Category: A Rock and a Roll

Five Cool Ones: Five New Records Released This Week (September 4, 2020)

Things are starting to heat up, from the singles front at least, which bodes well for a killer September and beyond for new records to be released. Our favorite song of the week is the Beach Boy fun in the sun vibe of “California Girl” from the upcoming Cayucos album that looks to be their best yet.

When the scions on an Allman and a Betts get together to form their own band the apple shouldn’t fall too far from the tree and it certainly doesn’t here on the first single from their new record, Bless Your Heart.

Here are five groovy tidbits that are taken up some ear tiume in our heads this week.

Pineapple Thief – Versions of the Truth

If your ears have not had the pleasure of listening to the Pineapple Thiefs 2008 record Tightly Unwound, give them a treat and check that one out. With elements of Radiohead, Elbow, and Muse ever-present in their music their latest effort blends global political messaging with rich Talking Heads style polyrhythms. The opener, the title track “Versions of the Truth” outlines the struggles many of us are going through when oftentimes things are not quite as clear as they may seem.

Declan McKenna – Zeros

It would be short-sighted to classify this English singer/songwriter as an Ed Sheeran clone of an artist, this bloke has some serious mojo about him that could break him out this year. His new one, Zeros, is more like a completely different record than a follow-up to his 2017 debut, What Do You Think About The Car. Citing Crosby, Stills & Nash as influences on this new one, recording the record in Nashville with Wallflowers producer Jay Joyce gives the record an Indie Pop sheen that is completely ear-pleasing.

Hayes Carll – Alone Together Sessions

Using the unexpected time he has on his hands during the pandemic Hayes Carll is using the time off quite wisely with this release of some of his old songs reimagined in an acoustic model that may be quite different than when the tunes originally saw the light of day. Going back as far back as 2002’s “Arkansas Blues” and the co-write, “Drunken Poet’s Dream” with a drop-in by the drunken poet himself, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Hayes also throws in a Lefty Frizell cover, “That’s The Way Love Goes.” With the harder edges softened a bit courtesy of the harmonies of wife Allison Moorer, this is an appealingly intimate record.

San Cisco – Between You And Me

Paired down to a trio, Australian Indie-Pop band Cisco may just have recorded the best album of their career. Entering into their 30’s now, the band is much more reflective in their songwriting and much more polished in their approach to the production on the highly addictive ear-worm of a record, Between You And Me. From the almost ABBA sounds of “Reasons” and California breeze energy of the semi-break up “On The Line” there are no miss-steps to be heard. If you are looking for a record to take you to a beach in Mexico with the wind blowing through your hair, this might be your jam. Fully inspired by Western Americana music, the Phil Spector sounding “Gone” is worth the price of admission alone.

Grant-Lee Phillips – Lightning, Show Us Your Stuff

Not hardly as politically bombastic as 2018’s Widdershins, Grant-Lee Phillips has found his introspective soul with his latest, Lightning, Show Us Your Stuff. Focusing on the larger stuff in life most notably on “Sometimes You Wake Up In Charleston” and the smaller stuff on “Walking in My Sleep” the smooth soulful tone of his voice is a calming influence in a troubled world.

 

 

 

Five Cool Ones: Five Songs To Make Your Mind Wander

Quarantine, Riots, Politics, Civil Unrest, there are a lot of crazy things going on in the world so much so that we need music in our lives now more than ever. Here are five tunes designed to float the mind, soothe the soul, and sail away on that mystery ship.

Ryan Hamilton And The Harlequin Ghosts – Oh No (feat. Kay Hanley)

This new-school Texas Troubadour ha a goal in mind to make the world a better place one song at a time. Here, he asks that we don’t change his Rock & Roll as he namechecks many of the albums that are in most of our libraries. From Purple Rain, Private Dancer, Who’s Next, Hunky Dory and beyond. This is a fun as hell listen that will bring back a lot of memories.

The Struts – Another Hit Of Showmanship

Our favorite Rock is not dead du jour, The Struts and Luke Spiller are out with another belter of an anthem. Here’s hoping that they will be starting a new record in the very near future.

Waterboys – Hey, Soul Singer

Mike Scott and his Waterboys are in fine form this up-tempo song loosely tributing James Brown.

The Middlenight Men – Rat Star

Riding on the slightly harder rock side of the fence The Middlenight Men provides raucous Rock and Roll with inter-changing lead vocals and one hell of a hook and groovy chorus. Looking forward to seeing what these guys have in store for the future.

Biffy Clyro – Tiny Indoor Fireworks

These guys come to you direct from Scotland tailor-made for the festival curcuit, should there ever be one again.

 

 

 

 

Five Cool Ones: Five Albums Released Today (August 28, 2020)

Another banner week for new tunes music peeps. There are a couple of Master Class covers records most notably Molly Tuttle and her complete ownership of the songs on …but i’d rather be with you alongside the Betty LaVette jawbreaker giving us her great album Blackbirds.

Dawes is teasing our ears with a couple of dribbles of new stuff including the latest single “Still Feel Like A Kid,” and The Struts Luke Spiller is preening around the stage showing off  with the appropriately named “Another Hit of Showmanship.” And, needless to say, we can’t wait for the proper album.

And, when the dust settled this week here are five ear-pleasing uncut gems to spend some ear time with.

Zephaniah Ohara – Listening To The Music

It has been two-plus long years since we have heard from Zephaniah Ohara and in album release years these days, that is a very long time. But fear not, it is clear that in the intervening time since his last record This Highway was released way back in 2017 he has been touring, honing his craft, and most importantly he has been Listening to the Music, the title of his latest release.

With a voice that blends Mighty Merle with Waylon Jennings, this troubadour plays like Lefty Frizell, tells stories like Johnny Cash and Tom T. Hall, and wears the road on his boots like Woody Guthrie. Whether he goes into “I Think I’ll Just Stay Here and Drink” territory like he does on “Living Too Long” or whether he is lamenting the boarding up more of his old haunts each time he goes into the city on “Riding That Train” there is a purity in his voice that we haven’t heard since Glen Campbell.

Tim Bowness – Late Night Laments

Tim Bowness is a bit of an under-the-radar artist, to say the least. A frequent collaborator with Steven Wilson and Roxy Music’s Robert Fripp, his new solo record Latenight Laments is an understated atmospheric gem. There are more than a few shades of David Bowie on “Darkline,” and “The Hitman Who Missed” would have fit quite nicely on any Leonard Cohen record. This one is perfectly suited for a nighttime listen accompanied by a whiskey and a cigar.

The Empty Hearts – The Second Album

When you have four blokes like these with the Rock and Roll pedigree that they have, at worst this record should be worth a listen, and at best it will be great. And it is great. With Wally Pamar, the voice that brought you “Talking In Your Sleep and “What I Like About You” when he was with the Romantics, Eliot Easton from The Cars, Clem Burke of Blondie, and throwing Andy Babiuk bass player for the Chesterfield Kings in the mix for good measure all pogo-sticking throughout the album, you have one heck of a Power Pop Gem in the making. Heck, even Ringo Starr makes another appearance here on the Kinks evoking “Remember Days Like These.” The ex-Beatle is seemingly everywhere these days having popped up on Ray Wylie Hubbard’s latest as well as Dion’s. Earworm highlights are everywhere here most notably “The Best That I Can,” “Jonathan Harker’s Journal,” and “Coat-Tailer, a song the beckons the early days of The Who.

International Teachers of Pop – Pop Gossip

If you are averse to fun times, not down with breaking out your best legs akimbo dance moves, and are generally a Debby-Downer, by all means, skip this record. A blast from all genres past, Pop Gossip is quite simply the bounciest record of the year this side of the Lemon Twigs. Part Goldfrapp, Part Saturday Night Fever soundtrack with even a little Laura Brannigan mixed in on “Prince (The Last Wheelie)” there is a lot of bubble gum fun to be chewed here. Stay for the “Blinded By Science” Vibe of “Beats Working For a Living (For Martin),” and party like you are in the dance club back in 1999 with “The Red Dots (Dirty Mind.) This is a listen that requires an open mind and happy feet to enjoy at its fullest.

Toots and The Maytals – Got To Be Tough

With Cyril Neville and Sly Dunbar punching things up Toots and his latest bunch of Maytals are still moving and grooving even at the tender age of 77. With a couple tracks in the mix that barely pass as Reggae most notably the Soul touch that he lays down on “Good Thing That You Call” one gets the feeling that there may well be the cross over appeal he is going for to get his name in the hat for best Reggae album come Grammy voting time. In any case, it is good to be back in the universe of Toots. “Three Little Birds” is performed with gusto courtesy of an assist from Ziggy Marley, and “Freedom Train” is a stark reminder of the times. The only nit to pick with this one is that the boogie anthem “Having a Party” should have been moved to the end of the record. Then, after we listened to the call to action anthem “Struggle” we would be ready to light one up and join him.

 

 

 

Five Cool Ones: Five New Records Released This Week (August 21, 2020)

By far the best week of the year thus far, there is something for everyone. If you are an old soul, Jefferson Starship has a new album out called Mother of the Sun that is an unironic vintage “Jane” version of the musically polarizing band and Rock is the new Roll favorites Pink Martini are not ashamed to go retro on “The Lemonade Song,”

And, Raul Malo and the rest of the Mavericks are out with, surprisingly, their first all Spanish album in their storied career.

It was tough to narrow things down, but here are five tasty records we like this week.

The Killers – Imploding The Mirage

Much like Vampire Weekend Las Vegas’ own The Killers seem to go away and return just at the time that we really need them most. Bright, bouncy, anthemic, it’s all here “Mr. Brightside” style. The synths are absolutely soaring and on the Springsteen worthy “My Own Soul’s Warning” you know immediately that the boys are back in town. There is not a dud to be found here, and the collaborations with k.d. Lang on “Lightning Fields” and with Weyes Blood on “My God” come out of left field and are both utterly brilliant. Good, bordering on great and just maybe the album of the year so far.

Blues Pills – Holy Moly

It has been almost 4 years since Erin Larsson and Blues Pills shared their retro-tinged blend of Psychedlic Blues with the unwashed masses, and it has definitely been worth the wait. With Holy Moly, their latest release, the third time is definitely a charm as now, three records in, the band has definitely hit their stride with a revamped more rock less blues sound that seems to fit the Janis meets Melissa Etheridge vocal stylings just perfectly.

Old 97’s – Twelfth

The Old 97’s, the Americana version of The Replacements, are back and with leading man Rhett Miller singing as good as he ever, the band’s playing is better than ever. While the group has fine-wine mellowed (sort of) with age, their core values of singing songs about women, whiskey and life on the road are still intact. And face it, Rhet Miller’s voice alone could melt butter. Highlights here are many, but “Absence (What We’ve Got)” and the mournfully beautiful “Belmont Hotel” are definite standouts.

The Waterboys – Good Luck Seeker

After a couple of semi-uneven affairs the classic Waterboys with Mike Scott at the helm are back to what brought them here with their latest release, Good Luck Seeker. Pieced together by trading files between the various home studios of the band members may tend to make the overall record seem a bit disjointed, and maybe it is, but since each song stands alone as its own excellent entity this minor flaw is easily overlooked. The opener, “The Soul Singer” is a horn-infested stunner and any song that rhymes Dennis Hopper and Steve Cropper has got to be cool, and the song “Dennis Hopper” definitely is. You will need to look past the electronic forward texture of this record to enjoy it fully if you are an old-school Waterboys fan but the Emerald Isle travelogue worthy “Postcard From the Celtic Dreamland” will take you back home.

L.A. Witch – Play With Fire

If the Addams Family had a house band, it most probably would have been L.A. Witch. And, if Erik Vonzipper had a Halloween party, L.A. Witch would have been his house band. With frontwoman Sade Sanchez at the helm her Surf-Goth (if there is such a genre) guitar playing almost literally transcends space and time. Never before have our ears been pleasured with this blend of Goth, Punk, and Surf music all at the same time. This band is as tight as any three piece you will find in the game today. Sultry Rock songs, aggressive garage anthems, and crisp in-your face songwriting is the order of the day, and weighing in at just under 30 minutes the entire mind escape can be savored in one sitting.

 

Five Cool Ones: Five Cool Albums Released This Week (August 14, 2020)

As we roll into the dog days of the Pandemic there seem to be a lot of cover songs and cover-centric albums out in the atmosphere. Where typically an artist will release covers between albums, or as part of a contractual agreement to release a certain number of albums, these days it is more about musicians not being able to get into the studio, and instead are digging into their treasure chests of favorite artists that influenced them. I for one, think it’s great.

Rock is the new Roll favorite Pitbull lends his “Fireball” spin paying tribute (sort of) to Frankie Valli.

Our favorite female duo First Aid Kit absolutely slay Willie’s “On The Road Again” leaving us scratching our heads wondering why this is the first time this ode to artists and their burning desire to get back on the road has been covered during the pandemic.

And, another Rock is the New Roll favorite, Lizzy Hale jumps in on they Whitney classic “I Will Always Love You,” and does so quite admirably.

Here a five cool records our ears are spinning to this week.

Whitney – Candid

The mellow Indie Pop band Whitney is essentially the duo of Julien Ehrlich and Max Kakacek, formerly of the highly excellent band Smith Westerns. On this, their third proper full-length record, they offer up a set of covers that with the possible exception of John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” a collaboration with the band Waxahatchie, are more B-side selections from some of their favorite artists as well as musicians that have influenced them.

The smooth stylings here float dangerously close to Yacht Rock territory, but here, presented as they do on this record, it is definitely not a bad thing. You can be forgiven if you have never heard of the musician Moondog, not many of us have, but here, Whitney spins his song “High on a Rocky Ledge” into a sort of Hall and Oates anthem, their version of The Roches “Hammond Song” is frankly better than the semi-annoying original, and on “Crying, Laughing, Loving, Lying” the tempo picks up slightly on the Labi Siffre song.

There’s a lot to enjoy and explore on this one.

Biffy Clyro – A Celebration of Endings

A splendid return for the Scottish band Biffy Clyro. Somewhat of a start and stop affair with frenzied Pop anthems interspersed with introspective balladry, sometimes in the same song, the diversity in textures is one of the things that makes this highly listenable record so special and intriguing. There are plenty of festival-ready anthems to savor here most interestingly “The Champ” and “Tiny Indoor Fireworks.”

Arlo McKinley – Die Midwestern

This one is going to be a candidate for the end of the year best-of lists, for sure. From the opening salvo “We Were Alright” where the song “Luckenbach Texas (Back to the Basics of Love)” is namechecked, it is clear why this was the last artist that John Prine signed to his Oh Boy record label.

A hard-worn semi-overnight success McKinley was discovered by Oh Boy record major-domo Jody Whelan after seeing him play the High Watt in Nashville where he was subsequently introduced to John Prine. When you combine his Appalachian drawl of a voice, his age-weary experience at age 40 along with his detailed minds-eye songwriting talent, it is clear that the torch is well passed.

Tanya Donnely and the Parkington Sisters- Tanya Donnely and the Parkington Sisters

Here, presented to us is another covers record that eclectically interprets artists and songs that have not received the amount of exposure that they deserve. Tany Donnely, formerly of Throwing Muses, The Breeders, and Belly delightfully weaves her magic around “Ocean Rain,” her too spot-on take on the Pretenders “Kid,” the clear hi-lite “Let Me Roll It” as well as a couple more deep nuggets from the past. “Different Drum” should never again be sung by anyone other than Linda Ronstadt. By official decree, of course.

Levellers – Peace

From across the pond, Brighton, England, The Levellers are one of those bands that seem tailor-made for the major festival circuit. Not to say that they are not a great band, they are, however you could very much see in your minds-ear the fest-fans being whipped into a frenzy dancing wildly to the likes of “Food Roof Family” and the equally ear-catching”Generation Fear.” Don’t sleep on “Born That Way” either. This may be one of the best songs of the year.

 

 

 

Album of the Day: The Bye Bye Blackbirds – Boxer at Rest

The Bye Bye Blackbirds – Boxer at Rest (five out of five)

The first thing that jumps out when you hit the play button or drop the needle down on Boxer at Rest, the supremely excellent new record by Oakland California’s Bye Bye Blackbirds, is the pristine knob-twirling production value courtesy of Doug Gillard, who has worked with Guided By Voices and Nada Surf as well as many other bands you like, that hits you between the ears on the first song “You Were All Light.”

At first-listen, the opening drum intro followed by the Big Star worthy guitar chords will float your mind-space back to happier and even hippier times. And, once the perfectly mixed vocals join the party courtesy of the George Harrison meets Tom Petty  (Travelling Wilbury’s era) vibe of the main songwriter Bradley Skaught, suddenly, as the horns kick-in to take you home, all is right with the world. And it almost wasn’t.

As the album was written and the tracking well underway at Hyde Street Studios in San  Francisco, founding member Lenny Gill fell gravely ill with an illness requiring a heart transplant almost derailing the record before it really got started. Then, during a period of time when Lenny’s ability to ever play the guitar again was very much in doubt, the band recorded each of the individual tracks with the exception of the guitar parts and put them on a shelf for safekeeping.  Replacing the irreplaceable and finding another player to fill in for Lenny was never an option. It was a time to be patient, a time to live, a time to heal. Until finally, after a hard-fought nine months of rehab, the boxer at rest was ready to get back into the ring recording all of the guitar parts in one day.

Having been largely written before Lenny’s illness, the songs on Boxer at Rest are mostly upbeat affairs with an undercurrent of social consciousness lying just below the surface of virtually every track. Two of the songs that demonstrate Bradley Skaught’s agile songwriting skills, “How Do We Stay?” and “All Our Friends”  directly address the tragic 2016 fire that killed 36 people in a warehouse known as The Ghost Ship that had been converted into an artist collective in the Fruitvale neighborhood of Oakland.

All we do is love you
and sing your names out
We pulled the anchor
And kissed you out to sea

And, on “So True” the gentrification of the neighborhoods in and around Oakland with hipster lofts and overpriced coffee shops taking over the landscape is lamented.

“In miles of old alleyways, all our secrets in piles, left outside where the dogs can find them. Gone like they’d never arrived.”

There is a poetic poignancy to virtually every song on this record that is enhanced even more so through a set of quality headphones and multiple listens. The liner notes clearly say play this one loud. Advice best heeded.

Trying to choose a favorite song or to cull band influences or genres from the choice morsels presented here would be somewhat of a fools’ errand. There is literally nothing not to like with this record. Sure, there are fairy dustings of Big Star, The Birds, Buffalo Springfield, and the Box Tops sprinkled everywhere, but make no mistake. Lenny, Bradley and the rest of the band aren’t simply riding the coattails of those that have gone before them, they are playing it forward with depth and deep reverence. Just listen to the guitar licks that would make Sun Records and Sam Phillips proud towards the end of “War Is Still Hell” and tell us we’re wrong. On “Watch Them Chime” you might catch the scent of R.E.M.’ or even a Tim era Replacements vibe. And, on “Baby It’s Still You” the horns are back in just the right spots and the band’s secret weapon, Kelly Atkins, announces herself in fine fashion even though she has been classing up the joint earlier with her elegant harmonies throughout many many of the tracks.

At a nice and tidy 33 minutes and 23 seconds, this one is best savored in one sitting with a nice cocktail in hand, surrounded by good friends, toasting those that are no longer able to join us.

 

 

 

 

Five Cool Ones: Five New New Albums Released This Week (August 7, 2020)

 

We haven’t quite hit the summer stride as yet, but things are starting to heat up quite nicely. We are getting some sneak peeks to some cool ones that are just around the bend and there are some subtle beauties that are announcing themselves.

Robert plant, yes, that Robert Plant has released a teaser tune that has our ears a-buzz as he turns it up and takes a ride down Charlie Patton Highway as only he can.

The boys in Deep Purple, Mach 65, or whatever version of the band is in vogue these days are really bringing it in fine Hall of Famer fashion.

And, newcomer Jordan Lehning is out with one of the more beautiful ballads of the year with “Oolaloom.”

Here are five records we think are really cool this week.

Mary Chapin Carpenter – The Dirt and the Star

Mary Chapin is back with her the first new record of new stuff since 2016 with The Dirt and the Stars, and its almost as if she has not been gone and all. Written in her Vermont home before the pandemic hit, Carpenter waxes politically on old age, politics, life changes, and the importance of empathy along with with other home-spun subjects as only she can. When she tells us “It’s Ok to Be Sad” and shows us “Where The Beauty Is” It’s like sitting on your front porch with an old friend.

Cary Morin – Dockside Saints

Exploring the musical landscape on the dirty side of roots-based Americana this eclectic guitar-slinger will have you riveted from the opening bell with “Nobody Gotta Know” a voodoo blend of Cajun, Swamp Rock, with hints of Bluegrass that seemingly shares some DNA with Dr. John. With Exception to the Rule” Cory’s sensitive side comes out along with his ear-friendly voice, and on “Prisoner” and on “Tonight” we find out just how the guitar Gods have blessed this exciting new talent.

Jenny O. – New Truth

There is definitely a whole lot of the Best Coast vibes swirling all around this eclectically new record from Jenny O. Vintage Pop meld in perfect harmony with the So. Cal. Laurel Canyon vibe most particularly on “Color Love” and “What About the Day.” This is a sit in the garden and watch the butterfly’s sort of listen.

Tough Age – Which Way Am I

A new wave masterpiece for the new millennium, Tough Age, the latest record from Tough Age, harkens back to the Post Punk glory days of the late ’70’s early ’80s. Heavily influenced by The Feelies and Television, their music is taught and full of simmering just under the surface energy. Whether it’s the anthemic “Penny Current Suppression Ring” or the power riffing bass-forward “Anti-Anxiety Exercises, this band would have had a permanent residence at CBGB’s back in the day.

Blue Oyster Cult – Live in London (45th Anniversary Edition)

Released for the first time on CD celebrating the 45th anniversary of their Live in London concert, this set is a must-have not only for BOC completists but for any fan of good old fashioned Rock and Roll. Memorable for being the first, and to date only, time the band has played their debut self-titled record start to finish in a live setting. This also stands this live performance apart and ahead of the somewhat tired “Some Enchanted Evening.” And, its terrific hearing this iconic band at the peak of their powers. The highlight from this part of the set, “The Cities on Flame With Rock and Roll” is delivered with the passion we had come to expect from one of the more underrated Rock and Roll bands in the game.

Once the record is finished and after the brief interlude in the form of the instrumental “Buck’s Boogie” the monster hits kick in with “Godzilla” and “Don’t Fear The Reaper” back to back. Song placement is key here as it is always better when the band doesn’t wait for the encore to dial-up their mega-hits. Editors note: Don’t expect to hear “Burning For You” on this set. The song had not been written yet.

Five Cool Ones: Five Cool Records Released In July

Here are five really cool records that perked our ears up in the month of July:

Ray Wylie Hubbard: Co-Starring

Much like the Dion record from last month Ray Wylie Hubbard’s latest, and arguably his best record,  Co-Starring features many of his famous friends on an album that features no-holds-barred storytelling and signature rhymes that can be found nowhere else. Where else are you going to find out that a 392 scat backed Dodge Charger rhymes with a tattoo that says ‘free Sonny Barger’.

The album features Ringo Starr, Don Was, Joe Walsh, Chris Robinson, Aaron Lee Tasjan, The Cadillac Three, Pam Tillis, Paula Nelson, Elizabeth Cook, Tyler Bryant & The Shakedown, Ashley McBryde, Larkin Poe, Peter Rowan, and Ronnie Dunn.

Stand-Out Song: R.O.C.K (feat. Tyler Bryant & The Shakedown

Massive Wagons: House of Noise

It should come as no surprise that some of the best good old fashioned retro Rock and Roll is coming from England, and in this Lancaster, England in the form of Massive Wagons. Not new on the scene by any means, they have been doing what they do for ten years now, and they have finally hit their stride with the immensely enjoyable House of Noise. With no rocket scientry going on here, heck, these guys aren’t even splitting the atom, the sound is pure good-time ’70s Rock and Roll. If you love Foghat and Grand Funk you will love Massive Wagons.

Stand-Out Song: Bangin’ In Your Stereo

Kai Danzberg: Rockshow

If you have ever pondered what sort of record Freddy Mercury might be putting out if he were alive today, the questioned may have been asked and answered with Kai Danberg’s Pop-fastic new album Rockshow. Sort of a magical sandbox of E.L.O, Queen, and Jellyfish with virtually every song on this record standing out as a Power Pop masterclass.

Stand-Out Song: Rockshow

Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard – The Non-Stop

Cut from Brit-Pop cloth, this Cardiff based band delivers on a more than solid 8 song set of T-Rex Glam mastery. Catching the whimsical essence of Glam Master Marc Bolan without stealing his shtick all together copying his act, Tom Rees might just be our new favorite front-man.

Stand-Out Song: Double Denim Hop

The Bobby Lees – Skin Suit

Commercial, they are not, and this is precisely why The Bobby Lees is set to take over the Garage-Rock hip band of the moment mantle. Taylor made for CBGB’s these guys virtually command you to notice them. Part Iggy Pop and a whole lot of Siouxie Sioux front-woman Sam Quartin commands the stage with a presence we have not seen or heard in quite some time. There is not much flower and a whole lot of power emanating from this band of twenty-somethings from Woodstock, N.Y.

Stand-Out Song: I’m a Man