There is a distinct essence of Rock and roll wafting in the air this weekend. The Dollyrots are out with a new single in advance of a new record later in the year.
The mighty Dokken is showing a pulse with their new single, “Fugitive.”
And, Indie Rock veterans The Vacant Lots are priming the pump in advance of a new record.
But, there is no time like the present to introduce five new albums worthy of your ear time.
Starbenders – Take Back The Night
With a glam-stomping sound that sounds like it is coming from the love child of Johnny Thunders and Joan Jett, and with this, their fourth proper record, their presence on the festival circuit and their growing reputation as one of the best live acts in the game today, is on full display here.
Opener “The Game” strays from a Geddy Lee worthy intro into a rock and roll anthem that Greta Van Fleet only wishes they could conjure up. And, “Body Talk” would have fit in quite nicely on any of the early-era Runaway’s records.
Roger Joseph Manning Jr. – Radio Daze/Glamping
The keyboard player and former Jelly Fish band member takes a break from his side-piece band The Lickerish Quartet to lay down 16 nuggets of pure power pop perfection.
“Rockin’ It Our Way” is Marc Bolan T-Rex deliciousness, and “We’re Starting A Band” just might be the Power Pop song of the year.
If you are looking for a record that simply will make you feel better, let this be your jam.
Lydia Loveless – Nothing’s Gonna Stand In My Way Again.
Americana’s bad girl, the little sister to more established stalwarts Margo Price and Nikki Lane, Lydia Loveless has come out the other end of a failing relationship and sketchy record deals to produce as solid of an Americana record as you will hear all year.
With a cracker Jack band including Jay Gonzales of The Drive By Truckers, the live in studio feel along with the stellar heart on the sleeve songwriting continues to reveal the many layers of an artist that has paid her dues.
With this triumphant return to her original label, Bloodshot records, Lydia Loveless is here to stay.
Diamond Dogs – About the Hardest Nut To Crack
About as close as you can come to The Faces without marrying a super model, Diamond Dogs are not shy about putting their Tom Petty by way of The Black Crowes influences on full display on their latest record, About the Hardest Nut To Crack.
“Get A Rock And Roll Record” would have been a great Chuck Berry single, and “Guru’s and Gangsters” has a Dave Edmonds and Rockpile appeal.
This one is all about having fun ‘70s rock style. And, who are we to argue.
Teenage Fanclub – Nothing Lasts Forever
Somewhere along the line Teenage Fanclub has shed their Brit Pop vibe on 1991’s Bandwagonesque in favor of the more lid back Laurel Canyon essence as displayed on their new record, Nothing Lasts Forever.
From the opener “Foreign Land” that could have been a Buffalo Springfield hit all the way to “I Left A Light On” that is Jellyfish meets Nilsson, the record takes subtle, atmospheric turns that with nary a miss step among the ten nuggets presented here.
In a world where bands that have been around for more than 30 years that are releasing less than stellar records, Teenage Fanclub is a refreshing exception to the mold.
Rock Is The New Roll 