Although winter is still upon us, the spring release season kicks off with a bang this week. Check out these great releases, plus a few re-releases.
Willie Nile, Streets of New York
This is my pick of the week. Its hard to believe that its been over six years since Willie’s last release. It was worth the wait. Streets of New York is brimming with soaring rock anthems and touching ballads, played with grittiness and heart by musicians who believe in the music.
Cowboy Mouth, Voodoo Shoppe
Although their recorded output rarely captures the raw power of their live shows, Cowboy Mouth consistently serve up bombastic rock and roll with flair and character. The album features a few recently recorded songs about the band’s hometown, New Orleans, in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Did I mention the band is partially sponsored by Southern Comfort?
Levon Helm, Midnight Ramble Sessions Volume 1 and Volume 2
Over the past year, legendary Band singer and drummer Helm has invited friends to perform in his barn in Woodstock New York. Emmylou Harris, Dr. John, and most recently Elvis Costello and Allen Toussaint are among those who have trekked to the mountains for the shows. Finally we all get to join in the magic magic with highlights from the Barn.
Ray Davies, Other People’s Lives
Should this really be billed as a debut when Davies has blessed us with over 40 years of great music as the lead singer and songwriter for the Kinks? With songs largely inspired by him time spent in New Orleans, expect brilliant lyrics and masterful songwriting.
Arctic Monkeys, Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not
This UK quartet is the buzz band du jour, selling over 360,000 copies in the first week of release in the UK. Filled with angry guitars in the vein of Bloc Party and Franz Ferdinand, the Monkeys also throw in a touch of ska.
Billy Bragg, Brewing Up with Billy Bragg, Life’s a Riot with Spy vs. Spy, Talking with the Taxman About Poetry, The Internationale/Live & Dubious (two CDs each) and Volume 1 (box set)
Billy Bragg established himself as an outspoken social and political commentator — his touring contract gives him the right to re-schedule performances so that he can campaign when elections are scheduled in England. Yep Roc offers up plenty of bonus tracks with these re-released versions of Bragg’s early albums. Volume 1 is a seven cd and two dvd collection.
About the author: Mild-mannered corporate executive by day, excitable Twangville denizen by night.