Category: A Rock and a Roll

Five Cool Ones: Five Cool Albums Released Today (June 28, 2019)

The Black Keys – Let’s Rock

After spending time apart going back to 2014 Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney are reunited and it feels so good. Blues, Garage, and old Soul are still at the core of their sound, but this time around there is a joie-de-vie amplification that seems to have the band reenergized.

Chris Stamey and The ModRec Orchestra

This release is notable for a couple of reasons. First, it is Chris Stamey of the db’s, and that’s worth the price of admission alone. Second, and most importantly, the guest list of artists that appear on the album is stellar. Branford Marsalis, Bill Frisell, Nels Cline, Marshall Crenshaw, and Caitlin Carey of Whiskeytown and many others. Inspired by Cole Porter, Henry Mancini, George and Ira Gershwin, and the rest of the great songsmiths from days gone by, Stamey puts a new shine a classic sound.

The Alarm – Sigma

Decades in The Alarm doesn’t seem to have missed a beat. The template doesn’t seem to have changed much on this, their sequel to 2018’s Equals, and as always, front-man and co-founder Mike Peters is in fine form.

Foy Vance – From Muscle Shoals

The sequel to this one, To Memphis, will be one part of a book end of releases, the first recorded at Fame studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, the second recorded at Sun Studios in Memphis will be released early next year.

Mindi Abair and The Boneshakers – No Good Deed

Winners of many 2018 independent Blues awards including artist of the year, No Good Deed might be the roadhouse record of the year.

Five Cool Ones: Five Cool Albums Released Today (June 21, 2019)

Another scorcher of a week. From the purple beyond Prince dropped a sweet set of songs he wrote and gave to other artists, who knew he wrote “Manic Monday”, and Nick Lowe released a woefully puny 4 song E.P.. Every one of the songs that feature his newest backing band Los Straitjackets is great, but c’mon man, give us more. Hear are five more records that we really like.

Black Pumas – Black Pumas

Hard to classify this group of Austin musicians. Rock, Soul, R&B with a hint of Tex Mex? Yep, Yes, and sure. The best we can come up with is that if Marvin Gaye fronted The Black Keys, and were based out of Tijuana, they would sound like these guys. Check them out for yourself.

The Hollywood Vampires – Rise

This one won’t be on heavy rotation on anyone’s turntable, not even mine, but what the heck, you’ve got Alice Cooper Joe Perry and Johnny Depp. And that’s pretty darn cool.

Willie Nelson – Ride Me Back Home

So far, Willie Nelson, releasing albums at a startling rate, hasn’t given us a chance to miss him. The title track is great, and “My Favorite Picture of You” is a stunner. His version of “Just the Way You Are”, however, is better left unheard.

Jim Lauderdale – From Another World

If Jim Lauderdale could sing, Kris Kristofferson is Pavarotti by comparison, he would be much more famous. The guy writes a hell of a song in the Guy Clark Tom T. Hall mold.

The Raconteurs – Help Us Stranger

And speaking of Jack White, The Raconteurs are back. This is notable mostly in that we get a Halleys Comet type appearance from the Power Pop genius Brendan Benson who inexplicably only shows up in Jack Whites side-piece band. The Ying to White’s Dirty Blues Yang. If you haven’t heard Benson’s 1996 album One Mississippi search it out.

Five Cool Ones: Five Cool Albums Released This Week (June 14, 2019)

No need to adjust your sets. Just because you woke up to a new release from Bruce Springsteen, an album from Madonna, a retrospective set from Cheryl “Got To Be Real” Lynn, and a live recording from Stan Getz, doesn’t mean you have entered into some sort of Frank Zappa zodiac 80’s mind-warp. No, It just another week in what is shaping up to be a great year in music.

Bruce Springsteen – Western Stars

Addressing the elephant in the room first, the new Bruce Springsteen record is out today. And it is good, very good, maybe his best in a decade. The Laurel Canyon vibe is all over this one and some say that the album is sort of an homage to the old Glen Campbell Jimmy Webb pairings from the days of yore. After a couple of listens I can see it. Oh yeah, and did I say this album was good, actually I meant great.

‘Keb ‘Mo – Oklahoma

Kevin Morris, ‘Keb ‘Mo, goes down smooth like a glass of fine scotch or a cigarette after sex. Any record of his should be savored, and Oklahoma, his latest offering, is just that sort of listen.

Jamestown Revival – San Isabel

Every 18 months or so Jamestown Revival will release an album and remind me that I really love this band. Their latest, San Isabel, takes them back to their roots and their Simon and Garfunkel by way of CSN vibe. Their loving tribute to California Dreamin’ is worth the price of admission alone.

Los Coast – Samsura

This Austin based combo is a bit genre defying, and in ‘this case that is a very good thing. Part Soul, part Surf-Rock, a lot Psychedelic, and all Cool. If Jellyfish merged with The Dap Kings the resulting hybrid might sound like these guys.

Lukas Nelson and the Promise of the Real – Turn Off The News (Build a Garden)

As the son of Willie Nelson and the bandleader for Bradley Cooper in A Star is Born, Lukas Nelson is as hot as a firecracker right now. Lukas and his boys have even found the time to release a new record in between concerts as the backing band for Neil Young. With a Traveling Wilburys vibe in places and a widescreen pop dusting in others along with a scent of herbal hippie sensation wafting across the entire proceedings, the experience of listening to this album will be mind altering.

The Top 10 Albums of 2019 (so far)

There has been a truck load of great records out this year and before the new Bruce Springsteen comes out this Friday, everything else is just a placeholder, here are our top ten favorites.

10. J.S. Ondara – Tales of America

This Minnesota by way of Kenya Americana Folk singer is this years Leon Bridges. An inspiring new find , Ondara fully absorbs himself in any song he sings.

09. Austin Meade – Waves

This denizen of the Texas hill country lays down a template of 70’s outlaw inspired country influenced songwriting with more of than a touch of Rock as well as Roll.

08. Yola – Walk Through The Fire

You won’t need to to much past the first song on this record, “Faraway Look”, for this one to grab you. With pipes that would make Dusty Springfield blush along with the production fairy dust from Dan Auerbach and his Easy Eye team, this is one could have been released in 1968.

07. Guida E.V.A

An extremely rambunctious listen, E.V.A., the latest from Italian Glam Rock titans Guida combines Glam, 70’s Rock, and a tinge of disco that will mood-set your day at first listen.

06. Jack Ingram – Ridin’ High … Again

Ingram’s tribute in spirit to Jerry Jeff Walker and the rest of the hill country troubadours. Another record that could have been made in 70’s era Nashville. His take on “Desperados Waiting on a Train” is worth the price of admission alone.

05. Nightbeats – Myth of a Man

There is a real and pronounced outlaw-groove Tarantino-Noir vibe that permeates every pore of this album.

04. Kenny Wayne Sheppard – The Traveller

Kenny Wayne Sheppard with each release seems to be more and more comfortable with his place in the pantheon of guitar slingers. His latest, a Classic Rock concoction of Blues, Boogie, and Rock is a powerhouse. Singer Noah Hunt is in fine grizzled form still sounding like Warren Zevon’s less drug addled brother, and Stevie Ray’s old stick man Chris Layton pushes the band down the rails like a runaway train. Including eight originals and two covers, the best of the lot being a scorched earth version of Neil’s Mr. Soul, this one might be the bands best record to date.

03. Jenny Lewis – On the Line

Firmly entrenched in Laurel Canyon California Lounge-Rock of the 70’s. Any record that features Benmont Tench, Ringo Starr, Jim Keltner, Beck, and Don Was has to be the coolest. And this one is.

02. Better Oblivion Community Center – Better Oblivion Community Center

This one came out of nowhere, also way back in January. A collaboration between Conor Oberst and Phoebe Bridgers, both site favorites, this one is a tight Folk- Rock record that brings out the best in both artists.

01. The Delines – The Imperial

Brooding and vulnerable Country Soul from the side-piece band for Richmond Fontaine head honcho. Every song is a Raymond Carver short story.

Five Cool Ones: Five Cool Albums Released This Week (June 7, 2019)

This one is a week for the Rock and Roll OG’s. Gloria Gaynor, Tommy James, Savoy Brown, and Ricki Lee Jones all have records out this week. Here are five that have caught our ear-tention.

Eagles of Death Metal – EODM Presents Boots Electric

This one is shaping up to be one of the more fun records of the year. “God of Thunder,” “Abracadabra,” “High Voltage”,” C’mon man!

The Mattson 2 – Paradise

A groovy, psychedelic 60’s inspired listen. Lots of trippy California road trip vibes on this one.

Peter Frampton – All Blues

Another record of cover songs, this time Peter Frampton displays his prodigious guitar chops going old school with delicate versions of “The Thrill is Gone,” “I’m a King Bee,” and “She Caught The Katy” just to name three. “Georgia On My Mind” is a stellar hi lite.

Dylan LeBlanc – Renegade

Townes Van Zandt and Fleet Foxes inspired, as the son of Muscle Shoals session player James LeBlanc, Dylan Le Blanc delivers a solid set of songs blending solid songwriting with dreamy soundscapes.

Hollis Brown – Ozone Park

Named after the character in a Bob Dylan Song, this Queens, N.Y. these guys are more U2 mixed with Tom Petty and a dash of Black Crowes than Dylan. An album that is a bit more Rock than Roll, this is an extremely accessible record that will be on your regular listening rotation very soon. There is not a bad song in this basket.

New Music Friday (June 7, 2019)

The music for this week is pretty ridiculous, mostly in a good way. Here are the newest nuggets we are listening to this week.

Hollywood Vampires – Heroes

Johnny Depp grabs the microphone as The Vampires release another song from their upcoming album. This one, a spot on cover of the David Bowie song, should be superb listening live and in concert.

Tanya Tucker – The Wheels of Laredo

Tanya Tucker, the female country music OG, has released her first new song in 17 years. Produced and written by Brandi Carlisle and Shooter Jennings, her new record should be terrific. Without Tanya there would be no Miranda Lambert, Maren Morris, or dare I say it, Nikki Lane.

Chris Stapleton – The Ballad of the Lonesome Cowboy

It’s good to be Chris Stapleton these days. Here he is between albums killing the this ode to Woody in the new Toy Story 4.

Ida Mae – Reaching

A little dark, a bit moody and on the Delta Blues side, the new Ida Mae record, Chasing Lights, could be featured on the new season of True Detective.

Mark Lanegan – Playing Nero

Walking down the same dimly lit streets as Scott Walker, here, Mark Lanegan once again shows he can do Nick Cave almost as well as the original.

Noel Gallaghers’s High Flying Birds – Rattling Rose

Don’t look for any Oasis scraps to be laid down on this one. Noel has been there, done that. His upcoming E.P. is a bit of a disco dusted affair, and deliberately so. Don’t worry if this song is any indication it should be a lot of fun.

Jesse Malin – Room 13

Always big fans of anything Jessie Malin puts out, his upcoming record, Sunset Kids, is set up to be top 10 worthy. His latest song from the set to be released in August features the always sublime Lucinda Williams.

Glorious Sons – Panic Attack

This new single from the upcoming album shows signs that a couple of albums in The Glorious Sons are turning into a fully formed high-spirited Rock and Roll band right before our very ears.

Sheryl Crow – Prove You Wrong

No real new musical ground broken here, but anytime Sheryl Crow, Stevie Nicks, and Maren Morris collabo on a project it is worth a look and a listen.

Five Cool Ones: Five Cool Albums Released This Week (May 31, 2019)

Sacred Paws – Run Around The Sun

Born from the ashes of the Indie Pop band Golden Grrrls, Rachel Aggs and Eilidh Rodgers splintered off to form Sacred Paws. Full of sunny polyrhythmic pop hooks this one owes a heavy debt of gratitude to 80’s Brit Rock.

Pip Blom – Boat

Fervent fans of the Indie Rock scene of the 90’s , the Dutch band Pip Blom has released their most fully realized effort to date. Sonically excellent lead singer Pip Blom sounds a bit liked an escaped Runaway. The guitar pop on this one is next level. If you are looking for a rambunctious romp through a 90’s Post Punk garden this is your jam.

Kenny Wayne Sheppard Band – The Traveller

Kenny Wayne Sheppard with each release seems to be more and more comfortable with his place in the pantheon of guitar slingers. His latest, a Classic Rock concoction of Blues, Boogie, and Rock is a powerhouse. Singer Noah Hunt is in fine grizzled form still sounding like Warren Zevon’s less drug addled brother, and Stevie Ray’s old stick man Chris Layton pushes the band down the rails like a runaway train. Including eight originals and two covers, the best of the lot being a scorched earth version of Neil’s Mr. Soul, this one might be the bands best record to date.

Doug Tuttle – Dream Road

With the upcoming release of the Laurel Canyon documentary everything about that little artist enclave of the Los Angeles 70’s is hip again. On his new record Dream Road Doug Tuttle carries the Southern California laid back musical torch so brightly he should be dating Linda Ronstadt.

Peter Bruntnell – The King of Madrid

Flying just underneath the Americana radar Peter Bruntell really should be better known. His latest The King of Madrid is more of a 60’s psychedelic pop record with a bit of a Byrds essence wafting in the air. The song “Dinosaur” is even a not so distant cousin of “Last Train to Clarksville.” Don’t hold it against him that on “Lucas” he sounds like Steve Miller. Cult status be damned. This guy is seriously good.

Five Cool Ones: Five Cool Albums Released Today (May 24, 2019)

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.

Five Cool Ones: Five Cool Records Released This Week (May 17, 2019)

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.

Crazy Lixx – Forever Wild

This one comes right from the belly of the Sunset Strip circa 1982. There is not a lot of nuance on this album, but is that such a bad thing.

Alex Lahey – The Best of Luck Club

The second album from this Australian songstress. Here, she matches her catchy hooks with solid songwriting.

The South Austin Moonlighters – Feels Like Home

These guys cover all of the Roots Rock bases. Americana, Blues, Country, you name it this band has it covered. Whether it is the Leon Helm inspired vibe of the title track or the Eagles-Like harmonies on “Carry Me On” this is a grower of a listen.

Jimmy Vaughan – Please Come Home

Jimmie Vaughan plays Texas Blues better than pretty much anyone in the game. Here, he handles less than obvious Jump-Blues covers with the aplomb of the savvy veteran that he is. “Midnight Hour” is worth the price of admission alone.

Lizzo – Cuz I Love You

If you are not familiar with the phenomenon that is Lizzo it is time to right that wrong. Unashamed of her body image or her sexuality her debut record is earthy, vibrant, and brilliant.

Five Cool Ones: Five Cool Albums Released This Week (May 10, 2019)

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.

Daddy Long Legs – Lowdown Ways

If Little Walter was in the Stray Cats you might get Daddy Long Legs. Just listen to “Mornin’ Noon & Night” and tell me I’m wrong. This record is a smasher from “Pink Lemonade” all the way to “Ding Dong Dang.” Old-School meets New-School in all the best of ways on this one.

The Shootouts – Quick Draw

This one is real old school Country. Blending Marty Stuart, Bob Wills, Roy Orbison, Dwight Yoakam, and Marty Robbins, the legends of the old West come to life on this epic slice of Western Pie.

Bambi Lee Savage – Berlin-Nashville Express

Jumping front and center into the Americana Scene, Bambi Lee Savage is here to stay. Her mix of Honky Tong and down low storytelling in intoxicating.

Elles Bailey – Road I Call Home

Finally, Elles Baily has a proper release under her belt. Part Blues, some Country, all very cool, Elles Bailey is on the verge of stardom. After touring with Eric Gales and garnering high billing on several festival circuits this one just might be the breakthrough she so richly deserves.

The Wildhearts – Renaissance Men

Rock and Roll is alive and well, thank you, just ask the Wild hearts. Ginger Wildheart is rocking heavier than heavier on this release that will remind you of what Guns ‘N’ Roses could have been if they were just a bit heavier.