This one might be the Rock and Roll record of the year. And, if this were thirty years ago most of the songs on this scorcher of a record would be in the top 10 with a bullet. “The Bullet” would have made a perfect Night Ranger ballad, “Can’t Stop Rock and Roll” sounds a bit like Bon Jovi on steroids.
The choruses are huge, the hooks are everywhere and with songs that extoll the virtues of a six pack and a radio down by the river you won’t even need throwback Thursday to bring back the good old days.
Part Def Leppard part Brian Adams, if you are of a certain age this album would have been the soundtrack of your 20’s. As it is, let this be the soundtrack of a waning summer.
From Hollywood, Ca the band Dead Girls Academy has risen from the ashes of Vampires Everywhere. Their 2018 record Alchemy was an under the rock radar gem. The new album is in the works and should reach your ears early 2020.
Things are definitely heating up as we jet towards the end of the year. Rodney Crowell releases his Texas Album, Americana stalwart Drew Holcomb delivers a solid set and there a bunch more gems.
Rodney Crowell – Texas
Ronnie Dunn, Willie Nelson, Billy Gibbens, Lyle Lovett and more celebrate all things Texas from the border to the oil patches, the strip bars honky-tonks. From the Piney Woods to the Rio Grande this record is almost as big as the state.
Ikebe Shakedown – Kings Left Behind
This 7 piece instrumental band from Brooklyn fills the air with a steamy brew of Funk, Soul, and Spaghetti Western Retro Psychedelic flair. This one is the soundtrack for when you are getting ready to go out on a Saturday night.
Madison Cunningham – Who Are They Now
It seems appropriate that Madison Cunningham would eventually land on the Verve record label. Her nuanced and sophisticated guitar playing and vocal delivery will remind you of Joni Mitchell in her prime. The songwriting is pure Karla Bonoff.
Lillie Mae – Other Girls
Released on Jack Whites Third Man Records with Producer Dave Cobb at the helm Lillie Mae’s bluegrass leanings are as subtle as they could get without disappearing all together.
Bobby Rush – Sitting On Top Of The Blues
Veteran Bobby Rush might be the last real Blues man standing this side of Buddy Guy. Have guitar and harmonica, will travel. And brilliantly we might add.
The new Texas-centric record comes out next Friday. In the meantime we are grooving to this one that features ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbens.
Pat Green – Trip Through Your Wires
Another Texas troubadour, Pat Green is putting together a highly anticipated record himself. Here he teams up wit Joe Ely.
The Darkness – Rock and Roll Deserves To Die
Justin Hawkins and The Darkness are experiencing somewhat of a comeback. Their latest song has a bit of Zeppelin mystery with Ronnie James Dio bombast thrown in. Fun stuff.
Modern Nature – Footsteps
Shoegaze Krautrock is the order of the day on this propulsive second track from their latest album, How To Live.
Shannon Lay – Death Up Close
One of Ty Segall’s sidekicks in his Freedom Band, so she must be good. And she is.
Rosalie Cunningham – Ride On My Bike
The ex front woman from the band Purson, Rosalie Cunningham commands the stage with this opener from her latest album. Queen meets Jefferson Airplane on this one.
We’re just chilling waiting for the new Struts album to hit the shelves. But in the meantime here are five Cool Albums massaging our ear lobes this week.
Jesse Dayton – Mixtape Vol. 1
This covers record is a lot more than a slap-dash between albums mail-it-in effort. This is a seriously eclectic and cool set of songs arranged to perfection with a lot of thought going into the song selection. If Elton’s deep track “Country Comfort” or ACDC’s “Whole Lot of Rosie” isn’t good enough for you the Cars Power Pop gem “Just What I Needed” will have your head spinning until Jesse’s love of Punk comes crashing through on the Clash tune “Bankrobber.” Great stuff indeed.
The Regrettes – How Do You Love
Their Pop driven Punk songs are a must hear. If the Go Go’s were actually cool they might have sounded like The Regrettes. Their sophomore record is full of Ramones worthy ear blasts.
Fionn Regan – Cala
There is a certain calming Zen quality to Fionn Regan’s music and this album, sort of a cross between Cat Stevens and Donovon. Easy like a Sunday Morning.
P.P. Arnold – The New Adventures of P.P. Arnold
Her first album release in decades P.P. Arnold channels her inner Mavis Staples with this new release that features collaborations from Paul Weller, Ocean Colour Scene’s Steve Cradock, and The Specials among others.
Half Alive – Now, Not Yet
This Long Beach trio blends Pop, Funk, Soul, and a bit of Indie Pop under the glow of a disco ball.
The latest video from Yola’s debut record, Walk Through Fire.” A top 20 record for sure.
Starcrawler – Bet My Brains
Starcrawler, one of our favorite over the edge Rock Chick bands are back witba new single and video.
Trigger Hippy – Don’t Wanna Bring You Down
In 2014 Trigger Hippy, a supergroup consisting of Nashville session musicians released a self-titled album that was one of the best of the year. Here they pop up out of nowhere with a scorching new single.
Midland – Cheatin’ Songs
Normally, we would cry fowl on a band that travels the 80’s Country landscape, but for Midland all bets are off. We are all in. Here is their latest Garth Meets George gem.
The Allman Betts Band – Shinin’
Formed by the sons of Gregg Allman and Dickie Betts the Southern Rock torch has Ben duly passed. Close your eyes and you will think it is 1975 all over again.
Demob Happy – Autoportrait
This Psych Rock trio turns up the burners on this one to deliver the headbanger of the week.
Moon City Masters – The Price You Pay
A strong 70’s filter on this one picture Blind Faith jamming on stage with The Allman Brothers and you will pretty much get the idea.
Goodbye June – Universal Mega Love
These guys already have the chops to Greta Van Fleet and Rival Sons. A Rock band on the rise look for their new record Community Inn to come out in October.
Elles Bailey – Deeper
A vibrant Blues/Soul singer Elles Bailey could be the younger sister of Beth Hart.
Rock Is The New Roll 