Vince Gill
Okie (MCA)
www.vincegill.com
$15.99
When the Eagles needed an expert harmony vocalist to fill the gap left by the death of Glenn Frey, they hired Gill. Although he continues to tour with them, his solo work doesn’t seem to have suffered. Even with a thirty-year career behind him, Gill continues to impress with a high quality standard not often seen these days.
These dozen new tracks are perfect for porch sitting on a cool summer night, filled with Gill’s smooth tenor and mostly acoustic instrumentation. “I Don’t Want To Ride The Rails No More” may be one of the best regret songs ever written. “What Choice Will You Make” aches with sorrow, telling the story of a young man who unexpectedly becomes a father. Gill’s toolbox is deep, and every one of these songs is a winner.
The Dollyrots
Daydream Explosion (Wicked Cool)
www.thedollyrots.com
$14.99
Bassist Kelly Ogden and her husband, guitarist Luis Cabezas, have been making one heckuva punk racket since 2000. Originally signed to storied Lookout Records, the duo have also spent time on Joan Jett’s Blackheart Records, and now, Little Steven’s Wicked Cool imprint. Now that’s an impressive punk footprint.
Off-the-charts energy is the order of the day, and The Dollyrots do not disappoint. “Animal” is a crunchy party anthem, followed by the hyper “Everything,” with a hooky chorus and beat that comes on like a freight train. Imagine The Romantics fronted by Debbie Harry, playing through Marshall stacks. “No Princess” begs the question, is it okay for a riot grrl to want to be spoiled and put on a pedestal? This is lotsa fun.
Rob Laufer
The Floating World (self-released)
www.roblaufermusic.com
“The Floating World” is my introduction to singer-songwriter Rob Laufer, and what an introduction it is. Neatly under-produced, it is teaming with catchy songs, often evoking some of indie music’s best; Paul Westerberg, Jeff Buckley and Matthew Sweet.
“Avalanche” cleverly describes that feeling you get when it seems like everything is literally caving in on you at once. “Bolt Of Blue” turns the mood positive, as an anthem for staying true to one’s self. The arrangement builds with excitement, with a jubilant feel throughout. The stand-out for me, though, is the Beatlesque “As Long As You Belong.” It’s definite proof that great songs can still be written. Excellent.
New Releases:
Taylor Swift/Lover (Republic)
Midland/Let It Roll (Big Machine)
Tanya Tucker/While I’m Livin’ (Fantasy)
Rick Ross/Port of Miami 2 (Epic)
Pete Yorn/Caretakers (Shelley)
Robert Randolph/Brighter Days (Provogue)
Massive Attack/Mezzanine Deluxe (Virgin)
Coco Montoya/Coming In Hot (Alligator)
The Rembrandts/Via Satellite (Blue Elan)
CD’s Provided By CD-DVD-Games Warehouse, 3717 80th Street, Kenosha, Wi, 53142,
(262) 942-9400