Category: A Rock and a Roll

Five Cool Ones: Five New Albums Released This Week (October 11, 2019)

Cody Jinks – After The Fire

With each successive record he releases Cody Jinks seems to channel Chris Stapleton more and more, and that is a very good thing. Now that he is back to being independent after a brief dance with Rounder Records, Cody delivers a solid set of Outlaw Country complete with Honky Tonk blazers and mellow ballads. Jinks blends the darkness with the light with a nimble touch and his Randy Travis Meets Garth Brooks croon is wearing very well on him.

Trigger Hippy – Full Circle & Then Some

On their second incarnation of the band Amber Woodhouse replaces Joan Osborne when a female lead singer is needed as the band lays down the best Country Soul this side of Delaney and Bonnie. This one is decidedly Laurel Canyon retro in all the best of ways.

The Lilac Time – Return To Us

A lovely sort of pastoral listen, there is a meandering pedal steel that sets much of the tone on this nine song set. Slightly political in some places, the title track, written three days after the current inauguration, plays off an Obama speech, and elsewhere there is melancholy whimsey in the Country inflected “Simple Things” remembering a time with less technology.

Starcrawler – Devour You

Strawcrawler comes at you and lands right in your face like some sort of Glam Punk David Lee Roth zombie mutant released to the world. Despite this, their second long-player, being a bit less aggressive than their debut, they still manage to turn out some real fine Rocky Horror Picture Show inspired Rock and Roll.

Joseph Arthur – Come Back World

Joseph Arthur is nothing if not prolific. Despite this being his first solo project in three years, Arthur has definitely been part of the scene organically implanting himself into many musically diverse projects including Arthur Buck with Peter Buck, Fistfull of Mercy with Dhani Harrison, Ben Harper, and Jeff Ament. Here, his pals Jesse Malin, Ben Harper, and Patrick Carney join in on the fun with a spirit calming set of his most personal and powerful songs to date.

Five Cool Ones: Five Cool Jazz Albums Released In 2019

Here in the office halls of Rock is the New Roll we appreciate Jazz and enjoy listening to a great Jazz recording whether it be Chick Corea, Charles Brown, Herbie Mann or Oscar Peterson. With the sudden realization that we were a bit behind on listening to the Jazz albums released this year with the help of our Jazz writer Barnaby Lark we set out to right this wrong.

Cochemea – All My Relations

Cochemea has spent much of his diverse musical career as a soloist, musical director, composer, and ensemble player. Known mostly for his work with Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings as a saxophone player. With his latest long player, All My Relations, he combines his roots in Jazz, Latin, Funk, and Rock into a polyrhythmic blend of indigenous and spiritual splendor.

Veronica Swift – Confessions

Having guested for Chris Botti, Wynton Marsalis, and many more, Veronica Swift is one of the sparkling new voices on the Jazz scene today. With Confessions, despite her tender age of 24 she is poised to enter the pantheon of modern day torch singers.

Camila Meza – Ambar

A bonafide triple threat Camila Meza Sings, plays exquisite guitar, and writes most of the songs on her latest release,Ambar. Singing in both her native Chilean tongue as well as English, her George Benson and Pat Methany influenced soundscapes with full orchestral accompaniment are delicately nuanced wonders.

Chick Corea, Christian McBride, Brian Blade – Trilogy 2 (Live)

This follow up to the Grammy winning 2013 album, Trilogy, that featured a collaboration between pianist Chick Corea, bass player Christian McBride, and drummer Brian Blade, All virtuoso players in their own right. Highlights abound on these live sessions, but the searing rendition of Corea’s Latin fusion opus “500 Miles High” is ear popping.

Wallace Roney – Blue Dawn – Blue Nights

With this eclectic ensemble of stellar Jazz musicians including Lenny White, who plays on four tracks here, Trumpeter Wallace Roney both leads and stands in the shadows on this set of energetic tracks. On “Why Should There Be Stars” the pin-drop of the trumpet, piano and upright bass engages the listener, and even the inclusion of Toto’s “Can’t Stop Me Now” shows that in the hands of master musicians like this, the sky is the limit.

Five Cool Ones: Five New Albums Released This Week (October 4, 2019)

The Darkness – Easter Is Cancelled

On their latest record, The Darkness, tight-pantsed heroes on a mission to save the world with the power of Rock, don’t make any apologies as they turn the proceedings up to 11 as they gloriously build on their Queen, AC/DC, Thin Lizzy foundation of glorious Glam.

Angel Olson – All Mirrors

A bit of a Swiss Army Kinife sort of artist, here, Angel Olson mostly shreds her country inflected Indie-Folk for a more lavish and expansive sound. Bolstered by a 17 piece orchestra, this record should be a master class in how to do Symphonic Pop the right way. From the title track to the moody and expansive “Impasse” your ears will take you on a journey that would make The Moody Blues proud.

Angel – Risen

Even back in the day, Legendary Glam Rock band Angel never really amounted to anything above cult status. But, as huge fans of the band, we here at Rock is the New Roll are bordering on giddy with the release of their first record in 19 years that features original members Punky Meadows and Frank Dimino. Thankfully, the band doesn’t stray far from the sound they were laying down when they were opening for Motley Crue, Poison, Van Halen, and the rest of the hair band crew back in their Sunset Strip glory days.

Old Crow Medicine Show – Live at The Ryman

Weighing in a lean 42 minutes, Old Crow Medicine Show pays tribute to the iconic palace of Country music on this joyously vivacious live set. From the opening 1-2 punch of “Tell It To Me” and “Shout Mountain Music” the template is laid down for the evening as the band weaves hee-haw nostalgia with contemporary coolness. Margo Price joins in on the fun playing Loretta Lynn to Ketch Secor’s Conway Twitty on “Louisiana Woman, Mississippi Man,” with Molly Tuttle and Charlie Worsham jumping on stage for the showstopping and show ending “Will The Circle Be Unbroken.”

GospelbeacH – Let It Burn

Much like he did with his former band Beachwood Sparks, with GospelbeacH, lead singer Brent Rademcker, channels Tom Petty and the Laurel Canyon sound with a Country Rock vibe that is timeless. Adding even more to the Pop credentials laid down on the highly excellent 2017 release Another Summer of Love, “Dark Angel” could have been a long lost Heartbreakers song, and even when the band goes low and slow like they do on “Get It Back” there is a cool nostalgia that can be traced back to The Long Run era Eagles. The late Neil Casal, who was a member of Beachwood Sparks, contributes searing solos throughout the record and is a bittersweet presence on an uplifting record.

Five Cool Ones: Five New Albums Released Today (September 27, 2019)

Charlie Crockett – The Valley

It has been a bit of a tough year for Charlie Crockett. Just after he finished up the recording sessions for this new record he had major heart surgery. Thankfully, all is well and he can celebrate this masterful bit of Classic Country retro goodness.

Sturgill Simpson – Sound & Fury

Full disclosure, we here at Rock is the New Roll are very divided on this new and very different incarnation of Sturgill Simpson. Here, he goes electric, turns up the amps and noise on this soundtrack to an Anime film.

Temples – Hot Motion

Going back to their roots a bit. Here, The Temples fly there Psyche flag a bit more than they have in quite a while going back to their earlier days and in so doing turn up the Jangle-Pop in fine fashion.

David Hasselhoff – Open Your Eyes

Ok, we have not lost our minds, or our ears for that matter. While we are stopping short of actually recommending this record, the guests on this album are ridiculous. Todd Rundgren, Charlie Daniels, Steve Cropper, Ministry, Flock of Seagulls, Tracii Gunns, Steve Stevens, Eliot Easton, and yes, there’s more.

Billy Strings – Home

The appropriately monikered Billy Springs can play the hell out of pretty much any string instrument. After sharing a side man stage with everybody this side of Zamfir, here, we see his talents on full display with his latest release.

Five Cool Ones: Five (More) Cool Rock Bands On Our Radar

Block Buster – Gone By Morning

These Nordic newbies are literally in their teens but carry a swagger far beyond their years.

L’Epee – Dreams

Brian Jonestown Massacre’s Antone Newcombe’s side-piece band with their new record, Diabolique, featuring the cinematic punch of chanteuse Emmanuele Seigner, lay down some 60’s noir vibes in the mid-era Velvet Underground mold.

Tiger Army – The Devil That You Don’t Know

Don’t invest a lot of listening time digging deeper into these guys and their catalog. We did, so you don’t have to. But, don’t let that stop you from cranking this particular Stray Cats on steroids tune up to 11.

Piston – Dynamite

With lyrics like “Come on, come on, feels so right, come on, come on, tonight’s the night” as the opening line on their latest record, this Def Leppard meets AC/DC barn burner doesn’t split any atoms, but it sure is fun.

Whiskey Myers – Die Rocking

It seems that after Whiskey Myers moved on from using guru Brent Cobb as their producer, on their latest self-titled album they have taken on the knob twirling themselves and their Lynyrd Skynyrd flag is flying higher than ever.

Five Cool Ones: Five More Albums Released Today (September 20, 2019)

Bruce Cockburn – Crowing Ignites

Bruce Cockburn is considered to be a National treasure, as well he should be. While this set of beautiful instrumentals won’t serve to bring him any new fans, this should serve as a calming Sunday Morning record.

Charlie Crockett – The Valley

In his distinct Western drawl Charlie Crockett channels his inner Texan with a Western Swing influenced two-stepper of an album.

Hiss Golden Messenger – Terms of Surrender

M.C. Taylor doing business as Hiss Golden Messenger has created another stunner of an album. Sparse yet tender rules the day here with more than a little social consciousness bubbling up to the surface.

Babe Rainbow – Today

Another album with strong Laurel Canyon vibes. “Morning Song” would have been a hit duet for Herbie Mann and Donovan in 1965.

Andrew Combs – Ideal Man

There is a touch of late era Beatles vibe to this latest album from Andrew Combs. “Firestarter” is a mellow wanderer with a startling sub-text, and “Born Without A Clue” is the story of a man looking in from the outside.

Five Cool Ones: Five New Songs That Rock

Weezer – The End of the Game

The new Weezer album won’t be out until May but if this new rockier version of the band is any indication it is sure to be a scorcher.

Green Day – Father of All

The new record, Father of All, is set for a February 2020 release. The sound is still Green Day but Billie Joe takes the falsetto up a notch or two on this one.

Aubrie Sellers – My Love Will Not Change (feat Steve Earle)

A bit of of a change of Rock and Roll pace for these guys, Steve Earle channels his inner Ray Wylie Hubbard on this one.

Kissin’ Dynamite – Cadillac Maniac

Somewhat cooly bizarre hybrid of Stray Cats channeling Chris Isaak, this one ping pongs between Rockabilly and Sunset Strip Rock at the blink of an ear.

Alice Cooper – East Side Story

Alice Cooper has just released, Breadcrumbs, an E.P. paying tribute to Detroit Rock and Roll bands the likes of Grand Funk and the MC-5. Here, he covers a vintage Bob Seger deep cut.

Five Cool Ones: The Bourbon Trail, Five Cool Bourbon Inspired Songs

Here at Rock is the New Roll we are big fans of the Rockin’ The Suburbs Podcast. Their latest episode features Bourbon songs. At the end of the episode they asked for listeners to come up with their own Bourbon song list. So, it seemed like a good time for Bernie Sparrow, Jeremy Wren, Nigel Owl, Cletus Crow and the rest of the Rock is the New Roll editorial staff to get their Bourbon Mojo going.

James LeBlanc – Five Star Dive Bar

A five star dive bar seemed to be a good place to start a Bourbon crawl. So, we powered up the Chevy and headed to the levy looking for some Neon Lights.

The Cadillac Three – All The Makings of a Saturday Night

This one pretty much says it all as we start climbing the party hill.

“Conway, Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Charlie Daniels, Jim Beam Black Label sip sip fast.”

“That spot nobody knows just me and my bros and my special lady friend shaking that ass, we got all the makin’s of a Saturday night.”


John Lee Hooker – Big Legs, Tight Skirt

We are on the third round now, that’s 9 fingers if your scoring at home, and the buzz is starting to kick in as you check out the clientele in the dive bar.

Dale Watson – Call Me Lucky

We are in the dive bar sweet spot now. 12 fingers, four drinks down the pipe now and we are on warp speed. Tensions are released, inhibitions are slowly melting away.

“One on the right, one on the left, one is a blonde, ones a brunette, if you don’t know my name, I bet you can guess, they call me Lucky.”

Tom Waits – The Piano Has Been Drinking (Not Me)

We now have crossed the Cape of Good Hope and are in uncharted territory, so much so that we have lost track of how many Bourbons we have had. Naturally, there is no better time than the present to show off my musical prowess by getting up in front of the crowded bar to tickle the ivories. There are two problems with this however. First, I don’t know how to play the piano, and second, there is no piano in the dive bar. Stay tuned for “Sunday Morning Coming Down.”

Five Cool Ones: Five Albums Released Today (September 13, 2019)

Janiva Magness – Janiva Magness Sings John Fogerty

As big fans of Janiva Magness when she plays it straight, and here where she covers some of our favorite John Fogerty songs we are all in as well. Thankfully no “Centerfield” here, but with such afternoon delights as “Lodi” with Sam Morrow, Rock is the New Roll favorite “A Hundred and Ten in the Shade,” and a sublime version of “Have You Ever Seen The Rain, this one is a stone cold winner.

Jeremy Ivey – The Dream and the Dreamer

Mostly known for his work with Buffalo Clover as well as his role as Mr. Margo Price, Jeremy Ivey is stepping out on his own in fine fashion. Here, his 60’s County-Pop flag is flying as he carries his Laurel Canyon vibe to what should be the start of a terrific solo career. “Diamonds back to Coal” is the cream of a stellar crop.

Sam Fender – Hypersonic Missiles

He has already opened for Bob Dylan and Neil Young, and now, with the release of his full-length debut, Sam Fender is poised for the next level. Already drawing comparisons to Bruce Springsteen, his rousing arena ready anthems the likes of “Will We Talk” are U2 meets the Boss in their respective prime.

Twin Peaks – Lookout Low

Famous for their live shows in their home town of Chicago, on Lookout Low the band channels 70’s FM Rock. Produced by Ethan Johns, the setting is Big Star in places and Basement era The Band in others. “Dance Through It” has a Jackson Browne by way of Simple Minds flavor to it and is worth the price of admission alone.

Leeroy Stagger – Strange Path

Americana artist Leroy Stagger delivers a solid set of Roots Rock. Listen to Leeroy channel his inner Tom Petty on “Deeper Well” and pay tribute to the late Tragically Hip singer on “Hey! Hey! (Song For Gord).”