Five Cool Ones: Five Cool Albums Released This Week (May 31, 2019)

Sacred Paws – Run Around The Sun

Born from the ashes of the Indie Pop band Golden Grrrls, Rachel Aggs and Eilidh Rodgers splintered off to form Sacred Paws. Full of sunny polyrhythmic pop hooks this one owes a heavy debt of gratitude to 80’s Brit Rock.

Pip Blom – Boat

Fervent fans of the Indie Rock scene of the 90’s , the Dutch band Pip Blom has released their most fully realized effort to date. Sonically excellent lead singer Pip Blom sounds a bit liked an escaped Runaway. The guitar pop on this one is next level. If you are looking for a rambunctious romp through a 90’s Post Punk garden this is your jam.

Kenny Wayne Sheppard Band – The Traveller

Kenny Wayne Sheppard with each release seems to be more and more comfortable with his place in the pantheon of guitar slingers. His latest, a Classic Rock concoction of Blues, Boogie, and Rock is a powerhouse. Singer Noah Hunt is in fine grizzled form still sounding like Warren Zevon’s less drug addled brother, and Stevie Ray’s old stick man Chris Layton pushes the band down the rails like a runaway train. Including eight originals and two covers, the best of the lot being a scorched earth version of Neil’s Mr. Soul, this one might be the bands best record to date.

Doug Tuttle – Dream Road

With the upcoming release of the Laurel Canyon documentary everything about that little artist enclave of the Los Angeles 70’s is hip again. On his new record Dream Road Doug Tuttle carries the Southern California laid back musical torch so brightly he should be dating Linda Ronstadt.

Peter Bruntnell – The King of Madrid

Flying just underneath the Americana radar Peter Bruntell really should be better known. His latest The King of Madrid is more of a 60’s psychedelic pop record with a bit of a Byrds essence wafting in the air. The song “Dinosaur” is even a not so distant cousin of “Last Train to Clarksville.” Don’t hold it against him that on “Lucas” he sounds like Steve Miller. Cult status be damned. This guy is seriously good.

New Music Friday (May 31, 2019)

Bruce Springsteen – Tucson Train

Now, the third single to be released from his new record set to be released on June 14th. Essentially a solo record without the E Street Band with the only member being his wife Patti. This one goes back to 80’s Lucky Town Springsteen, and that’s a very good thing.

Night Riots – Tokyo Diamond Eyes

These guys from a little California town just Outside of San Luis Obispo are roaring out of the box with this festival ready anthem.

White Reaper – Might Be Right

Part Glam but mostly all grit besides having one of the coolest band names in Rock, their tunes are catchy as hell.

Kishi Bashi – Penny Rabbit and Summer Bear

Kishi Bashi released his new record today and it is a beauty. Every one of these above the earth heart in the clouds marshmallow nuggets goes down smooth.

The Weeks – Comin’ Down

Sure these guys sound a bit like the Kings of Leon. After all they are on the same record label. Their 2017 album Easy was really good and if this single is any indication their new record will be even better.

Jesse Dayton – Bank Robber

The new single from Jesse Dayton sounds suspiciously like “I Fought The Law.” But get over it. It’s a cool song. And, it’s a Clash cover. So that makes it even better.

Thomas Rhett – Don’t Threaten Me With A Good Time

Don’t throw any Bro-Country shade here. We get it. He walks a delicate line but we like it.

Faye Webster – Pigeon

This youngster has a bright future. The pedal steel on this one gives this latest song released from her new record Atlanta Millionaires Club true character.

Otherkin – On and On

This Irish Band is more Liam Gallagher than Bono on this single from their upcoming album.

Video of the Day: Black Mountain – Licensed To Drive

This one is a record that is shaping up to be one of the Rock records of the year. Destroyer, is Psychedelic Rock at its primal best. Floating somewhere South of Black Sabbath and north of Queens of the Stone Age, this Norwegian band May have just released the road trip record of the year.

Five Cool Ones: Five Cool Albums Released Today (May 24, 2019)

After a bit of a lull over the last couple of weeks there is an abundance of new record riches to be savored this week. The Stray Cats are back after more than 25 years with an album that yes, sounds pretty much like the Stray Cats. The Waterboys continue to strongly represent, and the great Mavis Staples gives us probably the most socially aware set of the week. Here are five tasty morsels that are demanding our ear time.

Sean Nelson – Nelson Sings Nilsson

Sean Nelson, you know him as the voice behind Harvey Danger and “Flagpole Sitta” gives us a tremendously eclectic set of Harry Nilsson covers on Nelson Sings Nelson. There is no “Coconut”and indeed not a “Without You” to be found. The classic “Everybody’s Talking” doesn’t even make an appearance here. With “Gotta Get Up” from Nilsson Shmilsson probably the most popular tune being covered along with with obscure deep cut gems the likes of “Turn On Radio” from Son of Shmilsson and “I’ll Never Leave You” make this a collection worth savoring.

Justin Townes Earle – The Saint if Lost Causes

Steve Earles’s Son Justin Townes Earle is back with another solid set of introspective songs. This time, turning to more expansive road themes instead of the deeply person familial portraits he shared on his last two records, the results are equally impressive.

Frankie Lee – Stillwater

While his previous album American Dreamer seemed to focus on escapism and self-destruction, Frankie Lee’s latest, Stillwater, is all about redemption and returning to your roots.

The Amazons – Future Dust

This Reading, England four piece continues to produce ready made arena savvy anthems.

Echo in the Canyon (feat. Jakob Dylan)- Various artists

Echo in the Canyon is the soon to be released movie detailing the Laurel Canyon music scene of the 60’s. The soundtrack features an all-star selection of musicians with Jakob Dylan serving as the house band. Highlights are everywhere but the real winners are “In My Room” with Fiona Apple, “I Just Wasn’t Made For These Times” featuring Neil Young, and “You Showed Me” with Cat Power. Tremendous stuff, indeed.