I wanted to share this important news; a high-profile fundraiser to assist power pop hero Matthew Sweet is set for Sunday, Nov. 10 in Santa Monica, CA...Robert Kinsler
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Showing posts with label The Bangles. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The Bangles. Show all posts
Thursday, October 31, 2024
Matthew Sweet fund raiser, November 10 at McCabe's, from Wild Honey Foundation
Monday, August 15, 2022
'TheNews' episode: The Smithereens, Joni Mitchell, Susanna Hoffs, Orianthi, Olivia Newton-John, more!
Watch the episode HERE.
Friday, October 15, 2021
Susanna Hoffs and Aimee Mann join forces to cover Badfinger’s power pop classic ‘Name of the Game’
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| Photo credit: Jonathon Kingsbury |
I am a long time fan of both Susanna Hoffs and Aimee Mann, and the two artists sound glorious on a newly-released cover of Badfinger's majestic 1971 classic "Name of the Game." Listen to the track HERE.
The compelling track will be featured on Hoffs' forthcoming covers album Bright Lights due Friday, Nov. 12, 2021 via Baroque Folk Records.
While the acclaimed singers trade verses in the opening part of the song, their shimmering harmonies gloriously immerse the listener as the song grows in beauty and power.
Hoffs' 2012 solo album Someday was one of my favorite releases of the decade and I'm really looking forward to the release of Bright Lights next month.
Robert Kinsler
Bright Lights Tracklist
1. “Time Will Show the Wiser” – The Merry-Go-Round
2. “One of These Things First” – Nick Drake
3. “You and Your Sister” – Chris Bell
4. “Name of the Game” (feat. Aimee Mann) – Badfinger
5. “I Want to See the Bright Lights Tonight” – Richard & Linda Thompson
6. “You Just May Be the One” – The Monkees
7. “Him or Me – What’s It Gonna Be?” – Paul Revere & The Raiders
8. “Femme Fatale” – The Velvet Underground
9. “Take Me With U” – Prince
10. “No Good Trying” – Syd Barrett
Monday, July 20, 2020
R.I.P.: Emitt Rhodes, 1950-2020
This year continues to be a challenging one on all fronts. The latest blow comes with the news that the world has lost the gifted Emitt Rhodes. A talented singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, his songs were covered by artists ranging from The Bangles and Fairport Convention to Linda Ronstadt and Tift Merritt. Read my review of his welcome, long-awaited return with Omnivore Recordings' Rainbow Ends that was published in 2016 here. You can read an appreciation of Rhodes, who passed away at the age of 70, here. Brooklyn Vegan also has a nice article found here.
Wednesday, January 02, 2019
Bar/None Records releasing two new Alex Chilton albums
The year is young, but there is already exciting news as it relates to work from the late rocker Alex Chilton...
February 8 will see Bar/None Records' release of From Memphis to New Orleans and Songs From Robin Hood Lane, thought-provoking looks at an often overlooked period of alternative rock icon Alex Chilton's long, curious career. Alex was at the height of his cult fame in the mid-1980s to mid-1990s when he made these recordings. It is some of his best most honest work oddly neglected for some time but delivered here for enthusiasts and neophytes alike. All these recordings have been out of print for decades.
In the last 15 years of his life Chilton re-visited a lot of the songs he heard in the 1950s especially doing his own versions of standards, much like his father had played and shared with him. Songs From Robin Hood Lane collects four previously unreleased performances as well as rare tracks and recordings long out of print.
In the last 15 years of his life Chilton re-visited a lot of the songs he heard in the 1950s especially doing his own versions of standards, much like his father had played and shared with him. Songs From Robin Hood Lane collects four previously unreleased performances as well as rare tracks and recordings long out of print.
It was a bit of a surprise to his fans when Chilton cited the biggest influence on him as a singer being Chet Baker. When Chilton was only seven years old, he immersed himself in the Chet Baker Sings album. Baker was a trumpet player and the vocal album was a controversial but popular album when it was released in 1954. Alex's father Sidney Chilton was a jazz trumpeter and piano player and he had a large record library that Alex would explore.
Alex heard the Chet Baker Sings album in 1957 when the family was living in a post war Memphis suburb on a street called Robin Hood Lane. Tragedy struck the Chilton family that year when his older brother Reid tragically died in a freak drowning accident. Baker's haunting delivery gave some cold comfort to a kid who was suddenly adrift without the older brother he revered. In an effort to get beyond the tragedy the family moved away from Robin Hood Lane into a large Victorian in Midtown Memphis an area that had fallen on hard times as the suburbs prospered. Sid and Mary remade themselves into patrons of the arts turning their home into a gallery /salon, where musicians came to play, potters and painters displayed their wares in the first floor hall and left of center political views were discussed. The photographer William Eggleston set up a darkroom in a backyard building. Sydney began playing music again and there was no looking back to the traditional suburban lifestyle of Sherwood Forest and Robinhood lane.
From Memphis to New Orleans contains recordings Chilton made in the 1980s when he emerged from a self-imposed exile and began performing again.
Alex knew he had to get out of town. Except for a couple short stints in New York City he had lived in Memphis his whole life. The city was closing in on him, his music career was in shambles and he had developed a bad alcohol habit. He'd had big hit records as a teenager in the Box Tops and critical acclaim for his work with Big Star in his twenties. He'd dabbled in the CBGB punk scene in the late '70s and brought that attitude down South for the album Like Flies On Sherbert and the anarchic southern punkabilly of Panther Burns but now the money had run out and he was uncomfortable with the fame that still lingered.
When an old family friend suggested he might remake himself in New Orleans, Chilton was ready for the change. Alex made the move, quit drinking and quietly disappeared into his new hometown. He abandoned music as a livelihood and worked as a dishwasher, janitor, and tree trimmer, occasionally playing in cover bands in local honky-tonks.
Meanwhile, in the outside world his reputation among a new generation of musicians was growing. R.E.M., the Bangles and the Replacements in the U.S. sang his praises and recorded his songs. Primal Scream and This Mortal Coil in the UK did the same. Frankly in the modern world you would be hard pressed to find an alternative band that has not been influenced by the songs of Alex Chilton and Big Star.
Chilton now sang in a more laconic, natural sounding style that was a far cry from the blue-eyed soul of the Box Tops or Big Star's emotional melodicism. The music on these recordings reflects the laid-back vibe of his new hometown: there's the very relaxed groove of Willie Tee's "Thank You John" but also the Memphis soul of B-A-B-Y (a song that could have been an answer to the Box Tops "Cry Like A Baby." There are also originals like "Lost My Job" that was supposedly written after Alex had done enough dishwashing and was ready to get back out on the road. ("Lost my job/Guess I'll have to go steal and rob") and "Underclass" celebrating his new status as a member of the broke down and busted. "People think that I'm a rich musician but no . . . Let me just describe my position. It's way down, it's all the way down."
Out of all this performing emerged a whole new approach for Chilton and a new stripped-down body of work. What he had to offer was laid bare for the listener to take in without fancy production or studio effects. His vocals were recorded "dry" and placed up front in the mix. His singing style is relaxed and easy going if not down right bemused. It certainly sounds like he is having a good time. This lack of artifice is what makes these recordings hold up even after hundreds of plays.
By digging deep into a long forgotten American song book Alex Chilton helped his younger acolytes explore sounds that might have otherwise passed them by. He had given his fans a gift-turning them on to all kinds of music especially from the south and pleasing himself in the process.
Monday, December 31, 2018
Robert Kinsler's Favorite Reissues, Live Albums and Special Editions of 2018
There is little doubt that 2018 was an amazing year for those who love deluxe editions and
reissues, and special concert recordings (including those audio-only
titles, as well as multi-format releases that came via Blu-ray, DVD and
digital). Here are my 15 favorites I heard during a fantastic year...
Artists: The Bangles, The Three O'Clock, The Dream Syndicate, Rain Parade
Title: 3 X 4 (Yep Roc Records)
Tell me more: Los Angeles' so-called "Paisley Underground" was an exciting genre blending garage rock, jangly power pop and psychedelic rock that emerged at the dawn of the 1980s. The movement's best-known proponents – the Bangles, Rain Parade, the Dream Syndicate and the Three O'Clock – have joined forces on a must-hear collection where each group performs one song from each of the other three outfits – hence the clever title 3 X 4. Every cut on the 12-track disc is fantastic, capturing the individual talents of the groups and strength of the songwriting. The Dream Syndicate brings an almost Neil Young and Crazy Horse muscular approach to Rain Parade's "You Are My Friend." Rain Parade brings a Beatlesque touch to Three O'Clock's atmospheric "As Real As Real." Susanna Hoffs' shimmering lead vocals help propel the Bangles' lovely take on Rain Parade's dreamy "Talking In My Sleep." The Dream Syndicate offers up a rollicking take on the Bangles' classic "Hero Take a Fall," the version bolstered by the lush harmonies of Vicki Peterson and Linda Pitmon. The melancholy-drenched "Real World" finds Rain Parade bringing new depth to the Bangles favorite. 3 X 4 is one of the most glorious releases of 2018. Information: YepRoc.com.
Artist: The Beatles
Title: "The Beatles" White Album / Super Deluxe edition (Capitol Records)
Tell me more: This writer considers The Beatles' 1968 album best known as the "White Album" the greatest rock album of all time, so the release of the six-disc Super Deluxe 50th Anniversary edition earlier this year is likely an essential addition to any music lover's collection. The diverse and intoxicating range of brilliant songs include the eloquent "Blackbird," sweeping "While My Guitar Gently Weeps," blistering "Helter Skelter," poignant "Julia" and ethereal "Long Long Long." In addition, it features Ringo Starr's first solo contribution as both singer and songwriter, the wistful "Don't Pass Me By." The inclusion of the acoustic "Escher" demos is a revelation, showcasing early and sparse takes on many of the "White Album" classics. For more casual lovers of the Fab Four, a three-disc version is also available. Information: TheBeatles.com.
Artist: Big Star
Title: Live at Lafayette's Music Room (Omnivore Recordings)
Tell me more: For long-time fans and new followers of Big Star, the release of the Memphis' band's Live at Lafayette's Music Room is a true revelation. Recorded in the uncertain aftermath after co-founding member Chris Bell had left the pioneering power pop outfit in January 1973, singer-guitarist Alex Chilton, bassist Andy Hummel and drummer-singer Jody Stephens were captured during an opening slot for Houston R&B ensemble Archie Bell & the Drells. The live recording has been newly-remastered from Grammy-winning Michael Graves (the concert set was previously only available as disc 4 on the Grammy Award-winning Keep an Eye on the Sky box set released in 2009). Highlights on Live at Lafayette's Music Room abound; a rollicking "When My Baby's Beside Me," a raucous "She's A Mover" complete with extended fiery guitar work from Chilton, a lovely "The Ballad of El Goodo" and artfully reworked covers of classics from The Flying Burrito Brothers, The Kinks, Todd Rundgren and T. Rex to name a few. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.
Artist: The Choir
Title: Artifact: The Unreleased Album (Omnivore Recordings)
Tell me more: The 10 tracks featured on the Choir's aptly-titled Artifact: The Unreleased Album were recorded back in 1969 and each bristle with a timeless energy and creative approach that will never be dated. Things begin with the stirring British Invasion-spirited "Anyway I Can" and quickly extend with sonic seams that include psychedelic (especially "Ladybug" and the instrumental "For Eric"), as well as art-, folk- and melodic- rock styles. The rollicking "If These Are Men," the lovely baroque-styled "Have I No Love to Offer," the majestic "It's All Over" and vertiginous "Boris' Lament" could have all been radio hits at the time. The Choir was among the leading artists in Cleveland during the 1960s, and several of the musicians in the quintet would soon go on to help form the Raspberries. How wonderful it is that Artifact: The Unreleased Album has found new life almost 50 years after its creation. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.
Artist: Gene Clark
Title: Gene Clark Sings for You (Omnivore Recordings)
Tell me more: Omnivore Recordings has recently released previously unheard post-Byrds recordings from Gene Clark. The good news for fans of the Byrds' early material as well as of Clark's solo work is this is an exciting new collection (Gene Clark Sings for You) that celebrates and expands the legacy of an important artist whose groundbreaking solo work was often overlooked in his lifetime (he died at the age of 46 in May 1991). Clark was the principal songwriter in the Byrds from 1964 to early 1966, writing classics such as "I'll Feel a Whole Lot Better," "Set You Free This Time" and "She Don't Care About Time." Comprised of tracks recorded in 1967, Gene Clark Sings for You explore folk rock with beauty and insight. The opener "On Her Own" features Clark's signature vocal styling and taps into a wistful '60s sound. The follow-up "Past Tense" is even stronger, an upbeat folk rocker that captures the magic of his work with the Byrds but also foreshadows the alt-country movement of that latter part of the '60s and early '70s. Other nuggets on the album include the wistful "That's Alright by Me" and baroque-flavored "Down on the Pier." In addition to the eight actual tracks pulled from the "Gene Clark Sings for You" acetate in the aftermath of his departure from the Byrds, there are an additional five songs from another 1967 acetate given to the Rose Garden for that band's consideration (Omnivore have simultaneously released their 1968 album; it is reviewed later in this column). A final track, a lovely acoustic demo of "Till Today," features Clark running through the song for the Rose Garden. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.
Artist: Thomas Dolby
Title: Hyperactive (BMG)
Tell me more: As Thomas Dolby prepared to set out on a rare tour last summer fans of the groundbreaking English musician, producer, author and university professor were rewarded with a two-disc audio CD collection Hyperactive. Casual fans may know Dolby best for his timeless hits "She Blinded Me With Science" and "Hyperactive" but this collection focused renewed light on Dolby's master strengths as a recording artist. The range of material on the essential set includes the buoyant "Hyperactive!", New Wave-flavored "Europa and the Pirate Twins," the lovely synthesizer foray "Valley of the Mind's Eye" and funky "Airhead — and that's just on the first disc. Moving on to disc two includes the bewitching "One of Our Submarines," the genre-defying "The Flat Earth," the soulful ballad "Beauty of a Dream," and melodic "Close But No Cigar." Information: ThomasDolby.com.
Artist: The Kinks
Title: The Kinks Are The Village Green Preservation Society (Sanctuary Records)
Tell me more: The 50th Anniversary Deluxe Edition of the Kinks' 1968 masterwork The Kinks Are The Village Green Preservation Society is amazing. It features both stereo and mono mixes from the HD masters, bonus tracks and a previously-unreleased new single titled "Time Song." The two-disc audio CD version reviewed here also comes with a 20-page booklet and extensive liner notes. Lead singer-songwriter Ray Davies penned a slew of outstanding nostalgia-drenched songs exploring life and death, growing up and growing old, and wove those works together via a mix of musical styles that work perfectly. Indeed, pop-rock ("Starstruck"), psychedelia ("Wicket Annabella"), blues ("Last Of The Steam-Powered Trains"), chamber pop ("Big Sky," "Village Green"), and an intoxicating dose of British Music hall ("Sitting By The Riverside," "All Of My Friends Were There") are among the styles used by the Kinks on the wide-ranging title. Casual rock fans who only know the Kinks via the band's radio hits should consider delving into this wondrous title that was sadly overlooked at the time of its release in November 1968. Information: abkco.com.
Artist: Lone Justice
Title: The Western Tapes, 1983 (Omnivore Recordings)
Tell me more: It's clear listening to the glorious 6-track EP The Western Tapes, 1983 featuring groundbreaking country roots rockers Lone Justice's earliest demo recordings that the band was decades ahead of its time. The strength of these early tracks – five of which are previously unissued – led the troupe on a glorious path to being signed to a major label and releasing several memorable LPs later that decade. The original lineup of Lone Justice (singer-guitarist Maria McKee, lead guitarist-vocalist Ryan Hedgecock, drummer Don Willens and bassist Dave Harrington) carved out a handful of songs that sound as potent today as they did 35 years ago; the rollicking "Working Late," aching "Don't Toss Us Away" and no-holds-barred "The Train" are among this writer's favorites on the disc. The stylish package is excellent and includes liner notes penned by producer Marvin Etzioni, who is spot-on when he writes "I believed we were creating a 21st century country band." Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.
Artist: Buck Owens
Title: Country Singer's Prayer (Omnivore Recordings)
Tell me more: More than 40 years after it was recorded, Buck Owens' last Capitol Records album has finally been released. Recorded in 1975, Country Singer's Prayer was never released by the label – likely because of widespread indifference to the title of the single of the same name. Listening to the stellar expanded edition of Country Singer's Prayer issued by Omnivore Recordings in 2018 is to wonder what the heck Capitol executives were thinking 43 years ago; the album is a stunning reflection of Owen's groundbreaking Bakersfield country music (an inspiration and influence on artists ranging from Ringo Starr and Gram Parsons to Dwight Yoakam). In addition to the album's original track listing, the new release features both B-sides from Owens' final two singles from the 1975-unissued LP. Fans of Owen's authentic country-western brew will be swept up by the disc's riches; dance-minded material ("John Law," "The Battle of New Orleans") and potent ballads (notably "A Different Kind of Sad" and "How's Everything") make this a rewarding listen from start to finish. The release is bolstered by new liner notes by Scott B. Bomar with interviews with long-time Buckaroos piano player Jim Shaw and Robert John Jones ("Rocky Topp"), who together co-wrote the memorable single "Country Singer's Prayer." Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.
Artist: Tom Petty
Title: An American Treasure (Reprise Records)
Tell me more: Filled with previously-unreleased studio songs, live cuts and spellbinding alternate takes of beloved favorites taken from throughout his career, the aptly-titled An American Treasure' captures the singular sound that Tom Petty carved out over forty-plus years. The four-disc set is broken down by decade with cuts from the 1970s, '80s, '90s and 2000s featured. Things kick off with the Byrds-flavored "Surrender," recorded by Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers in 1976. Listening to the track is to be instantly transported back to the exuberance of the ensemble's early days. Live performances of "Listen To Her Heart" (from April 1977), and "Anything That's Rock 'n' Roll and "Breakdown" (from a November 1977 set) also capture that spirit. The power of this collection thrills with each cut, and across the expansive set. The soulful "Lost in Your Eyes" (from 1975), power pop-meets-psychedelic album track "You and I Will Meet Again (1991), lush "Crawling Back To You (1994) and a live version of "Southern Accents" are among the super cuts on this 63-track collection. My favorite track is the previously-unreleased melodic rocker "Gainesville," an autobiographical track recorded in early 1998. Information: TomPetty.com.
Artist: The Rose Garden
Title: A Trip Through the Garden: The Rose Garden Collection (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: Gene Clark, the Hollies, Sonny & Cher
Tell me more: Just listening to the expanded reissue of the Rose Garden's eponymous album is to hear why the best music from the 1960s continues to resonant so strongly a half century later. A Trip Through the Garden: The Rose Garden Collection shines a bright light on the Rose Garden, a troupe best known for their hit single "Next Plane to London." The group's full talents are on display on the expansive 26-track collection issued last summer. John Noreen's nuanced 12-track guitar adorns the pretty "I'm Only Second," while everywhere the lead vocals of Diana DeRoseand James Groshong entice the listener. Beyond the sterling original material there are memorable covers of material by the celebrated likes of Gene Clark ("Long Time"), Neil Young ("Down to the Wire"), Bob Dylan ("She Belongs to Me") and the Byrds ("So You Want to be a Rock 'n' Roll Star"). There is also an outstanding 20-page, full illustrated booklet that further completes a complete re-introduction to the Los Angeles-spawned Rose Garden. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.
Artist: Bruce Springsteen
Title: Springsteen On Broadway (Columbia)
Tell me more: The audio companion to the acclaimed film currently showing on Netflix, Bruce Springsteen's Springsteen On Broadway features the complete audio recording of the Netflix special. Running the full length of two audio CDs (or also available as a 4 LP vinyl set), Springsteen On Broadway is a mix of intimate performances and spoken stories leading up to the presentation of the songs. The winner of a Tony Award, Academy Award and 20 Grammy Awards, Springsteen brings the rich mix of songcraft and storytelling featured in his autobiography "Born to Run" to his performance captured at the Walter Kerr Theatre featured on Springsteen On Broadway. There is a mix of humor, wit and life's lessons that compel the recording at every turn. Songs include "Growing Up," "My Hometown," "The Promised Land" and "Born to Run." Information: BruceSpringsteen.net.
Artist: Styx
Title: The Mission — CD + Blu-ray (UMe)
You might like if you enjoy: Styx, Boston
Tell me more: When Styx released The Mission on June 16, 2017, few saw the album coming. The band's first new studio album in 14 years, The Mission was a creative and commercial triumph. Among the notable songs featured on "The Mission" are the rocking "Gone Gone Gone," expansive "Radio Silence" the Neo-classical "Khedive" and anthemic "The Outpost." Fast forward to 2018 and Styx rewarded rock fans with a deluxe two-disc edition that includes the album on audio CD and a second Blu-ray Disc loaded with essential content. Not only is listening to the immersive 5.1 Surround Sound mix a great experience but there are stellar visualizations for each of the album's 14 songs based on the original album artwork. Among the bonus content on the Blu-ray Disc are music videos that add insight into the concept album and its creation. "Gone Gone Gone" is featured as both a concert-minded video and a secondary video created by NASA using the space agency's considerable resources, and a terrific live version of "Radio Silence" performed in Syracuse, NY. Also included is "Making The Mission" where Tommy Shaw discusses the making of The Mission as a 5.1 mix (he even showcases some of the specific guitars he used on the album). Information: StyxWorld.com.
Artist: Henry Townsend
Title: Mule (Omnivore Recordings)
Tell me more: Armed with a potent baritone voice and keyboard and guitar skills to match, Henry Townsend's talents shine across the expanded reissue of his 1980 album Mule. The late bluesman was born in 1909 and his spirit and sound emerge as fresh and enthralling today as when the disc was recorded nearly 40 years ago. Townsend's recording career dated back to the early 1930s and Mule marked an effort to put Townsend front and center on a full-length recording. The album is worth discovering, with the artist artfully pounding away on keyboards and plucking on guitar across the disc. As detailed in the album liner notes, Townsend would improvise while recording; the result is the performance of tracks that are vibrant and fully unique. The Delta-flavored "Tears Come Rollin' Down," rollicking piano-anchored "It's A Hard Road To Travel," spot on "Talkin' Guitar Blues" and the joyful romp "The Other Night" (a bonus track) ring out with an immediacy and power that are as much a tribute to Townsend as American blues music itself. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.
Artist: The Zombies
Title: Greatest Hits (Varèse Sarabande Records)
Tell me more: The Zombies were an early member of the British Invasion and the new completely-remastered collection Greatest Hits showcases why the English quintet is bound for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2019. Completely remastered, the new 16-track Greatest Hits set features many of the band's most beloved songs. Early hits such as "She's Not There" and "Tell Her No" as well as late '60s gems (notably "Time of The Season" and "This Will Be Our Year" from the group's masterwork Odessey and Oracle) are here; of equal interest are the terrific selections that expand the legacy of The Zombies including the soulful "Whenever You're Ready," intoxicating "I Love You" (still a key part of the band's concert sets), the cinematic thriller "Just Out of Reach" and the stirring "The Way I Feel Inside" (the latter a mostly a cappella track featuring lead singer Colin Blunstone). The colorful booklet includes outstanding liner notes penned by Andrew Sandoval that add insight about each of the songs included on the outstanding collection. Information: VareseSarabande.com.
Robert Kinsler
Title: 3 X 4 (Yep Roc Records)
Tell me more: Los Angeles' so-called "Paisley Underground" was an exciting genre blending garage rock, jangly power pop and psychedelic rock that emerged at the dawn of the 1980s. The movement's best-known proponents – the Bangles, Rain Parade, the Dream Syndicate and the Three O'Clock – have joined forces on a must-hear collection where each group performs one song from each of the other three outfits – hence the clever title 3 X 4. Every cut on the 12-track disc is fantastic, capturing the individual talents of the groups and strength of the songwriting. The Dream Syndicate brings an almost Neil Young and Crazy Horse muscular approach to Rain Parade's "You Are My Friend." Rain Parade brings a Beatlesque touch to Three O'Clock's atmospheric "As Real As Real." Susanna Hoffs' shimmering lead vocals help propel the Bangles' lovely take on Rain Parade's dreamy "Talking In My Sleep." The Dream Syndicate offers up a rollicking take on the Bangles' classic "Hero Take a Fall," the version bolstered by the lush harmonies of Vicki Peterson and Linda Pitmon. The melancholy-drenched "Real World" finds Rain Parade bringing new depth to the Bangles favorite. 3 X 4 is one of the most glorious releases of 2018. Information: YepRoc.com.
Title: "The Beatles" White Album / Super Deluxe edition (Capitol Records)
Tell me more: This writer considers The Beatles' 1968 album best known as the "White Album" the greatest rock album of all time, so the release of the six-disc Super Deluxe 50th Anniversary edition earlier this year is likely an essential addition to any music lover's collection. The diverse and intoxicating range of brilliant songs include the eloquent "Blackbird," sweeping "While My Guitar Gently Weeps," blistering "Helter Skelter," poignant "Julia" and ethereal "Long Long Long." In addition, it features Ringo Starr's first solo contribution as both singer and songwriter, the wistful "Don't Pass Me By." The inclusion of the acoustic "Escher" demos is a revelation, showcasing early and sparse takes on many of the "White Album" classics. For more casual lovers of the Fab Four, a three-disc version is also available. Information: TheBeatles.com.
Title: Live at Lafayette's Music Room (Omnivore Recordings)
Tell me more: For long-time fans and new followers of Big Star, the release of the Memphis' band's Live at Lafayette's Music Room is a true revelation. Recorded in the uncertain aftermath after co-founding member Chris Bell had left the pioneering power pop outfit in January 1973, singer-guitarist Alex Chilton, bassist Andy Hummel and drummer-singer Jody Stephens were captured during an opening slot for Houston R&B ensemble Archie Bell & the Drells. The live recording has been newly-remastered from Grammy-winning Michael Graves (the concert set was previously only available as disc 4 on the Grammy Award-winning Keep an Eye on the Sky box set released in 2009). Highlights on Live at Lafayette's Music Room abound; a rollicking "When My Baby's Beside Me," a raucous "She's A Mover" complete with extended fiery guitar work from Chilton, a lovely "The Ballad of El Goodo" and artfully reworked covers of classics from The Flying Burrito Brothers, The Kinks, Todd Rundgren and T. Rex to name a few. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.
Title: Artifact: The Unreleased Album (Omnivore Recordings)
Tell me more: The 10 tracks featured on the Choir's aptly-titled Artifact: The Unreleased Album were recorded back in 1969 and each bristle with a timeless energy and creative approach that will never be dated. Things begin with the stirring British Invasion-spirited "Anyway I Can" and quickly extend with sonic seams that include psychedelic (especially "Ladybug" and the instrumental "For Eric"), as well as art-, folk- and melodic- rock styles. The rollicking "If These Are Men," the lovely baroque-styled "Have I No Love to Offer," the majestic "It's All Over" and vertiginous "Boris' Lament" could have all been radio hits at the time. The Choir was among the leading artists in Cleveland during the 1960s, and several of the musicians in the quintet would soon go on to help form the Raspberries. How wonderful it is that Artifact: The Unreleased Album has found new life almost 50 years after its creation. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.
Title: Gene Clark Sings for You (Omnivore Recordings)
Tell me more: Omnivore Recordings has recently released previously unheard post-Byrds recordings from Gene Clark. The good news for fans of the Byrds' early material as well as of Clark's solo work is this is an exciting new collection (Gene Clark Sings for You) that celebrates and expands the legacy of an important artist whose groundbreaking solo work was often overlooked in his lifetime (he died at the age of 46 in May 1991). Clark was the principal songwriter in the Byrds from 1964 to early 1966, writing classics such as "I'll Feel a Whole Lot Better," "Set You Free This Time" and "She Don't Care About Time." Comprised of tracks recorded in 1967, Gene Clark Sings for You explore folk rock with beauty and insight. The opener "On Her Own" features Clark's signature vocal styling and taps into a wistful '60s sound. The follow-up "Past Tense" is even stronger, an upbeat folk rocker that captures the magic of his work with the Byrds but also foreshadows the alt-country movement of that latter part of the '60s and early '70s. Other nuggets on the album include the wistful "That's Alright by Me" and baroque-flavored "Down on the Pier." In addition to the eight actual tracks pulled from the "Gene Clark Sings for You" acetate in the aftermath of his departure from the Byrds, there are an additional five songs from another 1967 acetate given to the Rose Garden for that band's consideration (Omnivore have simultaneously released their 1968 album; it is reviewed later in this column). A final track, a lovely acoustic demo of "Till Today," features Clark running through the song for the Rose Garden. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.
Title: Hyperactive (BMG)
Tell me more: As Thomas Dolby prepared to set out on a rare tour last summer fans of the groundbreaking English musician, producer, author and university professor were rewarded with a two-disc audio CD collection Hyperactive. Casual fans may know Dolby best for his timeless hits "She Blinded Me With Science" and "Hyperactive" but this collection focused renewed light on Dolby's master strengths as a recording artist. The range of material on the essential set includes the buoyant "Hyperactive!", New Wave-flavored "Europa and the Pirate Twins," the lovely synthesizer foray "Valley of the Mind's Eye" and funky "Airhead — and that's just on the first disc. Moving on to disc two includes the bewitching "One of Our Submarines," the genre-defying "The Flat Earth," the soulful ballad "Beauty of a Dream," and melodic "Close But No Cigar." Information: ThomasDolby.com.
Title: The Kinks Are The Village Green Preservation Society (Sanctuary Records)
Tell me more: The 50th Anniversary Deluxe Edition of the Kinks' 1968 masterwork The Kinks Are The Village Green Preservation Society is amazing. It features both stereo and mono mixes from the HD masters, bonus tracks and a previously-unreleased new single titled "Time Song." The two-disc audio CD version reviewed here also comes with a 20-page booklet and extensive liner notes. Lead singer-songwriter Ray Davies penned a slew of outstanding nostalgia-drenched songs exploring life and death, growing up and growing old, and wove those works together via a mix of musical styles that work perfectly. Indeed, pop-rock ("Starstruck"), psychedelia ("Wicket Annabella"), blues ("Last Of The Steam-Powered Trains"), chamber pop ("Big Sky," "Village Green"), and an intoxicating dose of British Music hall ("Sitting By The Riverside," "All Of My Friends Were There") are among the styles used by the Kinks on the wide-ranging title. Casual rock fans who only know the Kinks via the band's radio hits should consider delving into this wondrous title that was sadly overlooked at the time of its release in November 1968. Information: abkco.com.
Title: The Western Tapes, 1983 (Omnivore Recordings)
Tell me more: It's clear listening to the glorious 6-track EP The Western Tapes, 1983 featuring groundbreaking country roots rockers Lone Justice's earliest demo recordings that the band was decades ahead of its time. The strength of these early tracks – five of which are previously unissued – led the troupe on a glorious path to being signed to a major label and releasing several memorable LPs later that decade. The original lineup of Lone Justice (singer-guitarist Maria McKee, lead guitarist-vocalist Ryan Hedgecock, drummer Don Willens and bassist Dave Harrington) carved out a handful of songs that sound as potent today as they did 35 years ago; the rollicking "Working Late," aching "Don't Toss Us Away" and no-holds-barred "The Train" are among this writer's favorites on the disc. The stylish package is excellent and includes liner notes penned by producer Marvin Etzioni, who is spot-on when he writes "I believed we were creating a 21st century country band." Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.
Title: Country Singer's Prayer (Omnivore Recordings)
Tell me more: More than 40 years after it was recorded, Buck Owens' last Capitol Records album has finally been released. Recorded in 1975, Country Singer's Prayer was never released by the label – likely because of widespread indifference to the title of the single of the same name. Listening to the stellar expanded edition of Country Singer's Prayer issued by Omnivore Recordings in 2018 is to wonder what the heck Capitol executives were thinking 43 years ago; the album is a stunning reflection of Owen's groundbreaking Bakersfield country music (an inspiration and influence on artists ranging from Ringo Starr and Gram Parsons to Dwight Yoakam). In addition to the album's original track listing, the new release features both B-sides from Owens' final two singles from the 1975-unissued LP. Fans of Owen's authentic country-western brew will be swept up by the disc's riches; dance-minded material ("John Law," "The Battle of New Orleans") and potent ballads (notably "A Different Kind of Sad" and "How's Everything") make this a rewarding listen from start to finish. The release is bolstered by new liner notes by Scott B. Bomar with interviews with long-time Buckaroos piano player Jim Shaw and Robert John Jones ("Rocky Topp"), who together co-wrote the memorable single "Country Singer's Prayer." Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.
Title: An American Treasure (Reprise Records)
Tell me more: Filled with previously-unreleased studio songs, live cuts and spellbinding alternate takes of beloved favorites taken from throughout his career, the aptly-titled An American Treasure' captures the singular sound that Tom Petty carved out over forty-plus years. The four-disc set is broken down by decade with cuts from the 1970s, '80s, '90s and 2000s featured. Things kick off with the Byrds-flavored "Surrender," recorded by Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers in 1976. Listening to the track is to be instantly transported back to the exuberance of the ensemble's early days. Live performances of "Listen To Her Heart" (from April 1977), and "Anything That's Rock 'n' Roll and "Breakdown" (from a November 1977 set) also capture that spirit. The power of this collection thrills with each cut, and across the expansive set. The soulful "Lost in Your Eyes" (from 1975), power pop-meets-psychedelic album track "You and I Will Meet Again (1991), lush "Crawling Back To You (1994) and a live version of "Southern Accents" are among the super cuts on this 63-track collection. My favorite track is the previously-unreleased melodic rocker "Gainesville," an autobiographical track recorded in early 1998. Information: TomPetty.com.
Title: A Trip Through the Garden: The Rose Garden Collection (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: Gene Clark, the Hollies, Sonny & Cher
Tell me more: Just listening to the expanded reissue of the Rose Garden's eponymous album is to hear why the best music from the 1960s continues to resonant so strongly a half century later. A Trip Through the Garden: The Rose Garden Collection shines a bright light on the Rose Garden, a troupe best known for their hit single "Next Plane to London." The group's full talents are on display on the expansive 26-track collection issued last summer. John Noreen's nuanced 12-track guitar adorns the pretty "I'm Only Second," while everywhere the lead vocals of Diana DeRoseand James Groshong entice the listener. Beyond the sterling original material there are memorable covers of material by the celebrated likes of Gene Clark ("Long Time"), Neil Young ("Down to the Wire"), Bob Dylan ("She Belongs to Me") and the Byrds ("So You Want to be a Rock 'n' Roll Star"). There is also an outstanding 20-page, full illustrated booklet that further completes a complete re-introduction to the Los Angeles-spawned Rose Garden. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.
Title: Springsteen On Broadway (Columbia)
Tell me more: The audio companion to the acclaimed film currently showing on Netflix, Bruce Springsteen's Springsteen On Broadway features the complete audio recording of the Netflix special. Running the full length of two audio CDs (or also available as a 4 LP vinyl set), Springsteen On Broadway is a mix of intimate performances and spoken stories leading up to the presentation of the songs. The winner of a Tony Award, Academy Award and 20 Grammy Awards, Springsteen brings the rich mix of songcraft and storytelling featured in his autobiography "Born to Run" to his performance captured at the Walter Kerr Theatre featured on Springsteen On Broadway. There is a mix of humor, wit and life's lessons that compel the recording at every turn. Songs include "Growing Up," "My Hometown," "The Promised Land" and "Born to Run." Information: BruceSpringsteen.net.
Title: The Mission — CD + Blu-ray (UMe)
You might like if you enjoy: Styx, Boston
Tell me more: When Styx released The Mission on June 16, 2017, few saw the album coming. The band's first new studio album in 14 years, The Mission was a creative and commercial triumph. Among the notable songs featured on "The Mission" are the rocking "Gone Gone Gone," expansive "Radio Silence" the Neo-classical "Khedive" and anthemic "The Outpost." Fast forward to 2018 and Styx rewarded rock fans with a deluxe two-disc edition that includes the album on audio CD and a second Blu-ray Disc loaded with essential content. Not only is listening to the immersive 5.1 Surround Sound mix a great experience but there are stellar visualizations for each of the album's 14 songs based on the original album artwork. Among the bonus content on the Blu-ray Disc are music videos that add insight into the concept album and its creation. "Gone Gone Gone" is featured as both a concert-minded video and a secondary video created by NASA using the space agency's considerable resources, and a terrific live version of "Radio Silence" performed in Syracuse, NY. Also included is "Making The Mission" where Tommy Shaw discusses the making of The Mission as a 5.1 mix (he even showcases some of the specific guitars he used on the album). Information: StyxWorld.com.
Title: Mule (Omnivore Recordings)
Tell me more: Armed with a potent baritone voice and keyboard and guitar skills to match, Henry Townsend's talents shine across the expanded reissue of his 1980 album Mule. The late bluesman was born in 1909 and his spirit and sound emerge as fresh and enthralling today as when the disc was recorded nearly 40 years ago. Townsend's recording career dated back to the early 1930s and Mule marked an effort to put Townsend front and center on a full-length recording. The album is worth discovering, with the artist artfully pounding away on keyboards and plucking on guitar across the disc. As detailed in the album liner notes, Townsend would improvise while recording; the result is the performance of tracks that are vibrant and fully unique. The Delta-flavored "Tears Come Rollin' Down," rollicking piano-anchored "It's A Hard Road To Travel," spot on "Talkin' Guitar Blues" and the joyful romp "The Other Night" (a bonus track) ring out with an immediacy and power that are as much a tribute to Townsend as American blues music itself. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.
Title: Greatest Hits (Varèse Sarabande Records)
Tell me more: The Zombies were an early member of the British Invasion and the new completely-remastered collection Greatest Hits showcases why the English quintet is bound for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2019. Completely remastered, the new 16-track Greatest Hits set features many of the band's most beloved songs. Early hits such as "She's Not There" and "Tell Her No" as well as late '60s gems (notably "Time of The Season" and "This Will Be Our Year" from the group's masterwork Odessey and Oracle) are here; of equal interest are the terrific selections that expand the legacy of The Zombies including the soulful "Whenever You're Ready," intoxicating "I Love You" (still a key part of the band's concert sets), the cinematic thriller "Just Out of Reach" and the stirring "The Way I Feel Inside" (the latter a mostly a cappella track featuring lead singer Colin Blunstone). The colorful booklet includes outstanding liner notes penned by Andrew Sandoval that add insight about each of the songs included on the outstanding collection. Information: VareseSarabande.com.
Robert Kinsler
Monday, December 10, 2018
Collections enhance legacy of groundbreaking artists
Without a doubt, 2018 has seen a slew of amazing reissues and retro-minded collections that rank among the most essential titles of the year. In this column I highlight three astounding releases worthy of exploration by music fans.
Artists: The Bangles, The Three O'Clock, The Dream Syndicate, Rain Parade
Title: 3 X 4 (Yep Roc Records)
You might like if you enjoy: The Bangles, Steve Wynn
Tell me more: Los Angeles' so-called "Paisley Underground" was an exciting genre blending garage rock, jangly power pop and psychedelic rock that emerged at the dawn of the 1980s. The movement's best-known proponents – the Bangles, Rain Parade, the Dream Syndicate and the Three O'Clock – have joined forces on a must-hear collection where each group performs one song from each of the other three outfits – hence the clever title 3 X 4. Every cut on the 12-track disc is fantastic, capturing the individual talents of the groups and strength of the songwriting. The Dream Syndicate brings an almost Neil Young and Crazy Horse muscular approach to Rain Parade's "You Are My Friend." Rain Parade brings a Beatlesque touch to Three O'Clock's atmospheric "As Real As Real." Susanna Hoffs' shimmering lead vocals help propel the Bangles' lovely take on Rain Parade's dreamy "Talking In My Sleep." The Dream Syndicate offers up a rollicking take on the Bangles' classic "Hero Take a Fall," the version bolstered by the lush harmonies of Vicki Peterson and Linda Pitmon. The melancholy-drenched "Real World" finds Rain Parade bringing new depth to the Bangles favorite. 3 X 4 is one of the most glorious releases of 2018. Information: YepRoc.com.
Artist: Ten Years After
Title: Live At The Fillmore East (Chrysalis Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Jimi Hendrix, Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton
Tell me more: Although Ten Years After is best known for their fiery performance of "I'm Going Home" at Woodstock in August 1969 and the 1971 radio hit "I'd Love to Change the World," the British blues rock band released a score of Top 40 albums on the UK Albums Chart and US Billboard 200 in the late 1960s and early '70s. Now one of the British quartet's best live albums has been reissued and sounds better than ever. Live At The Fillmore East is a two-disc concert recording (originally released in 2001) drawing a dozen tracks from the band's performances at the Fillmore East in New York City on Feb. 27 and 28, 1970. Those who loved Ten Years After's exhilarating approach in concert will want to get this live set featuring singer-guitarist Alvin Lee and company's extended takes on many of their best early material including a amped-up take on the 1930s blues standard "Good Morning Little School Girl," breathtaking 11-minute run through "I'm Going Home," a blistering version of Chuck Berry's "Roll Over Beethoven" and the marathon drum solo "The Hobbit" featuring Ric Lee. Listening to this amazing collection is to be reminded why Alvin Lee ranked with Jimi Hendrix, Jeff Beck and Eric Clapton as one of the greatest electric guitarists of his generation. Information: ChrysalisRecordings.com.
Artist: Prince
Title: Piano & A Microphone 1983 (Warner Bros. Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Prince
Tell me more: Die hard fans of Prince likely picked up Piano & A Microphone 1983 the instant it was released, but casual fans of the artist may have somehow overlooked this fascinating glimpse at another side of Prince. Recorded in 1983 at the artist's Kiowa Trail home studio in Minnesota, Piano & A Microphone spans a mere 35 minutes but immerses the listener with every creative bend. In addition to early versions of his own "17 Days," "Purple Rain" and "Strange Relationship," the intimate recording finds the artist performing a soulful version of Joni Mitchell's "A Case of You" and a raw version of the traditional 19th century spiritual "Mary Don't You Weep." The home studio cassette recording has been lovingly enhanced, and the simple teaming of Prince's vocals and accompanying piano is mesmerizing from start to finish. Information: OfficialPrinceMusic.com.
Robert Kinsler
Title: 3 X 4 (Yep Roc Records)
You might like if you enjoy: The Bangles, Steve Wynn
Tell me more: Los Angeles' so-called "Paisley Underground" was an exciting genre blending garage rock, jangly power pop and psychedelic rock that emerged at the dawn of the 1980s. The movement's best-known proponents – the Bangles, Rain Parade, the Dream Syndicate and the Three O'Clock – have joined forces on a must-hear collection where each group performs one song from each of the other three outfits – hence the clever title 3 X 4. Every cut on the 12-track disc is fantastic, capturing the individual talents of the groups and strength of the songwriting. The Dream Syndicate brings an almost Neil Young and Crazy Horse muscular approach to Rain Parade's "You Are My Friend." Rain Parade brings a Beatlesque touch to Three O'Clock's atmospheric "As Real As Real." Susanna Hoffs' shimmering lead vocals help propel the Bangles' lovely take on Rain Parade's dreamy "Talking In My Sleep." The Dream Syndicate offers up a rollicking take on the Bangles' classic "Hero Take a Fall," the version bolstered by the lush harmonies of Vicki Peterson and Linda Pitmon. The melancholy-drenched "Real World" finds Rain Parade bringing new depth to the Bangles favorite. 3 X 4 is one of the most glorious releases of 2018. Information: YepRoc.com.
Title: Live At The Fillmore East (Chrysalis Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Jimi Hendrix, Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton
Tell me more: Although Ten Years After is best known for their fiery performance of "I'm Going Home" at Woodstock in August 1969 and the 1971 radio hit "I'd Love to Change the World," the British blues rock band released a score of Top 40 albums on the UK Albums Chart and US Billboard 200 in the late 1960s and early '70s. Now one of the British quartet's best live albums has been reissued and sounds better than ever. Live At The Fillmore East is a two-disc concert recording (originally released in 2001) drawing a dozen tracks from the band's performances at the Fillmore East in New York City on Feb. 27 and 28, 1970. Those who loved Ten Years After's exhilarating approach in concert will want to get this live set featuring singer-guitarist Alvin Lee and company's extended takes on many of their best early material including a amped-up take on the 1930s blues standard "Good Morning Little School Girl," breathtaking 11-minute run through "I'm Going Home," a blistering version of Chuck Berry's "Roll Over Beethoven" and the marathon drum solo "The Hobbit" featuring Ric Lee. Listening to this amazing collection is to be reminded why Alvin Lee ranked with Jimi Hendrix, Jeff Beck and Eric Clapton as one of the greatest electric guitarists of his generation. Information: ChrysalisRecordings.com.
Title: Piano & A Microphone 1983 (Warner Bros. Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Prince
Tell me more: Die hard fans of Prince likely picked up Piano & A Microphone 1983 the instant it was released, but casual fans of the artist may have somehow overlooked this fascinating glimpse at another side of Prince. Recorded in 1983 at the artist's Kiowa Trail home studio in Minnesota, Piano & A Microphone spans a mere 35 minutes but immerses the listener with every creative bend. In addition to early versions of his own "17 Days," "Purple Rain" and "Strange Relationship," the intimate recording finds the artist performing a soulful version of Joni Mitchell's "A Case of You" and a raw version of the traditional 19th century spiritual "Mary Don't You Weep." The home studio cassette recording has been lovingly enhanced, and the simple teaming of Prince's vocals and accompanying piano is mesmerizing from start to finish. Information: OfficialPrinceMusic.com.
Robert Kinsler
Tuesday, November 20, 2018
Late-2018 discs among the year's best
While 2018 will soon be over, a number of must-hear albums have just been released and are well worth exploring.
Artist: Andrew McMahon
Title: Upside Down Flowers (Fantasy)
You might like if you enjoy: Andrew McMahon, Jack's Mannequin, Roger Joseph Manning Jr.
Tell me more: One of the most insightful and talented artists of his generation, Andrew McMahon has scored success fronting Something Corporate, Jack's Mannequin and Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness. On his newly-issued solo LP Upside Down Flowers, McMahon uses his uncanny ability to examine and exhume the world around him and put it all into song. The disc's opening tracks find the singer-songwriter-pianist revisiting his past, from his family's move from Ohio to Southern California ("Ohio") to his formative teenage years in Orange County breaking through with his indie rock troupe Something Corporate (courtesy of the wistful "Teenage Rockstars"). McMahon has the ability to create songs that are both literate and musically enthralling as evidenced by the evocative "Monday Flowers," chamber pop of "This Wild Ride," melodic rocker "Goodnight, Rock and Roll," the introspective "House in the Trees" and Beatlesque "Penelope." McMahon embarks on his highly-anticipated "Upside Down Flowers" North American tour on January 23, 2019. Information: AndrewMcMahon.com.
Artist: Paul Kelly
Title: Nature (Cooking Vinyl)
You might like if you enjoy: Neil Finn, Bruce Cockburn, John Hiatt
Tell me more: Paul Kelly's new LP combines poetry from five literary masters (Dylan Thomas, Walt Whitman, Sylvia Plath, Gerard Manley Hopkins and Phillip Larkin) as well as his own prose with a shared theme reflecting the disc's title Nature. The songcraft is as glorious as the verse with a diverse soundscape encompassing folk rock (the propulsive "With the One I Love"), Celtic-tinged folk ("And Death Shall Have No Dominion," "A Bastard Like Me"), baroque pop ("The River Song") and Americana ("Little Wolf," "Morning Storm," "The Trees"). The lush neo-classical "Bound to Follow (Aisling Song)" features soprano Kate Miller-Heidke and further captures the exhilarating spirit of this special project that simultaneously and magically celebrates the power of poetry, song and the natural world. Information: PaulKelly.com.au.
Artist: Glen Campbell
Title: Sings For The King (Capitol/UMe)
You might like if you enjoy: Glen Campbell, Elvis Presley
Tell me more: Fans of both Elvis Presley and Glen Campbell will be in amazed after hearing the astounding new collection Sings For The King. From 1964 to 1968 – an especially productive time for Campbell highlighted by his touring duties with the Beach Boys, high-profile studio work as lead guitarist with the Wrecking Crew and a burgeoning solo career – Campbell was recruited to record songs for Elvis Presley. Now more than a half century after Campbell made these recordings, 18 of the rescued tracks have been released as Sings For The King (available on audio CD, vinyl and digitally). A dozen of the songs on the disc would ultimately be recorded by Presley, but these versions feature Campbell and he uses his voice to showcase how they would sound if sung by Presley (who did ultimately record his own versions of a dozen of the songs heard on the set). Beginning with the gospel-flavored "We Call On Him" where the voices of Presley and Campbell are both featured to clearly demonstrate how closely the Rhinestone Cowboy could mirror the King of Rock and Roll's tone, the collection offers a great mix of strong material. There are rousing rockers ("Spinout," "Magic Fire" and "Anyone Can Play"), Southern soul ("All I Needed Was The Rain"), and tender ballads ("Cross My Heart And Hope To Die," "There Is So Much World To See"). One of the most interesting songs is "I Got Love" which begins with Campbell sounding like himself against a sparse guitar backdrop before the song picks up and his voice adopts Presley's signature styling. The collection concludes with the lovely "Restless," a ballad never covered by Presley; how wonderful to hear the song sung by Campbell as he conjures up the legacy of both artists. Information: GlenCampbell.com.
Artist: Dennis Roger Reed with Don Reed
Title: Before It Was Before (Plastic Meltdown Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Mumford & Sons, Bob Dylan
Tell me more: With an artistic spirit directed at the strength of a song rather than its specific genre, singer-songwriter Dennis Roger Reed and his brother Don Reed have crafted a freewheeling album (Before It Was Before) mixing up originals and covers spanning country-western, folk, western swing, blues and even a bit of bluegrass. There is an intimacy and warmth across the 21-track collection with ballads and uptempo cuts exuding an inviting touch. The driving "I Had to Ride," affecting "Reconciliation," and country ballad "Up Until Now" all wonderful Reed-penned originals. Among the joyful covers is a countrified take on Bob Dylan's uptempo "If Not For You," a reflective reworking of Michael Hall's "River of Love" an artful reading of the traditional instrumental "Corrina Corrina" and a country rock version of Randy Meisner's "Hearts on Fire." Information: DennisRogerReed.com.
Robert Kinsler
Title: Upside Down Flowers (Fantasy)
You might like if you enjoy: Andrew McMahon, Jack's Mannequin, Roger Joseph Manning Jr.
Tell me more: One of the most insightful and talented artists of his generation, Andrew McMahon has scored success fronting Something Corporate, Jack's Mannequin and Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness. On his newly-issued solo LP Upside Down Flowers, McMahon uses his uncanny ability to examine and exhume the world around him and put it all into song. The disc's opening tracks find the singer-songwriter-pianist revisiting his past, from his family's move from Ohio to Southern California ("Ohio") to his formative teenage years in Orange County breaking through with his indie rock troupe Something Corporate (courtesy of the wistful "Teenage Rockstars"). McMahon has the ability to create songs that are both literate and musically enthralling as evidenced by the evocative "Monday Flowers," chamber pop of "This Wild Ride," melodic rocker "Goodnight, Rock and Roll," the introspective "House in the Trees" and Beatlesque "Penelope." McMahon embarks on his highly-anticipated "Upside Down Flowers" North American tour on January 23, 2019. Information: AndrewMcMahon.com.
Title: Nature (Cooking Vinyl)
You might like if you enjoy: Neil Finn, Bruce Cockburn, John Hiatt
Tell me more: Paul Kelly's new LP combines poetry from five literary masters (Dylan Thomas, Walt Whitman, Sylvia Plath, Gerard Manley Hopkins and Phillip Larkin) as well as his own prose with a shared theme reflecting the disc's title Nature. The songcraft is as glorious as the verse with a diverse soundscape encompassing folk rock (the propulsive "With the One I Love"), Celtic-tinged folk ("And Death Shall Have No Dominion," "A Bastard Like Me"), baroque pop ("The River Song") and Americana ("Little Wolf," "Morning Storm," "The Trees"). The lush neo-classical "Bound to Follow (Aisling Song)" features soprano Kate Miller-Heidke and further captures the exhilarating spirit of this special project that simultaneously and magically celebrates the power of poetry, song and the natural world. Information: PaulKelly.com.au.
Title: Sings For The King (Capitol/UMe)
You might like if you enjoy: Glen Campbell, Elvis Presley
Tell me more: Fans of both Elvis Presley and Glen Campbell will be in amazed after hearing the astounding new collection Sings For The King. From 1964 to 1968 – an especially productive time for Campbell highlighted by his touring duties with the Beach Boys, high-profile studio work as lead guitarist with the Wrecking Crew and a burgeoning solo career – Campbell was recruited to record songs for Elvis Presley. Now more than a half century after Campbell made these recordings, 18 of the rescued tracks have been released as Sings For The King (available on audio CD, vinyl and digitally). A dozen of the songs on the disc would ultimately be recorded by Presley, but these versions feature Campbell and he uses his voice to showcase how they would sound if sung by Presley (who did ultimately record his own versions of a dozen of the songs heard on the set). Beginning with the gospel-flavored "We Call On Him" where the voices of Presley and Campbell are both featured to clearly demonstrate how closely the Rhinestone Cowboy could mirror the King of Rock and Roll's tone, the collection offers a great mix of strong material. There are rousing rockers ("Spinout," "Magic Fire" and "Anyone Can Play"), Southern soul ("All I Needed Was The Rain"), and tender ballads ("Cross My Heart And Hope To Die," "There Is So Much World To See"). One of the most interesting songs is "I Got Love" which begins with Campbell sounding like himself against a sparse guitar backdrop before the song picks up and his voice adopts Presley's signature styling. The collection concludes with the lovely "Restless," a ballad never covered by Presley; how wonderful to hear the song sung by Campbell as he conjures up the legacy of both artists. Information: GlenCampbell.com.
Title: Before It Was Before (Plastic Meltdown Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Mumford & Sons, Bob Dylan
Tell me more: With an artistic spirit directed at the strength of a song rather than its specific genre, singer-songwriter Dennis Roger Reed and his brother Don Reed have crafted a freewheeling album (Before It Was Before) mixing up originals and covers spanning country-western, folk, western swing, blues and even a bit of bluegrass. There is an intimacy and warmth across the 21-track collection with ballads and uptempo cuts exuding an inviting touch. The driving "I Had to Ride," affecting "Reconciliation," and country ballad "Up Until Now" all wonderful Reed-penned originals. Among the joyful covers is a countrified take on Bob Dylan's uptempo "If Not For You," a reflective reworking of Michael Hall's "River of Love" an artful reading of the traditional instrumental "Corrina Corrina" and a country rock version of Randy Meisner's "Hearts on Fire." Information: DennisRogerReed.com.
Robert Kinsler
Wednesday, October 10, 2018
The Bangles, Dream Syndicate, Three O'Clock and Rain Parade salute Paisley Underground days on '3x4' from Yep Roc
Exciting news for fans of the wonderful "Paisley Underground" jangle pop genre that emerged in Southern California in the early 1980s, and especially of the best-known artists associated with that melodic movement...
The Bangles, Dream Syndicate, Three O'Clock and Rain Parade salute their 'Paisley Underground' days together by reinterpreting their past on new collection
Hear The Bangles cover Three O'Clock's "Jet Fighter" courtesy of NPR here
Band photo credits above: The Bangles (Autumn de Wilde); The Three O'Clock (Chris Haston); The Dream Syndicate (Chris Sickich).
The Bangles, Dream Syndicate, Three O'Clock and Rain Parade salute their 'Paisley Underground' days together by reinterpreting their past on new collection
Hear The Bangles cover Three O'Clock's "Jet Fighter" courtesy of NPR here
At the dawn of the ’80s, The Bangles (then just known as The Bangs), The Dream Syndicate, The Three O’Clock (originally called the Salvation Army), and Rain Parade were all new bands in Los Angeles who formed the core of the small yet influential Paisley Underground scene. In 2013, the four ensembles got back together to share the bill at L.A.’s Fonda Theatre for a charity concert that benefited the non-profit Education Through Music organization. The show went so well and everybody had so much fun that Danny Benair (The Three O’Clock), Steve Wynn (Dream Syndicate), and Vicki Peterson (The Bangles) started talking about doing some type of album to celebrate their Paisley Underground beginnings.
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| The Bangles |
The idea quickly formed that each band would cover one song of the three’s. Plans were discussed but lingered. The project didn’t take off until Benair mentioned it to Yep Roc Recordsco-owner Glenn Dicker, who loved the idea. The four groups then got to work, resulting in the terrific twelve-song collection succinctly entitled 3 x 4: The Bangles, The Three O'Clock, The Dream Syndicate, Rain Parade, which Yep Roc will issue on purple swirl vinyl double LP and CD for Black Friday Record Store Day (November 23, 2018) with a wider release (including digital formats) coming on January 11, 2019.
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| The Three O'Clock |
The album’s dozen tracks represent a wonderful melding of the original rendition with the personality of the new interpretation. Rain Parade retained the wild sonic assault of the Dream Syndicate’s “When You Smile” but added a twist by going acoustic on the chorus. The Bangles enlisted an Indian percussionist to enhance the dreamy quality of Rain Parade’s “Talking in My Sleep,” while swapping in guitars for keyboards that were on the Three O’Clock’s original “Jet Pilot.”
Because these bands were, and remain, friends who started off performing together at the same time and places, 3 x 4 holds a more personal quality that most tribute projects don’t have. The tunes that each group chose to cover all had deep connections to them. These were their friends’ songs that they admired, that they saw played originally in tiny clubs, in studios, or at parties.
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| Dream Syndicate |
Michael Quericio (Salvation Army/Three O’Clock/Permanent Green Light) recalls, in the liner notes, of being shocked and awed when he first heard “Getting Out of Hand” by the then-still-named Bangs and Rain Parade’s “What She’s Done to Your Mind” on the radio. Wynn, similarly, remembers how he was blown away when he listened to the first Salvation Army single after it came into the record store where he worked; he also admits to just how personal the Bangles’ “Hero Takes a Fall” is to him.
Without giving away too many stories, the liner notes are packed with fond, and perhaps not so fond, remembrances from members of the four groups. They reveal the importance of backyard BBQs and KROQ DJ Rodney Bingenheimer, as well as offering several different recollections about an ill-planned group trip to Catalina Island. Quercio and Benair both share their memories of being asked during an interview with the L.A. Weekly if there was a name for their collection of bands, and Quercio casually blurting out “Paisley Underground,” although no one had used that term before. British rock mags soon picked up on the phrase, however, and the name “Paisley Underground” got stuck on them, for better or worse.
Paisley Underground, in fact, wasn’t so much a musical genre as a small scene. The bands didn’t share a specific sound but rather similar musical sensibilities. They were all record geeks who were — as Steve Wynn says of the Salvation Army/Three O’Clock in the liner notes — “hip to the grooviest sound of the ’60s but at the same time had been informed by punk rock.” Taking elements of the Velvets’ drone, Sunshine Pop harmonies, British Psychedelia, and choiceNuggets pieces, each group mixed them in varying amounts to create their own distinct sound.
As Vicki Peterson relates in the liner notes: “We joke about it now, but it really is like we went to school together. Paisley High, Class of ’83. We were each a little different: diligent students and fuck-ups, eager newbies and experienced band veterans … but we all shared an anachronistic fascination for the music and culture of the 1960s. When we eventually found each other, in 1981 and ’82, we bonded together like social outcasts on the Quad.”
These grads of Paisley High, Class of ’83, all went on to enjoy long careers in music, and are still active today. The Three O’Clock released several albums in the ’80s for Frontier, I.R.S., andPrince’s Paisley Park labels. They reformed in 2013, with principal members Michael Quercio (vocals/bass), Louis Gutierrez (guitars) and Danny Benair (drums) along with keyboardist recruit Adam Merrin, to perform at the Coachella Music Festival. The Bangles enjoyed wide success on Columbia Records throughout the ’80s with hits like “Manic Monday,” “Walk Like an Egyptian,” and “Eternal Flame.” Their 3 x 4 recordings feature a lineup consisting of all four original members, including bassist Annette Zilinskas.
Rain Parade made albums on Enigma and Island during the ’80s before splintering. Matt Piucci spent time with Crazy Horse. David Roback formed the band Opal with the Dream Syndicate’s first bassist, Kendra Smith, before teaming with Hope Sandoval in Mazzy Star(“Fade Into You” fame). Roback’s brother Steven founded Viva Saturn with fellow Rain ParaderJohn Thoman in the ’90s. Those two joined Piucci in reviving Rain Parade in 2012. Between 1982-89, the Dream Syndicate put out a quartet of acclaimed albums. After years of solo or short-term group projects, Steve Wynn reconstituted the Dream Syndicate in 2012 with original drummer Dennis Duck, long-time bassist Mark Walton, and guitarist Jason Victor.
3 x 4: The Bangles, The Three O'Clock, The Dream Syndicate, Rain Parade winds up not just only celebrating these bands’ shared past but also celebrating how the musicians are today. As Steve Wynn puts it: “I’m glad we’ve kept this thing going. I’ll go on a limb here and say that we all like and respect and admire each other as much as we did back in 1982, maybe even more. We’ve lived lives and learned a few things and know how important and lucky it is when like-minded souls find each other and collide on something really exciting. It’s all still happening!”
CD Track List:
1. Getting Out Of Hand (The Bangles) - The Three O'Clock
2. That's What You Always Say (The Dream Syndicate) - The Bangles
3. You Are My Friend (Rain Parade) - The Dream Syndicate
4. As Real As Real (The Three O’Clock) - Rain Parade
5. Tell Me When It's Over (Dream Syndicate) - The Three O'Clock
6. When You Smile (The Dream Syndicate) - Rain Parade
7. Talking In My Sleep (Rain Parade) - The Bangles
8. Hero Takes A Fall (The Bangles) - The Dream Syndicate
9. Jet Fighter (The Three O’Clock) - The Bangles
10. Real World (The Bangles) - Rain Parade
11. What She's Done To Your Mind (Rain Parade) - The Three O'Clock
12 She Turns To Flowers (The Three O’Clock) - The Dream Syndicate
Band photo credits above: The Bangles (Autumn de Wilde); The Three O'Clock (Chris Haston); The Dream Syndicate (Chris Sickich).
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