New music: The Aquabats!, Steeleye Span, Terry Adams

In this column, I highlight a diverse field of artists featured on outstanding titles available now.

Artist: The Aquabats!

Title: Finally (Gloopy Records / MVD Audio)

You might like if you enjoy: The Cars, Devo, Reel Big Fish

Tell me more: Anyone who caught The Aquabats! at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in April knows just how much fun the Huntington Beach-spawned musical troupe is in concert. Released on June 21, 2024, The Aquabats!'s seventh studio album Finally fully delivers on the band's freewheeling and fun live shows and brings that undeniable party to a 17-track LP that will please the band's generations-spanning fan base known as "Aquacadets." The expansive sonic extravaganza — the band's first new album since 2020's Kooky Spooky...In Stereo — kicks off with the driving alt rocker "Whatever Forever!," a cut bolstered by melody and virtuoso guitar work. Other standouts include the pop-styled "Unicorn Babies!," sci-fi themed foray "Dr. Space Mummy!" (the latter among the highlights of the band's Coachella appearance), post-punk rockers "Algebro!" and "Roofus The Doofus!," electronica "Let's Go Live In A Cave!," comedic "Spider Love!," ska sortie "Sun Blocker!" and enticing melodic cut "Don't Make Me Run!"

The Aquabats! features the collective talents of The MC Bat Commander (lead vocals), Crash McLarson (bass guitar), Jimmy the Robot (saxophone, keyboards), Ricky Fitness (drums, percussion), Eaglebones Falconhawk (guitar, bass), Chainsaw The Prince of Karate (guitar, vocals), Cat Boy (trumpet, vocals) and Gorney (piano, keys, vocals, bass, guitar). Information: theaquabats.com and mvdaudio.com.

Artist: Steeleye Span

Title: Live At The Bottom Line, 1974 (Omnivore Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: Fairport Convention, Richard Thompson, traditional Irish music, Solas

Tell me more: A previously-unissued performance by British folk-rock troupe Steeleye Span, Live At The Bottom Line, 1974 is an exciting and wonderful audio document of a performance captured 50 years ago that ranks as one of this year's most outstanding concert recording releases. The recording features instrumental standouts such as "Beg Your Leave," "Irish Jigs (Including Paddy Clancy's)," and a fiery medley ("The Musical Priest/The Silver Spear/The High Reel") as well as sweeping songs like the driving folk rocker "Alison Gross," the dazzling duet "John Barleycorn," the troupe's enticing #14 UK hit "Gaudete" and spirited fiddle-anchored closer "The Mason's Apron." The recording also introduces one of the sextant's most beloved songs, "Thomas The Rhymer," a perfect fusion of British folk and rock bolstered by bewitching vocal harmonies. The Scottish ballad "Cam Ye O'er Frae France," dark "Little Sir Hugh," the haunting "Saucy Sailor" and lovely "Summer is a Comin' In" are among the other wonderful tracks featured on the 74-minute set. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.

Artist: Terry Adams

Title: Terrible (Omnivore Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: NRBQ, jazz, GoGo Penguin, Vince Guaraldi

Tell me more: The first solo album from NRBQ founder Terry Adams has been reissued and remastered by Omnivore Recordings with four bonus tracks. Originally released in 1995, Terrible puts the focus on Adams' talents as a composer. Adams is backed by fellow New Rhythm & Blues Quartet bandmates Johnny Spaminato (guitar), Joey Spaminato (bass) and Tom Ardolino (drums) as well as a slew of other guests —  notably Marshall Allen (alto sax), Tyrone Hill (trombone) and Dave Gordon (trumpet). The track listing includes the bona fide jazz sorties "Toodlehead" and "Hilda," New Orleans-flavored "Venusian Sunset," cinematic "Yes Yes Yes," the sublime "Little One," beautiful ballad "Thinking Of You" and aptly-titled "These Blues." Two of the more interesting selections are the otherworldly "Distant Instant" and "Kalimba," which both feature Adams alone on dulcitone. The reissue includes new liner notes, remastered audio, and is available as a double-LP set, on audio CD and via digital. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.

Robert Kinsler

The Cranberries' groundbreaking debut celebrates 30th anniversary with gold vinyl edition

 

THE CRANBERRIES CELEBRATES THE 30th ANNIVERSARY OF ITS GROUNDBREAKING DEBUT EVERYBODY ELSE IS DOING IT, SO WHY CAN’T WE? WITH ITS RELEASE ON SOLID GOLD COLOR VINYL Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can't We? NOVEMBER 3, 2023 (Los Angeles, CA) -- In celebration of the 30th anniversary of their groundbreaking debut Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can’t We?, Island/UMe is releasing a special edition of the album on solid gold vinyl on December 1, 2023. It can be pre-ordered here: http://thecranberries.lnk.to/EverybodyElseGoldVinyl.   Originally released on March 1, 1993, Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can't We? hit the No. 1 spot in both the UK and Ireland and has sold more than six million copies worldwide. Spawning two Top Ten singles – the debut lead single “Dreams” and its mainstream breakthrough follow-up “Linger” which cemented the band’s position within the rock world, the album highlighted the unique vocal stylings of Dolores O’Riordan (whose untimely passing in 2018 rocked the music industry). Combining Gaelic, Catholic, and indie vocal influences, O’Riordan coupled her relatable lyrics that captured the frustrations of late adolescence, giving these songs universal appeal. In the 30 years since its release, this carefully crafted debut has stood the test of time as a landmark album. Says drummer Fergal Lawler, “We wanted to do something special for you, our fans, as you have been so supportive since this this album was released 30 years ago,” Fergal continues. “‘Linger’ first became a big hit in America and that had a knock-on effect and broke the album around the world. We are eternally grateful to you for that.” Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can’t We? will be released on gold vinyl on December 1, 2023. The Cranberries "Dreams" Link: https://youtu.be/Yam5uK6e-bQ?si=gGJQBtT9I5uU5RwJ The Cranberries "When You're Gone" Link: https://youtu.be/RUmdWdEgHgk?si=4Ara_Peho0E41Jem Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can't We? tracklisting 1.            "I Still Do" 2.            "Dreams" 3.            "Sunday" 4.            "Pretty" 5.            "Waltzing Back" 6.            "Not Sorry" 7.            "Linger" 8.            "Wanted" 9.            "Still Can't..." 10.         "I Will Always" 11.         "How" 12.         "Put Me Down"

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New Music: Bobbo Byrnes' 'October'; Shania Twain's 'Queen of Me'

Singer-songwriter Bobbo Byrnes and Canadian country-pop songstress Shania Twain both have essential new studio releases available now.

Artist: Bobbo Byrnes
Title: October (Kiss My Squirrel Music)

You might like if you enjoy: The Fallen Stars, Bruce Cockburn, Celtic folk, Americana

Tell me more: Bobbo Byrnes' new album October marks a welcome return for the talented singer-songwriter. Byrnes uses his gifts as singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist (guitar, mandolin) to deliver a strong set of nine acoustic gems. While on tour in Europe in the fall of 2022, Byrnes had the opportunity to record at the legendary Hansa Studios in Berlin, Germany and at Windmill Lane Studios in Dublin, Ireland. The results of those rich sessions have yielded selections that blend traditional folk with layered sound effects that provide enhanced soundscapes across the disc. "The Sea" benefits from an especially strong arrangement of more quiet verses that give way to driving instrumental sections; the dual use of driving guitar and mandolin further define this great cut. The lovely instrumental "October" fuses Byrnes' nuanced work on the acoustic guitar with the otherworldly layers of an e-bow. "Untitled" is a lovely and yearning nugget, with Byrnes' evocative vocals enhanced by sparse guitar accompaniment. Byrnes really immerses himself in a haunting Celtic-flavored cover of "Crooked Jack." His version of David Bowie's classic "Heroes" — the original version was recorded by Bowie at Hansa Studio in 1977 — is especially impressive, with Byrnes effectively building the power of the song with a combination of vocal firepower, well played rhythm guitar and soaring e-bow. Byrnes will celebrate the release of his new album October with a CD release show at The Harp Inn in Costa Mesa, playing 8-10 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 9. Information: BobboByrnes.com.

Artist: Shania Twain
Title: Queen of Me (Republic Nashville)

You might like if you enjoy: Shania Twain, Kacey Musgraves, Taylor Swift

Tell me more: Veteran country-pop music favorite Shania Twain is back with her sixth studio album, Queen of Me. Twain's first new album since 2017's Now, Queen of Me is an effort that finds the beloved Canadian singer-songwriter taking aim at the charts with a disc full of catchy and accessible synth-anchored modern music. The material here is commercial to be sure, with the new single "Giddy Up!" an obvious shot at returning Twain to the attention of her millions of fans. The driving dance track "Waking Up Dreaming" is an especially strong song, with Twain's signature vocals used to perfect effect. Other strong entries on the album include the genre-bending electronica-meets-country nugget "Pretty Liar," shining pop tracks "Inhale/Exhale AIR" and "Number One," super bewitching dream pop sortie "Got It Good" and confessional "The Hardest Stone." Information: ShaniaTwain.com.

Robert Kinsler

Phil Lynott 'Songs For While I'm Away' + Thin Lizzy's 'The Boys Are Back In Town Live at the Sydney Opera House October 1978' coming June 24

Fans of classic and Irish rock will want to read this important update on a multi-format release featuring Phil Lynott and Thin Lizzy! Robert Kinsler

MERCURY STUDIOS IS PROUD TO PRESENT PHIL LYNOTT SONGS FOR WHILE I’M AWAY + THIN LIZZY THE BOYS ARE BACK IN TOWN LIVE AT THE SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE OCTOBER 1978

~2xDVD+CD AND BLU-RAY+DVD+CD~ ~JUNE 24, 2022~ PRE-ORDER HERE VIEW TRAILER HERE New York, NY (May 5, 2022)–With their driving hooks, twin lead guitars, lyrics saturated in working class lore, and the charismatic presence of singer/songwriter/bassist Phil Lynott, Thin Lizzy are undeniably one of the most influential bands in Rock ‘N’ Roll. Mercury Studios salutes their legacy with the release of Phil Lynott Songs For While I’m Away + Thin Lizzy The Boys Are Back In Town Live At The Sydney Opera House October 1978 on June 24. Pairing the acclaimed Phil Lynott documentary with a renowned live concert film, the set will be available as a 2xDVD+CD and Blu-ray+DVD+CD (with the Phil Lynott documentary on the Blu-ray). Songs For While I’m Away chronicles the life and music of Phil Lynott, utilizing archival footage, interview snippets from the man himself, and music from both the Thin Lizzy and Phil Lynott solo catalog. Notable conversations with Midge Ure (Ultravox / Thin Lizzy), Darren Wharton (Thin Lizzy), Scott Gorham (Thin Lizzy), Adam Clayton (U2), Huey Lewis (Huey Lewis & The News), James Hetfield (Metallica) and others, as well as Phil’s wife Caroline Taraskevics and daughters Sarah Lynott and Cathleen Lynott reveal an all-encompassing look at Phil, from his 1950s’ upbringing as a Black boy in blue collar Dublin to his rise to fame. Fully exploring his history and rippling impact on music, the film examines Lynott as a singer, songwriter, poet, father, and cultural icon. Complementing this film is The Boys Are Back In Town Live At The Sydney Opera House October 1978. Previously released on VHS, Laserdisc, and DVD, this version presents the show in the highest quality that has been made available, with not only cleaned up video and remixed audio from multi tracks, but five additional songs from this set that have never been officially released. This performance showcases the electricity of these original Rock ‘N’ Roll masters – Lynott, Scott Gorham (guitar / background vocals), Gary Moore (guitar / background vocals), and Mark Nauseef – delivering searing versions of their celebrated anthems, such as “Jailbreak”, “The Boys Are Back In Town”, “Bad Reputation” and “Me And The Boys”. Unveiling the story of Phil Lynott, then backing up the band’s power and prowess with a dynamic performance, Phil Lynott Songs For While I’m Away + Thin Lizzy The Boys Are Back In Town Live At The Sydney Opera House October 1978 echoes the importance of Thin Lizzy in the pantheon of rock music. About Mercury Studios: Mercury Studios is a multi-faceted content studio established to develop, produce, globally distribute and invest in innovative, music-rooted storytelling across a range of media including film, television, podcasting, publishing and live-streamed performance. Taking its name from the iconic Mercury Records label, Mercury Studios is powered by Universal Music Group and creates an open space for experimentation to unleash and amplify both emerging and established artists. With offices in London and Los Angeles, Mercury Studios harnesses its established relationships with best-in-class talent from music and film, seamlessly bridging the two worlds to create a completely distinctive community of trailblazers driven by original IP, innovation and collaboration. Track Listing:

Concert Review: The Young Dubliners thrill at The Coach House

Keith Roberts of The Young
Dubliners at The Coach House.

For more than 30 years the Young Dubliners have been introducing and rewarding audiences with their high-energy and infectious brand of Celtic rock.

From left, Justin Pecot, Keith Roberts, Ethan Jones and Chas Waltz. 

Such was the case on Saturday night (July 24, 2021) when founding member/leader Keith Roberts (lead vocals, rhythm guitar) and his talented cast of players (fiddler/multi-instrumentalist Chas Waltz, lead guitarist Justin Pecot, drummer Dave Ingraham and bassist Ethan Jones) thrilled a near-capacity crowd at The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano, CA.

Keith Roberts leading The Young Dubs through a
powerful set at The Coach House on July 24, 2021.

Covering an Irish music-themed Battle of the Bands event at Old World Village in Huntington Beach at the dawn of the 1990s was not only my first-ever music-related assignment as a contributing writer for The Orange County Register but it was my bona fide introduction to Celtic rock music. In addition to the Los Angeles-based Young Dubliners being on the bill, Orange County's own rising the Fenians and New York's Black 47 took the stage and delivered rousing sets that day as well. I was hooked and have been a fan of the Young Dubs and Irish rock since.

Celtic rock heroes The Young Dubliners.

Fast forward 30 years and Roberts and company are as potent as ever. Over the course of 100 minutes on Saturday night, the quintet delivered 22 selections; I was not the only attendee at the Coach House impressed by a rich set showcasing material from across their strong discography. Essentially, the band has long been able to delight with both original songcraft and classic material using a mix of modern rock instincts with the additional flavors of traditional instruments such as fiddle and mandolin to enhance the approach.

The Young Dubliners headlining at
The Coach House on July 24, 2021.

When the house lights dimmed Roberts took the stage with his acoustic guitar in hand and began strumming via a long instrumental opening. One by one, the other members of the band joined him as the power of the instrumental "Open Sea." That inspired opener was a definite prelude of things to come, with the follow-up "Seeds of Sorrow" a rousing original with an uptempo sweep and sing-along chorus.

"We made it," Roberts said after that well-received track from the band's most recent studio album Nine - 9 -Naoi. "Shall we have some fun?"

The uptempo rocker "We The Mighty" and "Up in the Air" were other early highlights of the night, both showcasing the Young Dubs' ear for fusing melodic and indie rock with skillful firepower. Roberts was locked in with the audience and truly seemed to be enjoying every minute of being back at the venue after so long away during the pandemic lockdown.

The acoustic folk rocker "Come Back Home" (from the band's 2005 album Real World) was noteworthy for two impressive instrumental breaks where fiddler Waltz and guitar master Pecot dazzled with a tandem lead section bolstering the song. 

Fiddler Chas Waltz in action.

The band slowed things down for "Raglan Road," a ballad where Roberts sang accompanied by the keyboards in the opening section before the other members artfully joined in as the song grew in power. 

Waltz impressed throughout the night with his mastery playing fiddle, mandolin, harmonica and keyboards so it's no surprise he was given an extended fiddle solo late in the set too. 

Drummer Dave Ingraham. 

Other highlights of the night included a version of "The Leaving of Liverpool," with Waltz blasting harmonica and a blistering guitar solo from Pecot positioned atop a truly in-the-pocket groove provided by Jones and Ingraham; during the instrumental "Ashley Falls" Pecot stepped off the main stage and walked down one of the dinner tables to showcase his signature fret work closer to the crowd.

Lead guitarist Justin Pecot ventured out on a table during "Ashley Falls."

The closing selections of the night included a rollicking "Follow Me Up To Carlow," and encore that included the wild instrumental "Banshee," and powerful takes on the Pogues' 1988 Shane MacGowan-penned "If I Should Fall From Grace With God" and the traditional favorite "Follow Me Up To Carlow."

From left, Justin Pecot, Keith Roberts, Dave Ingraham,
Ethan Jones and Chas Waltz.

For more information on the Young Dubliners, visit the band's official website HERE.

The night's opener, Orange County area quartet Slim Freaky performed a 35-minute set of original material blending rock, jam, jazz rock and reggae into their own sonic brew. All four of the musicians were excellent players and they received plenty of cheers from the crowd at The Coach House.

The Young Dubliners setlist at The Coach House on Saturday, July 24, 2021

Open Sea / Seeds of Sorrow / We The Mighty / Up in the Air / Brown Dog / Come Back Home / Bodhran / Raglan Road / Chance / The Leaving of Liverpool / Howaya Girls / Tell Me Ma / Foggy Dew / Ashley Falls / Waxies / Brown Eyes / Chas Waltz fiddle solo / Rosie / Follow Me Up To Carlow

Encore 

Banshee / If I Should Fall From Grace With God / Rocky Road to Dublin

Review by Robert Kinsler

Photography by Bob Steshetz

Van Morrison shares new song; new album out May 7, 2021

Listen to the infectious, great new song from Van Morrison's forthcoming double album coming out this spring! 

Van Morrison shares new song from forthcoming album  'Latest Record Project: Volume 1' out May 7, 2021

Photo Credit: Bradley Quinn

Van Morrison has shared the lead single from his soon-to-be-released 42nd album, Latest Record Project: Volume 1. In keeping with the album's sonic thread, "Only A Song" channels Morrison’s love of blues, R&B, jazz, and soul into a sound that’s dynamic and utterly contemporary. It shows that he continues to be an artist of integrity and distinction. The rhythm section immediately hits an irresistible tight swinging groove that’s equal parts rhythm and blues and rock ‘n’ roll. Their sound-bed is embellished with an enlivening cocktail of organic live instrumentation, with call-and-response vocals and flourishes of saxophone. Both "Only A Song" and the recently released title track are provided as instant downloads to fans who pre-order the album. Latest Record Project: Volume 1 will be released May 7 via Exile/BMG on double-CD, deluxe-CD, triple-vinyl, and digital formats. LISTEN TO "ONLY A SONG" LISTEN TO "LATEST RECORD PROJECT" WATCH "LATEST RECORD PROJECT" PRE-ORDER LATEST RECORD PROJECT: VOLUME 1 Other highlights on Latest Record Project: Volume 1, range from the saxophone-led R&B gem "Jealousy"to the joyful, country-tinged "A Few Bars Early" via the spirited Them-style garage rock of the self-explanatory "Stop Bitching, Do Something."   While the album touches upon the romantic sentiment and late-night warmth that people love him for, the overriding theme is a straight-talking commentary on contemporary life. It’s a stance that informs "Dead Beat Saturday Night" as it addresses lockdown life in matter-of-fact style: “No life, no gigs, no choice, no voice.” It also surfaces in the barroom rock’n’roll of "Where Have All The Rebels Gone," which bemoans the lack of real independent thought, so often replaced in the modern age by mere posturing. And as for Morrison’s views on social media? They are summed up on "Why Are You On Facebook?"   Two songs, "Love Should Come With A Warning" and "Mistaken Identity," feature lyrics that were written with the great Don Black. Morrison met Black after hearing something in his 1969 pop ballad "On Days Like These", as sung by Matt Monro for the soundtrack to The Italian Job, which reminded him of his own style. It led to Black writing "Mistaken Identity," which, paradoxically, is the most autobiographical song on the album.   What Latest Record Project: Volume 1 most clearly demonstrates is this: if you want to really appreciate Van Morrison’s art, listen to what he’s doing now, because he never stops. Visit www.vanmorrison.com for the latest updates and ticket details for live performances.

Van Morrison announces new album out May 7, shares first song

Van the Man has just announced an ambitious album coming May 7. Here is the official media release...Robert Kinsler

Van Morrison announces new double-album, 'Latest Record Project: Volume 1,' coming May 7, 2021  THE TITLE TRACK PREMIERES TODAY

Photo Credit: Bradley Quinn

Van Morrison will release Latest Record Project: Volume 1 on May 7 via Exile/BMG. His 42nd record and most dynamic and contemporary album in years, Latest Record Project: Volume 1 is a 28-track delve into his ongoing love of blues, R&B, jazz and soul. However much you may love his classic albums, this new project proves that he’s living in the present, and remains an artist of integrity and distinction.   “I’m getting away from the perceived same songs, same albums all the time,” says Morrison. “This guy’s done 500 songs, maybe more, so hello? Why do you keep promoting the same 10? I’m trying to get out of the box.”   Latest Record Project: Volume 1 is the result of our enforced period of isolation. Unable to tour, Morrison remained busy with constant songwriting, starting ideas on piano, guitar or saxophone. What emerged is a wealth of new material, which shimmers with a directness and vibrancy that comes from working with a rhythm section with whom he shares an immediate, spontaneous connection.   Morrison today launches the project by releasing the title track audio and lyric video. The king of Celtic soul’s one in a million, straight-to-the-heart baritone sits in the pocket of a warm organ hum, accompanied by sha-la-la doo wop backing vocal harmonies. Other highlights emerge at every juncture, from the saxophone-led R&B gem "Jealousy" to the joyful, country-tinged "A Few Bars Early" via the spirited Them-style garage rock of the self-explanatory "Stop Bitching, Do Something." Latest Record Project: Volume 1 will be released on double-CD, deluxe-CD, triple-vinyl and digital formats. Pre-orders are available now, with the song "Latest Record Project" provided to fans as an instant download. LISTEN TO "LATEST RECORD PROJECT" WATCH "LATEST RECORD PROJECT" PRE-ORDER LATEST RECORD PROJECT: VOLUME 1   While the album touches upon the romantic sentiment and late-night warmth that people love him for, the overriding theme is a straight-talking commentary on contemporary life. It’s a stance that informs "Dead Beat Saturday Night" as it addresses lockdown life in matter-of-fact style: “No life, no gigs, no choice, no voice.” It also surfaces in the barroom rock’n’roll of "Where Have All The Rebels Gone," which bemoans the lack of real independent thought, so often replaced in the modern age by mere posturing. And as for Morrison’s views on social media? They are summed up on "Why Are You On Facebook?."   Two songs, "Love Should Come With A Warning" and "Mistaken Identity," feature lyrics that were written with the great Don Black. Morrison approached Black after hearing something in his 1969 pop ballad "On Days Like These," as sung by Matt Monro for the soundtrack to The Italian Job, which reminded him of his own style. It led to Black writing "Mistaken Identity," which, paradoxically, is the most autobiographical song on the album.   What Latest Record Project: Volume 1 most clearly demonstrates is this: if you want to really appreciate Van Morrison’s art, listen to what he’s doing now, because he never stops.   Visit www.vanmorrison.com for the latest updates and ticket details for live performances.