Category: Sleaze/Glam

Five Cool Ones: Five New Albums Released This Week (May 8, 2025)

It is officially the summer season and the hits just keep on coming.

Rock is the New Roll’s favorite glamster takes a trip to “Snake City” laying down some Alice Cooper vibes along the way.

The Dead Daisies are out in front of their May 30 release of Lookin’ For Trouble with “Boom Boom.”

And, if that’s not enough , Geoff Palmer lays down some epic pop-punk from his latest E.P. Exit Wounds.

This week, the rock keeps rolling in a sure sign that this summer will be pretty epic when it comes to music. Here is a sampler set of our favorites.

Gypsy Pistoleros – Church of the Pistoleros

The self-proclaimed best flamenco gypsy rock and roll band is back with nary a stylistic change in site. Much as you would expect from a band with Gypsy Lee as lead singer and a guitarist that goes by the name of Shane Pistolero Sparks, the order of the day here is straight-ahead rock and roll that would make Billy Idol, Alice Cooper, and Queen blush.

Come for the Billy Idol snarl of “Dance Naked In The Rain,” but stay for the better than the original “Livin’ La Vida Loca.”

Truly an earworm lovers delight, this one is high-octane, smash to the brain, rock and roll like it is meant to be played, loud and proud.

This one is the leader in the clubhouse for rock album of the year.

Billy Idol – Dream Into It

With one listen of “Still Dancing” you will be hot tub time machined all the way back to 1983 and “Rebel Yell” era Billy Idol. With his long-time sidekick Steve Stevens in tow and his signature sneer still firmly implanted, this record is far better than it has a right to be.

The voice is snarly cigarette and whiskey soaked great, the rock is pure 80’s dancing yourself glory, and with guests the likes of Joan Jett and Alison Mosshart to smooth out the rough edges, this record just might be his best record since 1986 and Whiplash Smile.

Just listen to “John Wayne,” the “Eyes Without A Face” ethos of “Dream Into It,” as well as “Too Much Fun” and tell us we are wrong.

Samantha Fish – Paper Doll

The reigning queen of the blues has been pretty much everywhere lately with her solo work, her collaboration with Jesse Dayton, and her partnership with BFF, Joe Bonamassa.

Full of bad-ass bravado, the likes of which we haven’t heard since the latest Beth Hart Record, the opener “I’m Done Runnin,” is a defiant ode to self-reliance, “Can Ya Handle The Heat” could have been a Bonnie Raitt anthem, and “Rusty Razor” kicks out the jams while veering heavily into the rock lane on the blues-rock highway.

Looking for the leader in the clubhouse for the blues album of the year? Your ship has just come in.

Counting Crows – Butter Miracle, The Complete Sweets!

Forcing us to calibrate our time machine, fantastically, it has been 11 years since the last proper Counting Crows record, Somewhere Under Wonderland, was released. And, this latest record just might be the band’s best effort since 1993’s August And Everything After.

Always a familiar listen, the latest record doesn’t stray far from the Crows template of mid-tempo rhythms coalescing with sharp songwriting, paired with the avuncularly warm vocals of lead singer Adam Duritz.

With multiple spins of this one, the petals of the flower reveal themselves most notably on the Mellencamp-worthy “Elevator Boots,” the REM adjacent “With Love, From A-Z,” and the rare driving anthem rocker “Boxcar.”

Look for this one to be on many of the end-of-year lists, best-of lists.

Sunflower Bean – Mortal Primetime

Four albums in, and Sunflower Bean seems to have hit that sweet spot of ‘70s meets ‘90s retro glam. Adroitly walking that delicate tightrope between Blondie, the cooler side of ABBA, with some Twigs-adjacent psychedelia thrown in for good measure, this record is a time warp record.

Fully formed, every nuance of this record seems curated with the coolness knobs set to hyper drive. The opener, “Champagne Taste” has a certain Suzi Quatro joie-de-vie to it, “Waiting For The Rain” would have fit in quite nicely on any Jellyfish record, and “Shooting Star,” would be perfect fodder for the b-side of any Cranberries single.

An elegant record for dysfunctional times,

Five Cool Ones: Five New Albums Released This Week (March 28, 2025)

With summer only a couple of fortnights away, the time is right for dancing in the streets.

Be very careful putting the pedal to the metal on this high-octane barn burner from Josh Todd and the Buckcherry boys.

De’Wayne is a newcomer on the scene and an artist to watch out for. The vibe here is Prince fronting the killers. Never before has Indie Rock and Classic rock blended so seamlessly.

And, finally, Rock is the New roll favorite, Luke Spiller is prepping for his April 25 release, Women Will Kill Me Before Cigarettes And Wine.

And if this rock and roll splendor doesn’t tickle your fancy enough, here are five new morsels for your ears to digest this week

Dawn Brothers – Cry Alone

All the way from the Dutch city of Rotterdam, The Dawn Brothers produce a refreshing blend of Rock, Americana, and Memphis Soul. Sort of like Hall and Oates teaming up with the Travelling Wilburys. If you did not know the band’s origin, with just one door-to-ceiling listen of their new record, Cry Alone, you would be hard-pressed to tell if they were from Rotterdam, Memphis, or Los Angeles.

The opener, “Do Me Wrong” sets the hook with a funk-driven backbeat and a Memphis Soul Stew vibe, “Can’t Let You In, Can’t Let You Out” is perfect Travelling Wilburys fare, and “I Cry Alone” would have been a perfect addition to the Hall and Oates Abandoned Luncheonette record.

Much like The Little River Band from back in the day, there is a timeless appeal to this record that will soothe the soul.

The Darkness – Dreams On Toast

For those not previously in the know, The Darkness, with their flamboyant frontman Justin Hawkins, is a U.K.-based rock and roll band that combines the over-the-topness of Sheer Heart Attack era Queen, Jellyfish, and for a more recent vintage touchpoint, Luke Spiller and the Struts. Glam energy, bombast, glass-breaking falsetto’s and more is the order of the day.

From the opening blast-off of “Rock and Roll Party Cowboy” the DNA of the band’s eighth album, Dreams On Toast is on full display. No-holds barred party like its 1975, good time, rock and roll played like its meant to be played, loud and proud.

Lead-off single “Longest Kiss” is pure Jellyfish vibing, and “Hot On My Tail” is the Darkness’ version of Queen’s “Seaside Rendevous,” deliciously operatic and bombastic with a bit of whimsey thrown in for good measure.

A welcome addition to the canon of one of the best rock and roll bands to come around in the last decade.

Lucy Dacus – Forever Is A Feeling

As one-third of the indie rock supergroup that includes Phoebe Bridgers, Julien Baker and an album that was rewarded with three Grammys, lucy Dacus steps out on her own with an understated record of hushed harmonies, warm shades, and gentle, close-to-shoegaze, instrumentation.

“Ankles” has Laura Nyro in its DNA, “Talk” is a slow-burn pastoral epic, and “Limerence” could have done well in the hands of Karen Carpenter, if she was just a little hipper.

This one belongs on your Sunday chill playlist as if that’s such a bad thing.

W.E.T. – Apex

If AOR-adjacent, 80’s rock in the Def Leppard and Night Ranger mold is what you are into, then W.E.T.’s latest, Apex, is going to be your jam.

“Where Are The Heroes Now” is pure peak-era Bon Jovi, “This House Is On Fire” is Journey by way of The Scorpions, and “The Believer” is a stadium-ready anthem.

Don’t think with this one, just listen.

Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Bobby Rush – Young Old Fashioned Ways

You can feel the feel the energy and the chemistry bursting from the speakers on this old-school meets younger gun collaboration between Bobby Rush and Kenny Wayne Shepherd.

Giving a respectful nod to Rush, his vocals and his harp throughout, Rush provides the vocals as well as a killer harp on all ten of these tracks. Holed up in a Memphis studio, the pair launches into a stripped-down set that leans into the blues half of their respective blues-rock resumes.

4 of the songs displayed here are Bobby Rush tunes with an additional 5 co-penned, with a Willie Dixon song thrown in for good measure.

Whether the pair goes low and slow like they do on “G-String,” or the alligator stomp of “Hey Baby) What Are We Gonna Do),” the playful comradery between the two is infectious and palbable.

Rush sings with the vigor of a singer half his age and Shepherd delivers one of the best performances of his career.

The leader in the clubhouse for blues album of the year, for sure.

Five Cool Ones: Five New Albums Released This Week (February 14, 2025)

The year is zooming along with great new releases all over the place.

“Lady On Fire” is the over the top third single from glam-prog rocker Bobbie Dazzle from her latest record Fandabidozi.

Robert Jon and the Wreck are “Sittin’ Pretty with their high-octane single from their upcoming long player.

And, Elton John and Brandi Carlile are set to release a proper great album in April.

But don’t stop there. Here are five really cool albums put forward for your listening pleasure.

Crazy Lixx – Thrill Of The Bite

With a slightly revamped band following the departure of drummer Joel Cirera leaving only one original band member since their debut in 2007, Crazy Lixx is out with their latest long player of unflinching, never wavering Sunset Strip sleaze rock. And it’s glorious.

The opener “Highway Hurricane” is AC/DC on steroids complete witj just the right nuance of cowbell, “Midnight Rebel” could have been a great call and response early era Bon Jovi song, and who can argument with the sentiment expressed on “Who Said Rock And Roll Is Dead”

If you are looking for a less than nuanced guilty pleasure listen that will take you back to the good time freewheeling days, the swinging Swedes in Crazy Lixx will scratch that itch.

Honey Crisp – Yesteryears

Hailing from Helsinki Poland, Honey Crisp draws from the melodic side of the singer-songwriter esthetic that was popular back in the day.

Wandering from a less vocally talented Brian Wilson to a lower register Leo Sayer and a Greg Kihn clone, the record carries a bit of nostalgia about it while still maintaining a certain freshness.

Thankfully, just when the waters are starting to venture into yacht-rock territory the course is triangulated into a smooth ride of 60’s crooner proportions that would make Peter Noone blush.

The Altons – Heartache In Room 14

The Altons, and their latest record Heartache In Room 14, just might be the salve that is needed to cure all of the negativity swirling around the world right now.

With a blend of a Soul and Jazz infusion, it is somewhat incongruous to believe that this record was birthed in 2025 and not in the back of a dimly lit Soho Jazz bar with a drugged-up Niba Simone commanding the smoke-filled room.

The musicianship here is on point. The production is not pristine but is perfectly tuned to the retro vibes that the record is going for.

This one is a refreshing listen meant to be heard in one sitting.

The Delines – Mr. Luck Ms. Doom

The Delines, courtesy of Willy Vlautin, crown prince of the dour, disenfranchised, and the down-and-outers, are back with another set of vignettes that give you a glimpse of what it looks like on the other side of the street. If you don’t already live there that is.

With Amy Boone providing the world-worn vocals, the listener is presented with a woman who is on the lam after robbing a drug operation in “Maureen’s Missing,” a failed criminal and a housekeeper in the title track, and “Nancy & The Pensacola Pimp,” where a woman takes revenge on her pimp.

Listen to this live-affirming set of Raymond Chandler-noir short stories set to music in a leather chair with a good whisky and a cigar.

Spiders – Sharp Objects

There is a freshness about the Swedish rock band Spiders that is contrary to its classic rock roots. Drawing inuences from 80’s Sunset Strip, British New Wave, and Garage rock scenes, their latest record rides the rails with the smoothness of a bullet train.

“What’s Your Game (Miss Insane) could have been an Adam Ant B Side, Opener “Rock ‘n’ Roll Band” has a bit of Faces by way of Boston about it, and “Fun In The Sun,” courtesy of front-woman Anne-Sofie Hoyle’s vocal prowess is The Go Go’s on steroids.

Spanning era’s genres, and styles, this is a band that 13 years in may just be hitting their stride.

Five Cool Ones: Five New Records Released This Week (February 7, 2025)

Need a palate cleanser from the Grammys? There are some cool new records to envelope your ears this week.

Ricky Warwick is out with his solo single “The Crickets Stayed In Clovis.”

Manic Street Preachers are tickling our ears with “Brushstrokes of Reunion.”

And finally, Ginger Wildheart, overcoming some mental health issues, is front and center with this single in advance of what might be his best record yet, and that’s saying something.

The Jellybricks – Dreaming In Stereo

Released on Wicked Cool Records, so it must be great, the Harrisburg, PA power popsters continue to impress with their own brand of melodic, harmony-driven coolness.

The title track would make Cheap Trick blush, “Let You Down” carries a whiff of The Knack in its essence, and “Shine On” could have been a lost Raspberry’s classic.

The only band with four songs from one album ensconced as one of “The Coolest Songs In The World” on Little Steven’s XM radio show. The Jellybricks should be firmly take residence on your radar.

Joe Ely – Love and Freedom

On the pantheon of the living legends of Texas Troubadours Joe Ely stands tall right up there with Willie Nelson, Ray Wylie Hubbard, and Terry Allen, and with Love and Freedom, his latest release, culled from his immersive archives, Ely cements his legacy.

“Adios Sweet Dreams” is a ripped from the headlines treatise on the immigration issue from the perspective of those fleeing their country to find a better life for themselves, and Ely Rips the heart out of the Townes Van Zandy staple “Waiting Around To Die” creating an instant cover classic.

Here, with nine originals and four covers Ely is in fine voice with a lot of miles still left in the saddle.

Horsebath – Another Farewell

As debut albums go Another Farewell courtesy of Canadian Americana rockers Horsebath should get serious consideration for best debut record once the end-of-the-year lists come around. The band combines the vintage Tex-Mex of the Sir Douglas Quintet, the Canada-centric songwriting of Gordon Lightfoot, and the vintage refrains of Lee Hazelwood all rolled up into one hell of a bar band.

The opener Hard to Love has a Lukas Nelson feel about it and would have fit in quite nicely on the B side of a Doug Sahm single, and if the closer “Turn My Lover Loose” is not autobiographical it will be soon.

Listen to the entirety of this record from an exciting new find.

Thundermother – Dirty & Divine

In yet another glorious redemption story for Thundermother, front-woman Fillipa Nassil has assembled yet another band of Swedish femme-fatales with her latest version of the band that wouldn’t die.

The record had us at Cowbell from the ripping opening track, “So Close,” “Speaking of the Devil” is a lover-scorned rampage that would have fit in quite well blaring from the bars on the Sunset Strip,” and “Bright Eyes” sound likes it could have come from the vaults of the early days of Def Leppard when they rocked heavy, and “American Adrenaline” is Van Halen fronted by the kick-ass version of Suzi Quatro.

Did the rock record of the year just rear its head? You heard it here first.

Gyasi -Here Comes The Good Part

At first, from the opening salvo of “Sweet Thing” from the latest album from Gyasi (pronounced Jah-See), yours won’t be the first set of ears to think that you have fallen into a very deep rabbit hole of demos and B-sides from a deluxe box set of David Bowie’s Jean Jeanie album.

This is one hell of a wham-glam thank you, ma’am rock and roll record. No band this side of Luke Spiller and the Struts or Darkness is putting the glam vibes out into the ether with the ferocity of Gyasi, and its a wonder to behold.

With so many great songs and more hooks and earworms than an episode of Dangerous Catch, this is the foot-tapper, feel-good record that you have been waiting for.