The year is cranking right along quite nicely. Caroline Rose has moved from her Americana roots to come up with a highly excellent Pop record. Mandy Moore is taking a break from her turn on This Us Us to put out a record, and even the venerable Swamp Dogg is front and center this week. Here are five choice morsels that we like this week.
Rose Tatoo – Outlaws
We are cheating a bit here as this album is essentially a re-recording of an earlier Rose Tattoo album, but what the hell, this is Faces, Stones inspired Rose Tattoo in all its Rock and Roll glory.
Cornershop – England Is A Garden
Sure, these guy are generally thought of as a one hit wonder band with the hit single “Brimful of Asha”, but the reality is that they are a solid Rock and Roll band. With their first release in five years their British Pop sound is as bouncy and joyful as ever.
Jonathan Wilson – Dixie Blur
The hills of Laurel Canyon are well represented on Dixie Blur, the latest record from Pop artist Jonathan Wilson. From the wistful throwback vibe of “’69 Corvette” to the rollicking Bob Wills inspired “In Heaven Making Love” there is a new gem to be discovered around every turn.
Swamp Dogg – Sorry You Couldn’t Make It
The original D-O double G having held the moniker decades before Snoop Dogg, cult icon Swamp Dogg blends Country, Blues, and Soul for the most accessible record of his career. The two John Prine collaborations are really special and hearing “Don’t Take Her (She’s All I Got) sung by the guy that wrote it is truly next level.
Brandy Clark – Your Life Is A Record
Having written hits for the likes of Miranda Lambert, Reba McEntire, and Kacey Musgraves, Brandy Clark does her best work when she steps out on her own. The warm ’80s Ladies texture of this record goes down as smooth as Tennessee whiskey.