New music: Otis Taylor, John Oates, The Gold Needles, Bad Company tribute

Don't let the year slip by without grabbing a listen of some of the most exciting music titles of 2025.

Artist: Otis Taylor
Title: Otis Taylor and the Electrics (Octave Records)

You might like if you enjoy: The Doors, Otis Taylor

Tell me more: Otis Taylor is one of the most unique and authentic voices recording blues and roots music today. The winner of five DownBeat awards, Living Blues, W.C. Handy and other honors, the prolific Colorado-based singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist has just released the outstanding Otis Taylor and the Electrics. Taylor — who sings and plays guitar, acoustic and electric banjo and harmonica on the 8-track disc — is known for his signature trance blues style that extends far beyond 12-bar blues patterns to masterfully blend blues, rock, African rhythms, improvisation and daring lyrics; those far-flung elements reach their zenith on his new album. Compelling stories and unsettling subjects are addressed across the track listing, with the musical moodscapes enhancing the power of each song. Among my favorite tracks on the album are the blues rocker "Three Stripes on a Cadillac," banjo and mandolin-fueled "Ran So Hard the Sun Went Down," the harmonica-anchored "They Don't Want Me" and "Twelve String Mile," the latter a hypnotic original about a black man getting ready to be lynched. 

The album was produced by Taylor, with Joe Kessler as associate producer and Jessica Carson serving as executive producer. It was recorded and mixed by Paul McGowan and mastered by David Glasser. The album was recorded using Octave Records' state-of-the-art Pyramid Pure DSD system. Otis Taylor and the Electrics features Octave’s premium gold disc formulation, and the disc is playable on any SACD, CD, DVD, or Blu-ray player. It also has a high-resolution DSD layer that is accessible by using any SACD player or a PS Audio SACD transport. In addition, the master DSD and PCM files are available for purchase and download, including DSD 512, DSD 256, DSD 128, DSD 64, and DSDDirect Mastered 352.8 kHz/24-bit, 176.2 kHz/24-bit, 88.2 kHz/24-bit, and 44.1 kHz/24-bit PCM. (SRP: $29.) Information: otistaylor.com.

Artist: John Oates
Title: Oates (TBA)

You might like if you enjoy: Hall & Oates, Al Green, Lawrence, Devon Gilfillian

Tell me more: John Oates returned in 2025 with Oates, an extraordinary new album that marked his return to the soulful R&B-meets-pop sounds that helped rocket the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame duo Daryl Hall and John Oates to fame in the 1970s and '80s. Make no mistake; the tracks on Oates are every bit as expertly crafted and memorable as Hall & Oates' most beloved material. Among the stellar cuts on the 13-track disc are the breezy opener "Enough Is Enough" (featuring guest vocalists Clyde and Gracie Lawrence of the New York soul pop band Lawrence), the old school smooth soul gem "Real Thing Going On," the heartfelt "Mending" where he shares songwriting credit and lead vocals with soul singer Devon Gilfillian, Hall & Oates-flavored "A Ways Away," the intoxicating soul track "Pushin' a Rock," and an uptempo dance-minded run through Marc Cohn's 1991 hit "Walking In Memphis." Information: johnoates.com.

Artist: The Gold Needles
Title: Mood Elevator (Big Stir Records)

You might like if you enjoy: The Cars, The Byrds, The Kinks, Psychic Rain

Tell me more: Tapping into top-tier classic rock and power pop stylings, the Gold Needles' newly-issued Mood Elevator is definitely worth adding to your music library. The members of the gifted English quintet (Simon Dowson, lead vocals, guitar; Dave Burbage, lead guitar; Mark English, keyboards; Carl Slaughter, bass; Will Jones, drums) have found a commanding way to take their influences and make them into their own across a terrific 10-track disc. Among the absolutely great cuts on the album are the swirling rocker "Eleven Eleven," 1960s-mining ear candy "Pale Blue Silver Eyes," tuneful "Keep On Telling Me Why," power pop juggernaut "I'll Take My Chances," aptly-titled "Turns To Gold," evocative "Crescent Moon" and propulsive genre-blending album closer "Mood Elevator." Information: bigstirrecords.com.

Artists: Bad Company, HARDY, The Pretty Reckless, Slash, more
Title: Can't Get Enough: A Tribute to Bad Company (Bad Company Tribute)

You might like if you enjoy: Bad Company, Free, Def Leppard, Paul Rodgers

Tell me more: Bad Company's induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on Nov. 8, 2025 was wonderful for sure, but adding excitement to that occasion was the release of Can't Get Enough: A Tribute to Bad Company. The 10-track audio collection marks the first-ever tribute album to Bad Company; the title features contemporary and legendary artists from rock, country and Americana genres joining forces on original interpretations of the British rock supergroup's most beloved songs. An added bonus is how both Bad Company frontman Paul Rodgers and drummer Simon Kirke appear on several of the fresh cuts. The tribute features early standouts including HARDY's winning post-grunge take on "Ready For Love," Hailstorm's hard rocking "Shooting Star" featuring Rodgers, a terrific take on "Feel Like Makin' Love" courtesy of guitar great Slash along with Myles Kennedy and The Conspirators, a delightfully haunting "Run With The Pack" featuring Blackberry Smoke, Rodgers and drummer Brann Dailor. The diversity and ambition of the title continues across its last half via acclaimed country & soul artist Charley Crockett's soulful take on "Bad Company," Los Angeles outfit Dirty Honey's blues-rock treatment of "Rock Steady," and a terrific collaboration between Def Leppard members Joe Elliott (lead vocals) and Phil Collen (lead guitar) with Rodgers and Kirke on the poignant "Seagull." The collection closes out powerfully with The Pretty Reckless' fiery blues-rock drenched version of "All Right Now," a song originally recorded by Rodgers' early band Free in 1970. Information: BadCompany.com.

Robert Kinsler

 

Holiday music roundup: Jake Shimabukuro, Old Crow Medicine Show, Lainey Wilson, Lady A, Rend Collective

With the Christmas holiday rapidly approaching, here is a look at some of the most high-profile new holiday music titles of 2025 out now.

Artist: Jake Shimabukuro
Title: Tis The Season (Jake Shimabukuro)

Tell me more: Celebrated ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro is out with Tis The Season, a compelling collection of yuletide favorites — including many collaborations with top-tier musical greats. Highlights include a beautiful musical reading of "O Holy Night" featuring singer Justin Kawika Young, dazzling solo arrangements of "We Three Kings," "What Child Is This" and "Ave Maria" all showcasing his dynamic talents on the instrument, a bewitching cover of John Lennon's "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)" featuring cellist Yo-Yo Ma, a wonderfully retro "Mele Kalikimaka" with the late Jimmy Buffett, and a jazzy "Winter Wonderland" featuring Michael McDonald. Information: jakeshimabukuro.com. 

Artist: Old Crow Medicine Show

Title: OCMS XMAS (Hartland Records)

Tell me more: Two-time Grammy-winning troupe Old Crow Medicine Show has released an outstanding 13-track holiday collection (OCMS XMAS) that fully captures the spirit of the season via their signature Americana sound and original songcraft. Among the festive nuggets on the album are an emotional take on John Lennon's "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)" featuring the choral harmonies from the children of the Episcopal School of Nashville (watch the video HERE), rousing New Orleans-flavored "Holly Jolly Christmas" bolstered by the talents of Brassville, spirited "Krampus Night," tender "Grandpa's Gone," infectious Appalachia-minded "Jinglin' Jack Guy," tuneful "North By Northeast," and the rollicking original "Corn Whiskey Christmas" (watch the official music video for "Corn Whiskey Christmas" HERE).  Information: crowmedicine.com.

Artist: Lainey Wilson

Title: Peace, Love & Cowboys (Holiday Edition) [CD Maxi-Single] (BMG Nashville)

Tell me more: Acclaimed country music artist Lainey Wilson has released a four-song audio title, Peace, Love & Cowboys (Holiday Edition), to helpful celebrate the holiday season. With a contemporary sound that is infused with rock and soul atop her country roots, Wilson's new title is sure to please her growing number of fans. The title includes the wistful "Peace, Love, and Cowboys," as well as a wondrous "Let It Snow! Let. It Snow! Let It Snow!" magically teaming Wilson's soprano with the voice of the late Bing Crosby; the physical title (CD or 7-inch vinyl) also includes instrumental versions of both aforementioned tracks. Information: laineywilson.com.

Artist: Lady A

Title: On This Winter's Night (Volume 2) 

Tell me more: Lady A's On This Winter's Night (Volume 2) marks the first full-length holiday music collection from the Nashville-forged trio in more than a decade. The 11-track album features a mix of originals and modern-take covers of Christmastime classics. The parade of memorable cuts includes the original harmonies-adorned opener "Wouldn't Be Christmas," sumptuous pop flavored "Winter Wonderland," infectious "Little Saint Nick," gorgeous original "Why We Sing Noel" featuring guest Ricky Skaggs, luxurious "O Holy Night," new wave-tinged take on Paul McCartney's melodic "Wonderful Christmastime," and reverent "Silent Night" featuring guest Chris Tomlin. Information: LadyAMusic.com.

Artist: Rend Collective

Title: Christmas In Belfast (Capitol Christian Music Group)

Tell me more: Northern Ireland-based worship collective Rend Collective has released the aptly-titled Christmas In Belfast, an eight-track album that delivers a rich mix of holiday classics and enticing new originals. Highlights abound on the title including the faith-focused "The Reason," sparse "A Christmas Hymn (to the tune of 'Come Thous Fount')," the Celtic frolic "Christmas in Belfast (Sláinte!)," R&B foray "Room At The Inn," euphoric "A Spontaneous Outburst of Festive Joy" and powerful "Mary Did You Know." Information: rendcollective.com.

Robert Kinsler 

Mumford & Sons share new song and forthcoming album title track "Prizefighter" today

Media release

MUMFORD & SONS SHARE NEW SONG AND FORTHCOMING ALBUM TITLE TRACK “PRIZEFIGHTER” TODAY PRIZEFIGHTER LP OUT FEBRUARY 13 HUGE OUTDOOR DATES FOR LONDON’S BST HYDE PARK, GRONINGEN, ROME + BERLIN ON-SALE NOW   Credit: Conor Cunningham December 11, 2025—Mumford & Sons share “Prizefighter” today, the title-track from their forthcoming sixth album. The song was written alongside Justin Vernon and Aaron Dessner. Listen/share HERE. The new album will be released February 13 via Glassnote Records. The band conclude their lengthy U.S., Europe and U.K. arena tours with a second night at London’s O2 tonight. Mumford & Sons will headline BST Hyde Park in London next July, with tickets on-sale now. The show heralds the band’s first return to Hyde Park in a decade, with support from The War On Drugs. Huge outdoor summer shows in Groningen, Rome and Berlin are also on-sale now. Full details can be found at www.mumfordandsons.com/tour. A mere seven months from the arrival of RUSHMERE, the band’s long anticipated #1 album in March 2025, Mumford & Sons take full advantage of a prolific period of songwriting with another full-length record in quick succession. Co-produced and co-written with The National’s Aaron Dessner, who the band previously worked with on their third record Wilder Mind, Prizefighter captures the band at their most open and instinctive. In just ten days, they’d written more than an album’s worth of songs, and a collection that feels both deeply personal, instinctive and unguardedly communal. Marcus Mumford’s lyrics grapple with resilience and striving, singing with a mix of confidence and urgency. The album sessions were as much about rediscovery as recording. Days spent writing in Hudson cafés and nights spent around Long Pond’s kitchen table gave rise to songs that feel unpolished in the best sense—alive with first takes and the joy of simply making music together again. Re-energized, rejuvenated and in the form of their lives, Prizefighter embraces and reflects that full-strength energy and enthusiasm with 14 songs of light, shade and everything in-between. That openness extended to the studio door too. Mumford & Sons welcomed collaborators into the studio, calling on the likes of Hozier, Gracie Abrams, Chris Stapleton, Gigi Perez, and Dessner himself. Their presence underscored the band’s commitment to community and connection. Listen to the first track shared from the new record, “Rubber Band Man (With Hozier),” HERE. Album artwork PRIZEFIGHTER TRACK LIST 1. Here (with Chris Stapleton) 2. Rubber Band Man (with Hozier) 3. The Banjo Song 4. Run Together 5. Conversation With My Son 6. Alleycat 7. Prizefighter 8. Begin Again 9. Icarus (with Gigi Perez) 10. Stay 11. Badlands (with Gracie Abrams) 12. Shadow Of A Man 13. I’ll Tell You Everything 14. Clover MUMFORD & SONS CONFIRMED TOUR DATES December 11—London, U.K.—The O2* (SOLD OUT) December 27—San Diego, CA—Wild Horses Festival January 8-11—Cancun, Mexico—Out of the Blue Festival February 20-22—Tempe, AZ—Innings Festival July 1—Groningen, Netherlands—Stadspark July 2—Werchter, Belgium—Rock Werchter Festival July 4—London, U.K.—BST Hyde Park# July 7—Rome, Italy—Rock in Roma July 9—Berlin, Germany—Waldbuhne August 1—St. Charles, Iowa—Hinterland Music Festival *with special guest Sierra Ferrell #with special guest The War on Drugs www.mumfordandsons.com

Raul Malo Remembered

Raul Malo performing at The Coach House in
San Juan Capistrano on March 24, 2013.
Photo credit: Kelly A. Swift

Like so many music lovers, I was deeply saddened to hear the news yesterday morning that Mavericks lead singer-guitarist Raul Malo passed away at the age of 60 on Monday, December 8. I first caught Malo at a sold-out concert in Santa Ana on Feb. 27, 1995 with The Mavericks, a performance at the Galaxy Concert Theatre that came on the heels of the release of the band's outstanding 1994 album What a Crying Shame. I was an instant fan of the group and over the years I was fortunate to catch Malo with that American troupe (including their celebrated reunion show at the Stagecoach Festival in 2012) as well as when he performed solo. I credit The Mavericks as one of the seminal artists to introduce me to roots and Americana music 30+ years ago.

One of my most memorable appearances by Malo was when The Mavericks tore the roof off at The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano on March 24, 2013. Check out my review of that show HERE. 

In a statement on the band's social media, The Mavericks wrote: "Anyone with the pleasure of being in Raul's orbit knew that he was a force of human nature, with an infectious energy. Over a career of more than three decades entertaining millions around the globe, his towering creative contributions and unrivaled, generational talent created the kind of multicultural American music reaching far beyond America itself."

Raul Malo performing at The Coach House in 2019.
Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

You can read NPR's coverage of the passing of Malo HERE.

Below is what noted music writer/author Cary Baker ("Down on the Corner: Adventures in Busking and Street Music") wrote and posted on Facebook following the passing of Malo yesterday:

Raul Malo, left, with Cary Baker at the Acrisure
Arena in Palm Desert, CA on July 12, 2025.
Photo courtesy of Cary Baker

"While not a surprise, we were devastated—as were so many—to awaken to the news of Raul Malo's passing. The Miami-born singer, songwriter and guitarist in The Mavericks, Raul was gifted with a resounding voice like no other. The Mavericks will always be noted for their genre-blending alchemy—mixing country, Tex-Mex, rock ’n’ roll, and Latin rhythms into a singular, borderless sound that broadened the horizons of modern Americana.

Since July 2024, Raul had battled Stage 4 colon cancer, and later developed a rare complication called Leptomeningeal disease.

I was privileged to work media for Raul and The Mavericks on most of their albums and tours from about 2010 until 2022 (including a Raul solo album). Raul and I had some great adventures together, a highlight of which was walking him and his fellow Mavs down the Grammy red carpet in 2017 when their album 'A Brand New Day' was nominated. Raul performed at the SXSW day party I co-sponsored. During AmericanaFest 2024, I ran into him; his wife, Betty; and son, Dino, outside a memorial for Mojo Nixon in East Nashville. And this past July 12th, we had the pleasure of seeing The Mavericks on a bill with Dwight Yoakam at Palm Desert's Acrisure Arena. By then, we knew of his health struggles, yet Raul was nothing short of rock-star-like. It was great to see him in peak form a final time, and to say hi backstage (Raul in green shirt and red glasses below). We prayed it wouldn't be the last time.

This past weekend, we watched both nights of the Mavericks' all-star benefit tribute to Raul at the Ryman Auditorium via livestream. It was a joyous celebration of some of the best music of our time. At the same time, it was sad, knowing that Raul and his most incredible band would never play together again. I hope Raul was able to glean a final pleasure in all the heartfelt tributes—spoken and musical—from some of the titans of Americana, including estranged Maverick Rob Reynolds. (I highly recommend viewing it...download the Nugs app.)

My heart goes out to his fellow charter Mavericks (Paul Deakin, Jerry Dale McFadden and Eddie Perez), to his devoted wife Betty, and his three sons (of whom I got to know Dino a bit).

Raul left so much great music and so many great memories behind. Still processing this morning's news. I suspect I will for a while. I love you Raul Malo!"

Robert Kinsler

New music: The Lucky Losers, Radio California

Check out my latest album reviews...

Artist: The Lucky Losers
Title: Arrival (MoMojo Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Mavis Staples, John Nemeth
Tell me more: The Lucky Losers' sixth studio album Arrival is a stellar effort that brings the retro sounds of blues, funk, country blues, 1960's soul, '70s rock and R&B into the here and now. With Cathy Lemons' terrific vocals at the fore, the ensemble of terrific players includes Phil Berkowitz (vocals, harmonica), Chris Burns (keyboards), Simon Govan Smith (guitar), Edgar San Gabriel (bass), drummer Jon Otis and several top-tier guests. Early standouts on the disc include the timely funkified opener "S-C-A-M," delightful harmonica-adorned blues rocker "Sunday Stroller" and powerful "I Believe Her (Because I Am Here)" — the latter a track about the sexual abuse of young girls penned by Lemons. Later highlights include "Sorry Brother" (featuring Berkowitz's masterful harmonica playing), the soulful "My Father's Song" featuring Berkowitz on lead vocals), grooving "Pig Iron Tough" and emotive horns-filled ballad "Don't Let It Slip Away." Information: theluckylosers.com.

Artist: Radio California
Title: Youth (Radio California)

You might like if you enjoy: The Pixies, Husker Dü, Bob Mould
Tell me more: Blending post punk and alt rock stylings with an undeniable amount of melodic songcraft, Radio California's latest album Truth boasts a slew of great tracks. The rousing opener "Antoinette Squad" with its surf rock guitar overtones, the hypnotic noise pop sortie "Keep Jumping," driving "Girls in L.A.," indie rocker "Porcelain Nights," shimmering "Empty Champagne Glass," explosive title cut and dreamy "Rich Girl" are among the outstanding originals on the title. In addition to lead-singer/guitarist Jesse Ojeda, the Southern California-based band includes drummer Jeff Williams, bassist/backing vocalist Daniel Marker and lead guitarist Steve Shoemaker. Information: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100045496762199. 

Robert Kinsler 

Rising country artist Colton Bowlin shares new single "Don't Come Home"

A great new track from rising country music artist Colton Bowlin. Check out the official media release below and listen to the cut "Don't Come Home" via the link below..Robert Kinsler

RISING COUNTRY ARTIST COLTON BOWLIN SHARES NEW SINGLE “DON’T COME HOME”

PRODUCED BY DAVID FERGUSON 

 
press photo credit: Sommer Daniel // single artwork

December 5, 2025—Rising singer, songwriter and musician Colton Bowlin’s new song, “Don’t Come Home,” is out now via Thirty Tigers; listen/share HERE.

Of the track, Bowlin shares, “‘Don’t Come Home’ is a dark tale about betrayal, revenge, and consequence. I often heard tall tales around the feed mill, and this song was imagined in one of those moments.”

Produced by David Ferguson (Tyler Childers, Sturgill Simpson) and written by Colton, the song was recorded live in studio—Bowlin’s first time working within a fully established recording process.

Praised as “a generational talent” by Holler, Bowlin continues to cement himself as one of country music’s most compelling new voices. Raised on the Kentucky–Tennessee state line, Bowlin grew up surrounded by the work ethic and storytelling traditions of small-town life. He spent his days working at his grandfather’s feed mill and his nights writing songs, drawing early inspiration from the old-timers he grew up around. Rooted in classic country and shaped by a wide range of influences, Bowlin writes with an honest focus on love, family, faith and finding your way through change. In 2024, Bowlin self- released his debut album, Songs From The Holler, and has since shared the stage with artists such as Hank Williams Jr., Colby Acuff, Whiskey Myers, Ashley McBryde and Brent Cobb.

COLTON BOWLIN TOUR DATES

December 20—Pineville, KY—Bell Theatre* (SOLD OUT)

June 26—Lexington, KY—Railbird Festival

*with The Creekers

www.coltonbowlin.com

Rock Music Gift Guide: Neil Young, Oasis, Record Plant Studios, Photographer Dennis Morris

In this column I highlight a notable deluxe reissue from Neil Young, as well as three outstanding coffee table hardcover books of interest to music fans.

Artist: Neil Young
Title: Tonight's The Night: 50th Anniversary Edition (Warner/Reprise Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, Nils Lofgren
Tell me more: Fans of Neil Young, classic rock and modern-day Americana will all have a myriad of reasons to appreciate receiving a copy of the new remastered 50th Anniversary Edition of Young's 1975 album Tonight's The Night (the album was originally recorded on analog tape in 1973, and released two years later). To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the masterwork, six bonus tracks have been added to the title. The diverse range of material on the first half of the collection includes the haunting title track, bluesy "Speakin' Out," the deeply affecting piano- and harmonica-adorned "Borrowed Time," the gentle "Mellow My Mind," and countrified "Roll Another Number (For The Road)." The magic of the expanded set continues via stellar tracks including the dream-swept Americana folk rocker "Albuquerque," emotive "Tired Eyes," previously-unreleased original version of "Walk On," tender Gram Parsons-flavored "Wonderin'," and melodic Southern rock mining "Raised on Robbery (featuring Joni Mitchell) — the latter three cuts among the bonus tracks included on the collection. The 50th Anniversary Deluxe limited edition of Tonight's The Night is now available on vinyl, audio CD and digitally. Information: neilyoungarchives.com.

Rock 'n' Roll Reads

Title: Oasis: Trying To Find A Way Out Of Nowhere (1994-2009/2025)

Authors: Jill Furmanovsky and Noel Gallagher

Publisher: Thames & Hudson

Hardcover: 304 pages
Tell me more: Oasis: Trying To Find A Way Out Of Nowhere chronicles the band Oasis through the skillful lens of photographer Jill Furmanovsky from the 1994 "Definitely Maybe" tour to the tumultuous 2009 "Dig Out Your Soul" tour and the band's triumphant 2025 return. The wonderful hardcover features more than 500 photographs, many of which appear in the volume for the very first time. In addition to Furmanovsky's signature images, Oasis singer-songwriter/guitarist Noel Gallagher penned the book foreword while Furmanovsky wrote an introduction; there are also three informative pieces by author Simon Spence, publicist and writer Johnny Hopkins, and music columnist Laura Barton that revisit Oasis' early, mid and late eras. Information: thamesandhudson.com.

Title: Buzz Me In: Inside the Record Plant Studios

Authors: Martin Porter and David Goggin

Publisher: Thames & Hudson

Hardcover: 352 pages
Tell me more: Buzz Me In: Inside the Record Plant Studios offers a deep dive into the most notable and important recording studios of the 1970s. Authors Martin Porter and David Goggin — both veteran music journalists — used the memoirs and archives of studio cofounder Chris Stone, as well as interviews with more than 100 studio employees, music producers and recording artists to chronicle one of rock music's most seminal decades. From the Record Plant Studios' inception with the groundbreaking Jimi Hendrix recordings in the late 1960s to memorable '70s sessions with the celebrated likes of John Lennon, Stevie Wonder, David Bowie, the Eagles and Fleetwood Mac, the insightful writing and archival images brings album rock's golden era to life. Information: thamesandhudson.com.

Title: Dennis Morris Music + Life
Authors: Photographer Dennis Morris; text contributions by Stuart Hall, Sean O'Hagan, and Simon Baker & Shear Mavlian

Publisher: Thames & Hudson

Hardcover: 272 pages

Tell me more: A retrospective of the amazing career of celebrated British photographer Dennis Morris, Music + Life is the first ever volume that combines Morris' incredible portraits of countless music legends (Bob Marley, the Sex Pistols, Grace Jones, Oasis, the Stone Roses and many more) as well as documentary-styled images examining race, culture and identity in 1970s Great Britain. Information: thamesandhudson.com.

Robert Kinsler