Ringo Starr and His All Starr Band set to launch tour in May 2022

Ringo Starr and His All Starr Band are set to return to the road in 2022! Here are all the details...Robert Kinsler

RINGO STARR AND HIS ALL STARR BAND TO KICK OFF LONG AWAITED RETURN TO TOURING MAY 27, 2022

 AT CASINO RAMA IN RAMA ONTARIO 

 

STARR REVEALS REVISED ITINERARY AND ALL STARR BAND LINE UP: 

 

BAND INCLUDES LONG TIME ALL STARR’S STEVE LUKATHER, COLIN HAY, WARREN HAM, HAMISH STUART AND GREGG BISSONETTE 

AND WELCOMES BACK ALL STARR ALUMNI EDGAR WINTER

Photo by Scott Robert Ritchie

Monday, February 6, 2022 – Ringo Starr has revealed the updated All Starr Band itinerary and line up for his upcoming Spring tour this May and June 2022. The All Starrs will include Steve Lukather, Colin Hay, Warren Ham, Gregg Bissonette, Hamish Stuart and welcome back Edgar Winter.  

 

The tour will kick off in Ontario at Casino Rama, which will be the fifth time Starr has launched a tour from there (previous include: 2001, 2003, 2006 and 2014). It will then continue through New England including shows in New Hampshire and Massachusetts, then stopping in New York City for three consecutive shows at the Beacon Theater, onto New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland before heading south with shows in Atlanta and concluding the tour in Florida. (Full itinerary below). 

 

This will be the first tour for Starr since the pandemic derailed plans in 2020 and then again in 2021. In the interim he has kept very busy and released two EPs, Zoom In and Change The World, as well as two books including the limited-edition retrospective hardcover book titled “RINGO ROCKS: 30 YEARS OF THE ALL STARRS 1989-2019,” and the newly announced limited-edition retrospective “LIFTED: FAB IMAGES AND MEMORIES OF MY LIFE WITH THE BEATLES FROM ACROSS THE UNIVERSE,” both are published by Juliens Auctions, the world breaking auction house to the stars. 

 

“I can’t wait to get back out on the road and play,” said Ringo. “This is the longest I’ve been off the road in years - up until 2020 I was touring every year with the All Starrs - and I’ve really missed it. Making music in the studio has been great, and it certainly saved me during the pandemic, but nothing beats playing live with great musicians in front of an audience. I love my fans and they love me and it’s going to be wonderful to be peace and loving and playing for them again.” 

 

You can catch Ringo and his All Starr Band here: 

 

May 27, 2022 Rama, Ontario - Casino Rama

May 28, Rama, Ontario - Casino Rama

May 30 Canandaigua, NY – CMAC

June 2 Boston, MA - Wang Theater *With The Avett Brothers

June 3 Worcester, MA - Hanover Theater

June 4 Gilford, NH - Bank of NH Pavilion *With The Avett Brothers

June 6 New York, NY - Beacon Theatre

June 7 New York, NY - Beacon Theatre

June 8 New York, NY - Beacon Theatre

June 10 Red Bank, NJ - Count Basie Theater

June 11 Easton, PA - State Theater

June 12 Providence, RI - PPAC

June 14 Baltimore, MD - Modell Lyric

June 15 Baltimore, MD - Modell Lyric

June 17 Lenox, MA - Tanglewood

June 18 Pittsburgh, PA - PPG Arena

June 19 Philadelphia, PA - Metropolitan Theater

June 21 Richmond, VA - Virginia Credit Union Live

June 22 Atlanta, GA - Cobb Center

June 24 St Augustine, FL - The AMP

June 25 Hollywood, FL - Hard Rock

June 26 Clearwater, FL - Ruth Eckerd Hall

 

For more information please visit:  

www.RingoStarr.com

 

Throughout his career, Ringo Starr has received nine GRAMMY® Awards and has twice been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame -- first as a Beatle and then as solo artist. Between 1970 and 2020, Ringo has released 20 solo studio records and 2 EP’s in 2020 and 2021.  He has acted in over 15 films, received an Academy Award®, and has been nominated as an actor for an Emmy®. Ringo has published 8 books; had a stint as a male fashion model, and that same year went behind the lens as the photographer for some Foo Fighters PR photos. In 2018, Ringo was knighted and in 2019 he celebrated 30 years of touring with his All Starr Bands. For all his many creative successes, Ringo is and always will be first and foremost a musician, a drummer. Ringo’s candor, wit and soul are the lifeblood of his music. Peace and love are his life’s rhythm and melody, and he propels this universal message in everything he does: his evocative artwork, his enthusiastic live performances, his legendary songs, all imbued with the joy, reflection, and wisdom of the music icon the world knows and loves simply as “Ringo.”

TJR and Robert Kinsler discuss the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 2022 nominees

Beck, seen here at the Brooklyn Bowl
in March 2016, is among this year's
nominees. Photo: Kim Kinsler

Devo is among the groundbreaking artists nominated
to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Make sure to watch their latest episode where TJR and Robert Kinsler discuss the nominees for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's class of 2022. 

Several past nominees appear on the ballot again this year (including Devo and Pat Benatar), while other notable artists are appearing for their first-time ever (including Beck and Duran Duran). Watch the episode HERE. 

The Loud Family & Anton Barbeau's 'What if It Works,' Scott Miller's final album, coming in expanded reissue from Omnivore, March 25

Nice to see Scott Miller's final album is set to arrive via an expanded edition this spring...Robert Kinsler

The Loud Family and Anton Barbeau's 'What If It Works?'; Scott Miller's final album coming on Friday, March 25, 2022 

New package includes 11 bonus tracks (10 previously unissued, and another from a rare promotional disc), plus photos and liner notes from Tony award winner Stew Stewart, Anton Barbeau and Kristine Miller

From left, Anton Barbeau and Scott Miller. 
(Photo by ND Koster)

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA — The end of the era of the Loud Family came quietly as 2000’s “Attractive Nuisance” tour wound down, with the band’s final hometown return show cancelled by the club due to presumed lack of interest. While they remained popular with fans, the benefits of touring had begun to diminish, costing more than the band recovered. Scott Miller, who’d fronted Game Theory from 1982-90, was preparing to start a family and working a full-time job in tech as he anticipated stepping back from music to focus on the rest of life. At the same time, psych-pop singer-songwriter Anton Barbeau was ramping up his career at full speed, releasing new music at a fiery rate, working with musicians and labels from both the U.S. and the U.K. (including the Bevis Frond and members of the Soft Boys, Cake, Hawkwind, and Camel & the Candyskins).

Scott and Anton had been friends since the late 1980s and had worked together on Anton’s recordings on and off from soon after they’d met. Six years after Scott stepped away from music professionally, Scott’s wife Kristine remarked on how good the two sounded together at a casual Sacramento gig, and suggested they record together. That’s how Scott and Anton teamed up to record an album for the Bay Area indie 125 Records, a label that had championed both artists in the early ’00s.  

The result was the 2006 release What If It Works?, an album full of breezy brightness and irresistible pop melodies inspired by the music of Scott’s and Anton’s youth. Setting aside the thoughts of moral philosophy and moments of melancholia that, in part, informed the late Loud Family era, yet sacrificing none of his melodic and lyrical genius, Scott teamed back up with fellow Loud Family bandmates Kenny Kessel and Jozef Becker (with Gil Ray and Alison Faith Levyon hand as well) and brought some of his best work to the project. Scott seemed happy to be returning and, in a sense, his writing recalls the less serpentine melodies of his pre-Lolita Nation Game Theory days. For Anton it was a chance to work with Scott as equals, delivering the full incandescence of his gift for insanely catchy pop songs with members of the Loud Family behind him.

What If It Works? is a gift of an album, an unexpected return from Scott and another great work from Anton. Stunning songwriting from both and a few cover songs from the ’60s and ’70s make the ease and joy of their collaboration abundantly clear. 

This reissue, due out March 25, 2022 as CD and Digital from Omnivore Recordings, features the original release, plus eleven bonus tracks — ten previously unissued (and the other from a rare promotional CD). The packaging features photos, an essay from Stew Stewart (2008 Drama Desk and Tony Award winner for Passing Strange and founder of The Negro Problem), and a conversation between Barbeau and Scott’s widow, Kristine Miller, discussing the making of the record.

Omnivore has also reissued all of the original albums from Scott Miller’s Game Theory as expanded remasters including Across The Barrier of Sound: PostScript, 2 Steps From the Middle Ages, The Big Shot Chronicles Lolita Nation, Real Nighttime Distortion Pointed Accounts of People You Know, Dead Center, and Blaze of Glory.

Track List:

1.     Rocks Off

2.     Song About “Rocks Off”

3.     Pop Song 99

4.     Total Mass Destruction

5.     Flow Thee Water

6.     Remember You

7.     (Kind Of) In Love

8.     Mavis Of Maybelline Towers

9.     I Think I See the Light

10.  What If It Works?

2006 Bonus Tracks:

11.  Don’t Bother Me While I’m Living Forever

12.  I’ve Been Craving Lately

2022 Bonus Tracks:

13.  Third Eye (Scott’s Vocal)

14.  Little Daisy (Scott’s Mix)

15.  (Kind Of) In Love (Scott’s Sketch Demo)

16.  (Kind Of) In Love (Anton’s Demo)

17.  Song About “Rocks Off” (Demo)

18.  I Wanna Make You Come Just By Looking At Your Eye (Demo)

19.  Rise of the Chokehold Princess (At Anton’s)

20.  Pop Song 99 (Demo)

21.  Don’t Bother Me While I’m Living Forever Demo)

22.  What If It Works? (Demo)

23.  Just Gone (At Anton’s)

Tracks 14–23 previously unissued.

Pre-order link: www.omnivorerecordings.com/shop/what-if-it-works

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Nominees for 2022 announced

Here are the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 2022 induction nominees announced this morning...Robert Kinsler

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Nominees for 2022 include Beck, Dolly Parton, Eminem, Duran Duran, Devo and MC5

Beck performing in Las Vegas in March 2016.
Photo: Kim Kinsler

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has released the names of the nominees for the 2022 Induction Class. There are some great artists listed here, but as usual I am confused by an artist such as Eminem being considered for the Rock Hall. I am excited to see Beck, Kate Bush, DEVO and Duran Duran being considered.

In order to be eligible for nomination, an individual artist or band must have released its first commercial recording at least 25 years prior to the year of the nomination. It's good to see that seven of the 17 nominees are on the ballot for the first time.

The Rock Hall is once again offering fans the opportunity to participate in the induction selection process via the "induction fan vote." Starting today and running through April 29, fans can vote each day at vote.rockhall.com, or at the physical location of the museum in Cleveland, Ohio. 

The nominees are:

Beck

Pat Benatar

Kate Bush

DEVO

Duran Duran

Eminem

Eurythmics

Judas Priest

Fela Kuti

MC5

New York Dolls

Dolly Parton

Rage Against The Machine

Lionel Richie

Carly Simon

A Tribe Called Quest

Dionne Warwick

Visit the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame official site HERE.

New Music: Marshall Crenshaw, The Rave-Ups, Sam Moss

Don't let this trio of terrific releases escape your listen.

Artist: Marshall Crenshaw

Title: #447 (Shiny-Tone)

You might like if you enjoy: Marshall Crenshaw, The Smithereens, Gin Blossoms

Tell me more: In 2020, Marshall Crenshaw launched a series of reissues focused on a handful of his classic albums beginning with the release of his 1996 album Miracle of Science. On Feb. 4, 2022, a deluxe and expanded edition of his 1999 masterwork #447 will be available. This was an ambitious effort featuring Crenshaw on lead vocals, guitar, bass, drums, percussion and vintage keyboards; the album was bolstered by the contributions of Bill Lloyd, Greg Leisz, Andy York and former E. Street Band member David Sancious. Remastered with perfection by engineer Greg Calbi, the new edition of #447 allows listeners to rediscover a parade of outstanding selections including the melodic "Television Light," Americana "Glad Goodbye," jazzy instrumental "Eydie's Tune," power pop gem "T.M.D." and Irresistible "Tell Me All About It" along with two new bonus tracks (the terrific roots rocker "Will of the Wind" and a wistful cover of Gregg Turner's "Santa Fe"). Information: MarshallCrenshaw.com.  

Artist: The Rave-Ups

Title: Tomorrow (Omnivore Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: The Rave-Ups, The Beat Farmers, Walter Clevenger & The Dairy Kings, The Blasters

Tell me more: Roots rock troupe The Rave Ups are back with the must-hear Tomorrow, the quartet's first new album since 1990. The original Rave-Ups lineup —  singer-songwriter Jimmer Podrasky, guitarist Terry Wilson, bassist Tommy Blatnik and drummer Timothy Jimenez —  have crafted a return that is truly a glorious and uplifting listen; Tomorrow is filled to the brim with explosive rockers and affecting more restrained Americana (notably the beautiful "Roll" and reflective "Cry"). The driving opener "So You Wanna Know The Truth?" and melodic pedal steel-adorned "How Old Am I?" (whose affecting lyrics focus on the relationship between father and son) and shimmering "Coming After Me" are among my early favorites on the 11-track album, while late-disc entries "The Dream of California," blues-flavored "When I Write Your Name" and countrified "Tomorrow" shine just as bright. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com. 

Artist: Sam Moss

Title: Blues Approved (Schoolkids Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Eric Clapton, Alvin Lee

Tell me more: Singer-songwriter/guitar great Sam Moss' legacy and talent cast a strong and lasting influence on the Winston-Salem, North Carolina music scene during his lifetime and even after his death in 2007. Listening to his so-called "great lost" album titled Blues Approved it's easy to hear why. Although the majority of the tracks on the wonderful album were originally recorded on 4-track analog equipment, their magic and fidelity sound great. These priceless recordings were originally produced by Moss, who would travel from his home in Winston-Salem to nearby Chapel Hill to record with Mitch Easter (who played drums and engineered on the sessions). In 2020, noted producer Chris Stamey discovered an old tape that featured many of the tracks heard on Blues Approved that were recorded in 1977. Although the majority of the selections on Blues Approved are anchored in blues (just listen to “Rooster Blood” and “King of My Hill”), the sounds of Memphis soul, ‘70s classic rock and R&B are artfully incorporated along the way. Kudos to Stamey (along with Easter and Gene Holder) for restoring and enhancing the older source tapes for today’s audiences.  There is a myriad of great originals and covers on Blues Approved, including a tasty British blues-styled take on Mike Bloomfield's "If You See My Baby," the original classic rock-mining "To Those Still at Sea," and “Ain’t That Peculiar” (a buoyant and riveting cover of the Marvin Gaye 1965 classic), the latter with Mike “Wezo” Wesolowski’s harmonica adding to the magic. The crunchy original “Vida Blanche” recalls the might of Bad Company’s best work, with Moss’ fiery rhythm and lead guitar mastery on display.  Moss ventures into psychedelic hard rock territory via the dazzling instrumental “Nightflight Over Berlin.” Among the other far-flung nuggets on the set is a rousing take on the Gerry Goffin and Carole King classic “Pleasant Valley Sunday” and infectious reading of the rare Rolling Stones cut “Who’s Driving Your Plane?” Listening to the album in 2022 is to discover an artist who possessed impressive and stylish talents as a lead singer, songwriter and guitarist. A 16-page booklet really provides a wealth of images and liner notes that tell the full story on Moss and how these tracks were readied for release in 2022. Information: SchoolkidsRecords.com.

Robert Kinsler

'The Beatles and India' documentary to stream exclusively on BritBox starting February 15, 2022

 Here is a media release that just landed in my inbox...Robert Kinsler

'THE BEATLES AND INDIA' DOCUMENTARY TO STREAM EXCLUSIVELY ON BRITBOX IN NORTH AMERICA STARTING FEBRUARY 15, 2022

~SILVA SCREEN RECORDS RELEASES COMPANION ALBUM THE BEATLES AND INDIA: SONGS INSPIRED BY THE FILM~

“When I first heard Indian music, I just couldn’t really believe that it was so great, and the more I heard of it, the more I liked it. It just got bigger and bigger, like a snowball”. 
-George Harrison

New York, NY (January 27, 2022)—Post Summer of Love, in 1968 the world’s most popular rock and roll band, The Beatles had achieved mass fame and fortune yet were searching for deeper meaning in their lives. Under the spiritual guidance of Indian guru Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, The Beatles took a trip to Rishikesh, India to study transcendental meditation and set out on a path of deep enlightenment that would change the world.

Slated for release on February 15 via BritBox in North America, the streaming service from BBC Studios and ITV, the award-winning feature documentary, The Beatles And India (Silva Screen Productions, Renoir Pictures) examines how Indian music and culture shaped the music of John, Paul, George and Ringo and in turn, explores how The Beatles served as ambassadors of this pioneering World music sound and cultural movement.

Drawing together an expansive archive of footage including contemporaneous locale shooting in India, recordings, photographs, and compelling first-hand interviews, The Beatles And India exhaustively documents this East meets West touchstone in pop culture history. Purloining inspiration from Ajoy Bose’s book Across The Universe - The Beatles In India, the documentary is produced by British Indian music entrepreneur Reynold D’Silva and directed by Bose (his directorial debut) and cultural researcher Pete Compton. The Beatles And India has been awarded Best Film Audience Choice and Best Music at the 2021 UK Asian Film Festival “Tongues On Fire.”

The Beatles’ were first introduced to Indian music while filming their 1965 film, Help!, which featured the Indian musicians in a restaurant scene. George Harrisonwould become a lifelong impassioned devotee of Indian music. He would soon buy his first sitar, befriend and study under sitar master Ravi Shankar and employ the instrument to revolutionary effect linking the worlds of pop music with Indian music on the Beatles song, “Norwegian Wood,” which appears on their Rubber Soulalbum. That song marked the group, and particularly Harrison’s full on immersion into Indian music, a raga rock sound heard in The Beatles songs, “Tomorrow Never Knows” and “Love You To” (Revolver) “Within You Without You” (Sgt. Pepper) and “The Inner Light (B-side to the “Lady Madonna” single)”

In early July 1966, while returning from shows in the Philippines, The Beatles made a quick stopover in New Delhi, India, marking their first trip to the country. Less than two years later, in February 1968, the group would return for an extended sojourn at Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s ashram in Rishikesh, India where they would take a training course in Transcendental Meditation. Their search for spiritual enlightenment would both shape their thinking and values and indelibly color the sounds of their expanding musical palette.

Silva Screen Records, in tandem with the documentary release on BritBox in North America, presents a 19-song companion album: The Beatles And India: Songs Inspired by The Film, featuring wondrous interpretations of The Beatlessongbook, blending traditional and contemporary Indian influences, as recorded and performed by Indian artists Anoushka Shankar (Ravi Shankar's daughter), Vishal Dadlani, Kissnuka, Benny Dayal, Dhruv Ghanekar, Karsh Kale, and Soulmate. Many of the songs featured on the album--“Mother Nature’s Son,” “Dear Prudence,” “Sexy Sadie,” Back in the USSR,” “I’m So Tired,” “Julia,” I Will,” “The Continuing Story Of Bungalow Bill,” Everybody’s Got Something to Hide (Except for Me and My Monkey),” “Child of Nature,” (later re-written and recorded by John Lennon in his solo career as “Jealous Guy”)--were written during The Beatles 1968 extended stay in Rishikesh, India and most would feature on the group’s 1968 double-album, The Beatles, better known as “The White Album.”

The Beatles And India is an unforgettable audio-visual experience that spotlights the legacy of that historic visit, chronicling The Beatles’ crucial role as avatars of a musical movement inspiring newfound societal and cultural awareness, weaving the fabric of pop and Indian music into a unified force of positivity and spiritual exploration.

About Silva Screen Music Group:

The Silva Screen Music Group is a London based independent record company, which is home to one of the world’s leading film and television specialist soundtrack labels, Silva Screen Records. Alternative rock label So Recordings is also part of the group and includes bands such as Placebo and Enter Shikari. Founded by music devotee Reynold D’Silva in 1986, the group has a catalog of over 800 titles and in excess of 10,000 master recordings, with offices in New York, Paris and Mumbai.

About BritBox:

BritBox is a digital video subscription service offering the largest collection of British TV in the U.S. and Canada. Created by two British content powerhouses—BBC Studios, the subsidiary arm of the BBC, and ITV, the UK’s biggest commercial broadcaster—the service features iconic favorites, exclusive premieres, and current series and soaps—most available within 24 hours after their UK premiere. BritBox also offers expert curation and playlists that enable fans to easily find programs they know and discover new favorites via the web, mobile, tablet and connected TVs.

Track listing:

1.) Tomorrow Never Knows – Kiss Nuka 
2.) Mother Nature's Son - Karsh Kale / Benny Dayal 
3.) Gimme Some Truth – Soulmate 
4.) Across The Universe - Tejas / Mali 
5.) Everybody's Got Something To Hide (Except Me And My Monkey) - Rohan Rajadhyaksha / Warren Mendonsa 
6.) I Will - Shibani Dandekar / Neil Mukherjee 
7.) Julia - Dhruv Ghanekar 
8.) Child Of Nature - Anupam Roy 
9.) The Inner Light - Anoushka Shankar / Karsh Kale 
10.) The Continuing Story Of Bungalow Bill - Raaga Trippin 
11.) Back In The USSR - Karsh Kale / Farhan Ahktar 
12.) I'm So Tired - Lisa Mishra / Warren Mendonsa 
13.) Sexy Sadie - Siddharth Basrur / Neil Mukherjee 
14.) Martha My Dear - Nikhil D'Souza 
15.) Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown) - Parekh & Singh 
16.) Revolution - Vishal Dadlani / Warren Mendonsa 
17.) Love You To - Dhruv Ghanekar 
18.) Dear Prudence - Karsh Kale / Monica Dogra 
19.) India, India - Nikhil D'Souza

New music: Julie Christensen, Keb' Mo', Night Crickets, John Mellencamp

In this column I celebrate new releases from Julie Christensen, Keb' Mo', Night Crickets and John Mellencamp.

Artist: Julie Christensen

Title: 11 From Kevin: Songs of Kevin Gordon (Wirebird Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Flesh Eaters, Divine Horsemen

Tell me more: The exceptional song writing of Nashville singer-songwriter Kevin Gordon is celebrated by Julie Christensen on her latest album 11 From Kevin: Songs of Kevin Gordon (released Jan 21). It speaks volumes about the power of Gordon's songcraft and Christensen's strengths as a recording artist that this is an album where diverse music styles somehow couldn't be more at home together. The loose rocker "Find My Way," the medley of the countrified "Heart's Not In It / Down To The Well," bluesy "Jimmy Reed Is The King of Rock n' Roll," gorgeous roots rocker "Gatling Gun" and lovely folk gem "Rest Your Head" collectively cast a welcome light on Gordon's pictorial lyrics while simultaneously showcasing Christensen's gifts as a singer. Co-produced by Christensen and Brett Ryan Stewart, 11 From Kevin: Songs of Kevin Gordon also rises via contributions from a field of great musicians; in particular Sergio Webb and Chris Tench add a myriad of diverse guitar sonics across the marvelous recording. Information: stonecupid.com.  

Artist: Keb' Mo'

Title: Good To Be (Rounder Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Keb' Mo', Darius Rucker, Bill Withers

Tell me more: Keb' Mo' is back with an album (Good To Be) that celebrates the richness of life with an optimistic and winning approach that reminds us not to let life's everyday moments pass us by. Indeed, the opening track "Good To Be (Home Again)" acknowledges "It's good to be here, good to be anywhere" and not later, "Good to be young, good to be old, good to be home again." Elsewhere on Good To Be the South Los Angeles native takes that same inspiring approach on the romance-minded "So Easy," social justice-aimed "Louder," heartfelt cover of Bill Withers' "Lean On Me" and luxurious life-affirming "Marvelous to Me." There are also several impressive collaborations here, including the lovely duet "Quiet Moments" (featuring soprano Kristin Chenoweth), Americana-styled "The Medicine Man" (with Old Crow Medicine Show) and tuneful "Good Strong Woman" (with Darius Rucker). Across the 13-track album —  his first since his 2019 holiday set Moonlight, Mistletoe & You — Keb' Mo' utilizes his signature mix of blues, gospel and even pop to create songs that are as infectious as they are memorable. Information: KebMo.com.

Artist: Night Crickets

Title: A Free Society (Omnivore Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: Bauhaus, Love and Rockets, Violent Femmes, David Bowie

Tell me more: A trio comprised of David J (Bauhaus, Love and Rockets), Victor DeLorenzo (Violent Femmes) and Darwin Meiners, Night Crickets has released an impressive debut whose sonic moodscape fully captures the era of the pandemic. A Free Society features 13 originals that challenge and thrill the listener. The mix of sparse electronica, enticing rhythms, introspective lyrics and stylish grooves draws positive comparisons with a range of greats spanning from David Bowie to Gorillaz. Listening to this evocative album, I wondered if it could have been created any other way than musicians working remotely and sharing audio files from their far-flung locales. The dazzling opener "Black Leather on the Inside," retro "Amanda's Mantra," hypnotic "Roman A Clef" and "Soul Wave," lovely "Sloe Song," experimental "Down Below" and swirling "Sacred Monster" all enthrall. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.

Artist: John Mellencamp

Title: Strictly A One-Eyed Jack (Republic Records)

You might like if you enjoy: John Mellencamp, Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan

Tell me more: Singer-songwriter John Mellencamp has returned with his highly-anticipated 25th studio album Strictly A One-Eyed Jack, which finds the 70-year-old artist reflecting on his life with honesty and insight. Tracks such as "Always Lie To Strangers," "I Am A Man That Worries," "Chasing Rainbows" and "Gone So Soon" capture the spirit of the album's arc. All tracks on the disc are adorned with traditional Americana instrumentation that is a perfect counterpoint to Mellencamp's raspy baritone. Highlights include the lovely "Streets Of Galilee," genre-blending "Sweet Honey Brown" and driving "Lie To Me" along with several notable collaborations with Bruce Springsteen (the rootsy "Did You Say Such A Thing," affecting "A Life Full Of Rain" and poignant "Wasted Days"). Information: Mellencamp.com.  

Robert Kinsler