There were so many fantastic new studio albums released in 2023. Here are my favorite 23 albums of 2023...Robert Kinsler
Title: Forwards (Twenty First Century Recording Company)
You might like if you enjoy: The Alarm, U2, Big Country, The Poppy Fields
Tell me more: Listening to Mike Peters' genuinely inspired and hopeful songs that soar across the Alarm's wonderful album Forwards is to be filled with faith that each of us has worth and an inner strength to overcome any challenges that come our way. The anthemic rocker "Another Way" rings true as Peters sings: "Have you heard the news that it's all over/Have you heard them say, there's no way out of here? I don't believe it, there's always another way." Although Peters' first battled lymph cancer in the mid-1990s and more recently beginning in late 2022, the 64-year-old Wales-based artist sounds as amazing as ever. The majority of songs on Forwards were written by Peters in the hospital while he was undergoing chemo and battling cancer. On the gorgeous "Love and Forgiveness" he poignantly sings "I'm a man who's lost control of all that he owns/are you going to give me love and forgiveness?" The propulsive post-punk rocker "Next" reinforces Peters' survival mindset and his palpable joy at embracing life; "All the clocks are set to zero, now's the time to run/I hear the crack of the starting gun and I'm ready for what's next." Other great tracks on the album include the driving title track, the confessional "The Returning," survival-themed "Transition" and fiery "Love Disappearing." Peters (guitar, lead vocals, harmonica), James Stevenson (guitar, backing vocals), Jules Jones Peters (piano, organ, strings, backing vocals) and Smiley (drums, percussion, backing vocals) have created a masterful album that is a welcome and marvelous addition to the Alarm's terrific discography. Information: TheAlarm.com.
Title: Highway Desperado (Broken Bow Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Eric Church, Luke Bryan, 3 Doors Down
Tell me more: One of country music's biggest stars of the 21st century, Jason Aldean has successfully used his talents as a dynamic live performer and exceptional recording artist to propel more than two dozen of his singles to number 1 on either the Hot Country Songs or Country Airplay charts. On his latest full-length album Highway Desperado, the Macon, Georgia native continues his incredible run with a terrific collection that showcases real life triumphs and struggles while simultaneously celebrating the American spirit with an otherworldly artistry. Aldean has been especially masterful at blending modern country and classic rock genres into a signature style that resonates at festivals and arena settings. Each of the 14 songs on Highway Desperado are immediately infectious; the timely number one hit "Try That In A Small Town" taps into the well-founded fears of millions of Americans who have seen violent crime soar in big cities across the United States over the past several years. The Michael Knox-produced album's strengths are found across its run; the tender ballad "Hungover in a Hotel" offers a heartfelt message of regret, while the country rocker "Let Your Boys Be Country" celebrates time-honored traditions that champion how boys grow into men. Aldean explores newfound love on the soaring "Knew You'd Come Around," while the moody closer "Highway Desperado" taps into the powerful and invisible forces that lure some to keep moving on down the open road. Information: JasonAldean.com.
Title: Bootcut (Brushfire Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Neil Young's "Harvest," Vince Gill, Glen Campbell
Tell me more: One of the year's great country albums has been released by an artist not typically associated with that genre. Bahamas' sixth album Bootcut finds Canadian singer-songwriter/guitar master Afie Jurvanen fusing his signature mix of folk, R&B, soul and indie rock with a decidedly country music bent. Recorded at the Sound Emporium studio in Nashville, this a collection sure to please discerning music lovers; Bahamas is that rare artist who balances deep real life introspection and comedic wit with artistic grace. The lovely "Just A Song" finds Jurvanen's affecting vocals adorned by pedal steel; the aptly-pegged "Working On My Guitar" is lyrically and musically playful. Other standouts on the wonderful album include the melodic "Somebody Just Like Me," reflective "Second Time Around," contemplative "Sports Car," shimmering "Gone Girl Gone" and beautiful closer "Nothing Blows My Mind." The artist deviates from the country stylings on the breezy "I'm Still," an R&B track bolstered by Jurvanen's funky guitar work. Information: bahamasmusic.net.
Title: Late Developers (Matador Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Belle and Sebastian, The Zombies
Tell me more: Without fanfare indie Scottish troupe Belle and Sebastian released their 12th studio album on Jan. 13; Late Developers was issued a mere eight months after the release of 2022's A Bit of Previous but features the expansive craft of a masterwork years in the making. Fans of Belle and Sebastian will be thrilled with the winning 11-track set that spans 42 minutes. The album's highlights are plentiful; the 1960s-spirted opener "Juliet Naked" features band frontman Stuart Murdoch lamenting the folly of romance. Other early album standouts include the propulsive melody-fueled gem "Give A Little Time" featuring Sarah Martin on lead vocals, the wistful "When We Were Very Young," the Baroque ballad "Will I Tell You a Secret," and garage rocker "So In The Moment." The album's magic path continues courtesy of sonic nuggets like the shimmering "The Evening Star," driving "When You're Not With Me" and sumptuous "When The Cynics Stare Back From The Wall." Information: belleandsebastian.com.
Title: The Ballad of Darren (Warner Records/Parlophone)
You might like if you enjoy: Blur, Beck, David Bowie
Tell me more: The Ballad of Darren is the ninth studio album from Blur, and marked the Britpop favorite's first new studio album since 2015's The Magic Whip. The Ballad of Darren finds the quartet (singer Damon Albarn, guitarist Graham Coxon, bassist Alex James and drummer Dave Rowntree) using stellar songcraft as they explore midlife with incredible depth and confessional candor. The diverse track listing is filled with songs that entice with a single listen; the inclusion of experimental touches layered atop melodic rock works its wonders magically on the disc. The reflective opener "The Ballad," infectious "The Narcissist" with its explosive finale, edgy "St. Charles Square," wistful "Russian Strings," Baroque pop sortie "The Everglades (For Leonard)" and melancholy-draped "The Heights" are among the amazing songs on the brilliant return. The Ballad of Darren is available on streaming services, as well as via audio CD and vinyl. Information: blur.co.uk.
Title: The Hypnogogue (Deluxe) edition (Communicating Vessel)
You might like if you enjoy: The Cure, Interpol, Tame Impala
Tell me more: While The Hypnogogue is the 26th album release from The Church, it marks the band's first-ever concept album (a lyrically and sonically detailed dystopian tale set in 2054). The deluxe edition of the album expands the initial February 2023 standard version of the LP with six additional tracks. The Hypnogogue (Deluxe) is truly an ambitious and stellar disc that finds singer-songwriter/bassist Steve Kilbey and company using their unique blend of modern, alternative, Neo-psychedelic and progressive rock styles to immerse the listener in the sumptuous journey across 19 tracks. They hypnotic rocker "C'est La Vie," shimmering "I Think I Knew," reflective title track, melodic "Aerodome" and luxurious "Realm of Minor Angels" (the latter is among the previously-unissued cuts on the expanded release) are among the immediately captivating tracks on the deluxe edition. More experimental tracks (notably "Succulent," "Antartica," "Second Bridge" and "A Strange Past") reward discerning listeners on repeated listens. Information: thechurchband.net.
Title: Pop Masters (Big Stir Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Shoes, The Pale Brothers, Big Star, Raspberries, Sparks
Tell me more: Syracuse, New York-based Power Pop Hall Of Fame outfit The Flashcubes returned in August 2023 with the aptly-titled Pop Masters. The quartet — whose 1977-1980 lineup is intact and features guitarists Paul Armstrong and Arty Lenin, bassist Gary Frenay and drummer Tommy Allen — released only two singles during their original run ("Christi Girl" and "Wait Til Next Week"). The band reunited in the 1990s and has earned a growing following thanks to the release of new recordings and acclaim for their live performances. Fast forward to 2023 and Pop Masters fully rewards power pop lovers with a dozen great cuts; indeed the not-your-typical-covers collection gathers a wide range of singles that have received airplay on the likes of "Little Steven's Underground Garage," WFMU, KXLU, and more. Standouts on Pop Masters include a rousing cover of the Pezband's tuneful rocker "Baby It's Cold Outside" with the song's original writer and singer Mimi Betinis sharing lead vocals, a sophisticated take on Pilot's 1977 track "Get Up And Go," a powerful musical reading of Shoes' "Tomorrow Night," and infectious takes on the Paley Brothers' "Come Out And Play" and Motors' "Forget About You." Late disc highlights include a euphoric take on Dwight Twilley's "Alone In My Room," shimmering version of Posies' "Flavor Of The Month" and an inspired performance of Sparks' "Nothing To Do." Also essential is the version of the Eric Carmen-penned "Get The Message," a glorious track that recalls the best of '60s and '70s garage rock stylings during its rollicking run; Cyrus Erie's Randy Klawon adds guitar to the driving cover. Information: bigstirrecords.com.
Title: i/o (Real World Productions)
You might like if you enjoy: Radiohead, Peter Gabriel, David Bowie, Kate Bush
Tell me more: Before the release of Peter Gabriel's i/o this year, the groundbreaking English artist hadn't released a full-length album of material since 2002's Up. The good news for the countless millions of lovers of the 73-year-old English singer-songwriter-producer is that the new masterwork was well worth the wait. What jumps out with an initial listen is how fully and powerfully intact his signature vocals are across the disc, and how sophisticated and detailed the sonic landscape is that surrounds each track. In early 2023, Gabriel began releasing a new song from the album with the arrival of every full moon; the initiative also served as a way to let each selection to be the focus on listeners' radar for a full month before another song was released. The full album was released as a cohesive collection on Dec. 1, 2023. The intoxicating opener "Panopticom," experimental "The Court," masterfully luxurious "Playing For Time," stirring "And Still" and reflective title track (the latter bolstered by the most artful of dynamics) just begin to tell the story of an album that demands repeated listens and continues to reveal its bewitching secrets with each subsequent play. Information: petergabriel.com.
Title: Council Skies — Deluxe Edition (Sour Mash Record)
You might like if you enjoy: Oasis, Blur, Johnny Marr
Tell me more: The Deluxe Edition of Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds' Council Skies is a true masterpiece; the marathon-length set runs approximately 100 minutes and includes 24 tracks — a mix of new studio recordings, instrumental versions, remixes and live radio sessions. Spectacular songcraft is at the heart of the collection, an uplifting listen even when Gallagher and company are captured amidst their most introspective and quiet forays (just listen to "There She Blows!" and "Don't Stop..."). The aptly-titled "I'm Not Giving Up Tonight" is anthemic with a rousing chorus and burgeoning arrangement that artfully builds across the song's bewitching run. The melancholy-mining "Dead To The World" showcases Gallagher's signature vocals (including his tender falsetto) in an especially plaintive offering. The glorious symphony-flavored "Open The Door, See What You Find" and "Trying To Find A World That's Been And Gone Pt. 1," soaring "Easy Now," Beatlesque rocker "Love Is A Rich Man" and reflective "Think Of A Number" are other gems on disc 1 of the set. The sumptuous melody-adorned "We're Gonna Get There In The End," genuinely inspired version of John Lennon's "Mind Games," a Robert Smith-remix of "Pretty Boy" and live radio station performance of Bob Dylan's "You Ain't Going' Nowhere" are among the riches on disc 2. Information: noelgallagher.com.
Title: Cracker Island (Warner Records/Parlophone)
You might like if you enjoy: Damon Albarn, Bad Bunny, Beck, Tame Impala
Tell me more: Gorillaz' eighth studio album Cracker Island is another enthralling journey showcasing singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Damon Albarn's otherworldly talents fusing art pop, electronica, hip hop and other styles into a signature brew as accessible as it is artistic. On this disc he directs the world's most beloved virtual band to stratospheric heights with collaborations that surprise and expand the project's sonic reach. Surprises abound; just listen to the shimmering "Oil," a track featuring the duel vocals of Albarn and Stevie Nicks. "Silent Running" is a majestic mid-tempo track co-written by Albarn and producer Greg Kurstin featuring guest vocalist Adeleye Omotayo. The hypnotic trip hop romp "New Gold" features the tandem talents of Tame Impala and Bootie Brown to up the quotient. Bad Bunny brings a palpable Latin zest to "Tormenta." The collaboration with Beck, "Possession Island," is a decidedly gorgeous song with a soundscape complete with mellotron, synthesizer, vibraphone, pump organ and acoustic guitar providing the perfect musical backdrop for the song. Even in the absence of outside notables, the magic is fully on display; the trippy "The Tired Influencer," dance-minded "Baby Queen" and dreamy "Skinny Ape" reflect the sparkling joyfulness that immerse the listener across Cracker Island. Information: gorilla.com.
Title: Starcatcher (Lave Music)
You might like if you enjoy: Led Zeppelin, Heart
Tell me more: Listening to Greta Van Fleet's third album Starcatcher is to hear how a talented young quartet from Frankenmuth, Michigan have rekindled and captured the magic of '70s rock with an otherworldly and masterful touch. The new 10-track album Starcatcher provides a joyful listen while the outfit explores the duality of fantasy versus reality and the dramatic divide between light and darkness. "We wanted to introduce characters and motifs and these ideas that would come about here and there throughout our careers through this world," notes band drummer Danny Wagner in press notes related to the album's release on July 21. Singer Josh Kiszka has a distinctive tenor able to reach incredible heights while also bringing an ardent vocal artistry only enhanced by the collective virtuoso chops of guitarist Jake Kiszka, bassist/keyboardist Sam Kiszka and Wagner. The acoustic power ballad "Farewell For Now," the fiery rocker "The Falling Sky," soaring "Sacred The Thread," riff rocker "Frozen Light" and ambitious "Meeting The Master" are among the great cuts on the album. Recorded at RCA Studios in Nashville, Greta Van Fleet utilized a large recording room to capture the pure energy of their concert performances. Information: gretavanfleet.com.
Title: Mountains (Cattle Track Road Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Neil Young, David Crosby, Nils Lofgren
Tell me more: While Nils Lofgren is best known for his long-time role as a member of Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band, Neil Young's enduring Crazy Horse as well as his role as one the early members of Ringo Starr's All Starr Band, his exceptional talents as a solo artist shine just as bright across his 2023 album Mountains. Lofgren's otherworldly skills as singer, songwriter and guitar master are displayed via a far-flung track listing that includes him performing originals amidst blues, rock, soul and Americana soundscapes. Lofgren addresses a troubled world, as well as the magical grasp of love and deep human connections on the decidedly personal album. The cast of musical greats who contribute to Mountains' might is also notable; Ringo Starr provides his singular skills behind the drum kit on the winning opener "Ain't the Truth Enough," while he adds vocals on the transcendent "Angel Blues." The beautiful ballad "Back in Your Arms" is bolstered by wonderful backing vocals from the Howard Gospel Choir; Lofgren's signature vocals are particularly poignant here. The bluesy tribute to the late Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts ("Won't Cry No More") is heartfelt and bewitching, Lofgren's voice blending magically with Cindy Mizelle's soprano and his own artful fret work. The countrified ballad "Nothin's Easy (For Amy)" is bolstered by guest Neil Young whose vocals blend powerfully with Lofgren's own. The late David Crosby — who passed away in January 2023 — adds his vocals on the buoyant and genre-defying "I Remember Her Name." Information: nilslofgren.com.
Title: Rush! (Arista Records)
You might like if you enjoy: 311, Aerosmith, Arctic Monkeys
Tell me more: Italian rock outfit Måneskin is among the top-tier crop of young bands championing rock 'n' roll sounds in the 21st century. On the quartet's 2023 studio album Rush! the outfit continues to extoll an exciting mix of classic, indie and modern rock stylings. There is plenty of hard-hitting rock on the collection, including the rapid fire "Gossip," dance rock jaunt "Baby Said," more modern alt rocker "Timezone," genre-defying "Feel" and spirited "Read Your Diary." Demonstrating Måneskin's growth is "The Loneliest," an evocative power ballad that is enhanced by lead singer Thomas Raggi's vocals and a dazzling solo from guitarist Thomas Raggi. Information: AristaRecordings.com.
Title: Dying of the Light (Kool Kat Musik)
You might like if you enjoy: Badfinger, The Beatles, Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds, Tears For Fears, Blur
Tell me more: It's hard to believe, but The Parlophonics' sophomore album Dying of the Light was recorded without the benefit of Dresden, Germany-based Robert Horvath (guitars, bass), North Hollywood-based Fernando Perdomo (guitars, drums) and London resident Hugh Macdonald (lead vocals) ever working together in the same studio! The three artists came together virtually during the global pandemic to release their 2021 debut A Day In The Life, an effort that set the stage for their new Kool Kat label debut; Dying of the Light features the contributions of singer Marcella Detroit as well as original Wings drummer Denny Seiwell, Rudy Fantin (Hammond organ) and Max Tovstyi (bass). The brilliant Dying of the Light recalls melody-minded greats from the 1960s and early '70s to be sure, with fans of The Beatles, The Hollies and Raspberries sure to dig the marvelous 11-track disc. The hypnotic opener "Fill My Sky," buoyant "Reading Kerouac" (the latter my favorite song on the album), introspective folk rock-flavored "Believe in Something" and Beatlesque harmonies-adorned title track are early gems on the masterwork. The magic continues via standouts like the mood-swept "Underneath the Blue Sky," the sumptuous "Only A Lie," beautiful "Paper Smile" and breezy "These Days." In addition to the wealth of potent original songs showcased on the album, the band offers up their affecting take on Badfinger's "Song for a Lost Friend." What's more, the Parlophonics even commissioned the legendary Klaus Voormann (best known for his iconic Beatles' Revolver LP cover) to create the compelling album cover. Information: koolkatmusik.com.
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Artist: The Rolling Stones
Title: Hackney Diamonds (Geffen Records)
Tell me more: More than 60 years into their sensational run, The Rolling Stones returned with a true masterwork in 2023. Hackney Diamonds is an ambitious album that finds Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood delivering a masterful celebration of their signature sound infused with enough contemporary sonics to surprise across the 12-song set. With drummer Steve Jordan playing drum across the majority of the album tracks in the place of the late drummer Charlie Watts (the latter who passed away in August 2021 at the age of 80), an all-star cast of greats add their respective talents with a collective focus on the songs. Producer Andrew Watt's role is likely another major element in the ambition and success of the album, the British band's first new full-length disc of new material since 2005's A Bigger Bang. Indeed, the stellar production heard across the album is equaled by the strength and diversity of the song craft as well as the inspired performances of the players. And Jagger sounds outstanding across the title delivering vocals that are strong and stirring. An expanded "live" edition of the album is set for release in January 2024. Information: rollingstones.com.
Title: Hackney Diamonds (Geffen Records)
Tell me more: More than 60 years into their sensational run, The Rolling Stones returned with a true masterwork in 2023. Hackney Diamonds is an ambitious album that finds Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood delivering a masterful celebration of their signature sound infused with enough contemporary sonics to surprise across the 12-song set. With drummer Steve Jordan playing drum across the majority of the album tracks in the place of the late drummer Charlie Watts (the latter who passed away in August 2021 at the age of 80), an all-star cast of greats add their respective talents with a collective focus on the songs. Producer Andrew Watt's role is likely another major element in the ambition and success of the album, the British band's first new full-length disc of new material since 2005's A Bigger Bang. Indeed, the stellar production heard across the album is equaled by the strength and diversity of the song craft as well as the inspired performances of the players. And Jagger sounds outstanding across the title delivering vocals that are strong and stirring. An expanded "live" edition of the album is set for release in January 2024. Information: rollingstones.com.
Title: Radio Songs (Cooking Vinyl)
You might like if you enjoy: Blur, Doves, Radiohead, Other Lives
Tell me more: Although he rose to fame as the drummer of beloved British rock quartet Blur in the 1990s, Dave Rowntree has continued to challenge himself in a myriad of pursuits including as a film and TV composer, podcaster, light aircraft pilot (and instructor), lawyer, advocate for space exploration, computer animator and political activist. Now with the release of his stunning full-length debut solo album Radio Songs on Jan. 20 via Cooking Vinyl, the native of Colchester, England proved he could delight discerning listeners with a disc of truly compelling and instantly-gripping indie rock. Indeed, the artistic reach and depth of the 10 tracks recalls Blur's most recent studio album (2015's outstanding The Magic Whip) as well as top-tier efforts from Elbow, Doves, Radiohead and Other Lives. Just as former Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr surprised the world with his stellar lead vocals when he emerged with his solo debut in 2013 at the age of 49, Rowntree's evocative and signature singing is a welcome surprise in early 2023. The shining material on Radio Songs includes the dark "Devil's Island," propulsive "London Bridge," confessional "1,000 Miles," tender "Black Sheep," electronica gem "Volcano" and Neo-classical foray "Who's Asking?" Information: DaveRowntree.com.
Title: The Vivian Line (Cooking Vinyl)
You might like if you enjoy: Elvis Costello, Burt Bacharach
Tell me more: Acclaimed Canadian singer-songwriter Ron Sexsmith returned in 2023 with The Vivian Line, his first album since 2020's Hermitage. There is a genuine warmth across the acclaimed artist's 17th album, but the songs — both lyrically and musically — impress with burgeoning force with each subsequent listen. The yearning opener "A Place Called Love," nostalgic Baroque pop gem "What I Had In Mind," literate "Flower Boxes," sumptuous "Outdated and Antiquated" and joyful "One Bird Calling" are early standouts on the album; the Kinks-flavored "Country Mile," jazzy "This, That, And the Other Thing," poignant "When Our Love Was New" and "Ever Wonder" are late disc highlights. Information: RonSexsmith.com.
Title: Thank You, Valued Customer (Big Stir Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Cheap Trick, XTC, Squeeze, Frank Zappa, Sparks
Tell me more: Shplang has returned with one of the last great album releases of 2023, the bewitching melodic rock-minded Thank You, Valued Customer. As ambitious as it is listenable, Thank You, Valued Customer showcases the literate and involving approach of core members Peter Marston and John Krause. The winning horns-adorned single "Understood," wistful psychedelic-tinged "Look Me Over," playful "Das Diddley" (the latter showcasing the band's virtuoso musical chops) and luxurious "Everyone Can Change" are early standouts on the ambitious album. Shplang's sixth full-length album continues its intoxicating run with the modern rockers "Buddha (What Was That?)" and "Lay A Little Love On Me" (the latter bolstered by a super cool instrumental bridge), and tuneful-meets-crunchy delight "A Son Son." The sci-fi-themed "Little Mushroom Men From Mars" somehow blends spoken word, a terrific chorus and virtuoso lead guitar work from Scott Goldbaum into something fully original. Information: bigstirrecords.com and https://orcd.co/shplang.
Title: ÁTTA (BMG Rights Management)
You might like if you enjoy: Sigur Rós, Moby, Howard Shore's "Lord of the Rings" soundtracks, Cocteau Twins
Tell me more: Iceland's beloved Sigur Rós returned in 2023 with their first new studio album in a decade (2013's Kveikur) thanks to the surprise release of the 10-track ÁTTA on June 16. The cinematic and sweeping Neo classical approach of Sigur Rós plays out over ÁTTA's more than 55 minutes; the sumptuous selections feature singer-guitarist Jónsi, bassist Georg Hólm and multi-instrumentalist Kjartan Sveinsson (the latter had left Sigur Rós in 2012 but rejoined the group last year). Because Jónsi's astonishing falsetto vocals are sung in Icelandic and non-linguistic vocalizations (the latter dubbed "Vonlenska" by the band), a good approach is to listen to the singular sound of Sigur Rós like a classical symphony with choir. The ambient "Blóðberg," lavish "Skel," ambitious "Klettur," poignant "Mór" and soaring 10-minute closer "8" are among the amazing tracks on the modern-day masterwork. ÁTTA is available digitally, as well as via audio CD and vinyl. Information: sigurros.com.
Title: Best of Friends (Big Stir Records)
You might like if you enjoy:Matthew Sweet, Walter Clevenger & the Dairy Kings, Psychic Rain, Jellyfish
Tell me more: For many years I wrote an award-winning column titled "Orange Pop" for The Orange County Register where I had the thrill of covering that region's explosive music scene. Many of the artists — notably No Doubt, Sugar Ray, Walter Trout and Lit — went on to global success after making a splash locally. However, many of my favorite artists achieved only cult status despite their incredible talent. It was great to see Turn-of-the-Century power pop trio Sparkle*Jets U.K. return with a fantastic new album in 2023 (Best of Friends) — the band's first new studio LP in more than 20 years. The aptly-titled Best of Friends finds Michael Simmons (lead and backing vocals, guitar, keyboards, drums), Susan West (lead and backing vocals) and Jamie Knight (bass, 12-string guitar) offering their distinctive sonic stamp on 21 gems originally recorded by Southern California-based artists who were their contemporaries. The album opens with a wistful take on Walter Clevenger's "Hold On Tight" before the band turns on a dime to deliver a glorious take on The Masticators' "He's Coming Out." A Baroque pop reading of Kompost's "One Summer Sunday," luxurious cover of Cockeyed Ghost's "Ludlow 6:18," a buoyant version of Candypants' "I Want a Pony" and rollicking run through The Dons' "Till We Meet Again" are among my other faves on the first half of the terrific title. The momentum and caliber of the collection never falters; sumptuous versions of The Shazam's "Sunshine Tonight," Linus of Hollywood's "Good Sounds," Wondermints' "In and Around Greg Lake," Kenny Howes and the Yeah!'s "Right Idea," The Negro Problem's "Mahnsanto" and The See Saw's "Probleme Romantique" are showcased on the last half of the album. Information: BigStirRecords.com.
Title: Stories From A Rock n Roll Heart (Thirty Tigers)
You might like if you enjoy: Chrissie Hynde, Bruce Springsteen, Michael Ubaldini, Margo Price
Tell me more: Stories from a Rock n Roll Heart marks the first album from acclaimed Americana singer-songwriter Lucinda Williams since she suffered a debilitating stroke in November 2020, a challenging event that greatly impacted her ability to play guitar (her principal tool used to write songs). Williams, 70, is thankfully on the mend and was terrific when I caught her enticing set at the Pure Imagination Festival in Prescott, AZ in May 2023, and her latest album Stories from a Rock n Roll Heart certifies her top-tier talents as a songwriter and singer are fully intact. Williams— who produced her 15th studio album along with Tom Overby and Ray Kennedy — co-wrote the material here with Overby, Jesse Malin and Travis Stephens. Additionally, she is joined by a slew of famed artists who provide backing vocals across the 10-track collection. The songs here often chronicle the aftermath of her stroke; just listen to the countrified confessional "Jukebox" where she sings: "These days my world seems so small / I'm a prisoner inside these four walls / Going Crazy with the sound of my own voice / Going crazy if I don't get out of this house." On "New York Comeback" — where her own terrific vocals are bolstered by the backing vocals of Bruce Springsteen and Patti Scialfa — she genuinely conjures up the magic of returning to the stage: "Let me have the final say / One last chance to do it my way / One last shot, one last swing / One final song to sing." Among the other outstanding tracks on the disc are the joyful roots rocker "Let's Get the Band Back Together," the yearning "Last Call for the Truth," rollicking "Rock n Roll Heart," haunting "Hum's Liquor" and lovely "Where the Song Will Find Me," the latter a poignant exploration of the singer's mission to embrace her life's work of writing and recording new music. The album's closer is the defiant "Never Gonna Fade Away," where Williams promises: "I'm not gonna fade away / I'm never gonna fade away" — the song's emotional close is an invitation for discerning listeners to reflect and then hit "repeat" to play Stories from a Rock n Roll Heart again. Information: LucindaWilliams.com.
Title: Before and After (Reprise Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Neil Young, Nils Lofgren, Michael Ubaldini
Tell me more: More than 55 years into his remarkable recording career it's clear that Neil Young can still surprise even the most discerning of listeners. As evidenced on his latest full-length LP Before and After, Young uses his otherworldly powers as a singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist to revisit some of his lesser known gems with a masterful and genuine emotional touch sure to please fans of the artist. As Neil Young notes about his new solo acoustic album Before and After: "Songs from my life, recently recorded, create a music montage with no beginnings or endings." Kicking things off with his surefire strumming on an acoustic guitar Young launches into the reflective "I'm The Ocean," a song further bolstered by his signature harmonica playing. Artful nuggets follow one after another, with the beautiful country-flavored "Homefires," affecting "On The Way Home," pump organ-draped "If You Got Love," shimmering "A Dream That Can Last," delicate "Birds," striking "Mother Earth" and tender "Comes A Time" are among the sparse and compelling performances that collectively add up to a truly extraordinary listen. Information: neilyoungarchives.com.
Title: Different Game (Cooking Vinyl)
You might like if you enjoy: The Zombies, Colin Blunstone, Rod Argent
Tell me more: The Zombies returned this year with the magnificent Different Game, the groundbreaking British band's first new studio album since 2015's Still Got That Hunger. Delayed by the arrival of the global pandemic — the band members had decided from the beginning of the process in 2019 after their well-deserved induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame that they would record the songs together to capture the energy of their legendary live performances — Different Game continues to find the quintet conjuring up the magic of their past performances while embracing the future. The 10-track album's stellar track listing spans from the opening title track (a gorgeous Baroque pop gem that includes a lush instrumental finale), jazzy "Dropped Reeling & Stupid" (the latter bolstered by a particularly sophisticated organ solo from Rod Argent that segues into a marvelous turn showcasing guitarist Tom Toomey), the lovely ballad "You Could Be My Love" featuring Colin Blunstone's amazing tenor vocals and sumptuous rocker "Merry-Go-Round." Other standouts include the shimmering "Love You," the rousing blues-rocker "Got To Move On" and tender closer "The Sun Will Rise Again." The work of the Q Strings quartet (Laura Stanford, Ellie Stanford, Amy Stanford and Jess Cox) adds magic across the marvelous disc, notably on the aforementioned title track and "I Want To Fly," the latter where they provide the full accompaniment for Blunstone. Information: thezombiesmusic.com.
Robert Kinsler
