New Music: Popular Creeps, Bird Streets, New Riders of the Purple Sage

Three terrific releases are featured in my column this week.

Artist: Popular Creeps
Title: All Of This Will End In Tears (Big Stir Records)

You might like if you enjoy: The Strypes, The Replacements, The Plimsouls, Cheap Trick

Tell me more: Detroit-based rock outfit Popular Creeps has released the terrific album All Of This Will End In Tears, one of the last notable new releases of 2022. Popular Creeps' hybrid of melodic songcraft and garage rock bite proves to be a winning formula across the fast-moving 11-track disc. There is an immediacy heard on the straightforward "Black & Blue," "Gone By 45," and "Wait & See" that bewitches with a single listen. Elsewhere the jangly "Window" and "Split Decision," wistful "Keep It To Myself" (the latter enhanced by stunning guitar work including an extended solo to cap the song's rousing finale), countrified folk rocker "Wait Forever," punk rocker "Tear Me Apart" and emotional closer "Favorite Picture" add to the far-flung magic. The members of Popular Creeps (guitarist-vocalist Lenny Grassa, guitarist-vocalist Andrew Colvin, bassist Joe Heaphy and drummer Dave Nantais) have an obvious musical chemistry that is both impressive and palpable. Information: BigStirRecords.com.

Artist: Bird Streets
Title: Lagoon (Sparkle Plenty Records/Deko Entertainment)

You might like if you enjoy: Big Star, Jason Falkner, Crowded House, Pugwash, Bird Streets' 2018 self-titled debut

Tell me more: Bird Streets — the moniker for singer-songwriter John Brodeur — is back with the ambitious Lagoon. An album of luxurious and literate songs aimed at "separation, rumination, regret and recurrence," the artistic scope of the dozen track collection is elevated by an incredible list of notable collaborators who guest on the project. Indeed, Brodeur's considerable talents as lead singer and guitarist are bolstered by the likes of Aimee Mann, Jody Stephens (Big Star), Ed Harcourt, John Davis, and Buddy Judge (The Grays) along with the production skills of Patrick Sansone (Wilco), Michael Lockwood (Aimee Mann, Fiona Apple), and Zach Jones (Sting) and Oscar Albis Rodriguez (A Great Big World). While the initial recording of Lagoon spanned from the earliest sessions in Nashville in 2019 through time at Ardent Studios in Memphis in February 2020, the sudden arrival of the COVID-19 global pandemic ultimately found Brodeur turning to Los Angeles-based producer Lockwood to work on the project via remote technology for the home stretch. Each and every song on Lagoon hits its mark; the confessional opener "Sleeper Agent," emotive "The Document" (the latter one of the most striking breakup songs in memory), soaring "Let You Down," haunting "Leave No Trace" (featuring Davis' artful sitar playing), confessional "Disappearing Act" and Baroque pop sortie "Unkind" are among the wonderful songs on the masterful collection. Information: birdstreetsmusic.com.

Artist: New Riders of the Purple Sage
Title: Lyceum '72 (Omnivore Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: The Grateful Dead, New Riders of the Purple Sage, Gram Parsons

Tell me more: A magical trip back 50 years awaits music fans who check out New Riders of the Purple Sage's Lyceum '72, a previously unissued opening set from the last night of the Grateful Dead's 1972 European Tour. New Riders of the Purple Sage — whose original lineup included several members of the Grateful Dead —shine across the 17-track concert recording that was recorded on a 16-track machine by Dead engineers Betty Cantor, Janet Furman, Bob Matthews, Rosie McGee and Wizard. The quintet's take on country music is infectious and many of the selections here are familiar beyond the Americana genre. The rowdy "Hello Mary Lou," uptempo "Truck Drivin' Man," infectious "Dim Lights, Thick Smoke (And Loud, Loud Music)" and countrified take on The Rolling Stones' "Honky Tonk Women" are among the wonderful tracks on the disc. Lyceum '72 is available on audio CD and digital with packaging containing photographs and a reminiscence from Sam Cutler, tour manager of The Rolling Stones, the Grateful Dead and New Riders of the Purple Sage.  Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.

Robert Kinsler

The Strypes return with second EP '4 Track Mind' on August 19th

It's terrific how interest in Ireland's The Strypes continues to soar. I love this band! I discovered the rocking quartet when I saw them open for Blur at a concert event in Dublin in August 2013. Here is a press release that just landed in my inbox...

THE STRYPES RETURN WITH SECOND EP OUT AUGUST 19^th

Band Announces String of US Show Dates, Tickets Available Now

“THE STRYPES skidded into New York's Bowery Ballroom sounding like 'My Generation' and Five Live Yardbirds only came out yesterday and anyone muttering the words 'boy band' would be skinned alive..." – Rolling Stone

NEW YORK, NY (July 11, 2014) – Ireland's rock 'n' roll stalwarts THE STRYPES return with their second EP, 4 Track Mind, available digitally on August 19^th, 2014. This makes for their first release under the new partnership between Photo Finish Records and Republic Records. The EP will feature 4 tracks previously not available in the US including "Hard to Say No", "So They Say", "Still Gonna Drive You Home", which was produced by famed musician Paul Weller and a US-exclusive cover of The Ramones' "Rockaway Beach".

Supporting the EP, the band will launch a string of very special shows this August, commencing August 19^th at the 9:30 Club in Washington, D.C. Tickets are available beginning today athttp://thestrypes.com/gigs.

Since bursting onto the scene last sping with their debut album, Snapshot, THE STRYPEShave gone on to light up Austin during a string of explosive gigs at the SXSW Festival, perform on both The Late Show with David Letterman and Conan in the past year, and catch the attention of Rolling Stone who has sung their praises writing, "They're at the right starting line, making an impressive entrance."

THE STRYPES are currently recording their sophomore LP due out in 2015.

SHOW DATES:
8/19 Washington, DC                          9:30 Club                    
8/20 Philadelphia, PA                          Union Transfer           
8/22 Cambridge, MA                          The Sinclair                


ABOUT REPUBLIC RECORDS
A division of Universal Music Group, the world's leading music company, Republic is home to an all-star roster of multi-platinum, award-winning legends and superstar artists such as Amy Winehouse, Ariana Grande, Black Sabbath, Colbie Caillat, Enrique Iglesias, Florence + the Machine, Godsmack, Gotye, James Blake, John Mellencamp, Of Monsters and Men, Owl City, Weezer, among many others.

It is comprised of innovative imprints and digital business ventures including American Recordings (The Avett Brothers), Brushfire (Jack Johnson, G. Love), Cash Money (Lil Wayne, Drake, Nicki Minaj), John Varvatos Records, Lava Records (Jessie J, Lorde), Monkeywrench (Pearl Jam), Casablanca Records (Tïesto, Martin Garrix), NBC's The Voice (Cassadee Pope, Danielle Bradbery), XO (The Weeknd), among others. In addition, Republic maintains a long-standing strategic alliance with country powerhouse Big Machine Label Group which is comprised of Big Machine Records (Rascal Flatts, Taylor Swift, Tim McGraw), Dot Records, and Republic Nashville (The Band Perry, Florida Georgia Line, The Eli Young Band).

Album Reviews: Keb' Mo' 'BLUESAmericana' & The Strypes 'Snapshot'

Listen to more samples and get Bluesamericana here



hear more samples and get Snapshot here

Pioneering Americana artists buck tradition

Swedish siblings First Aid Kit, legendary country singer Hank Williams and dynamic duo 7Horse expand their legacies via new releases.

Artist: First Aid Kit

Album: Stay Gold (Columbia)

You might like if you enjoy: Emmylou Harris, Fleet Foxes, the Civil Wars

Tell me more: Swedish sisters Klara and Johanna Söderberg first burst on the global Americana music scene with their stunning full-length debut, 2012's The Lion's Roar, and have equaled the power of that country-mining folk effort on the pair's 2014 follow-up disc Stay Gold. There is a heavier real world feel across the lyrics this time around, as evidenced by the confessional lead-off track "My Silver Lining," the lovely "The Bell," tender "A Long Time Ago" and sparse "Shattered & Hollow." Information: thisisfirstaidkit.com.
Purchase 'Stay Gold'

Artist: Hank Williams

Album: The Garden Spot Programs, 1950 (Omnivore Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: Hank Williams, Michael and the Lonesome Playboys, David Serby

Tell me more: Unheard for more than six decades, the recently re-discovered and masterfully-restored performances from the legendary Hank Williams (1923-1953) featured on The Garden Spot Programs, 1950 certainly adds to the legacy of one of country music's greatest artists. A wonderful and truly unbelievable treasure-trove for fans of the late singer-songwriter, The Garden Spot Programs, 1950 features 24 performances from four known existing episodes of the 1950 radio show where Williams had the opportunity to play hits, standards and rarities. The spontaneous, in-between song banter is a large part of the fun. Information: omnivorerecordings.com.  
Buy 'The Garden Spot Programs, 1950' today

Artist: 7Horse

Album: Songs for a Voodoo Wedding (7Horse Music)

You might like if you enjoy: dada, the Strypes, the Doors

Tell me more: Crafting intelligent and astounding rock has been a trademark of dada over that trio's glorious 20-year history, so it should come as no surprise that 7Horse boasts that same kind of fiery and freewheeling spirit. Comprised of dada's Phil Leavitt and Joie Calio, 7Horse's newly-released LP Songs for a Voodoo Wedding is a worthy follow-up to the duo's 2011 debut Let the 7Horse Run. The sophomore effort kicks off with the rousing blues-minded folk rocker "Flying High (With No I.D.)," and includes the rollicking "Carousel Bar" and hypnotic "Please Come On Home." Information: 7horsemusic.com.

Purchase 'Songs for a Voodoo Wedding' [Explicit]

Orange County's Earwigs regroup for two rare shows

Fronted by Americana fixture Michael Ubaldini, the rock 'n' soul neo-traditionalists, a local favorite from the '80s, has booked two gigs in Huntington Beach.

The Earwigs, from left, singer-guitarist Michael Ubaldini, guitarist Ashton Raco-Rands, bassist Tom Hughes and drummer Dave Reed. Photo: Robert Kinsler

Long before Ireland's new sensation the Strypes began mixing retro-rock and R&B, Orange County's own Earwigs were blending '60s blues-rock and '70s punk into a riotous brew that predates everyone from Australian outfit the Vines and England's winning Arctic Monkeys.

Back in the early '80s, the group of Fountain Valley teens, led by singer-songwriter Michael Ubaldini, blasted out of the gates and became one of the best-known regional bands of the era. Now, for the first time since 2003, the Earwigs are reuniting to play two special shows.

Frontman Ubaldini, who has since developed into a local Americana favorite, will be joined by original members Ashton Raco-Rands (guitar), Tom Hughes (bass) and Dave Reed (drums) as well as guest bassist Jerry Adamowicz to tear through the band's timeless, hard-hitting sound, a melodious collision between the Yardbirds, the early Stones, the Clash and Big Star.

Getting back together, Ubaldini explained at a recent rehearsal, is "kind of a response to the vinyl 45 we put out that is now selling for up to $400 online." That single, with "She's So Naive" on the A-side and "Here Come the Earwigs" on the flip, was released in 1982. "We didn't sound like any other bands from that period; we had our own sound."

Added Raco-Rands: "It's like magic when we get together."

Because the Earwigs' sonics have always been centered on solid rock 'n' roll songcraft and performed in a universe apart from synthesizers and style-minded trends (from mod to techno to you-name-it), the band's cataog continues to be contemporary, attracting more young fans thanks to online availability and YouTube clips.

"One of the things I'm proud of is the songs are not dated," Ubaldini said. "People from back then still remember the songs and the spirit of artistic rebellion."

In addition to the material on their lone commercial release from Rock-A-Mod Records, the Earwigs will tear through a number of other originals and reworked tunes at these shows.

"I've always loved these guys," Reed said of the Earwigs' chemistry. "I thought we always played music really well together."

Because of the success of both Ubaldini's solo career, dating back to the early '90s and including stints opening for Dwight Yoakam and Lucinda Williams, along with his current country project, Michael and the Lonesome Playboys, the Earwigs only occasionally get together. The outfit's May dates could well be the last chance to see this lineup.

A group that once headlined the Cuckoo's Nest in Costa Mesa, Radio City in Anaheim and the legendary Golden Bear in Huntington Beach, the Earwigs will present their studio recordings (completed in 1981) on a CD available at these gigs, though Ubaldini noted several labels are interested in issuing them on vinyl.

"The only reason I want to do it is because it's still relevant," Ubaldini said of bringing the band back, though as Reed put it, "We're just four guys playing their instruments."

The Earwigs perform twice in Huntington Beach: 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 2, at TKO Records, 21405 Brookhurst St.; and at 9 p.m. on May 9 at Fitzgerald's, 19171 Magnolia St. Click here for more details.

Recommended new releases: Lone Justice, The Doors, The Strypes

By Robert Kinsler

Two of Los Angeles' most beloved bands are celebrated via essential new retro-mining collections, while a young brash Irish outfit is set to unleash its retro rock brew in the U.S in early 2014.

Artist: Lone Justice

Title: This is Lone Justice: The Vaught Tapes 1983 (Omnivore Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: Hot Club of Cowtown, Emmylou Harris, Johnny and June Carter Cash

Tell me more: Long before modern-day Americana outfits such as the Civil Wars and Lumineers launched the global roots revival, Los Angeles' own Lone Justice paved the way with a formidable mix of authentic country, rockabilly and rock that became a centerpiece of the early '80s music scene. Now, This Is Lone Justice: The Vaught Tapes 1983 celebrates Lone Justice and the band's pioneering alt-country sound. Recorded live to two-track tape by engineer David Vaught, the 12-song collection features potent originals ("Soap, Soup and Salvation," "Dustbowl Depression Time") and artful covers (including a fiery take on Johnny and June Carter Cash's "Jackson"). Since the majority of the tracks on the disc have never been released, This is Lone Justice is truly a dream come true for fans of this seminal outfit that helped launch the still-thriving roots and alt country music scene that extends from L.A. to Europe. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.

Get This Is Lone Justice: The Vaught Tapes 1983

Artist: The Doors

Title: R-Evolution (Eagle Rock Entertainment)

You might like if you enjoy: The Doors, the Zombies

Tell me more: Available on DVD and Blu-ray, the latest Doors release is more than a simple documentary. R-Evolution chronicles the Doors' use of television to help shape and project their unique brand of rock to the world. Featuring well over two hours of television appearances (the highlight being an incredible live performance of "Touch Me" on The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour aired on Dec. 15, 1968), concept music films (notably a potent "The Unknown Soldier") and a myriad of extras (a performance of "Break On Through To the Other Side" filmed at the Isle Of Wight in August 1970 is a real gem), R-Evolution not only celebrates the Doors' timeless sound but confirms the group's continuing impact more than 40 years after the death of Jim Morrison. Information: TheDoors.com.

Buy R-Evolution on DVD or Blu-ray

Artist: The Strypes

Title: Blue Collar Jane (Photo Finish Records)

You might like if you enjoy: The Kinks, the Yardbirds, the Rolling Stones

Tell me more: The Strypes have been tearing it up in their native Ireland for the past few years and are finally ready to make their splash here in America. The quartet's rousing blend of early rock and rhythm & blues is nothing short of intoxicating as evidenced on their U.S. debut EP Blue Collar Jane (coming Jan. 21). The members of the band (singer-harmonica player Ross Farrelly, lead guitarist Josh McClorey, bassist Pete O'Hanlon, drummer Evan Walsh) conjure up that hard-edged sound first mined by the Kinks, Yardbirds and the Rolling Stones, but unleash their own songs with a modern flair that is the Cavan-spawned band's own. The Strypes embark on their first-ever U.S. tour on Jan. 20, and will be appearing at the legendary Troubadour in Los Angeles on Jan. 28. I caught the Strypes when they opened for Blur last summer and the young band is terrific. Read my review of that show here. Information: TheStrypes.com.

Get Blue Collar Jane

America; prepare to meet The Strypes

The Strypes in March 2013. Photo credit: Jill Furmanovsky

This past August I was in Dublin, Ireland and had the fantastic chance to catch Blur in concert. Because I got to the Irish Museum of Modern Art early, I also got to see and was very impressed by the rousing spirit of the opening band on the bill, Ireland's own emerging pub-rock champs The Strypes (read my review of that show here). Now comes word that the band is set to arrive here in the U.S. in connection with the release of Blue Collar Jane. Here is how you can learn more about the promising young outfit:

US DEBUT EP + JANUARY DATES FOR HARD-CHARGING IRISH QUARTET THE STRYPES

Roughneck Irish rhythm and blues band The Strypes have confirmed their debut US EP, Blue Collar Jane, coming out January 21, 2014 on Photo Finish Records.  It features 3 hard-charging originals plus a ferocious version of Nick Lowe's "Heart Of The City."  They've appeared on Jools Holland, been praised by NME and deemed "the most thrilling live band in the UK" by Q Magazine.

You can learn more about the Strypes and check out a number of videos featuring the band via their official Web site: http://thestrypes.com

The Strypes' debut album Snapshot was released last month in the UK and hailed as "one dizzying burst of energy after another" by The Independent.  It debuted in the Top 5 in the UK and Japan.  They are currently on a UK and European arena tour with Arctic Monkeys.

'Blue Collar Jane' EP, produced by Chris Thomas (Beatles, Pink Floyd, Sex Pistols) - out Jan 21:
1.  Blue Collar Jane
2.  Hometown Girls
3.  What The People Don't See
4.  Heart Of The City

DATES:
Jan 20 - Toronto, ON - Lee's Place
Jan 22 - NYC, NY - The Studio @ Webster Hall
Jan 24 - San Francisco, CA - Brick & Mortar Music Hall
Jan 28 - Los Angeles, CA - Troubadour

Information: http://thestrypes.com

Blur rocks in full-length outing at Dublin's Irish Museum of Modern Art

Damon Albarn greeting the faithful in Dublin on August 1, 2013

I'm just back from a fantastic trip to Ireland where my wife and I made our first-ever trip to the Emerald Isle. It was a long-time dream of mine to travel to Ireland and a chance to catch Blur in the band's lone 2013 performance anywhere in Ireland or the United Kingdom was icing on the cake. Add to that a long-standing and kind invite from friends living in Dublin made it a no-brainer to make the flight from Southern California to Dublin to take in all the sights as well as the August 1, 2013 concert.

The Thursday evening concert played outdoors in front of 20,000 or so other fans on the grounds of the historic Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) in Kilmainham under the constant threat of showers. Thankfully it wouldn't rain until we were safely seated in a taxi bound for the cottage where we were staying in Sandyford later that night. 

Damon Albarn and Graham Coxon

Our interest in catching Blur in Europe came after we caught them in Coachella earlier this year. While the legendary band was outstanding at Weekend #2 of the annual music fest in Indio, California, we sensed that American audiences simply have (sadly) never fully connected with the quartet. After making our way close to the stage (we were crushed beyond what we had expected despite a nice warning from a friendly fan named Anthony we met a few days earlier in Cork at a fantastic pub called the Mutton Lane Inn) and immersing ourselves in the experience of an Irish rock concert. The audience sang along with just about every song played over the course of 100 minutes, greeting even the more reflective songs ("Out of Time," "Tender," "The Universal") with the fervor and zeal that Coachellafest attendees greeted the band's best-known hit "Song 2." 

There were times even from our close vantage point where the audience almost drowned out singer Damon Albarn in the choruses. From the show's opening salvo, a bouncy "Girls & Boys," to the declaration of "There's No Other Way" and British-styled anthem "Coffee & TV," young and old moved and sang with the songs in a spirit that allowed me to forgive concertgoers since I couldn't always hear the band clearly.

Albarn was obviously having the time of his life throughout the energetic performance, singing "Country House" from the front row, running back and forth, and generally showcasing his devout role as frontman; he closed the night running past and high fiving all the fans pushed against the front. Guitarist Graham Coxon, bassist Alex James and drummer Dave Rowntree also seemed more engaged than the Coachella gig.

Blur's material ranges from Kinks-styled witty songcraft to raging rockers, so the fact that the audience was so diverse (teens to fifty somethings) added to the occasion to be sure. 

The Strypes impressed early concertgoers

As for the concert's openers, I was much more impressed by the event's openers, the young Cavan, Ireland-based teenage quartet The Strypes than England's Bat For Lashes. But the entire afternoon and evening was a blast, and truly an experience I'll never forget.

On an only somewhat related note, a few days earlier I caught an impressive acoustic styled singer-songwriter named Ben Murphy at Johnnie Fox's Pub. I will be reviewing his aptly-titled album Ireland later this month in my regular column and will alert you in a future post. 

Here is a video featuring Blur performing "Young & Lovely," the first time the band has performed the song this year:



Blur's Setlist on Aug. 1, 2013:

Girls and Boys
Popscene
There's No Other Way
Beetlebum
Out of Time
Trimm Trabb
Caramel
Young & Lovely
Coffee & TV
Tender
To the End
Country House
Parklife (with Phil Daniels)
End of a Century
This is the Low

Encore:

Under the Westway
For Tomorrow
The Universal
Song 2

Photos: Robert and Kim Kinsler