Five Cool Ones – Page 3 – Rock Is The New Roll

Five Cool Ones: Five New Albums Released This Week (November 1, 2024)

Careening towards the end of the year, there is a bevy of great music to bathe our ears in.

The Nude Party is bubbling up with their unique take on the Laurel Canyon sound.

Newcomers Velvet Rush are setting the stage to be factors in 2025.

And, Los Lonely Boys are now touring promoting their aptly named record Resurrection.

But, don’t go to sleep just yet. Here are five new records to savor this week.

Warren Haynes – Million Voices Whisper

It has been ten years since his last solo trip around the sun with the highly recommended excellent Ashes and Dust released in 2014 after all he is an adopted son in the Allman Brothers family and has his active band in Gov’t Mule, so he has been sort of busy.

And Now, with guest drop-ins from Derek Trucks, Lukas Nelson and Jamey Johnson, Haynes has crafted one of the best records in his career.

With songs already written that had less of a Southern Rock vibe to them that did not fit the Govt’ Mule essence, Haynes culled them from the herd for his solo project.

“Real,Real Love with Duane Allman worthy slide work courtesy of Derek Trucks plays like a Bonnie Raitt ballad, the politically motivated Day Of Reckoning” is completed with a chorus that includes Haynes, Lukas Nelson and Jamey Johnson, and “Hall Of Future Saints” is a blues marvel that name checks Ray Charles, James Brown and Elmore James among others.

Welcome Home Warren Haynes.

The Virginmarys – The House Beyond The Fires

Part Punk, lots of Rock with a bit of blues sprinkled in, guitar player Ally along with drummer and husband Danny Dolan make some beautiful noise together with their band The Virginmarys.

From the full-tilt boogie of “You’re A Killer” to the frenetic swagger of “Lies, Lies, Lies.” on to the staccato rhythms of “Trippin New York City” there is barely a chance to take a breath on this post-punk call to arms.

Willie Nelson – Last Leaf On The Tree

With 153 records under his bandanna, there is not a lot to say that hasn’t been said when a new Willie Nelson record comes out. This one is pure Willie at his most frail coming from the perspective of a man and guitar that are at the back end of a life well Lived.

Much like Johnny Cash did in his Sunset series of songs with American V: A Hundred Highways, here with the title track “Last Leaf On The Tree,” the mournful “The Ghost,” and the poignant reading of Zevon’s “Keep Me In Your Heart” all cover the reflections of a man and a guitar that are peace with their mortality.

Jeremie Albino – Our Time In The Sun

Coming from the stable of thoroughbreds at Dan Auerbach’s Easy Eye Sound, Our Time In The Sun, Jeremie Albino’s fourth album seems to straddle that line between glistening present-day and vintage throw-back with the dexterity of a tight rope walker.

Auerbach, with his effective usage of vintage instruments, live-in-studio recording, and uncluttered production perfectly complements the everyman vibe that Albino generates.

“Rolling Down The 405” with 70’s one hit wonder dusting just might be the driving song of the year.

Paul Kelly – Fever Longing Still

It seems absurd that this will be the first proper post we have delivered concerning Paul Kelly, universally considered to be Australia’s finest singer-songwriter. Yet, here it is.

With this, his 29th studio record, and first solo release since 2018’s Nature, Kelly mixes it up with minds-eye narratives on “Hounds Tooth Dress” and National Geographic-worthy widescreen landscapes as he does on “Northern Rivers” as well as on the closer “Going To The River With Dad,” a song that would have fit in quite nicely in the canon of Harry Nilsson.

Regarded now along with Paul Weller, Nick Lowe and Elvis Costello as one of the senior singer songwriters of the day it is no wonder that Paul Kelly is nationally considered to be the Bruce Slringsteen of Australia.

Five Cool Ones: Five New Records Released This Week (October 25,2024)

Going down the stretch in 2024 there is a bustle of activity on the new music front.

Gyasi embraces the joy of 70’s glam rock with “Sweet Thing,”

And, if all of that is not enough, Jesse Malin has just released his first new music since his stroke with “Argentina.”

Cats In Space – Time Machine

With Time Machine, Cats In Space continues to plant their flag on the hallowed grounds of Classic ‘70s Rock and Roll.

With loud guitars, pristine multi-track harmonies, and knob-twirling tighter than skin on an apple, this record brings to the minds ear the glory days of Deep Purple, Night Ranger, and REO Speedwagon.

The opener and title track would be well-placed on any Toto album, “Yesterdays Sensation” has a Styx “Renegade Vibe,” and the instrumental “Ivory Anthem” bursts out Meatloaf style like a bat out of hell.

Don’t sleep on this one.

Chuck Prophet – Wake The Dead

14 records in now, having recently recovered from stage four lymphoma, Chuck Prophet joined by Cumbia group Qiensave is at the top of his game with the release of his latest record, Wake The Dead.

Over 11 tracks Prophet digs deep into Cumbia music using traditional Latin American instruments including accordions, a bajo sexto (Mexican twelve-string guitar), and a Farisa Organ along with Tejano and bolero stylings making this an electrically groovy listen.

Beth Hart – You Still Got Me

This one has been bubbling for most of the year with the drip-release of some gritty singles including “Savior With A Razor” featuring Slash, and “Suga N My Bowl,” a song that features some axe assistance courtesy of Eric Gales.

With her vocal growl better than ever and her women empowerment messaging on full display, Beth seems to be at the peak of her powers most notably demonstrated on “Never Underestimate A Gal,” and the should-be country classic, “Wanna Be Big Bad Johnny Cash.”

And, of course, Beth’s ability to craft a song that reaches the depth of your soul is always bubbling just beneath the surface, this time with “Don’t Call The Police” and “You Still Got Me.”

Scarlet Rebels – Where the Colours Meet

Scarlet Rebels Where The Colours Meet, released just in time for rock record of the year consideration, with a landscape of anthemic rock bringing both U2 and Muse to the minds ear.

From the opener “Secret Drug” a song that sounds like a street fight between AC/DC and The Cult, all the way to “Out of Time,” an epic ballad that features Elles Bailey, there is not a rat floating in this punch bowl.

Tack this band up on your bands to follow wall.

Lone Justice – Viva Lone Justice

From the band that virtually invented the term Alternative Country, Viva Lone Justice is their first album in 40 years. Releasing their self-titled record that was deemed the 1984 record of the year in some circles, they have scarcely been heard of since.

And now, with an album cobbled together in the studio with all of the original band members, going down a country classic deep rabbit hole reinterpreting other people’s songs.

With Maria Mckee serving as ringleader the band offers up an almost unlistenable version of Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Love You,” from the bowells of the Appalachian mountains “Wade In The Water” is delivered, and for some odd reason, “Teenage Kicks” is on the menu.

Is there a really good reason for this record to exist? The answer is no. But if for nothing else, bringing the albums Lone Justice and Shelter back to the minds ear for some much-delayed spins Viva Lone Justice has served its purpose

What We’re Listening To (October 24, 2024)

Bananagun – With The Night

With their sophomore record, Why Is The Colour Of The Sky, ready to hit the airwaves, Bananagun is in bed with John and Yoko Double Fantasy era John Lennon on this Beatle-esque gem of a song.

Matthew Sweet – Sick Of Myself

With news of his recent stroke, there has been a lot of Matthew Sweet music emanating from the offices here at Rock is the new Roll. “Sick Of Myself” is from his 1996 album, 100% Fun. If Matthew Street is not the king of Power Pop, he is certainly on the medal stand.

MJ Lenderman – Joker Lips

With his album Manning Fireworks MJ Lenderman has announced himself as a musical force to be reckoned with. Very much in the Wilco and Jayhawks mold, spend some time with this guy and he just might become one of your favorite artists.

Paul Weller – Supplement 66

Having recorded more than 20 tracks for his latest record, 66, celebrating his 66th birthday, Paul Weller is now out with an E.P. titled Supplement 66 that puts these scraps together. From the opening Latin beats of “That’s What She Said” to the folk duet with Kathryn Williams that closes the record, Paul Weller is the gift that just keeps going.

MC5 – Heavy Lifting

Having not paid any attention to the MC5 in the last two decades, when a new album in Heavy Lifting hit up our ear-waves it probably was time to take notice. Completed in 2023, thankfully Wayne Kramer was able to hear the final mixes before his death in February 2024, and produced by Bob Ezrin. Heavy Lifting is the first proper MC5 since 1971’s High Times.

Tracked live in San Bernadino with Brad Brooks on vocals, Wayne Kramer on guitar and Don Was on bass with additional badassery provided by Skash and Tom Morello, this might be the rock album of the year.

Five Cool Ones: Five New Albums Released This Week (October 4, 2024)

The Starbenders are back in all their glory with a new single and a new drummer Qi Wei.

The band Austin Gold has a rocking new record brewing.

The Hot Damn is one of the glam-static new bands on the plant and “Fizz Buzz Crash” is a banger.

But let’s not bury the lead here, there are five top notch records that have been unearthed this week.

Leon – Leon

Rising from the remnants of his last excellent record, Gold Diggers Sound, his latest self titled new album provides a glimpse into the Texas places that helped to shape Bridges musical life.

“Panther City” provides a first hand account of his early life, “Peaceful Place” seems to level sit his career and life, and “Ghetto Honeybee” could have been a Motown classic.

With much of the record record in Mexico City’s studio El Diserto this record takes the listener on a spiritual journey well worth taking.

D-A-D – Speed of Darkness

D-A-D, the abbreviation for Disney After Dark, has released their 13th record of ’70s rock glam-inspired blow-pop good times music.

The opener “God Prays To Man” roars like an AC/DC 45 inch sung by Steven Tyler slowed down to 33rpms, “The Ghost” attempts to out Bon Jovi Bon Jovi, and “Strange Train” carries a bong hit of Black Sabbath.

These Danish rockers never fail to deliver on their musical soundscape that those of a certain age and musical acumen will find to be quite fulfilling.

Bobbie Dazzle – Fandabidozi

One of the more groovy releases of the year, Bobbie Dazzle rides with the Silver Surfer on a wave of Slade, The Sweet, and T-Rex.

The opener “Lightning Fantasy” sets the table for what you can expect with slightly more amped-up Suzi Quatro vocals fast riffs, and yes, cowbell.

There is nothing square about this hip-to-be-cool record. Glam in all of the right places, sprinkles of Bowie with an ELO accent throughout, and pure excessive ‘70s over-the-topness is the order of the day.

Hayes & The Heathens – Hayes & The Heathens

Americana legend Hayes joins forces with The Band Of Heathens on a pairing that we didn’t realize that we sorely needed.

8 songs were collectively penned that range from the whimsical “Nobody Dies From Weed,” a song that reflects the bunch of guys playing hooky vibe carried on throughout the record.

This one is so loose that even the Proclaimer’s “I’m Gonna Be (5000) miles perversely works.

Kasey Chambers – Backbone

With songs mostly culled from her upcoming book, Just Don’t Be A Dickhead, her latest, “Backbone,” is a collection of stories detailing her upbringing and painting her stories of a life well lived.

The song “A Love Like Springsteen manages to name-check the Boss’ songs “Glory Days,” “I’m On Fire,” “My Hometown,” and “Dancing In The Dark” among others, while not turning into a shlock-fest, and “Silverado Girl” takes the listener on the open road of an artist that may have painted her own personal masterpiece.

Five Cool Ones – Five New Records Released This Week (September 27, 2024)

With just a few blockbusters set for release later in the year, there are still a few diamonds to be mined this week.

Dutch masters DeWolff are back with their ‘70s style organ-drenched rock with “In Love.”

The semi-stripped-down reincarnation of Dawes is prepping for an album later in the year.

And, The Darkness, one of the best new bands to come out in the last 10 years, is out with another Queen-inspired operatic wonder.

But fear not, there’s more. Here are five more pieces of dust in the wind to savor this week.

Nick Lowe – Indoor Safari

Nick Lowe along with his cronies in Los Straitjackets with Indoor Safari have crafted what is sure to be one of the cooler albums of the year. Starting with the opener “Went To A Party” the Tiki-surf noir is dialed up to 11. “Crying Inside” comes across like a long-lost Roy Orbison tune, and “Lay Ot On Me” is classic vintage Nick Lowe.

Never straying far from his sweet spot, this one sounds classically vintage and contemporary at the same time.

Sam Millar – Virtual Summer

A bit late for the peak-summer beach vibing, Virtual Summer is hands down the best summer anthem meets power ballad record of the year.

Millar himself has said that releasing these gems now will give the listener something to hold on to when winter sets in allowing them to create their own virtual summer.

Bon Jovi-adjacent highlights abound including the 80’s stolen jam “Chardonnay” and the Duran Duran vibing “Deja Vue.”

This one stands on its own merit as the best back-to-the-future record of the year.

Billy Strings – Highway Prayers

Billy Strings is quickly morphing himself into the best live performer, in any genre, on the planet. Somehow finding the time to release a proper long-player right in the middle of his hectic tour schedule.

On this one, Strings has somehow managed to channel the Americana magic of Stapelton and Sturgill while maintaining his unflinching bluegrass ethos.

A bit on the longer side, this one weighs in at about one hour and 15 minutes, the 20 original songs represented here are a great way to experience the pure musicianship of one of the best virtuosos to come around in the last several decades.

JD McPherson – Night Owls

JD McPherson is front and center with his Duane Eddy stylings on his first proper non holiday album since 2017’s Undivided Heart and Soul.

With one foot in the Rockabilly ethos and the other in vintage ‘60s surf guitar McPherson has created a deliciously eclectic wonderment of a record.

The title track carries a Cars Mantra, and the instrumental “The Phantom Lover Of New Rochelle” is an aggressive surf guitar throwback.

This one is a brilliant return for a sorely missed artist.

Pale Waves – Smitten

Buoyant exuberance, anthemic propulsion, and layered production are the touchstones of this excellent record from the Manchester-based band Pale Waves.

Led by the effervescent Heather Baron-Gracie, the band sashays their way through a solid set of arena-ready misses that bring to the minds ear The Corrs by way of Stevie Nicks.

The closer “Slow” is a slow-burn stunner from a band that seems to be reaching the peak of their powers.

What We’re Listening To (September 20,2024)

Velveteen Queen

Rock and Roll is in good shape in the hands of the young, and here in Velveteen Queen we have case in point, a Swedish band barely old enough to drink even in Sweden with serious chops.

Ace Monroe – Foolin’ It Up

This band is about as close to Aerosmith as you can get without the annoying heroin addiction.

Sierra Pilot – The Thief

This band crosses that nexus between old-school rock and later-era Indy Rock, dare we say, Nickelback.

Dino Jelusnik, Mike Portnoy, Joel Hoekstra- Jane

Three Titans of Rock, Dino Jelusic, Mike Portnoy, and Joel Hoeksta with “ Jane,” join forces to give us the cover song that we never thought we needed.

Jesse James Dupree – Stranded

You know him from his band Jackyl, but here Jessie James Dupree scorches the earth with his Bon Scott-era solo bombast.

Five Cool Ones: Five New Records Released This Week (September 6, 2024)

Beware fellow rock and rollers it is tough sledding out there. But no worries, we are doing the work so you don’t have to.

Back from the dead after imploding last year, founding guitarist Flippa Nassil with two new band members has delivered Thundermother from the ashes. Here is their new blues rock crusher, “So Close.”

The Blues Brother himself Steve Cropper delivers a Bluesy song “You Can’t Refuse” with country crooner Tim Montana providing some vocal heft.

And, the halls of Rock is the New Roll are absolutely enchanted with “You, Me, and the Alcohol” a banger of a song from the Italian metal band’s 2018 record, White Mask.

But, enough foreplay. Here are five tasty morsels released into the wild this week for your listening pleasure.

The Cold Stares – The Southern

On album number seven The Cold Stares are more fully formed with their Black Crowes meets Bob Seger Midwest charm of a rock and roll record.

“Giving It Up” is a straight-up blues rocker that would fit in nicely in the middle of a Kenney Wayne Sheppard set, “Level Floor Blues” is a story song about a girlfriend’s running him out of town, and “Looking For A Fight” would be escalated to stone cold classic if they were to have secured a guest-slinger appearance from Joe Bonamassa.

This one should go up on your mantle along with the latest Black Crowes as the rock album of the year.

Eva Cassidy – Walkin’ After Midnight

Another stellar song set from the archives of the late Eva Cassidy. With mostly spare accompaniment, the careful song curation of this record moves the proceedings from just another cover song album to a sublime listen.

The 12 previously unreleased tracks were recorded at Maryland Inn’s King of France tavern in 1995. With the guitar, violin, and bass providing a laid-back vibe to complement Cassidy’s immense vocal prowess.

Other versions of these songs may be found in other releases, but these, recorded in this venue that was built in 1772, stand above the rest with “Summertime,” “Honeysuckle Rose,” and “Ain’t No Sunshine” standing tall as case in point.

The Heavy Heavy – One Of A Kind

If you were to combine the swagger of The Rolling Stones with California psych-rock, Mama’s and Papa’s gang vocals, and the Byrds blend of British invasion you would have nailed the essence of the band Heavy.

The UK-based band’s debut album is a sparkling record that will take you on a groovy journey with highlights-a-plenty including the Laurel Canyon-tinged, Walker Brothers pastoral “Salina,” the Jefferson Airplane worthy “Dirt,” and the Donovan-inspired “Lemonade” leading the way on this strong candidate for debut record of the year.

George Strait – Cowboys and Dreamers

Sure, his style has never changed, he doesn’t write his own songs, but heck, never did Elvis, and he stays out of the spotlight. But, at the end of the day, he wears the hell out of a cowboy hat and is still King George.

This latest set features the barroom lament with “Three Drinks Beyond,” the ode to days gone by in “Cowboys and Dreamers, and, of course, the cowboy gets the girl represented on “To The Moon.”

If you like George Straight, this is your jam. If you don’t, what the hell is wrong with you.

Mercury Rev – Born Horses

With a band as intricately diverse as Mercury Rev, it’s no wonder that it has been 5 long years since the release of their homage to Bobbie Gentry’s The Delta Suite. And now, with Born Horses we are treated to a palate of jazz, folk, spoken word, and Laurel Canyon mellowness all in one package.

The opener, “Mood Swings” emanates like a Chuck Mangione operatic opus, “A Bird With No Address” plays it fairly straight forward and is pure majestic pop, with the closer “There Has Always Been A Bird In Me” has a more upbeat Leonard Cohen esthetic.

This is a swerving artistic sort of listen with John Coltrane and Thelonius Monk in its heart and Leonard Cohen lurking in the shadows.

Five Cool Ones: Five New Records Released This Week (August 30,2024)

The heat is on as the summer gives us one last heat wave, and the new releases are falling right in line.

Monster rockers and recent RISTNR favorites D-A-D crank up their riff machine with their latest single, “Keep That Mother Down.”

The head of the snake David Coverdale has been releasing the venom with singles from his upcoming remastered Solo-era albums.

And, the Saskatoon rockers Sheepdogs dig the retro 70’s madness with “Take Me For A Ride.”

But wait, back by popular demand may we present five banger records for your ear-bath.

Tuk Smith and the Restless Hearts – Rogue To Redemption

Through his innovative single-release strategy we have been treated to several of these gems over the last few months, and finally, Tuk Tuk Smith has released the Kraken and delivered what should be, ears-down, the best rock and roll record of the year.

The opener, “Take The Long Way” has all the panache of a Cheap Trick Heaven Tonight era classic, and Glorybound would have been a perfect ‘70s rocker in the Greg Kihn by way of Rick Springfield mold.

With more hooks than an episode of Dangerous Catch, Tuk Smith has burst into the spotlight with enough swagger to be considered as the replacement for Stephen Tyler in Aerosmith.

Steve Wynn – Make It Right

From his early days with the Dream Syndicate, Steve Wynn has established himself as a scion of the scene as well as a songwriter of the highest order.

On his new record, Make It Right, Wynn with his first solo record in 10 years, is joined by members of R.E.M., Bangles, Psychic Temple, and The Baseball Project, on a song set that was written in conjunction with his recently released memoir, I Wouldn’t Say It If It Wasn’t True.”

The record, starting with the opener “Santa Monica” takes the listener on a journey of a live well lived and a man coming of age growing up in the L.A. Punk scene.

The Boxmasters – Love And Hate In Desperate Places

If your only exposure to Billy Bob Thornton has been in the form of Slingblade, Bad Santa, or the series Goliath, you are in for a treat. Well before he hit the big screen Thorton was a serious musicician and has been playing with his band The Boxmasters for decades.

Built on a bed of blues-based Honky Tonk Americana, there is a whisper of British Invasion and mid-era Byrds by way of Tom Petty taking flight in their music. Billy Bob’s vocals are not particularly strong, but he stays in his lane with descriptive songwriting and the cracker-jack band leading the way.

Los Bitchos Talkie Talkie

Mostly instrumental, Talkie Talkie, the latest swinging record from Los Bitchos, the London-based that has a sparking electricity about them will be you next party record.

Part Tiki, part surf music, and all fun. Swirl to the vibe of “Tango and Twirl,” fly to the Orient on Air “Talkie, Talkie, Charlie Charlie,” and head to the border while listening to “La Bomba.”

This is escapism in all its glory.

Shemekia Copeland – Blame It In Eve

Starting her career at the age of 18 backing up Koko Taylor, Shemekia Copeland is the heir to the “My Guy Done Me Wrong” love ballad. And now, she is out with another socio-political belter with her latest, “Blame It On Eve.”

On the opener, “Blame It On Eve,” Copland laments women losing the right to choose, and on “Broken High Heels” she takes on the state of the country with a venom that only she can produce.

But don’t panic, Shemekia gets down and silky with “Wine O’Clock, her ode to unplugging from life’s worries, and down on dirty covering Johnny Copeland’s “Down On Bended Knee”

This one might be the blues album of the year.

What We’re Listening To (August 8, 2024)

Elles Baily – 1972

Her latest single, “1972” was released in advance of her upcoming album, Beneath The Neon Glow, celebrates doing our best to live in the moment just like in 1972. The record is set to see the light of ear later in the year.

Kyle Daniel (feat. Maggie Rose) – Fire Me Up

One of the best contemporary Southern artists in the game today, old-school meets new-school on this backwoods charmer, “Fire It Up.” Produced by Jaren Johnston of The Cadillac Three, this single is from the newly released long-player, Kentucky Gold.

Gorilla Riot – Molotov Sister

There is more than a little Rolling Stones swagger on this grunge-adjacent single from Manchester’s own Gorilla Riot. The new record, Salvation, coming out in October is set to be epic.

Blues Pills – Bad Choices

It’s no secret that here at Rock is the New Roll we carry the torch for Blues. With their latest, “Bad Choices,” we are treated to a head-shaking bombast of Blues Rock courtesy of the best front women in Rock.

Austin Gold – The Wire Defines

There is nothing like a bit of Night Ranger-adjacent AOR to take you back to the days of your youth riding around in your El Camino with Eddie Money blasting on the cassette player with the smoke so heavy you can barely see out of the windshield.

Five Cool Ones: Five New Rock Singles You Need To Hear Now

The Georgia Thunderbolts – Stand Up

With this backwoods barn burner, it looks like the upcoming Georgia Thunderbolts record is going to continue its ascent to the top of the Southern rock mountain.

Grace Bowers & The Hodge Podge – Tell Me Why U Do that

Now under the tutelage of John Osbourne (Brothers Osbourne), Grace Bowers has transplanted herself to Nashville and assembled a hot pocket new band in advance of her new record. The latest single is Bootsy worthy wit the essence of Sly Stone wafting in the air.

Remedy – Moon Has the Night

big hooks, brilliant choruses, everything you would want in an unapologetic AOR band. Think of a night ranger riding a Def Leppard on this one.

Redd Kross – I’ll Take Your Word For It

Influencing everyone from Nirvana to the Lemon Twigs, Power Pop titans Redd Kross are back and better than ever with this gem.

The Loyal Cheaters – Dynamite

With a belter of a singer, The Loyal Cheaters Lena McFrison slinks the stage like I the devil-spawn of Doro and Suzi Quatro. The Glam stomp record of the year is written all over this one.