After a bit of a lull over the last couple of weeks there is an abundance of new record riches to be savored this week. The Stray Cats are back after more than 25 years with an album that yes, sounds pretty much like the Stray Cats. The Waterboys continue to strongly represent, and the great Mavis Staples gives us probably the most socially aware set of the week. Here are five tasty morsels that are demanding our ear time.
Sean Nelson – Nelson Sings Nilsson
Sean Nelson, you know him as the voice behind Harvey Danger and “Flagpole Sitta” gives us a tremendously eclectic set of Harry Nilsson covers on Nelson Sings Nelson. There is no “Coconut”and indeed not a “Without You” to be found. The classic “Everybody’s Talking” doesn’t even make an appearance here. With “Gotta Get Up” from Nilsson Shmilsson probably the most popular tune being covered along with with obscure deep cut gems the likes of “Turn On Radio” from Son of Shmilsson and “I’ll Never Leave You” make this a collection worth savoring.
Justin Townes Earle – The Saint if Lost Causes
Steve Earles’s Son Justin Townes Earle is back with another solid set of introspective songs. This time, turning to more expansive road themes instead of the deeply person familial portraits he shared on his last two records, the results are equally impressive.
Frankie Lee – Stillwater
While his previous album American Dreamer seemed to focus on escapism and self-destruction, Frankie Lee’s latest, Stillwater, is all about redemption and returning to your roots.
The Amazons – Future Dust
This Reading, England four piece continues to produce ready made arena savvy anthems.
Echo in the Canyon (feat. Jakob Dylan)- Various artists
Echo in the Canyon is the soon to be released movie detailing the Laurel Canyon music scene of the 60’s. The soundtrack features an all-star selection of musicians with Jakob Dylan serving as the house band. Highlights are everywhere but the real winners are “In My Room” with Fiona Apple, “I Just Wasn’t Made For These Times” featuring Neil Young, and “You Showed Me” with Cat Power. Tremendous stuff, indeed.
It definitely is a slow week when a new Dionne Warwick album and an instrumental covers record from Jimmy Webb are worthy of note, but fear not. We did manage to come up with five pretty cool albums that were released this week.
After making a name for herself as one half of The Twilight Hotel, guitar goddess Brandy Zdan moved to Austin, and after spending some time with the all-girl Americana band The Trisha’s, released her debut solo record in 2018.
Things are picking up this week, albeit only slightly. Sammy Hagar and the Circle has released a new record to the sound of one hand clapping, Canadian songstress Lydia Ainsworth is front and center, and the Japanese Post Punk band Guitar Wolf is front and center with their record, Love & Jett. Here are five of our favorites.
Rock Is The New Roll 