thrive on basic, straightforward riffs and deep grooves adorned with catchy choruses whose rich melodies bring welcome layers to the material across the newly-released "Livin' in a Bitch of a World." The gritty "Two-Stroke Machine" begins with a Rolling Stones-styled vibe bolstered by a soaring chorus, honest storytelling and wonderful blues-rock guitar riffs courtesy of Calio. Slide guitar fills the riveting "One Week" and Southwest blues of "Answer the Bell." Elsewhere, the band's hard hitting and reworked take on the Bee Gees' "Stayin' Alive" is truly epic. Livin' in a Bitch of a World cements the fact that 7Horse ranks with Moreland & Arbuckle as one of contemporary blues-rock's most mighty young voices. Information: 7HorseMusic.com.

Purchase 'Livin In a Bitch Of a World' here

Artist: Riddle & The Stars
Title: New Coastline (Riddle & The Stars)
You might like if you enjoy: The Fallen Stars, the Jayhawks, Dawes
Tell me more: An exceptional follow-up to their 2014 debut collaboration "This Is Happening," the new album from Riddle & The Stars titled New Coastline is truly a reason to celebrate the music-making union forged between Australian singer-songwriter Ben Riddle and Huntington Beach, California-based the Fallen Stars (husband-and-wife duo Bobbo and Tracy Byrnes). All three singers are featured via memorable performances, with their blended voices providing an additional winning element across the disc (particularly on the beautiful Americana nugget "When We Ride"). Riddle brings a distinctive singer-songwriter touch to the proceedings, notably on the reflective folk rocker "Running Back to You" and yearning "Tracks."  Bobbo Byrnes leads the collective through the rousing roots rocker "I May Never Know" and an affecting take on the John Prine gem "Mexican Home." Tracy Barnes sings the elegiac "Apples & Knives," and the authentic country-styled "Valentine's Day." Information: thefallenstars.com or riddleandthestars.com.




Artist: The Bo-Keys
Title: Heartaches by the Number (Electraphonic Recording/Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: St. Paul & the Broken Bones, James Hunter Six, Paul Rodgers' The Royal Sessions
Tell me more: The fusion of Memphis soul, classic country and R&B burns bright across the Bo-Keys' new album Heartaches by the Numbers (set for release on April 29). Singer Percy Wiggins and company never sound less than incredible on the 10-song set, which finds the ensemble mixing marvelous originals with heartfelt interpretations of material popularized by the likes of Bob Dylan, Hank Williams, Swamp Dogg and Ray Price. Perhaps the most impressive showcase of the Bo-Keys' stunning hybrid is a version of Merle Haggard's emotive "The Longer You Wait," with the blend of country and soul offered up via an authentic and stirring performance of the tearjerker. Information: omnivorerecordings.com.

Get 'Heartaches By The Number' here

Artists: B.B. King, Les Paul, Slash, Robby Krieger, Steve Lukather, more
Title: Turn It Up! (71st Street Entertainment)

You might like if you enjoy: B.B. King, Slash, Les Paul, Nancy Wilson, Paul Stanley, Kevin Bacon

Tell me more: For those who love to play electric guitar, or are fans of masters from a wide spectrum of styles (rock, blues, jazz), Turn It Up! is mandatory viewing. Featuring the far-flung likes of Slash (Guns N' Roses), Paul Stanley (KISS), Robby Krieger (The Doors) and Steve Lukather (Toto), as well as the late Les Paul and B.B. King, the film is unique in that it really focuses on the deep connection between guitars and the masters who play them. Hosted by actor-musician Kevin Bacon, the Robert Radler-directed film blends amazing photography, performance footage and compelling interviews to tackle the subject. In addition to the aforementioned guitar masters, Nancy Wilson (Heart), Jeff "Skunk" Baxter (Steely Dan, the Doobie Brothers), blues star Ana Popovic and Steve Howe (Yes, Asia) are among the other greats featured. Information: www.facebook.com/turnitupdoc.

Get 'TURN IT UP! A CELEBRATION OF THE ELECTRIC GUITAR' on DVD here


Robert Kinsler

My favorite albums of 2014

You knew it was coming, right? I may very well be the last music writer to finally get around to posting their favorite albums of 2014, but better late than never. I have listed my favorite 20 albums of the year in alphabetical order. I also included several "Honorable Mentions" that are terrific and could easily have made my top 20 depending on the day... 

1. Rock or Bust, AC/DC

2. Everyday Robots, Damon Albarn

3. Common Ground, Dave Alvin & Phil Alvin

4. The Both, The Both

5. Sweet Freaks, The Brand New Heavies

6. Ghost Stories, Coldplay

7. The River & The Thread, Rosanne Cash

8. The Take Off and Landing of Everything, Elbow

9. Built to Break, Ronnie Fauss

10. Stay Gold, First Aid Kit

11. Terms of My Surrender, John Hiatt

12. Diamonds, Johnnyswim

13. Counterfeit Blues, Corb Lund

14. Playland, Johnny Marr

15. Good Luck Charm, The Mastersons

16. Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness, Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness

17. Bluesamericana, Keb' Mo'

18. Most Messed Up, Old 97's

19. Trigger Hippy, Trigger Hippy

20. Storytone, Neil Young

Honorable Mentions = great listening

Carter Girl, Carlene Carter

Way Out West, The Fallen Stars

Sundown Heaven Town, Tim McGraw

No Fools, No Fun, Puss n Boots

Classics, She & Him

Goin' Home, Kenny Wayne Shepherd

The Blues Came Callin', Walter Trout

Wide range of artists shine bright on new albums

In addition to welcoming the continent-hopping collective Riddle & The Stars to the burgeoning Americana genre via their terrific debut, a strong field of artists have returned with noteworthy new releases.

Artist: Riddle & The Stars

Title: This Is Happening (independent release)

You might like if you enjoy: Gram Parsons & Emmylou Harris, Fleet Foxes, Johnnyswim

Tell me more: Few movements in modern music have been as rewarding as the explosion of Americana over the past decade. Extending the sonic soundscape first established by the likes of Neil Young, Gram Parsons and Emmylou Harris, modern-day heroes like Mumford & Sons, Trampled by Turtles and Johnnyswim have extended the reach of the genre in new and exciting directions. So too now have Australian singer-songwriter Ben Riddle and Huntington Beach, California-based outfit The Fallen Stars on the newly-issued collaboration This Is Happening. The sterling 12-track collection of authentic songs are enriched by a blend indie folk, alt country and roots music as Riddle and the Stars' talented tandem of Bobbo and Tracy Barnes each get to sing lead vocals while elsewhere they combine forces for some crafty harmonies (notably on the stirring title track).  Highlights include the haunting "Favourite Photograph," reflective "Massachusetts," lovely "Stronger Than Steel" (inspired by the Kaylee Frye character on the cult sci-fi show Firefly) and epic "Dam." Note: This Is Happening isn't scheduled to be released until August 2014, but you can get the first single "Chance" via the link listed below. Information: thefallenstars.com. 

Get the single "Chance" here

Artist: Jenny Lewis

Title: The Voyager (Warner Bros.)

You might like if you enjoy: The Watson Twins' 2006 album "Rabbit Fur Coat," Jenny and Johnny, Rilo Kiley

Tell me more: Rarely is an album as interesting or confessional as California singer-songwriter Jenny Lewis' The Voyager. The former singer of Rilo Kiley, Lewis is not afraid to explore and share the deepest reaches of her soul as evidenced by a range of songs offered in different musical styles with lyrics that clearly reflect her own experiences with a rich honesty that is never less than inspired. The evocative "She's Not Me," bouncy New Wave-tinged "Head Underwater" and baroque pop gem "Late Bloomer" are among the wonderful songs on this outstanding album. Information: jennylewis.com. The Voyager is set to be released on Tuesday, July 29, 2014.

Pre-order "The Voyager" now

Artist: Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers

Title: Hypnotic Eye (Warner Bros.)

You might like if you enjoy: Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, Mudcrutch

Tell me more: Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers' 13th album Hypnotic Eye not only rocks with abandon but mostly recaptures the youthful spirit of the Florida-spawned ensemble's best '70s and '80s efforts. From the mighty opener "American Dream Plan B" and sparse "Full Grown Boy" to the rollicking "All You Carry" (you have to love Mike Campbell's guitar work in this one) and similarly fierce "Forgotten Man," there is a vibrancy and power that defies the group's "classic rock" moniker. What's more, the edgy "Fault Lines" could have fit in as a track on the Beatles' "White Album," with its savage John Lennon-styled guitar licks and confessional core. Information: tompetty.com. Hypnotic Eye is set for release on Tuesday, July 29, 2014.

Pre-order "Hypnotic Eye" now!

Artist: Marillion

Title: A Sunday Night Above the Rain (earMUSIC / Eagle Rock Entertainment)

You might like if you enjoy: Peter Gabriel, Porcupine Tree, Radiohead

Tell me more: While British rock artists such as The Beatles and Rolling Stones have achieved widespread acclaim in the U.S., outstanding U.K.'s exports including Blur, Keane and Porcupine Tree have been mostly overlooked here. Add to that essential-listening list the pioneering Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire legend Marillion. The band's newly-released double-album A Sunday Night Above the Rain features the stellar neo-progressive alt rock troupe captured in action in the Netherlands on March 10, 2013 playing all eight songs from their 2012 studio disc Sounds That Can't Be Made as well as long-time favorites including "Garden Party" and "This Strange Engine." Information: Marillion.com. 

Buy "A Sunday Night Above The Rain" here

Artist: First Aid Kit

Title: Stay Gold (Columbia Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Emmylou Harris, Puss n Boots, Fleet Foxes

Tell me more: Anyone questioning the foundation First Aid Kit — Swedish sisters Klara and Johanna Söderberg -— set on their 2012 debut, need listen no further than their aptly-titled sophomore effort Stay Gold. The Stockholm-based sisters continue to blend artful and melodic song craft with voices that harmonize in infinite magical ways that haunt and soar simultaneously. There is a slightly edgier approach this time around, both in the lyrics and music making that will further excite the faithful. Standouts on the 10-track disc include the sorrowful "Cedar Lane," the probing "The Bell" and mournful romantic epic "A Long Time Ago." Information: thisisfirstaidkit.com.

Purchase "Stay Gold" here

Artist: Michael Lington

Title: Soul Appeal (Copenhagen Music)

You might like if you enjoy: Mindi Abair, Richard Elliot

Tell me more: As modern as it it retro, Michael Lington's Soul Appeal boasts 11 accessible and grooving tracks that blend Memphis soul, funk and R&B. A skilled threat on alto and tenor sax player, Lington shines every step of the way without stepping on the talented cast of players around him. Most of the disc shines with instrumental tracks, although the '70s-mining romantic song "Gonna Love You Tonight" features Kenny Lattimore; "Leave Me You" (co-written and sung by Ryan Shaw) is one of those kind of timeless ballads that Sam Cooke could have hit out of the park half a century ago. Information: MichaelLington.com.

Buy "Soul Appeal" today