Five Cool Ones: Five New New Albums Released This Week (August 7, 2020)

 

We haven’t quite hit the summer stride as yet, but things are starting to heat up quite nicely. We are getting some sneak peeks to some cool ones that are just around the bend and there are some subtle beauties that are announcing themselves.

Robert plant, yes, that Robert Plant has released a teaser tune that has our ears a-buzz as he turns it up and takes a ride down Charlie Patton Highway as only he can.

The boys in Deep Purple, Mach 65, or whatever version of the band is in vogue these days are really bringing it in fine Hall of Famer fashion.

And, newcomer Jordan Lehning is out with one of the more beautiful ballads of the year with “Oolaloom.”

Here are five records we think are really cool this week.

Mary Chapin Carpenter – The Dirt and the Star

Mary Chapin is back with her the first new record of new stuff since 2016 with The Dirt and the Stars, and its almost as if she has not been gone and all. Written in her Vermont home before the pandemic hit, Carpenter waxes politically on old age, politics, life changes, and the importance of empathy along with with other home-spun subjects as only she can. When she tells us “It’s Ok to Be Sad” and shows us “Where The Beauty Is” It’s like sitting on your front porch with an old friend.

Cary Morin – Dockside Saints

Exploring the musical landscape on the dirty side of roots-based Americana this eclectic guitar-slinger will have you riveted from the opening bell with “Nobody Gotta Know” a voodoo blend of Cajun, Swamp Rock, with hints of Bluegrass that seemingly shares some DNA with Dr. John. With Exception to the Rule” Cory’s sensitive side comes out along with his ear-friendly voice, and on “Prisoner” and on “Tonight” we find out just how the guitar Gods have blessed this exciting new talent.

Jenny O. – New Truth

There is definitely a whole lot of the Best Coast vibes swirling all around this eclectically new record from Jenny O. Vintage Pop meld in perfect harmony with the So. Cal. Laurel Canyon vibe most particularly on “Color Love” and “What About the Day.” This is a sit in the garden and watch the butterfly’s sort of listen.

Tough Age – Which Way Am I

A new wave masterpiece for the new millennium, Tough Age, the latest record from Tough Age, harkens back to the Post Punk glory days of the late ’70’s early ’80s. Heavily influenced by The Feelies and Television, their music is taught and full of simmering just under the surface energy. Whether it’s the anthemic “Penny Current Suppression Ring” or the power riffing bass-forward “Anti-Anxiety Exercises, this band would have had a permanent residence at CBGB’s back in the day.

Blue Oyster Cult – Live in London (45th Anniversary Edition)

Released for the first time on CD celebrating the 45th anniversary of their Live in London concert, this set is a must-have not only for BOC completists but for any fan of good old fashioned Rock and Roll. Memorable for being the first, and to date only, time the band has played their debut self-titled record start to finish in a live setting. This also stands this live performance apart and ahead of the somewhat tired “Some Enchanted Evening.” And, its terrific hearing this iconic band at the peak of their powers. The highlight from this part of the set, “The Cities on Flame With Rock and Roll” is delivered with the passion we had come to expect from one of the more underrated Rock and Roll bands in the game.

Once the record is finished and after the brief interlude in the form of the instrumental “Buck’s Boogie” the monster hits kick in with “Godzilla” and “Don’t Fear The Reaper” back to back. Song placement is key here as it is always better when the band doesn’t wait for the encore to dial-up their mega-hits. Editors note: Don’t expect to hear “Burning For You” on this set. The song had not been written yet.

Song of the Day: Midland – Lost In The Night

Don’t get excited Midland fans. This single is from their 2019 must-hear record Let It Roll not from a soon to be released new album. For those that think Midland is a bit Yacht Rock for your delicate ears, this cust will only serve to enforce your quite accurate assessment of this band on some of their songs.

Video of the Day: Starbenders – Cover Me

If you are scoring at home our top three ‘rock is not dead’ Rock and Roll bands of the day are Massive Wagons, Starbenders, Wyldlife, and Starbender, not necessarily in that order. Here, Starbenders professes their band-love for each other from their record released earlier in the year, Love Potions.

Video of the Day: Lori McKenna – The Balladeer

The first single from Lori McKenna’s recent record is a blissful ballad that details the pathos of a struggling balladeer trying to make it in the music business. “They’re never going to play her on the radio, so she hangs in the darkest bars with downtrodden broken hearts.”