Category: Five Cool Ones

Five Cool Ones: Five New Albums Released This Week (October 10, 2025)

As we get closer to the end of the year the music starts heating up.

Shiraz Lane is out front with this scorcher ahead of their soon-to-be-released record In Vertigo.

Chrissie Hynde has a new album coming soon with some stellar guests, first up Chrissie and Rufus Wainwright slaying “Always On My Mind.”

And, last and probably best, The Belair Lip Bombs, Melbourne’s secret weapon, has a new record coming that is pre-determined to be among the best of the year.

And that is not all. Here are five cool ones to savor this week.

Hollow Souls – Hollow Souls

With a new line up that brings Kris Barras back to his blues-rock roots while at the same time creating a heavier sound than was on display with the Kris Barras Band, the debut record mines Stevie Ray territory with aplomb.

Fronted by Phoebe Jane with pipes that would make Beth Hart blush, the new band is joined by current hot shots Monster Truck, Chris Tapp of The Cold Stares, and Elles Bailey on a debut record that certainly sets the stage for great things to come.

“Burn It To The Ground” is a scorcher with assistance fro Elles Bailey, “Shotgun” just flat out rocks, and the opener “Borderline” introduces the listener to Phoebe’s back of the barroom pipes. And yes, there is cowbell.

Another example of why rock is not dead.

Liam St. John – Man Of The North

Nashville-based Pacific Northwest-bred, Blues rocker Liam St. John blends rock influences with just a bit of Cadillac Three country twang to keep him authentic with a timber in his voice that brings Lukas Nelson to the mind’s ear.

“Devil in Disguise” with an ample assist from Houndmouth veers into Chris Stapleton territory, “Trouble” is a blues-rock stomper, and “Greyhound Bus Blues,” a duet with Molly Tuttle, might be one of the best Americana songs of the year.

Even at a stout 53 minutes long this one seems to end too soon.

Amanda Shires – Piece Of Mind

Singer, songwriter, and fiddle player Amanda Shires turns her divorce from Jason Isbell. “A Way It Goes” into her personal salve and provides the first indication that the breakup did not go well,

We hear the breakup play out in real time “Piece Of Mind” making Alanis look tame, and “Lately” has Shire finding solace in listening to Billy Joel’s Stranger album.

Straying a bit from her folk roots on this one, this mostly sparse affair showcasing some of her best songwriting to date with “Friendzone” a stellar example where she gets high and watches Tombstone and gets higher watching Rambo.

Far from maudlin, this might be Amanda Shires’ best effort to date.

The Third Mind – Right Now!

Three albums in this supergroup of sorts formed by Dave Alvin, Camper Van Beethoven bassist Victor Krummenacher and vocalist Jesse Sykes seem to be basking in the sunshine of nuggets-style rock and roll with an ear towards psychedelic folk.

The Youngbloods “Darkness Darkness” is turned into a Jefferson Airplane-worthy monster ode, “Reno, Nevada” with Alvin and Sykes duetting would have been a monster hit in the hands of Nancy and Lee, while “Pretty Polly” is murder ballad mojo at its finest.

There something to savor in every groove. Come for the Otis Rush mojo of “Reap What You Sow,” but stay for the silky vibe of the Delines evoking “Before We Said Goodbye.”

The Prize – In The Red

With the hot at balloons set to ‘80s rock atmosphere, In The Red, the latest mini-masterpiece from Melbourne’s The Prize, shades of Cheap Trick, Blue Oyster Cult, and Thin Lizzy blast from every speaker.

They just don’t make rock and roll records like this anymore. If juke boxes were still a thing, mine would be loaded with these gems. “Down The Street” is Early Cheap Trick by way of late-era Ramones, “Static Live Affair” is right from the listenable Stooges canon, and even the closer requisite ballad -adjacent “Silver Bullet” has a certain Night Ranger vibe about it.

We are calling our shot now, this is the best rock and roll record of the year.

Five Cool Ones: Five New Albums Released This Week (October 3, 2025)

Vandoliers – Life Behind Bars

Five albums in, the first on Thirty Tiger Records, Vandoliers have refined their country cowpunk swagger to festival ready perfection. Highlights abound here including the mariachi tinged “Valencia,” “You Can’t Party With The Lights On” with an assist from Joshua Jay Walker,, and “Bible Belt,” one of two overtly political songs on this set, laments on the trials of being different in the conservative South.

The band, as raucous as ever following lead singer Jenni Rose coming out as trans, have released their most socially aware, and likely their best album at just the right time.

The Gripweeds – Soul Bender

The Gripweeds Soul Bender, the latest blast from the past courtesy of New Jersey based brothers Rick and Kurt Reil, sail on a ship with The Beatles, early Who, and Buffalo Springfield.

Leaning into power pop, garage rock, and pop-psych, the opener “Gene Clark (Broken Wing” is an overt homage to the Byrds maestro, “Wake Up Time” would have fit in quite nicely on any of the pre-Tommy Who albums, and “Soul Bender” has the energetic vibe of a British invasion classic.

Moving the sound forward while keeping true to the spirit of the classics, Soul Bender is a multi-layered classic that warrants several trips around the sun on your turntable for maximum enjoyment.

Ryle – Come And Get Me

Alice Cooper – The Revenge of Alice Cooper

Given that this is his first record since the tepid Muscle of Love in 1973 with the original Alice Cooper Band, Alice Cooper, Michael Bruce, Dennis Dunaway, and Neil Smith, it is no surprise that the record marks a return to the Billion Dollar Babies and School’s Out era. Filling in for Glen Buxton on guitar is glamster Gyasi Heus with the Doors Robbie Krieger adding some guitar work on “Black Mamba.”

A nostalgic walk down shock rock lane, this one is very much harkening back to the ’70s when riff-heavy unapologetic rock was the order of the day.

“What Happened To You”’ would have been a terrific Chuck Berry B-Side, “What A Syd,” a tribute to Pink Floyd’s Syd Barrett, would have slid in quite nicely on the Lace and Whiskey album, and “Blood On the Sun,” the requisite semi-ballad, may be the best song of the lot.

A far better listen than it has any right to be, Alice has produced a record that stands up favorably with his best work.

Paul Weller – Find El Dorado

Anytime there is a new Paul Weller record to savor, there is cause for celebration. This time out, his latest since 2024’s 64, Weller takes on 15 carefully curated songs from other artists that map out The Modfather’e personal musical journey from Jam and Style Council frontman to rock icon.

Bravely taking on the Bee Gees “I Started A Joke” and absolutely killing the Bobby Charles classic “Small Town Talk” Weller keeps the train on the tracks, most notably on Clive’s Song with an assist from Robert Plant on vocals and harmonica.

Pulling off this passion project in fine fashion, Paul Weller once again proves that he is a Bational treasure and one of the more underrated artists of our time.

The Lancasters – The Word of the Mistral

These Italian blokes spin a 60’s early 70’s platter of psychedelic freak-out hippie music with a side of garage rock to keep things semi up to date.

“Rules of the Road” could have made an appearance on any early who album, “Girl In The Sun” is a sparking Donovan inspired end piece, and “Stone of Whims” should have been on Spinal Tap II.

This is a keeper for those of a certain age.

Five Cool Ones: Five New Albums Released This Week (June 6, 2025)

The heat is on as the summer is in full swing. The planes are circulating and ramping up to land some real rock and roll bombshells over the next couple of months.

Thunder guitarist Luke Morley is prepping for a proper record later in the year with this Mellencamp banger.

Sweet Desire comes to us via a 70’s time machine.

And, believe it or not, there has never been a video for The Talking Heads’ “Psycho Killer.” until now that is.

The Cold Stares – The Southern Part 2

8 records in, Evansville’s own The Cold Stares have carved out a religion as one of the best Blues Rock outfits in the game today.

There is a whole lot of Johnny Lang by way of ZZ Top buried in the DNA of “Evil Eye,” Stevie Ray ghost haunte the moody “Hurting Side Of Love,” and “Can’t Call That Love” slides into the moody side of Lynyrd Skynyrd.

With this, a follow-up to last year‘s The Southern, it is inspiring to see a band striking while the iron is hot, releasing an album every year with groovy singles in between.

This one will be in the top half of rock record of the year lists when December rolls around.

Jesse Daniel – Son Of San Lorenzo

With a dedication to the Bakersfield sound, this time coming to your ears from San Lorenzo, California, Jesse Daniel weaves a blend of Western Ballads, Bakersfield Swing, Buck Owens swagger, and Merle Haggard songwriting on his latest record, Son of San Lorenzo.

Having been homeless and recovered from addiction Daniel mixes personal reflection, most notably on the title track, ” Son Of San Lorenzo,” ruin and redemption on “One’s Too Many (And A Thousand Ain’t Enough),” along with addiction on “Crankster,” a bit of a rocker that delves into the darker sides of self-destruction.

Finally, with “Jodi,” a love letter to his wife, we get the sense that there is a rainbow at the end of the tunnel, the demons have been exorcised, and we the listeners are all the better for taking the ride with an artist that is not afraid to be vulnerable on what might be a breakout record for Jesse Daniel.

Monkey House – Crash Box

Monkey House, a Canadian band with a name inspired by a Kurt Vonnegut book, plays in the gene pool of Jazz Pop very much in the Steely Dan mold.

With sophisticated jazz rock melodies and a breezy vibe that would make Christopher Cross come back from the sea, the production value along with the musicianship on this record are both best in class.

“Smoke ‘Em If You Got ‘em” could have been the B-side of “Dr. Wu,” “Sundaying” is the perfect cure for what ails you on a lazy, breezy weekend, and “Friday Night Jam” is another yacht rock adjacent breezer that displays the tight as the skin of the skin on an apple synchronistic cohesion of the band in fine fashion.

Do your ears a solid and crate dig deep into the back catalogue of this band that has been doing business since 1999.

The Doobie Brothers – Walk This Road

Clearly a money grab to have some new songs to drag out during their supporting act gig with ELO this summer, there is not a real reason for this record to exist.

With this watered down mostly Michael McDonald, (who has ruined more doobies than wet rolling papers) led ensemble the band that brought you the splendor of “China Grove” has somehow morphed into Hootie and the Blowfish and The Little River Band right before our very ears.

Credit should be given for uniting core members Tom Johnston, Patrick Simmons, and John McFee for one last trip around the song, and the title track “Walk With Me,” with an assist from the mighty Mavis staples, would be almost listenable were it not for the previously mentioned Michael McDonald chipping in on vocals.

For those of you that are fans of Toulouse Street era Doobie brothers, your ship has hit an iceberg. For those that are fans of Michael McDonald, seek help.

Pulp – More

Incredibly, More, the last record for Jarvis Cocker and the boys, is Pulps first proper record in 24 years since their breakup in 2002, and it’s a banger.

The opener, “Spike Island” provides a David Bowie background against classic Jarvis Cocker vocals, “Got To Have Love” is a disco treat that comes the closest on this set to rolling out vintage Pulp, “Grown Ups” is a throwback to the Brit Pop glory days, and “My Sex” is Barry White shag-funk.

Sure, Jarvis Cocker’s solo efforts have been good, sometimes great, but what the hell man, where have you been, and welcome back to a band that we didn’t realize we sorely missed. Until now, that is.

Five Cool Ones: Five New Records Released This Week (May 30, 2025)

Whoever said that rock is dead just isn’t trying. All you need to do is look around. Its in the air.

Frontier Record continues to produce vintage rock, this time ballad style, with Malvada’s “I’m Sorry.”

The ever-interesting Jenny Hval is out with another single.

And, the always evocative Low Cut Connie is out with a socially aware single.

But enough of that, here are five new records to savor this week.

Wyldlyfe – Sorted

Coming to you from Little Steven’s Wicked Cool stable, Wyldlyfe blends Rock, Garage, Punk, and Glam into a a blender of coolness that will tickle the earlobes of any fan of good old fashioned rock and roll.

Riding on the coattails of The Ramones, The New York Dolls as well as the accessible side of The Stooges, this latest record finds the band a bit more Power Pop melodic than we may be used to from the firebrands, however as evidenced by the opener, “Bystander,” the punch in the gut opener, the urgency is still there.

Somehow fresh and vintage sounding at the same time, “Dizzy” sounds like Luke Spiller fronting Oasis, and Mia M.I.A. Sounds like Blondie on steroids.

A solid escape sort of record that will scratch your rock itch for sure.

When Rivers Meet – Addicted To You

When Rivers Meet is Grace and Aaron Bond, the best husband-and-wife blues rock duo this side of The White Stripes with a sound that mixes the more melodic side of Led Zeppelin, with a touch of The Black Keys and Bonnie Raitt thrown in for good measure

There is a real ’70s rock feel to the proceedings with this, their fourth proper record, and with songs like “Still Standings” with a ready-for-the-festival chorus, and the change of pace with the lush and beautiful “Coming Up For Air,” the future is so bright for this band they won’t need to wear shades.

Taj Mahall and Keb’ Mo’ – Room On The Porch

With their second collaboration, Room On The Porch, the follow-up to 2017’s highly excellent Tajmo, Taj Mahall and Keb’ Mo’ may have just curated the most soul affirming record of the year.

From the opener, “Room On The Porch” on to the old school blues of “The Blues’ll Give You Back Your Soul” this one is perfectly suited to sitting on your porch reflecting with an old friend.

The version presented here of “Nobody Knows You When You Are Down and Out” is worth the price of admission alone.

Chapparelle – Western Pleasure

Chaparelle is a Texas-based supergroup consisting of Zella Day, Jesse Woods, and Beau Bedford handling knob-twirling duties.

With their feet firmly planted in the classic country sand, their sound is exquisitely crafted to blend traditional George and Tammy country, Lee and Nancy hipster-noir, vintage pop, and dirty blues all peppered with a bit of Sun Records rock and roll.

“Devil’s Music” could have been produced by Sam Phillips himself, “Inside The Lines” is a hip-swaying earworm that will stick with you a while, and their version of “Dance With Somebody” reimaged with steel guitar would have fit in quite nicely on a Dusty Springfield record.

Pretty much a perfect record, lets hope that this debut album is a beacon leading to a stellar career for this band.

Deraps – Viva Rock N’Roll

If you are a fan of early Van Halen and the Sunset Strip era rock scene, and if you are not, you should be, Deraps and their sophomore record, Viva Rock N’ Roll will become your new jam.

This one has everything a 70s and 80s rock aficionado would want. “Solitaire” cranks up the classic era Styx by way of Night Ranger, the opening title track is all Diamond Dave and Van Halen, and “The Dawg Stomp” could have been an Aerosmith “ Walk This Way” B side.

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

Ben Kweller – Cover The Mirrors

The latest record from Ben Kweller is a deeply personal affair. Released on would have been the 19th birthday of his son Dorian who died tragically in a freak car accident, Cover The Mirrors has a real heart on the sleeve tattoo inked on every groove.

A supreme example of an artist turning personal grief into a salve, every song is a thought-provoking journey into the healing process. Getting by with a little help from his friends, Waxahachie pitches in on “Dollar Store,” Coconut Records on the appropriately named “Depression,” and MJ Lenderman joins the party on the closer, an ode to a father’s son, “Oh Dorian,” Kwellers “Tears in Heaven Tribute to his son.

What We’re Listening To (May 2025)

Now playing in the halls of Rock is the New H.Q.

Wolf Alice – Bloom Baby Bloom

Looking forward to the August 19 release of their new record, The Clearing.

King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard – Deadstick

The Aussie collective that is King Gizzard Wizard Lizard seems to be showing their inner Grateful Dead with each subsequent release.

Luvcat – Lipstick

Luvcat, with each release, is crafting her own world filled with misfits, cabaret dancers, and circus clowns with a little burlesque thrown in for good measure.

Folk Bitch Trio – Cathode Ray

Always suckers for cool band names, Folk Bitch Trio very much fits the bill. Superb harmonizing, Tarantino-worthy production, and goth-noir are all front and center on this one.

Airport 77’s – 1999 (Take Me Back)

Power Pop mavens Airport 77’s are out with a ick single to make your summer even better.

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 (April 18, 2025)

The summer is close and things are heating up across the world, but there is a cool breeze blowing on the album front. So grab a Mai Tai and settle in.

Pearl Charles is quilting her Nancy Sinatra vibes prepping for a new record to be released later in the month.

Silver Synthetic released a new record, Rosalie. Think Big Star if they spent more time at Joshua Tree.

And, for fans of Queens of the Stone Age, the band HIMALAYAS will scratch your desert rock itch.

But, that’s not all. As per usual here are five new players to spin on your turntables.

Valerie June – Owls, Omens, and Oracles

With her genre bending music that flows through the veins of Americana, Soul, Pop and Blues her latest Owls, Omens, and Oracles is a life-affirming record with plenty of earworms throughout.

Produced by pop master M. Ward the record channels ‘70s pop on “Trust The Path,” Phil Spector wall of sound on “All I Really Wanna Do,” and Amy Winehouse vibes on “Endless Tree.”

This record is a ray of optimism in desolate times.

Those Damn Crows – God Shaped Hole

Straightforward rock and roll is the order of the day on God-Shaped Hole, the latest from Nashville-based Those Damn Crows.

From the opening salvo of “Dancing With The Enemy,” your ears are treated to some sort of Devil’s hybrid combining The Hu, U2 in their prime, and Metallica. Interesting stuff indeed.

Word of caution, don’t listen to “Let’s Go Psycho” when driving, and “Night Train” burns the soul much like a Pearl Jam ballad in the “Jeremy” mold.

Don’t sleep on this one as the leader in the clubhouse for the rock record of the year.

Cold Specks – Light For The Midnight

Just listen to the first two minutes of “How It Feels,” the initial salvo from Cold Specks on her latest record Light For Midnight, and we dare you not to have Carole King ear worms drilled into the minds ear.

The musical project of Laden Hussein, Cold Specks floats on a cloud of atmospheric synths, delicate piano, and deep R&B to create her own vision, a sort of doom soul.

“Venus In Pisces” has a certain ‘Till Tuesday lilt to it, “Lingering Ghosts” harkens back to darker times when she was misdiagnosed as having schizophrenia, and “Endlessly” is a study in stellar songwriting.

A record that would not seem out of place it was released in the early ’90s, this one represents an artist coming out of a dark tunnel and delivering what might be the best album of her career.

Turnpike Troubadours – Price Of Admission

You would be hard pressed to find a more legitimate roots country band over the last ten years than Stillwater’s own Turnpike Troubadours.

Ignoring the glitter of Nashville, the band instead has chosen to stick to their Oklahoma roots and imbed themselves in a state, a town that is as hardscrabble as it gets with an everyman ethos that is palpable.

Produced by Shooter Shennings, the new record meanders from pensive to rowdy in the blink of a hot steel guitar solo.

Critics might call out the semi-slick production, one of the hazards of hiring a big-time producer, while others will revel in the honky tonk ethos.

Come for the poignancy of “Forgiving You,” but stay for the heartbreak of “A Lie Agree Upon” with this one.

Little Barrie – Electric War

Mutch like you get with virtually every Easy Eye Sound release, The latest Little Barrie collaboration with drummer Malcolm Catto, is an exploration in eclectic sounds and textures.

With a distinct raw, analog feel, the record, with its groove-centric pulse takes on a jazz feel that seems to be vintage and refreshingly contemporary at the same time.

With elements of funk, psychedelia, rock, and jazz permeating the air, this one is an eclectic listen that will educate your ears.

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 (March 21, 2025)

The dynamite is definitely going boom this week.

Hannah Cohen is bringing back ‘70s folk-pop.

Bryan Ferry teams up with Amilia Barratt on a new single, “Loose Talk”.

And, The Counting Crows have some new music in the pipeline.

But, that’s not all fellow muso’s. Here are five fresh off the presses playyers to enjoy this week.

The Damn Truth – The Damn Truth

This Canadian quartet operates on a planet of revved-up modern rock with a classic rock twist, and with this, their fourth proper long-player, their reputation that has been building as festival forces to be reckoned with should be permanently solidified.

Produced by Bob Rock, the same Bob Rock who twirled the knobs for Motley Crue, Bon Jovi, and The Offspring among many others, the sound is crisp, vocally energetic, with all of the top 40 panache you would expect with the hand-in-glove partnership of artist and producer.

“The Willow,”’a song that highlights the back of the arena pipes that belong to lead singer Lee-La Baum, is Zeppelin “stairway” worthy, “Addicted” bangs the head phones like a Beth Hart banger, and the anthemic “All Night Long” features AC/DC riffage alongside classic Bob Rock artistry.

This is a next-level record for a next-level rock and roll band.

Foxy Shazam – Animality Opera

This one tickles that G-spot between the flower-power psychedelic vibes of Jellyfish and the operatic bombast of the early Queen records.

A bit chaotic at times, less than cohesive for most of the album, this 11-track journey quite nicely puts the ethos of Foxy Shazam into a capsule that while being less accessible than its forebearers, is all the more of an interesting listen for it.

Tito & Tarantulas – !Brincamos!

Widely known as the house band in Quentin Tarantino’s From Dusk Till Dawn, Tito Larriva and his tarantulas have been mainstays of the Los Angeles punk and roll scene for decades with their genre-bending mix of rock, punk, Tejano, and surf music.

And now, with !Brincamos! the band has delivered a masterpiece of Latinx punk rock with raw ballads and energetic anthems leading the way. The opener “X the Soul” would have been perfect in the hands of Tom Waits, if Waits ever let things fly that is, 99.9 sounds like an Alejandro Escovedo garage rant from the nugget days, and “Sneer At The Drummer” could have been a Willy De Ville classic.

This is a real rock record from a real rock and roll band.

My Morning Jacket – Is

With this, their 10th record in 30-plus years of existence, the jam band-adjacent My Morning Jacket has entered into a new phase of their career for the first time in a decade, for them, an outside producer is in charge, Brendan O’Brien who has worked with Bruce Springsteen, Pearl Jam, and Phish.

Every song on this record is melodic, transcendental, and perfectly executed. The spirit is uplifting and “Everyday Magic” as well as “Time Waited” remind us of the underrated genius that is Jim James when it comes to crafting a love song.

This might not be the album of the year, but it will certainly be on heavy rotation on our turn tables for the rest of the year.

Brian D’addario – Till The Morning

When is a record really/not really a solo album? The answer is nuanced but in this case with the latest from Brian D’Addario, one-half of the Lemon Twigs twins, both answers may be correct.

The first release on the brothers new label Headstack Records, most of the songs were recorded with brother Michael who is also credited as co-producer.

Self described as country- baroque the entire record is full of Donovan-worthy gems. “Nothing On My Mind” would have been a perfect early Kinks single, “Only To Ease My Mind” is Brian Wilson-worthy, and if “This Summer” is not your summer anthem of the year you should have your ears examined.

It is too early in his career to say that Brian D’Addario has created his own Pet Sounds, but when all is said and done you might not be wrong.

Five Cool Ones: Five New Albums Released This Week (March 14, 2024)

Rarely has there been a cooler week of music than our ears were hipped to last week, but don’t worry, this Nantucket sleigh ride seems to be in full bloom once again.

The Violet Mindfield has an organ freakbeat nuggets feel about the band.

The Blusterfields have a popiness about them that belies their Kiss sensibilities.

Jason Boland and the Stragglers – The Last Kings of Babylon

Blending Country, Rock, Pop, and sometimes even Punk muses Jason Boland and his red dirt henchmen seem to be going back to their roots with original producer Lloyd Maines at the helm of their latest record, The Last Kings Of Babylon.

Showing off all aspects of this eclectic band, “Next To Hank Williams” could have been on a mid-era Johnny Cash record, “Drive” is just what you thing it might be, a get out of Dodge travelogue sort of song, and “High Time” could have been on any Little Feat album.

Should you be anywhere near a Texas or Oklahoma honky tonk where Jason Boland is playing do your ears a solid and slide on in.

Ricky Warwick – Blood Ties

Already keeping the spirit of Thin Lizzy and Phil Lynott alive with his band The Black Star Riders as well as his solo work and other projects, Ricky Warwick carries the torch even higher with his latest record, Blood Ties.

This one is a corker, “Rise and Grind” with Blackberry Smoke,’s Charlie Starr is a straight-up rocker, “ The Crickets Stayed In Clovis” is “Boys Are Back in Town” special, and “The Hell Of Me And You” packs a proper MC-5 wallop. A proper rock and roll record that once again proves that rock is not dead.

Tobacco City – Horses

With echoes of Gram, Emmylou, and The Flying Burrito Brothers, the psychedelic country of Tobacco City has a certain timeless quality that is both inspiring and soul-affirming.

The opener “Autumn” has a certain John Mellencamp other side of the street and very Delines-like in its dramatic storytelling, and the frolicking “Buffalo” sounds lie an REM goes country barn raiser.

Look for these guys coming to a honky tonk near you.

Charley Crockett – Lonesome Drifter

This just, in Charlie Crockett, with a voice that makes Johnny Cash sound like a soprano, is rapidly rising to the top of the Mount Rushmore among the current crop of country crooners.

Recorded in just 10 days at the legendary Sunset Sounds Studio in LA with knob twirling assistance from Shooter Jennings, the record has a certain live feel to it with many songs recorded in one take.

With touch-points-a-plenty the musical influences make themselves known with Waylon Jennings, Bill Withers, and Woody Guthrie all making themselves known.

Lonesome Drifter might not be his best record, Welcome To Hard Times would likely take that honor among aficionados, it will lkely garner high honors when the end-of-the-year polls are gathered.

Silver Synthetics – Rosalie

Floating in a nexus of euphoric cosmic cowboy haze, Silver Synthetics stand on the shoulders of Rose City Band, Beachwood Sparks, and Poco. Every song on this charcuterie plate of a record that sounds like Neil Young fronting Big Star.

“Rosalie” will have you searching for a campfire and a bottle of whiskey, the opener “Age Of Infamy” is hot tub time machine worthy ‘70s smooth country rock at its finest, and “Right Time” carries the freshness of The Sheepdogs and the slick pop of early-era Eagles.

There is nothing not to like about this record.