New music: Walter Trout, Colin James, Johnny Marr

In this column I feature new audio releases featuring blues-rock greats Walter Trout and Colin James as well as a concert recording from Johnny Marr.

Artist: Walter Trout
Title: Sign of the Times (Provogue)
You might like if you enjoy: Joe Bonamassa, Walter Trout
Tell me more: Acclaimed singer-songwriter/guitar virtuoso Walter Trout is back with his latest studio album, the forceful Sign of the Times. Although Trout is 74, the Southern California-based legend's signature vocals and fiery guitar work are as strong as ever. The artist has plenty to say lyrically, as evidenced by the introspective mid tempo sortie "I Remember," scorching Chicago blues original "Blood on my Pillow" showcasing his expressively stellar fret work, the heavy "Struggle To Believe," in sync with an increasingly crazy world, the timely "Hightech Woman" that playfully looks at the ever-increasing pace of technology. Other highlights include the confessional classic rock-mining "Hurt No More," the love-gone-bad blues foray "Too Bad" and beautiful country-tinged acoustic ballad "Mona Lisa Smile." Information: waltertrout.com.

Artist: Colin James
Title: Chasing the Sun (Stony Plain Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Charlie Musselwhite, Lucinda Williams, Nils Lofgren, Colin Linden
Tell me more: In a perfect world the lead-off track ("Perfection") from Colin James' 21st and latest album Chasing the Sun would be all over radio and streaming services. An infectious blues-rock track where James and Americana songstress Lucinda Williams share lead vocals, "Perfection" is one of the best new cuts of 2025. And that alluring cut is just one of the great songs on Chasing the Sun, an 11-track album that celebrates James' talents as singer, guitarist and songwriter. Other standouts on the disc include the gospel-tinged "I'm Still Alive," buoyant blues romp "Devilment" (the latter featuring harmonica great Charlie Musselwhite), the soulful "How It Feels To Be Loved" and "Too Far Gone," the bewitching roots gem "Star Studded Sky," haunting "Open Your Mind" and John Hammond-penned acoustic blues foray "Come To Find Out" — the latter showcasing the instrumental talents of James, Hammond and electric guitarist Colin Linden. Information: colinjames.com.

Artist: Johnny Marr
Title: Look Out Live! (BMG)
You might like if you enjoy: The Smiths, Johnny Marr
Tell me more: Singer-songwriter/groundbreaking guitarist Johnny Marr is out today with a terrific two-disc concert recording that fully captures the power and energy of his live appearances. On the 22-track title — recorded at the Hammersmith Apollo in London on the final date of his 2024 Spirit Power tour — Marr revisits some of his beloved material recorded when he was with '80s greats The Smiths as well as his brilliant solo work. Highlights include the captivating opener "Sensory Street," the propulsive "Generate! Generate!" and "Armatopia," the sweeping "Walk Into The Sea" and infectious "Easy Money." Marr delivers energetic and faithful takes on The Smiths' "Panic," "This Charming Man," "Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want," "Bigmouth Strikes Again" and more. The concert was elevated by the appearance of Neil Tennant who reunited with Marr to perform '90s supergroup Electronic's hit "Getting Away With It" as well as a cover of David Bowie's "Rebel Rebel." Information: johnnymarr.com.

Robert Kinsler 

Concert Recordings Roundup: Supertramp, Simple Minds, Blur, Ten Years After

A parade of rock greats have released top-tier concert recordings available now. This column features a roundup of some of my favorite live releases issued in 2024 and 2025.

Artist: Simple Minds

Title: Live In The City Of Diamonds (BMG)

You might like if you enjoy: U2, Simple Minds, The Alarm

Tell me more: A terrific sounding live album with the extensive track listing to match, Live In The City Of Diamonds includes the majority of Simple Minds' most beloved songs recorded at Ziggy Dome, Amsterdam in The Netherlands on April 6, 2024. To be clear, singer-songwriter Jim Kerr sounds as great as ever and Charlie Burchill continues to be one of the great guitar masters of the modern rock era; their signature talents along with the collective expertise of Ged Grimes (bass), Gordy Goudie (guitar, backing vocals), Cherisse Osei (drums), Erik Ljunggen (keyboards) and Sarah Brown (backing vocals) elevate the two dozen selections featured on the outstanding title.

 

Beginning with an uplifting and soaring "Waterfront," disc 1 of the double CD also features the introspective "Sons and Fascination," inspired "Let There Be Love," ethereal "Glittering Prize" and powerful plea for peace "Belfast Child." Disc 2 fires up with the shimmering "Someone, Somewhere In Summertime" and continues it's magical run with standouts including the introspective gem "See The Lights" (the latter bolstered by Burchill's ascending guitar playing), the powerful sing-along fueled "Don't You (Forget About Me)," explosive "Sanctify Yourself," synth-swept "Vision Thing" and dynamic "Color's Fly and Catherine Wheel." The audio CD version reviewed here has exclusive content including an fully-illustrated 24-page color booklet and additional tracks recorded in London, Leeds, Glasgow, Berlin and Dijon. Simple Minds' "Alive & Kicking" North American Tour includes a May 23 date at Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert, CA, and a May 25 date at Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre in Phoenix, AZ; Soft Cell and Modern English will serve as openers on the bill. Information: simpleminds.com.

Artist: Supertramp
Title: Live in Paris '79 (Mercury Studios)
You might like if you enjoy: Roger Hodgson, Supertramp
Tell me more: Recorded just nine months after the release of their 1979 masterwork Breakfast in America, Supertramp's newly-issued Live in Paris '79 full-length live album released on both audio CD and on vinyl features the band's classic lineup of Roger Hodgson (vocals, guitars, keyboards), Rick Davies (keyboards, vocals), Dougie Thomson (bass), Bob Siebengerg (drums) and John Helliwell (saxophone). This classic live recording is launched with the mournful sound of a solo harmonica morphing into a full band performance of "School," the stirring leadoff track off the progressive rock group's 1974 album Crime of the Century. The wide range of original material performed by the British troupe across the 3LP collection reviewed here is vast to be sure; the blues-flavored "Ain't Nobody But Me," tuneful pop-rock sortie "The Logical Song" (the latter showcasing Hodgson's dynamic vocals and sharp songcraft), wistful "Goodbye Stranger," rousing "Bloody Well Right" and introspective "Hide In Your Shell" are among the early standouts performed by the group. The latter part of the concert recording includes great performances of an acoustic reading "Give a Little Bit" enhanced by Helliwell's sax playing, the exuberant "Dreamer," bewitching "Take The Long Way Home," transcendent "Fool's Overture" and dramatic closer "Crime of the Century." Information: https://store.mercurystudios.co/.

Artist: Blur
Title: Live At Wembley Stadium (Parlophone)
You might like if you enjoy: Blur, Oasis, Travis
Tell me more: Groundbreaking British band Blur's full-length concert recorded at Wembley Stadium in London, England on July 9, 2023 is available as a 26-track double CD. Live At Wembley Stadium. This is an incredible concert recording capturing singer/multi-instrumentalist Damon Albarn, lead guitarist Graham Coxon, bassist Alex James and drummer Dave Rowntree in a spirted and inspired performance in front of 150,000 fans. 

Epic material from across the British quartet's acclaimed career is performed with passion and precision. Highlights on disc 1 include the fiery "Popscene," signature Britpop rockers "Tracy Jacks" and "Beetlebum," the wistful flamenco-tinged "Out of Time," emotional "Coffee & TV" and Beatlesque piano-anchored "Under the Westway." 

Disc 2 includes a mix of the band's beloved hits as well as top-tier new selections from the band's marvelous 2023 return The Ballad of Darren. The euphoric sing-along  "Parklife," dreamy "To the End," explosive "Song 2," plaintive "This Is a Low" (the latter enhanced by Coxon's stellar lead guitar work), enchanting "Tender," pensive melody-adorned "The Narcissist" and panoramic closer "The Universal" are among the brilliant originals that thrill on the last half of the superlative concert recording.

The audio CD release features the full-length concert across two discs, and is housed in a six-panel soft pack including an 18-panel poster fold booklet. Live At Wembley Stadium is also available on vinyl, as well as a concert film presented on Blu-ray. Information: blur.co.uk.

Artist: Ten Years After
Title: Woodstock 1969 (Chrysalis)
You might like if you enjoy: Ten Years After, Alvin Lee, Cream, British blues
Tell me more: Anyone who have ever seen the 1970 concert film "Woodstock: 3 Days of Peace and Music" knows that Ten Years After's performance of "I'm Going Home" is one of bona fide highlights of the award-winning film chronicling the Woodstock Festival staged near Bethel, New York in August 1969. Now the British band's complete Aug. 17, 1969 performance at that legendary event is presented via the audio title Woodstock 1969. "Hello beautiful people," says singer-guitarist Alvin Lee at the beginning of the band's set. "A fair blues to warm us up." Lee, bassist Leo Lyons, drummer Ric Lee and keyboardist Chick Churchill then proceed to deliver a powerful version of Howlin' Wolf's 1960 Willie Dixon-penned classic "Spoonful," a take bolstered by the mix of Alvin Lee's speedy lead guitar work and Ric Lee's dynamic drumming. The live recording also includes a fiery musical reading of "Good Morning Little Schoolgirl," enhanced by Alvin Lee's extended and breathtaking lead guitar solo. "The Hobbit" is a showcase for Ric Lee, one of the greatest rock drummers of the era; the dazzling solo that anchors the track draws big cheers from the hundreds of thousands concertgoers at the festival. Another key standout on the disc is the band's version of Al Kooper's "I Can't Keep From Crying Sometimes," an extended jam that somehow blends rock, blues, psychedelia and jazz stylings into a breathtaking and bold sonic amalgam. Closing out the set is of course Ten Years After's exceptional performance of "I'm Going Home," an astonishing reading that stretches almost 10 minutes and a defining moment that made the band into superstars. The 2024 release marks the first-ever standalone release of the historic performance, newly restored and featuring fresh mixes from the original 2-inch multi-track tapes. There are new liner notes by Chris Welch included in the eight-page colorful booklet. Information: amazon.com.

Robert Kinsler

Robert Kinsler and TJR discuss the life and legacy of Smiths bassist Andy Rourke

 

Robert Kinsler and TJR are featured on a new episode where they discuss the passing of Smiths bassist Andy Rourke. They discuss his legacy, and highlight some highlights of his influential career. Watch the video HERE.

R.I.P. Andy Rourke

 This just in from Reybee Inc. I am very sad to learn of this news this morning. Like so many of you, I consider The Smiths one of the great bands of all time and Andy Rourke's bass playing was an essential element of the British group's signature sound...Robert Kinsler

Andy Rourke in 2007.
Photo courtesy of Wikipedia

ANDREW MICHAEL ROURKE “ANDY ROURKE” Passed away at age 59 January 17, 1964 - May 19, 2023

MAY 19, 2023 (New York, NY) -- It is with deep sadness that we announce that Andy Rourke has passed away in the early hours today at age 59 in New York City at Memorial Sloan Kettering after a lengthy illness with pancreatic cancer.    Andy will be remembered as a kind and beautiful soul by those who knew him and as a supremely gifted musician by music fans.    We request privacy at this sad time. Below is Johnny Marr's Tweet that went out earlier today.

Marr’s Guitars / A stunning photographic presentation of the guitars that defined the distinctive sounds and style of Johnny Marr

Johnny Marr at Coachella on April 19, 2013.
Photo: Kelly A. Swift

Lovers of guitar great Johnny Marr, as well as guitar and music-related photography will be excited by this news. "Marr's Guitars" is set to be issued as a beautiful hardcover edition in October 2023. I see the book is available for pre-order ($54) via Amazon.com...Robert Kinsler 

Marr’s Guitars

A stunning photographic presentation of the guitars that defined the distinctive sounds and style of Johnny Marr with personal reflections and insights from the legendary guitarist himself. 'Guitars have been the obsession of my life ... they’ve been a mission and sometimes a lifeline' – Johnny Marr The guitarist’s guitarist, Johnny Marr redefined music for a generation. His ringing arpeggios and chordal innovations helped elevate The Smiths to be one of the most influential and important British bands of all time. Tracing Marr's career from his teenage years to his recent work on the Bond soundtrack, Marr’s Guitars showcases the most significant of Marr’s superb collection of electric and acoustic guitars, revealing through them the evolution of his iconic sound and style of playing. Each guitar is identified with a crucial moment, a specific song or a particular sound, and each embodies a key aspect of Marr’s lifelong passion. Renowned photographer Pat Graham presents each instrument as a full portrait, supported by micro shots highlighting the specific details that make each one unique, while Johnny Marr himself reveals in his accompanying commentary on what tracks and at which shows the guitars were played. Many of the guitars are closely associated with Marr, such as the Rickenbacker 330, the Gibson ES-355 and the Johnny Marr Signature Fender Jaguar. Some were passed down to him, including Nile Rodgers’ Stratocaster, Bryan Ferry’s Roxy Music, Hagstrom and Bert Jansch’s Yamaha. Others are guitars once owned by Marr that have since been passed on to the next generation of guitar heroes, including the Stratocaster used by Noel Gallagher on ‘Wonderwall’ and the Gibson Les Paul Goldtop used on In Rainbows by Radiohead’s Ed O’Brien. Punctuating the photography of the guitars and the accompanying commentary are contextual studio, backstage and onstage shots. Together, they make Marr’s Guitars a unique cultural history of modern music and guitar playing told through the prism of Johnny Marr’s experiences and achievements.

Top 100 Songs Of All Time! Part 5: songs 21-25

On the latest episode of their discussion series "Top 100 Songs of All Time,"  TJR and Robert Kinsler celebrate their respective favorite 21-25 songs.

Johnny Marr sets new North American Tour dates this spring

Johnny Marr delivered an amazing concert at the Theatre at Ace Hotel in Los Angeles in October 2018. Read my review here. If you have not caught him in concert (or have), you know you need to get to one of his upcoming tour dates...

Johnny Marr announces North American Tour



Dates set for April and May of 2019

Smiths’ guitar legend Johnny Marr, winner of British GQ's 2018 "Man Of The Year" Lifetime Achievement Award and NME’s “God-Like Genius” award has announced he is returning to North America in the spring. The extensive coast-to-coast run includes Los Angeles, Atlanta, Detroit, Denver and more. Tickets are on-sale at JohnnyMarr.com and a full list of dates is below. Last year, Marr released the critically acclaimed album Call The Comet. Recorded with his band in Manchester at Marr’s Crazy Face Factory, Call The Comet follows his previous UK Top 10 albums The Messenger (2013) and Playland (2014). Says Marr: "Call The Comet is my own magic realism. It’s set in the not-too-distant future and is mostly concerned with the idea of an alternative society. The characters in the songs are searching for a new idealism, although there are some personal songs in there too. It’s something that people like me can relate to.”

Praise for Johnny Marr’s live show: “His gruffer, but by no means unrefined, vocals lend fresh flavour to the Smiths tracks he drops intermittently into the set; his fired-up “Bigmouth”, stabbed through with trademark arpeggios, seems designed to remind us that the Smiths were as much gobby post-punk rabble as they were foppish ego cult, while “The Headmaster Ritual” could be Daytripper-era Beatles with switchblades up their blazer sleeves.” (4 Stars) - The Guardian “Marr (was) showcasing his great new album which somehow manages to combine those perfect Marr-lodies with a whiff of early eighties post-punk melancholy but also nods to that patented chiming guitar sound that he trademarked in the Smiths. The new album is his finest solo offering yet and the gig was a celebration of this and his own back pages...a perfect example of how seamlessly it all fits together into a continuous career whole in a sweatshod celebration of a decades long quest of guitar pop brilliance.” - Louder Than War “...the songs themselves sounded urgent and engaged. Guitar solos emerged with power and clarity within songs.” - The Financial Times

TOUR 04/27 - Atlanta, GA @ Variety Playhouse 04/28 - Charlotte, NC @ Neighborhood Theatre 04/29 - Raleigh, NC @ Lincoln Theatre 05/01 - Montclair, NJ @ Wellmont Theater 05/03 - Providence, RI @ Fete Music Hall 05/04 - New Haven, CT @ College Street Music Hall 05/06 - Huntington, NY @ The Paramount 05/07 - South Burlington, VT @ Higher Ground Ballroom 05/08 - Portland, ME @ Aura 05/10 - London, ON @ London Music Hall 05/11 - Detroit, MI @ Saint Andrews Hall 05/13 - Chicago, IL @ The Vic Theatre 05/14 - Milwaukee, WI @ The . Pabst Theater 05/15 - Kansas City, MO @ Voodoo Lounge at Harrah's 05/16 - Denver, CO @ Gothic Theatre 05/18 - Las Vegas @ Brooklyn Bowl 05/19 - Anaheim, CA @ House of Blues 05/20 - San Diego, CA @ House of Blues 05/21 - Los Angeles, CA @ John Anson Ford Ampitheatre

Watch the video for “The Tracers” HERE. Watch the video for “Hi Hello” HERE. Watch the video for "Sprial Cities" HERE. Johnny spoke with Rolling Stone about Call The Comet HERE. Order Call The Comet HERE.

Connect with Johnny Marr Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Johnny Marr unleashes stunning songcraft and guitar work in Los Angeles

Johnny Marr, the Belle Game
Where: The Theatre at Ace Hotel in Los Angeles
When: Thursday, Oct. 4, 2018
Next: Johnny Marr performs at the Paper Tiger in San Antonio, Texas on Oct. 8
Information: JohnnyMarr.com


It's not often that I'm moved to tears at a rock show. I can recall over the years at select concert dates featuring Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney, U2, Dead Can Dance and Peter Gabriel being deeply moved by a poignant performance. That happened again on Thursday night (Oct. 4, 2018) in the midst of Johnny Marr's sensational show at the Theatre at Ace Hotel in Los Angeles. The uptempo synth pop-styled Electronic song "Getting Away With It" doesn't lend itself emotional currents, but Marr's shimmering and textured guitar solo was so beautiful I suddenly found myself crying (excuse the cliche) like a baby.

Johnny Marr creating magic with
his electric guitar. 

I was fully impressed when I caught Marr perform at Coachella back in April 2013, but fast forward five years to last night's masterful headlining turn from the Manchester, England native and I am ready to count the singer-songwriter/guitar great one of modern rock's top live acts. 

For close to 100 magical minutes in front of a capacity crowd, Marr and his skilled three-man band performed a mix of material reflecting his seminal role as guitarist of The Smiths, work with the aforementioned Electronic and his trio of wonderful solo efforts dating back to 2013's The Messenger.

While it's clear many ventured to the venue in hopes of hearing Marr cover Smiths classics (he did that, via spectacular takes on five of the band's best-known classics including a bewitching "How Soon Is Now" and night-ending one-two punch of "There Is A Light That Never Goes Out" and "You Just Haven't Earned It Yet, Baby"), discerning listeners were treated to a 19-song set that featured some of the most alluring rock of this decade. Take "Walk Into The Sea," one of the standouts from Marr's 2018 album Call The Comet; the stage was bathed in green light as a deep drum pattern beat out before Marr's otherworldly guitar came in. The song grew in power as Marr's strong voice came in with the band's dynamics ever-building.

As I sit writing this review a flood of special moments from last night's concert come to mind. A crowd-pleasing run through The Smiths' "Bigmouth Strikes Again" was played early in the set. The infectious drive of "Hi Hello" and "Hey Angel" (both outstanding cuts from his latest album), the undeniable groove of "Easy Money" and a wonderfully wistful and melodramatic rendering of The Smiths' "Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me" were among the many standout performances in an outstanding night.

Now my only question is, when do I get to see Johnny Marr perform live again?

Opening the show was the emerging Vancouver, Canada-spawned quartet The Belle Game, a group whose lush keyboards textures, driving rhythms and soaring vocals from Andrea Lo were a good fit for the night.  The group's 30-minute set left this writer wanting to hear more.


Review by Robert Kinsler

Music Worth Buying episode: Johnny Marr, Lake Street Dive

On the latest episode of MUSIC WORTH BUYING, Robert Kinsler celebrates the release of Johnny Marr's third studio album Call the Comet while TJR champions the sophomore effort from Lake Street Dive, Free Yourself Up:

Groundbreaking artists shine via remarkable returns

Five seminal artists are back with outstanding new releases. 

Artist: Johnny Marr
Title: Call the Comet (New Voodoo Records)
You might like if you enjoy: The Smiths, Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds, Interpol
Tell me more: Since the breakup of The Smiths in 1987 guitarist Johnny Marr has carved out a wide-ranging path performing with everyone from The The and the Pretenders to Modest Mouse, Talking Heads and even famed composer Hans Zimmer! But the most astounding ripple in Marr's incredible journey has been a solo career launched with 2013's The Messenger. That album, as well as 2014's Playland and 2015's live import Adrenalin Baby, have rapidly established Marr as one of this decade's most exciting rock artists. On June 15, Marr released his third studio album Call the Comet, and the 12-song set offers definitive proof that while Marr's signature guitar work put him on the map his elevated songcraft and top-tier vocals guarantee listeners will be swept away and immersed across "Call the Comet." The disc's track listing shines from start to finish, with the spacious "Rise," evocative "Hi Hello," hypnotic "A Different Gun" and breathtaking "Walk Into the Sea" among the awe-inspiring songs. Johnny Marr will headline at the legendary Theatre at Ace Hotel on Oct. 4, 2018. Information: JohnnyMarr.com.

Artist: Snow Patrol
Title: Wildness (Republic)
You might like if you enjoy: Radiohead, Two Door Cinema Club, U2
Tell me more: Snow Patrol has returned with Wildness, the Northern Irish rock band's first new full-length album since 2011's Fallen Empires. A seven-year break feels like a lifetime when considering the span between studio albums (just think how many albums the Beatles released during the seven-year span between 1963's With The Beatles and 1970's Let It Be), but the good news for fans is Wildness delivers on the group's ambitious modern rock approach. Indeed, singer-songwriter-guitarist Gary Lightbody and company's mix of introspective lyrics and art rock dynamics are as affecting and compelling on "Wildness" as the troupe's 2003 breakthrough Final Straw. The songs frequently tackle the intimacy of love but in the context of the mystery of life's magic and fleeting fabric. The diversity of sounds and even the range and studio effects on Lightbody's vocals (much of the power of the disc comes courtesy of producer Jacknife Lee) on the pensive "Life On Earth," tender "Don't Give In" and deeply moving "Heal Me" are early standouts on the album. The anthemic "Empress," piano-anchored ballad "What If This is All The Love You Ever Get?" and powerful "Soon" are among this writer's other favorites. Finishing off the album is the introspective "Life and Death" which gracefully explores the connection between two souls. An outstanding return. Snow Patrol is going on a summer tour with Ed Sheehan, and will perform at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA on Aug. 18, 2018. Information: SnowPatrol.com.

Artist: The Record Company
Title: All Of This Life (Concord Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Moreland & Arbuckle, The Record Company, Buddy Guy
Tell me more: Those who appreciate the blistering blues rock of Greta Van Fleet but complain that the Michigan outfit sounds too much like Led Zeppelin needs to check out the sophomore album from Los Angeles-based trio The Record Company. On All Of This Life, the trio (singer-guitarist Chris Vos, bassist-vocalist Alex Stiff and drummer-vocalist Marc Cazorla) proves to be the real deal unleashing a blistering hybrid of electric Chicago blues and classic blues rock that explodes out of the speakers. The album's undeniable lead-off track "Life to Fix" has a bona fide intensity and resonates with the impact of a favorite classic rock track. The Little Walter-styled harmonica blasts give "I'm Getting Better (And I'm Feeling It Right Now)" an additional flair on the equally amped-up follow-up single. Adding fuel to the band's firepower brand is the overall message about looking inward and working on one's own issues as part of a solution to help make the world we all share a little better (a message forcefully delivered via the slide guitar-drenched "Make It Happen" and the closing track "I'm Changing"). All Of This Life will be released on June 22. The Record Company has several regional concert dates set for this fall, including a San Diego House of Blues show on Nov. 9 and a date at The Wiltern in Los Angeles, CA on Nov. 10. Information: TheRecordCompany.net.

Artist: Dawes
Title: Passwords (HUB Records II LLC)
You might like if you enjoy: Buffalo Springfield, The Band, Dawes
Tell me more: Dawes' sixth album Passwords (set for release on June 22) taps into the 21st century with artistic timeliness to be sure. The lead-off track "Living in the Future" is a decidedly probing work that taps into the fast-paced world we call home. But the band's incursions extend beyond the quickening pace of how we struggle to connect with those around us beyond Tweets and Facebook posts. There is an intimacy and honesty that is at the heart of this special album and it helps elevate Dawes' California-styled folk rock beyond the reach of most of their contemporaries. Lead singer-songwriter Taylor Goldsmith clearly spends a lot of time thinking about love, loss and the meaning of life; the fact he is able to put his keen observations so clearly into song is a gift for which discerning listeners can be grateful. "Crack the Case," "I Can't Love" and "Never Gonna Say Goodbye" ooze melancholy even while the songs themselves are luxuriously beautiful. The jazz-tinged soul of "Feed the Fire" and reflective "Time Flies Either Way" show the remarkable range of the Los Angeles-spawned quartet. The ambitious "Telescope" makes an immediate mark, with its sophisticated and majestic soundscape adding weight to its lyrical refrain: "The Stronger the Telescope / The More Stars There Are."  Information: dawestheband.com.

Artist: Tami Neilson
Title: Sassafrass! (Outside Music)
You might like if you enjoy: Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings, Janiva Magness
Tell me more: The rise of the "Me Too" movement has extended beyond Hollywood-related issues of sexual assault and harassment to also serve as a greater cry by women around the world for equality in workplace and society at large. On Canadian-born/New Zealand-based singer-songwriter Tami Neilson's outstanding new album Sassafrass! there is no mistaking the 11-song album as anything less than a potent and masterful artistic statement on behalf of women everywhere. Wrapped in a musical mix of Americana, soul, country and blues, the songs across Sassafrass! are bolstered by Neilson's own life experiences as woman, mother and daughter. The aptly-titled "Stay Outta My Business" finds the singer playfully (and skillfully) letting everyone else to best worry about themselves. Beyond the straightforward lyrics, there is a magical glow to the music making across the disc. The opulent "Devil In a Dress" is enhanced by a rich musical canvas; the sparse "Smoking Gun," rockabilly romp "Kitty Cat" and gorgeous country ballad "Manitoba Sunrise at Motel 6" add additional layers of depth in expanding the album's focus on women. In addition to the powerful themes detailing and rallying against sexism, Neilson's potent talents as singer are on full display across Sassafrass! Information: TamiNeilson.com.



Robert Kinsler