Catching up on 2019 with impressive returns, special sets

The arrival of Christmas means the year is quickly drawing to a close. Here are some standout titles of 2019 that I had somehow missed upon their initial release that are well worth adding to your music library.

Artist: Kiefer Sutherland
Title: Reckless & Me (BMG)
You might like if you enjoy: Merle Haggard, Michael Ubaldini, Johnny Cash
Tell me more: Although Kiefer Sutherland's outstanding Jude Cole-produced debut Down in a Hole was among my favorite albums of 2016, I somehow missed the release of the famed actor-musician's sophomore album when it was released back in April 2019 (I'll blame it on my Coachella-related duties). Well, I've finally had a chance to listen to Reckless & Me and I'm kicking myself that I didn't wrap my ears around this 10-track LP sooner. All the honest real life tales and authentic traditional country music elements that made Sutherland's debut a thrill are firmly in place this time around as well with the raspy-voiced singer demonstrating even more confidence with his signature vocals. Take "Saskatchewan," whose stirring arc includes an otherworldly musical intro, beautifully-delivered spoken word and sung sections as well as poignant literate verses worthy of the genre's greatest icons. The honky tonk gem "This is How It's Done," Leon Russell-flavored romp "Run to Him," evocative "Song for a Daughter," enthralling "Open Road," genre-busting "Agave" and countrified rock take on the 1993 Patty Loveless hit "Blame It On Your Heart" are as artistically rich as they are unquestionably listenable. One of the year's best. Information: KieferSutherland.net.

Artist: Hootie & the Blowfish
Title: Imperfect Circle (Capitol Nashville)
You might like if you enjoy: Hootie & the Blowfish, Carbon Leaf, Darius Rucker
Tell me more: It had been nearly 15 years since Hooties & the Blowfish last released a new album when Imperfect Circle was issued at the beginning of November. Fans of the South Carolina-spawned quartet's infectious blend of melodic alt and country-tinged rock will not be disappointed with this long-awaited return. The magic and innate gift the band has for creating instantly-memorable and inviting jangly roots rock is featured across the 13-track disc. The bouncy "New Year's Day," captivating "Wildfire Love" (featuring guest singer Lucie Silvas), reggae-flavored "Turn It Up," reflective "Why" and buoyant heartland rocker "Rollin' " are among the top-tier cuts on the LP. Singer Darius Rucker's rich baritone is as potent as when it was first heard on Hootie & the Blowfish's 1994 debut album Cracked Rear View. The talents of guitarist-backing vocalist Mark Bryan, bassist Dean Felber and drummer Jim Sonefeld provide nuanced musicality to the set, making this an essential listen for fans of the group. Information: hootie.com.

Artist: Andy Hill & Renee Safier
Title: Fuse32 (Andy Hill & Renee Safier)
You might like if you enjoy: Fleetwood Mac
Tell me more: Fixtures on the Southern California music scene, Andy Hill  & Renee Safier, have just issued their 16th audio CD title, Fuse32. The talented duo's wide-ranging sonic spirit extends from uptempo classic rock-styled material to affecting ballads. It is the diversity of material, their wonderful voices (whether solo and or when harmonizing together) and their ability to tap into compelling songwriting traditions that make the album such a great listen. The riff rocker "Jack (Get Me Out of the Hole)," electronic-draped "It's Fine," Bob Dylan-worthy "Blood On The Tracks," the country tearjerker "I Fall Apart" (showcasing Safier's lovely soprano), opulent "Great Big Light" and ambitious roots rocker "Fuse32" are among the excellent songs on the album. Information: andyandrenee.com.

Artists: Culture, Gladiators, the Mighty Diamonds, more
Title: Send I a Lion: A Nighthawk Reggae Joint (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: Morwells, Wailing Souls, Culture
Tell me more: Reggae lovers will want to fully immerse themselves in the 20-track compilation Send I A Lion: A Nighthawk Reggae Joint. The new title gathers together Nighthawk Records founder/producer Leroy Jodie Pierson's favorite roots reggae tracks from that vital label. The range of material is bound by strong songwriting and strong production bringing out the vocals and musicians. The material is uniformly strong; my favorites on the disc include Culture's hypnotic "Calling Rastafari," Justin Hinds and the Dominoes' tender "Weeping Eyes," the Mighty Diamonds' alluring "4000 Years," celebratory horns-adorned "Bless Our Soul courtesy of the Gladiators, and Morwells' pop-tinted "Young Lover." Of particular interest is a previously-unissued demo where the Mighty Diamonds perform the aforementioned "4000 Years," where Bunny Diamond is providing the rhythm played on the back of a phone book! The retrospective contains detailed liner notes and photos from Pierson's collection adding depth to the wonderful release. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.


Robert Kinsler

Andrew McMahon's 'Winter in the Wilderness' leads him home

Andrew McMahon at The Coach House on Dec. 19, 2019.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

Who: Andrew McMahon, Ivory Layne
Where: The Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, CA
When: Thursday, December 19, 2019
Information: andrewmcmahon.com


Review by Robert Kinsler

Photography by Bob Steshetz

Few artists have blended power pop, indie rock and classic song craft with the grace, power and confidence of singer-songwriter-pianist Andrew McMahon.

First as the leader of pop punk champions Something Corporate (1998-2006) before founding Jack's Mannequin in 2004 and subsequently performing under the moniker of Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness beginning in 2014, the Dana Hills High School graduate has carved a musical path firmly anchored by his memorable and deeply-affecting songs.

Over the course of 105 magical minutes on Thursday night (Dec. 19, 2019), McMahon delivered an exhilarating mostly-solo concert before a capacity crowd of adoring fans at the Coach House in San Juan Capistrano. This was truly a hometown show for McMahon; the Coach House was the first major venue to host a concert from McMahon and his Something Corporate band mates, and the artist lives in nearby Dana Point.

"I'll tell you what, this is where it all began," said McMahon, noting he was a senior in high school when the band performed at the venue in September 1999. 

When McMahon came out on stage at 9 p.m. sharp, he was greeted by thunderous cheers. The festive atmosphere was enhanced by a stage decorated with a Christmas tree on one side and several stockings positioned on a decorative replica of a fireplace mantel shelf where they were hung with care. 

He quickly launched into the beautiful "Caves," a song from his 2008 Jack's Mannequin album The Glass Passenger that offered an honest and striking look at his own battle with cancer (acute lymphoblastic leukemia) following the diagnosis in late 2005. The song found him excavating beautiful notes one moment and unleashing sonic thunder the next from the Baldwin piano that was his constant companion this night.

While "Caves" wouldn't be the only song to deal with such serious material, this was definitely a night about celebration. Indeed, McMahon's next selection ("Fire Escape") was bolstered by a rousing sing-along. The euphoric "Holiday From Real," decidedly darker "I Want to Save You" (with McMahon's wonderful vocals showcased) and reworked take on his joyful "High Dive" were other early-set standouts."Ohio" showcased how McMahon is a master at blending vivid lyrical imagery with compelling storytelling over the course of a song, with the added bonus he can deliver these mini-epics with additional power on a concert stage.

Another powerful song performed in the first half of the set was "The Resolution," another track that addressed the artist's battle with cancer. Seated at his piano and singing out the potent line "I'm Alive / I don't need a witness" was particularly powerful. Even sans backing band, McMahon's talents at the piano and his top-tier vocals provided an all-embracing performance that was palpable.

This was an audience that was engaged from the start, often singing or clapping along in ways that enhanced McMahon's stirring approach. 

McMahon noted he has only written one Christmas song - and this being the holiday season – it was the perfect time to hear the artist talk about the events that gave rise to the creation of 2005's "The Light and Buzz" (he wrote the chorus in his head while recovering in a hospital room). His performance was powerful, with the acoustic piano providing a rich warmth to the yuletide cut.

Ivory Layne, left, with Andrew McMahon at The Coach House.

Nashville-based songstress Ivory Layne – who had kicked off the special night with a 30-minute set of original acoustic-flavored material – joined McMahon during the latter part of his regular set and for part of the encore. The two artists' voices are definitely a perfect fit, and the audience loved those moments for sure (one fan next to me yelled out for the two to record an album together; I'd vote for that too).



The two first sang together on "Dead Man's Dollar," a track off McMahon's 2017 disc Zombies on Broadway. The studio's big choruses didn't suffer from the sparse arrangement; Layne and McMahon lifted their voices triumphantly and the crowd clapped along during key moments. Their harmonies added additional sway.

The wistful "Paper Rain," Jack's Mannequin gem "Dark Blue" and a cover of the Cyndi Lauper hit "Time After Time" were similarly boosted by their tandem talents. 

McMahon ended the regular set alone with his piano, reworking Something Corporate's 2002 alternative rock favorite "I Woke Up in a Car" and his shining 2014 hit "Cecilia and the Satellite" as acoustic showcases.

The wonderful encore was icing on the party to be sure, with a short take on Something Corporate's "Konstantine" and full-length "Walking By" leading up to another duet with Layne (the uptempo "Walking in My Sleep") and night-ending "La La Lie," the latter sing-along-anchored closer preceded by McMahon telling everyone "Thank you for welcoming me home."  


Make sure to read writer George A. Paul's terrific preview of the 'Winter in the Wilderness' concert event on his Music Minded blog here.







Andrew McMahon 'Winter in the Wilderness' Setlist at The Coach House

1. Caves (Jack's Mannequin cover)
2. Fire Escape
3. Holiday From Real (Jack's Mannequin cover)
4. I Want to Save You (Something Corporate cover)
5. High Dive
6. Ohio
7. Cavanaugh Park (Something Corporate cover)
8. The Resolution (Jack's Mannequin cover)
9  The Lights and Buzz (Jack's Mannequin cover)
10. So Close
11. Watch the Sky (Something Corporate cover)
12. Dead Man's Dollar (duet with Ivory Layne)
13. Paper Rain (duet with Ivory Layne)
14. Dark Blue (Jack's Mannequin cover - duet with Ivory Layne)
15. Time After Time (Cyndi Lauper cover - duet with Ivory Layne)
16. I Woke Up in a Car (Something Corporate cover)
17. Cecilia and the Satellite

Encore
18. Konstantine (Something Corporate cover)
19. Walking By (Something Corporate cover)
20. Walking in My Sleep (duet with Ivory Layne)
21. La La Lie (Jack's Mannequin cover)

Our Favorite 100 Songs: TJR & Robert Kinsler - Songs #46 - #50

On the latest episode of their "Favorite 100 Songs of All Time" series, TJR and Robert Kinsler each discuss songs #46 - #50. 

Long-awaited masterworks cap stellar 2019

Three of rock's finest artists are back with essential new collections that should be on every rock music lover's list.

Artist: Coldplay
Title: Everyday Life (Atlantic/Parlophone)
You might like if you enjoy: Coldplay, U2, Doves
Tell me more: As seems to be the case every time Coldplay releases a new album, there has been plenty of dissension and debate among fans about whether the British band's long-awaited album Everyday Life merits its ambitions. This is one music lover who firmly believes the 16-track album delivers on the four-year wait (Coldplay's previous studio LP A Head Full of Dreams was released back in December 2015). Although Coldplay's eighth studio disc Everyday Life qualifies as a concept album and is comprised of two fully-developed parts (the first half is dubbed "Sunrise" while the last half is "Sunset") it does play out over a single audio CD disc. The musically-diverse field of songs find the band (singer-keyboardist Chris Martin, guitarist Jonny Buckland, bassist Guy Berryman, drummer Will Champion) looking at the joy and beauty of life, as well as the ugliness and challenges of everyday life across the 53+ minutes of music. The expansive soundscape extends from the instrumental opener "Sunrise," inspired "Church," intimate "Daddy" and gospel-adorned "BrokEn" to driving horn section-bolstered "Arabesque" help propel the first half of the record. The rage-filled "Guns," meditative "Èkó," gentle "Old Friends" and resplendent "Champion of the World" are among the impressive tracks on the last half of the LP. The band's daring arrangements, nuanced performances and use of guest players and singers only escalate the magic of Everyday Life.  lnformation: Coldplay.com.

Artist: The Who
Title: WHO (Interscope)
You might like if you enjoy: The Who, Roger Daltrey, Pete Townshend
Tell me more: Anyone fearing that 2006's less-than-perfect album Endless Wire might be The Who's final full-length artistic statement needs to hear the band's eponymous 12th studio album released earlier this month. "WHO" is the band's best album since 1982's It's Hard, and is remarkable on every level – in fact it is one of the best albums of 2019. Roger Daltrey's lead vocals sound fantastic and the tracks explode musically in support of the inspired arrangements and sharp lyrics; guitarist-singer Pete Townshend, drummer Zak Starkey, and other musicians on the disc (notably keyboardist Benmont Tench who guests on three tracks) are locked in everywhere. This being a Who album, there are plenty of fiery rockers and reflective turns. "All This Music Must Fade," "Detour," "Rockin' In Rage," and the mid-tempo "Hero Ground Zero" explode with every listen; the soul-searching "Beads On One String" the lush "Street Song" and sweeping "Break The News" are absolutely beautiful. The jazz-tinged "She Rocked My World" is among the more experimental material on the disc. A deluxe edition of the album available at Target stores includes three must-hear bonus tracks ("This Gun Will Misfire," "Got Nothing to Prove," "Danny and My Ponies") that augment a brilliant release.  Information: TheWho.com.

Artist: Simple Minds
Title: Live in the City of Angels – deluxe edition (BMG)
You might like if you enjoy: U2, Coldplay, Big Country
Tell me more: Even casual fans of Scottish rockers Simple Minds will love the deluxe edition of Live in the City of Angels, a 4-disc audio collection recorded during the band's 2018 North America Tour. The first two discs features the band's full-length concert captured at the Orpheum Theatre in Los Angeles on Oct. 24, 2018. Fans of Simple Minds' enduring '80s hits ("Don't You Forget About Me," "Alive and Kicking," "Sanctify Yourself") get all those songs delivered with power and force, as well as deep cuts and brilliant new material (particularly "The Signal and the Noise," "Dirty Old Town" and "Walk Between Worlds"). Founding members singer Jim Kerr and guitarist Charlie Burchill are joined by a talented cast of musicians and backing singer Sarah Brown in bringing the wealth and range of songs to live via the recording, which is one of the best-sounding concert recordings this writer has ever heard. Discs 3 and 4 feature a myriad of bonus tracks recorded at various sound checks and rehearsals; my favorite is a fantastic take on the Call's 1989 hit single "Let the Day Begin." Information: amazon.com.


Robert Kinsler

Sights and Sounds: The Who, ZZ Top, First Aid Kit, Steve Forbert

Going into the weekend, lots of cool music news to share...Robert Kinsler

Check out Music Worth Buying co-host TJR's comprehensive review of The Who's new album WHO. The album was released on Dec. 6, 2019 and is the British band's first new studio album in more than 13 years!




Speaking of The Who, check out this interesting Rock Cellar article linked here where Roger Daltrey's discusses WHO and the band's legacy.



And check out this exciting media release about a new ZZ Top concert film coming in late February!

'ZZ Top: That Little Ol' Band From Texas' 

~EAGLE VISION TO ISSUE DVD, BLU-RAY & DIGITALLY FEBRUARY 28, 2020~

VIEW TRAILER HERE

ZZ Top’s big, brazen blues-rock, combined with a surrealist charisma that continues to intrigue fans, catapulted the band into worldwide stardom. Their history is deeply explored in ZZ Top: That Little Ol’ Band From Texas, which will be released via Eagle Rock Entertainment on DVD, Blu-ray and digitally on February 28, 2020. The release is available along with exclusive That Little Ol’ Band merchandise bundles from https://smarturl.it/ZZTopDoc now.

Produced by the award-winning Banger Films (Super Duper Alice Cooper; Peabody/ International Emmy award-winning Netflix series Hip-Hop Evolution), ZZ Top: That Little Ol’ Band From Texas, presented through the unique Banger Films lens, delivers the story of this power trio in an artistic style that complements the distinctive ZZ Top vibe. Originally premiered at a sold-out showing at the Cinerama Dome in Hollywood earlier this year, the film experienced a successful 10-week theatrical run via 150 screens nationally.

It unveils the story of three teenage blues musicians: guitarist Billy F Gibbons, bassist Dusty Hill, and drummer Frank Beard, as they went on to become international sensations. The film traces ZZ Top’s rich legacy, from their bar gig beginnings to their defining MTV era and meteoric rise to fame. In addition to interviews with the band members, the disc features conversations with such high-profile fans as Billy Bob Thornton and Joshua Homme (Queens Of the Stone Age), as well as never-before-seen archival footage. Shot exclusively for this film, an intimate ZZ Top performance at the historic Gruene Hall – the oldest dance hall in Texas – is intercut throughout the documentary.

Alongside the film, the DVD & Blu-ray also includes two live performance segments. 18 minutes of the Gruene Hall performance, along with the Ham Estate Archive, which spotlights rare pre-Eliminator ZZ Top concert footage from 1976 and 1981, complete the set.

Currently celebrating their half-century career with extensive tours of both Europe and North America, ZZ Top continues to inspire fans 50 years after their inception. That Little Ol’ Band From Texas takes a deep dive into the band’s history that’s truly an interesting ride.

TRACKLISTING
None – documentary (90 minutes)

Extras:
Gruene Hall Bonus Performances (18 minutes):
Shuffle In C / Fannie Mae
La Grange
Brown Sugar
Blue Jean Blues

Ham Estate Archives Bonus Performances (17 minutes):
Thunderbird
Tush
Beer Drinkers & Hell Raisers
I’m Bad, I’m Nationwide
Manic Mechanic

ZZ Top Official Site

Official Film Site

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From left, Maja Francis, Johanna Söderberg and Klara Söderberg.

First Aid Kit stopped by Swedish radio station Musikhjälpen and joined Maja Francis for a performance of Roxette’s “It Must Have Been Love” in honor of the late Marie Fredriksson. Listen here. First Aid Kit says: “We wanted to perform this song as a tribute to Marie and her magic." A beautiful and moving version of the classic 1986 song to be sure.

A little more than 43 years ago, Meridian, MS, native Steve Forbert boarded a train bound for New York City. Twenty-one years old at the time, Forbert, with his guitar and harmonica, spent two years working his way up from street performer living at the YMCA to filling historic Greenwich Village clubs and signing a major label contract. By 1979, Forbert had hit his stride with the release of Jackrabbit Slim, which produced his first top 40 hit, “Romeo’s Tune.” Today, a limited edition vinyl reissue of Jackrabbit Slim, remastered by the legendary Ted Jensen of Sterling Sound (The Eagles, The B-52s, Dave Matthews, Norah Jones) is available via Blue Rose Music. A special 500 copies were pressed on red-colored wax; only a few are left and available for purchase here. Forbert recently played fan favorites from Jackrabbit Slim with his band The New Renditions at the SiriusXM studio for Outlaw Country and is set to embark on an East Coast tour in January.

 

In addition to “Romeo’s Tune,” Jackrabbit Slim introduced the world to Forbert’s Mississippi instincts and catchy-but-deep rock and roll tunes. From the rollicking “Say Goodbye To Little Jo” to the almost-reggae-tinged “Complications” to the straight-ahead folk of “January 23-30, 1978,” Jackrabbit Slim spans Forbert’s early creative potential, all while entertaining different types of listeners. “Jackrabbit Slim was the release that put me on the map and gave me the audience that’s still with me today,” says Forbert. “Every singer/songwriter needs one of these!” 

 

Artists like Keith Urban, Rosanne Cash, and Marty Stuart have covered songs from Jackrabbit Slim and Forbert’s extensive 20 album catalog. And in 2017, twenty-one artists paid tribute to Steve by recording An American Troubadour: The Songs of Steve Forbert, further validating the quality of Forbert’s musicianship, writing, and profound contributions to Americana and Folk music.

 

In late October, The Mississippi Arts Commission announced that Forbert will be honored as the “Excellence in Music” recipient at the 2020 Governor’s Arts Awards. Taking place on February 6, 2020, in downtown Jackson, Mississippi, the Governor’s Arts Awards recognize outstanding work in the artistic disciplines as well as arts-based community development and arts patronage in Mississippi.

Pet Shop Boys new album 'Hotspot' out January 24 via x2 Records/Kobalt, deluxe edition cassette + 2-disc CD to be released

Cool news that the Pet Shop Boys are set to return with a new album! You can also reach back in time and read my concert review of the Pet Shop Boys' performance at Coachella Weekend 2 in April 2014 here.

Pet Shop Boys' new album 'Hotspot' due January 24, 2020 via x2 Records/Kobalt 

DELUXE EDITION CASSETTE & 2-DISC CD
TO BE RELEASED

Photo credit: Phil Fisk

Pet Shop Boys new album Hotspot is out January 24 via x2 Records/Kobalt. Listen to new album track “Burning the heather” HERE. The album will also be available to purchase on cassette and 2-disc deluxe CD, which includes an instrumental version of the full record on the second disc; pre-order HERE.

“We’ve written much of our music over the last ten years in Berlin and it was an exciting experience to work on this album in the legendary Hansa studios there and add a new dimension to our sound,” Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe say of the album. 

Hotspot was primarily written and recorded in Berlin and Los Angeles. The album was produced and mixed by Stuart Price (marking the third PSB album Price has produced, following Super (2016) and Electric (2013). 

Hotspot – Tracklist
1. Will-o-the-wisp
2. You are the one
3. Happy people
4. Dreamland (feat. Years & Years)
5. Hoping for a miracle
6. I don’t wanna
7. Monkey business
8. Only the dark
9. Burning the heather
10. Wedding in Berlin

PET SHOP BOYS TOUR

May 1	Mercedes Benz Arena	Berlin
May 2	König-Pilsener	Oberhausen
May 5	Forest National Arena	Brussels
May 6	AFAS Live	Amsterdam
May 8	Leipzig Arena	Leipzig
May 10	Porsche Arena	Stuttgart
May 12	Gasometer	Vienna
May 19	Olympiahalle	Munich
May 20	Jahrhunderthalle	Frankfurt
May 22	Barclaycard Arena	Hamburg
May 24	Torwar Arena	Warsaw
May 28	The O2	London
May 29	Manchester Arena	Manchester
May 30	Resorts World Arena	Birmingham
June 2	BIC Arena	Bournemouth
June 3	Motorpoint Arena	Cardiff
June 5	Utilita Arena	Newcastle
June 6	SSE Hydro	Glasgow
June 17	Ericsson Globe	Stockholm
June 19	OverOslo	Oslo

Blue Öyster Cult thrills capacity crowd at the Coach House

Blue Öyster Cult performing at the Coach House on Dec. 7, 2019. Pictured from left, Eric Bloom,
Richie Castellano,  Donald 'Buck Dharma' Roeser and Danny Miranda.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

Blue Öyster Cult, Justin Abrams & Beyond Conception
Where: The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano, CA
When: Saturday, Dec. 7, 2019
Next: http://blueoystercult.com

After seeing Blue Öyster Cult tear it up in front of a capacity crowd at the Coach House in San Juan Capistrano on Saturday night (Dec. 7, 2019), this writer was reminded (yet again!) why the band is one of the most influential and talented American rock groups to emerge out of the late 1960s. Yet while the New York-spawned troupe has sold more than 24 million records worldwide, contributed to the music video revolution in the early 1980s and continues to regularly tour, they have sadly never been nominated for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. 

Richie Castellano unleashing a solo at the Coach House.

But I predict history will land squarely on the side of BÖC, whose current lineup includes founding members Donald "Buck Dharma" Roeser (lead vocals, lead guitar) and Eric Bloom (guitar, keyboards, lead vocals) along with long-time lead guitarist/keyboardist Richie Castellano, bassist-backing singer Danny Miranda and drummer Jules Radino. 

The band's 100-minute concert at the Coach House featured a stellar setlist featuring all their best-known radio hits, as well as deep cuts extending as far back as BÖC's 1972 self-titled debut album through the group's 1998 LP Heaven Forbid.

Buck Dharma conjuring up genuine magic during a sold out concert
at the Coach House in San Juan Capistrano, CA on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2019.

After coming out on stage at 9:15 p.m., the band unleashed the enduring rocker "The Red & the Black," Bloom handling lead vocals while Dharma displayed the first of many impressive guitar solos that would be showcased this night.

Eric Bloom at the Coach House.

BÖC's style may be rooted in progressive rock and early heavy metal, but trying to use any simple label to categorize the band is at odds with their rousing, wide-ranging performance in Orange County. Indeed, the quintet opened up "Golden Age of Leather" with a full-on a cappella segment where four members sang without any instrumental accompaniment to introduce the song. Dharma's strong lead vocals came amidst a creative and ambitious six-minute early standout.

"Burnin' for You" was one of the first great rock songs of the 1980s (as was the song's music video that received heavy rotation on MTV when the station premiered in 1981) and retains its magic decades later. On Saturday, the infectious track was bolstered by shining vocal harmonies and a driving edge layered with winning guitar textures. 

"Harvest Moon" was another standout with Bloom's keyboards and Dharma's expressive lead guitar work adding a sense of mystery to the song. At one point Dharma's guitar work was played sans backing from anyone else before the full band came in and his solo became more aggressive. Then Castellano did a solo before their lead work came in tandem for a dramatic explosion of sound.

Every selection performed offered an opportunity to catch another element of BÖC's progressive reach; "E.T.I. (Extra Terrestrial Intelligence)" blended hard rock and sumptuous harmonies; "Tattoo Vampire" juxtaposed Cheap Trick-styled power pop and Iggy Pop alt rock; "Godzilla" was a fun audience favorite with monster sound effects, an audience sing-along, Dharma's guitar sliding on a microphone stand and Miranda's bass solo among the far-flung details in play.

BÖC Drummer Jules Radino at the Coach House.

"(Don't Fear) The Reaper" is the band's best-known song and its performance was a highlight at the Coach House. Introducing the favorite with an extended Dharma solo, Castellano's textured keyboards and Radino's drums were subliminally added. The classic rocker itself was a wonder with its haunting soundscape coupled with virtuoso musicianship, masterful fret work and sharp vocal harmonies.

A 15-minute encore was a chance for BÖC to delve even deeper into their discography, performing "Flaming Telepaths," "Hot Rails to Hell" and the playful "Cities on Flame with Rock and Roll," the latter coming with an epic false ending that made the subsequent real finish all the stronger.

Opening for BÖC was local group Justin Abrams & Beyond Conception. Although a cover of Elton John's "Bennie and the Jets" was didn't resonate with me the outfit's originals were plenty of fun. The loose garage rocker "Stix & Stones" and New York-flavored rocker "Rip It Off" were particularly memorable. 

Review by Robert Kinsler

Photography by Bob Steshetz

Blue Öyster Cult performing at the Coach House on Dec. 7, 2019. Pictured from left,
Richie Castellano,  Eric Bloom, Donald 'Buck Dharma' Roeser, Jules Radino and Danny Miranda. 
Photo: Bob Steshetz

Blue Öyster Cult setlist at the Coach House on Saturday, December 7, 2019

Buck Dharma (guitar) and
Eric Bloom (keyboards) at the
Coach House on Dec. 7, 2019.

1. The Red & the Black 
2. Golden Age of Leather
3. Career of Evil
4. Burnin' for You
5. ME 262
6. Harvest Moon
7. Dancin' in the Ruins
8. E.T.I. (Extra Terrestrial Intelligence)
9. Buck's Boogie
10. Then Came the Last Days of May
11. Tattoo Vampire
12. Godzilla
13. Guitar solo (Buck Dharma)
14. (Don't Fear) The Reaper
ENCORE
15. Flaming Telepaths
16. Hot Rails to Hell
17. Cities on Flame with Rock and Roll