Some of music's most notable heroes and underground names have crucial new collections available now, or as part of Record Store Day's Black Friday celebration being held on Friday, Nov. 29, 2019.
Artist: Beck
Title: Hyperspace (Capitol Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Beck, Radiohead
Tell me more: With modern rock no longer a major force in the mainstream, Beck has continued his transformation into the future with his genres-blending fourteenth studio album Hyperspace. Indeed, this is an album that sounds as if it was beamed back in time, dreamt up and recorded years from now. Beck's 2017 LP Colors was a commercial success, but lacked the far-reaching experimental and art rock flourishes that have marked so much of the Los Angeles-based artist's creative output dating back to the early 1990s. The 11-track Hyperspace is a move back in the right direction, thanks to the notable contributions of principal collaborator Pharrell Williams (who co-wrote and co-produced seven tracks on the disc), singer Sky Ferreira (heard on "Die Waiting"), guitar master Jason Falkner, keyboardist-singer Roger Manning, Jr., Coldplay singer Chris Martin (heard on the wonderful "Stratosphere"), and a cast of others. The majority of songs mine probing moodscapes with musical dexterity and emotional depth. The highlight on the album is the Americana-tinged disc closer "Everlasting Nothing," but the future of the sonic-sphere is heard more forcefully on the dreamy "See Through," luxurious "Chemical," blues/electronica/rap mashup "Saw Lightning," confessional "Dark Places" and undeniable single "Uneventful Days." Information: beck.com.
Artist: Tim Buckley
Title: Live at the Electric Theatre Co. Chicago, 1968 (Manifesto Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Tim Buckley, Jeff Buckley
Tell me more: Although Tim Buckley died of a heroin overdose at the mere age of 28 in June 1975, he left an enduring legacy as a groundbreaking artist who explored folk, rock, blues, jazz fusion, funk and other styles over his short career. Fans of the late artist have been rewarded with the release of Live at the Electric Theatre Co. Chicago, 1968, a collection of 14 acoustic songs recorded over the course of a two-night stint at the venue in May 1968. Described in the liner notes as "works in progress", the selections are potent even when heard via this sparse forum where Buckley (on vocals and 12-string guitar) is backed by a bassist and conga player. The lovely "Sing a Song For You," haunting "Danang," a cover of the Helen Deutsch/Bronislaw Kaper co-write "Hi Lily, Hi Lo" (the latter bolstered by Buckley's high-reaching falsetto vocals), a terrific take of Johnny Cash's "Big River" and the intoxicating "Gypsy Woman" are highlights on disc one; his renditions of Fred Neil's "Dolphins" and "Looks Like Rain," as well as his own "Happy Time" and "The Father Song" shine on disc two. Live at the Electric Theatre Col. Chicago, 1968 includes liner notes about the Chicago shows along with remembrances from Buckley collaborators songwriter Larry Beckett and guitarist Lee Underwood. Information: manifesto.com.
Record Store Day's Black Friday Releases
Artist: Paul McCartney
Title: In A Hurry / Home Tonight
Tell me more: The swirling psychedelic-meets-Baroque pop gem "In A Hurry" and infectious "Home Tonight" are featured on a forthcoming Paul McCartney double A-side single set for release on Nov. 29, 2019 as part of Record Store Day's Black Friday. "In A Hurry" is the more interesting of the tracks, with its artful build and the use of creative background vocals and diverse instrumentation. The poppy "Home Tonight" recalls some of McCartney's '70s folk rockers and is as catchy as anything he has recorded in recent years. Fans of McCartney's 2018 Egypt Station will enjoy adding these memorable tracks to their library. An important note: only 12,000 copies of the 7-inch vinyl picture disc will be distributed worldwide at brick-and-mortar music retailers on Nov. 29; it will be very difficult to score a copy of the colorful single to be sure. Information: RecordStoreDay.com.
Artist: New Riders of the Purple Sage
Title: Thanksgiving in New York City (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: the Grateful Dead, Gram Parsons
Tell me more: Recorded live at the Academy of Music in New York City on Nov. 23, 1972, New Riders of the Purple Sage's Thanksgiving in the City should be on every music lover's Black Friday shopping list. The two-disc release serves as both a perfect introduction and an essential addition for those seeking to discover – or learn more – about the legendary American country psychedelic rock band. There is a winning spirit displayed across the recording, with great lead and harmony vocals and top-tier musicianship coming in the service of great strong country- and Americana-styled rock songs. The tender "Leaving on Her Mind," freewheeling take on the classic "Hello Mary Lou," lovely "Contract" and "Linda," a wistful cover of "Long Black Veil" and stylish reworking of the Rolling Stones' "Honky Tonk Women" are among this writer's favorite tracks on the collection. Speedy guitar work courtesy of lead guitarist-vocalist David Nelson and pedal steel player Buddy Cage (as evidenced on "Henry") are among the draws on a terrific collection, but the nuanced work provided by rhythm guitarist-vocalist John Dawson, bassist-vocalist Dave Torbert and drummer Spencer Dryden add to the power of the New Riders of the Purple Sage's timeless sound. Information: OmnivoreRecording.com.
Editor's note: In addition to "Thanksgiving in New York City," Los Angeles-based Omnivore Recordings' other Record Store Day/Black Friday releases include the previously-unreleased Alex Chilton cut "My Rival" (recorded in 1975 and engineered by Big Star co-founder Chris Bell) and a vinyl Christmas single from the Peter Holsapple Combo.
Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.
Record Store Day, the global celebration of the culture of the record store, takes place annually in April. Record Store Day’s Black Friday event takes place on November 29, 2019. For more info, visit RecordStoreDay.com.
Robert Kinsler
A slew of today's great singer-songwriters are featured on essential new releases, while an unearthed treasure trove from legendary tunesmith Tim Buckley is available too.
Artist: Beck
Title: Colors (Capitol Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Beck, Prince, David Bowie
Tell me more: Since Beck burst on the music scene in 1994 with his breakthrough hit "Loser," the singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist has somehow blended alternative rock, pop, soul, funk, hip hop, Americana and a myriad of other styles with unearthly brilliance. On his 13th full-length album Colors, the Southern California-based artist continues to chart his own creative path with a master's touch. This time out, Beck has simultaneously tapped into 1980s synth pop, modern rock and late '60s psychedelic rock to carve out yet another expansive masterwork. The songs here are mostly upbeat, buoyant and armed to get concertgoers on their feet with infectious grooves. The swirling title track "Colors," exuberant "I'm So Free," propulsive "No Distraction" (with its cool fly-by Beatlesque guitar hits and Beck's falsetto vocals) and dreamy "Fix Me" are among this writer's faves. This is an album that reveals its sonic secrets and wonders more fully with each subsequent listen. Information: beck.com.
Artist: Tim Buckley
Title: Venice Mating Call (Manifesto Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Tim Buckley, Alex Chilton, Beck
Tell me more: Before he died at the age of 28 in June 1975, singer-songwriter Tim Buckley created a stellar and genre-defying body of original songs drawing from the blues, folk, funk, soul and other styles. Now Manifesto Records has released the outstanding two-disc Venice Mating Call showcasing live tracks recorded at the legendary Troubadour in Hollywood in September 1969. The haunting "Chase the Blues Away," free form jazz-flavored "Venice Mating Call," psychedelic rock-mining "Gypsy Woman" flamenco-tinged "Driftin'," Ten Years After-patterned "(I Wanna) Testify" and luxurious "Anonymous Proposition" are among the many treasures here. Buckley's dynamic and distinctive vocals are showcased across the live collection and this set will thrill long-time fans or those just discovering this vital artist. Information: manifesto.com.
Artist: Whitney Rose
Title: Rule 62 (Six Shooter/Thirty Tigers)
You might like if you enjoy: Kacey Musgraves, Brenda Lee, Patsy Cline
Tell me more: With a sound and beautiful soprano that recalls some of the stellar country music singers of the '50s and '60s, Nashville-based songstress Whitney Rose shines on the decidedly contemporary Rule 62. Produced by Raul Malo (lead singer of the Mavericks), there is plenty of real world depth and captivating musical heft to lift each and every one of the 11 songs on the disc. The driving and defiant "Arizona" and Time to Cry," tender "You Never Cross My Mind" (which includes some sublime harmonies from Malo) and poetic "Wake Me in Wyoming" showcase Rose's superb talents as singer and songwriter. Recorded on Jan. 20, 2017 – the same day of the most recent Presidential Inaugural – "Can't Stop Shakin' " has a nervous and funky vibe suited to the uncertainty of the times; the Hammond B3 organ, electric guitar riffs and saxophone blasts immerse Rose's evocative vocals as part of the terrific and disquieting arrangement. An all-star group of musicians including bassist Jay Weaver (Dolly Parton, Tanya Tucker), guitarist Kenny Vaughn (Marty Stuart, Lucinda Williams), drummer Paul Deakin (The Mavericks), pianist Jen Gunderman (Sheryl Crow), fiddler Aaron Till (Asleep at the Wheel) and steel guitar player Chris Scruggs (Marty Stuart) enhance the album as well. Information: SixShooterRecords.com.
Artist: Jackie Greene
Title: The Modern Lives – Vol 1 (Blue Rose Music)
You might like if you enjoy: Beck's "Sea Change," The Jayhawks, Mark Knopfler
Tell me more: One of Americana music's greatest modern-day voices, Jackie Greene has played lead guitar with the Black Crowes, played a seminal role in the roots-minded supergroup Trigger Hippy and carved out an established solo career ripe with concert dates and winning album releases. Now the long-time Northern California artist newly moved to New York City is back with another must-hear release; The Modern Lives – Vol 1 packs a dashing wallop with a heady and diverse mix of songs across its six-song run. The wry "Modern Lives" bristles with an infectious and satirical look at life in the 21st century. "The Back of My Mind" is a tender ballad adorned with layers of piano, acoustic and electric guitar, mandolin and lovely vocal harmonies. The country blues of a cover of Willie Dixon's "Good Advice" recalls the spirit of Mississippi blues with a modern edge. Listening to this impressive EP, it's hard to believe it was reportedly recorded in Greene's Brooklyn basement. Information: JackieGreene.com.
Artist: Ricky Byrd
Title: Clean Getaway (Recovery Troubadour Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Jackie Greene, Jonny Lang
Tell me more: With so many legendary musicians ranging from Jimi Hendrix and Gram Parsons to Keith Moon and John Entwistle having died as a direct result of drug and/or alcohol abuse it is great to hear an artist release a full-length album dedicated to breaking free of addiction. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame singer-guitarist Ricky Byrd (of Joan Jett and the Blackhearts fame) has issued Clean Getaway, a 12-song disc delving fully into the shades, layers and nuances of addition and recovery. On the Chicago blues original "Clean Getaway," Byrd sings powerfully of his break from substance abuse and coming clean (he closes the track singing: "When trouble comes knocking / you know I ain't going to come answer that door"). The music here showcases Byrd's far-flung skills as singer and lead guitarist; for example the rollicking "I Prefer Wakin' Up...To Comin' To" would be at home on one of Chuck Berry's early LPs; "Lighthouse" is a beautiful soul song. The rowdy "Paranoid" has a '70s rock feel and finds Byrd singing of the downfalls of being addicted. This is an album that rocks, but serves as an honest look at a topic the rock community hasn't always been one to assess in song. A portion of the sales from "Clean Getaway" go to the Clean Getaway non-profit 501(c)(3) to bring awareness, education, prevention and addiction resources to those suffering from drug and alcohol addiction. Information: https://www.cleangetaway.nyc.
Robert Kinsler
