Sure, these guys would have been huge in the 80’s alongside Eddie Money, but to our ears they are pretty retro cool right now, in 2019.
Category: Artists We Like
Video of the Day: The Limboos – La Descarga
The second release from their highly excellent 2019 release, Baja. Rock is the New Roll favorites, The Limboos continue to impress with their Tiki on steroids vibe.
What We’re Listening To Wednesday (September 18, 2019)
King Corduroy – All Right
Deep in the recesses of Rock is the New Roll H.Q. we have been going down more than a few Southern Rock rabbit holes. He calls his music Cosmic Southern Soul Music, but we just call it cool. There is more than a little 70’s Leon Russell swagger bandied about with this guy.
Raphael Saadiq – This World is Drunk
His new record, Jimmy Lee, is dedicated to his deceased brother. This triumphant return by an artist that consistently delivers thought provoking music that never fails to sooth the soul.
Yola – It Ain’t Easier
Most followers of Rock is the New Roll already know we are HUGE fans of pretty much any record that comes out of Easy Eye Sound. Yola’s new album, Walk Through The Fire, is a strong contender for song of the year.
Conway Twitty – Southern Comfort
With the current trend of contemporary Roots Americana artists reaching back to the classic outlaw artists of the day for their influences it is always good to go back to the barrooms in search of the originals. Here is a later day Conway Twitty gem that sounds like it could be a Chris Stapleton song.
The Wild – Playing With Fire
Canadian rockers, The Wild, throw it down like a more melodic Motörhead.
Lee Aaron – Watcha Do To My Body
And, speaking of Rock Chicks, the 30th anniversary of Lee Aaron’s Bodyrock is upon us.
Song of the Day: Electric Guest – More
A life affirming slice of Electro-Pop. One of the best songs of 2019.
Video of the Day: Whiskey Myers – Bitch
These guys are one of the best kick-ass band on the circuit today. Here is their latest lament to life on the road.
New Music Friday (June 13, 2019)
The Who – Ball and Chain
Press for the new record is starting to leak out. Due in November. Pete is still in top form and Roger is along for the ride.
The Dead Amigos – Hold Out
Lots of Garage Blues swagger from this band of Aussies. A gut punch of Blues, Rock, and Soul.
The Cold Stares – Any Way The Wind Blows
These Indiana Rockers play a Garage brand of high energy Rock and Roll.
Grace Potter – Back To Me
Grace is back. After a few years off to start a family, Grace Potter has reinvented herself a bit if this first single is any indication.
The Weeks – Believe Whatever
Their 2017 release, Easy, was one of the best of the year, and their latest, Two Moons, is looking like a top contender in 2019.
Mercury Rev – Louisiana Man (feat. Erika Wennerstorm)
This one sounds like it is from one of the sessions from their Bobbie Gentry covers record, The Delta Sweete Revisited, from earlier in the year.
Video of the Day: Sam Fender – Hypersonic Missles
With a name already tailor-made for stardom, U.K.’s Sam Fender delivers high energy Arena Rock. Look for him at a festival near you throughout the rest of 2019.
On Our Radar: Hop Along – How Simple
Taking inspiration from such diverse artists as E.L.O., Elvis Costello and 70’s girl groups, Hop along with their 2018 album, Bark Your Head Off, Dog, should be poised for great things.
On Our Radar: Briston Maroney – Caroline
From his highly excellent 2019 E.P., Indiana. Now touring, opening for Cold War Kids.
Five Cool Ones: Five New Albums Released This Week (September 6, 2019)
Black Star Riders – Another State of Grace
With a more than solid follow up to 2017’s album Heavy Fire, this band born from the ashes of Thin Lizzy continues to place themselves on the mount Rushmore of bands that are saving Rock and Roll. The song “Don’t Let Me Down” is a distant cousin to Lizzy’s “Dancing In The Moonlight and is worth the price of admission alone.” The title track is Thin Lizzy meets Dropkick Murphy’s.
Crystal Gayle – You Don’t Know Me
Her first new record in 16 years, Crystal Gayle goes back to her country roots covering classic country tunes the likes of “Walking After Midnight,” “Crying Time,” and “Hello Walls.” “Put it Off Tomorrow” with Tanya Tucker and Peggy Sue Wright lending their voices is a highlite. Extra credit is given for not including her mega-hit “Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue” on this set.
Iggy Pop – Free
These days it seems that Iggy Pop is trying to channel his inner David Bowie, and truth be told, this is a bit of a miss-step for the godfather of Punk. This record is an odd patchwork of free-form jazz, poetry, ambient sounds, and beat poet musings and it does not quite hit the mark. It seems he has lost his lust for life a bit. But, If you are an Iggy fan you have another era in his storied career to savor.
The Highwomen – The Highwomen
A somewhat hipper spin on the Highwaymen since Brandi Carlile Maren Morris, Amanda Shires, and Natalie Hemby are all pretty much in the prime of their careers, unlike their semi-namesakes that were already on the other side of the hill. Here, the songwriting is crisp, the chemistry is electric, and even though this record was put together pretty quickly there is no sense that this is a one and done project.
Paul Cauthen – Room 41
His 2016 album My Gospel was a terrific record, and this one is even better. Written mostly in room 41 in artist haven that is The Belmont hotel in Dallas, Cauthen’s voice has been said to sound like all four of the Highwaymen combined.
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