The month has been pretty crackin’ so far, and the really cool releases seem to be hitting their stride. From old timers like the Dandy Warhols and Conor Oberst and even Santana on to the relative newcomers Mike Krol and Ratboy, as Jack White would say, “It’s getting ready to get loud.”
Rival Sons – Feral Roots
Before Greta Van Fleet stole a lot of the buzz Rival Sons were the latest band that was going to save Rock and Roll. Our money is on these guys. With a lead singer that soars somewhere between Jim Morrison and Paul Rodgers and rhythm section that is Double Trouble worthy, this is the Rock and Roll record of the year. We are calling our shot now.
Trapper Schoepp – Primetime Illusion
When you listen to Trapper Schoepp for the first time you will reminisce back to the first time you heard Whiskeytown, Wilco, or The Old ’97s in their prime. Enough gloss to keep the toes tapping but just enough ramshackle to keep things interesting. The Gram Parsons comparisons might not be exactly on the mark, but not far off either. There is a bit of a replacements vibe in the mix as well.
Rosie Carney – Bare
This one goes from a really pleasant listening to stunning with multiple listens. With a voice that brings to mind the late Eva Cassidy and songs that will make you forget that she is barely 20, this one is headed to chart topping territory come the end of the year. Just let this one envelope your soul.
Better Oblivion Community Center – Better Oblivion Community Center
You probably know these guys better by their real names, Conor Oberst and Phoebe Bridgers. Oberst’s boyish croon meets Phoebe’s anguished ethereal vocals for a listen that will bring you bake to the Bright Eyes Days. Bridgers is pretty much everywhere these days with her Boygenius record with Lucy Dacus and Julien Baker having been released only a few months ago. Coming a bit out of the blue the band announced themselves on the late show with Stephen Colbert
Santana – In Search of Mona Lisa
This beauty of an e.p. by Santana was recorded after, during a day off in the middle of a concert tour in France, the band stopped by the Louvre in Paris and Carlos was so inspired he stopped into a nearby studio and laid down 3 tracks with the band accompanying him. “Do You Remember Me,” “In Search of Mona Lisa,” and “Lovers From Another Time.” And that’s not all. Look for a new Rick Rubin produced album to be released towards the middle of the year.
Rock Is The New Roll 