Lately, the weeks seem to be flying by ever-faster. I can’t believe it’s Saturday again! Welcome to my weekly new music review. This time, the first four of the six featured artists/bands are entirely new to me. All picks are from albums that dropped yesterday (October 20).
Billy Raffoul/Tangerine
First up is Canadian singer-songwriter Billy Raffoul from Leamington, Ontario. A previous announcement of Raffoul’s latest full-length album For All Those Years notes his father Jody Raffoul was a regionally prominent and prolific performer introducing his son to music at an early age. After signing with Interscope Records in 2017 and a few singles and EPs, he released his full-length debut album A Few More Hours at YYZ in 2020. AllMusic characterizes Raffoul’s music as recalling a mixture of Jeff Buckley, Joe Cocker and Bruce Springsteen. From For All These Years, his third album, here’s Tangerine. His ragged vocals and his soulful delivery drew me in.
Sun June/Mixed Bag
Sun June are an indie pop band from Austin, Texas. Starting with their 2018 debut album Years, they have released three albums to date. Their latest it titled Bad Dream Jaguar. Here’s Mixed Bag, which is credited to all six members of the band: Laura Colwell (vocals, guitar, keyboards), Michael Bain (lead guitar), Stephen Salisbury and Santiago Dietche (guitar, vocals each), Justin Harris (bass) and Sarah Schultz (drums). This song has a pleasant laidback feel to it.
Skinny Lister/Company of the Bar
Skinny Lister are a British folk band blending elements of folk punk and folk pop. AllMusic notes The Pogues and Mumford & Sons. I’m also bit reminded Boston’s Dropkick Murphys. Skinny Lister were formed in London in 2009 and have released six albums to date. Their new one is titled Shanty Punk. Here’s the upbeat Company of the Bar. I like this!
Dirt Buyer/Gathering Logs
Dirt Byer are an Emo folk group around singer-songwriter and guitarist Joe Sutkowski who hails from New Jersey is now based in Brooklyn, New York. He started as a duo in 2018 with drummer Ruben Radlauer when both were students at Berklee College of Music in Boston, Mass. After the release of Dirt Buyer’s eponymous debut album in January 2019, Radlauer left. Dirt Buyer subsequently became a trio who in addition from Sutkowksi includes Tristan Allen (bass) and Mike Costa (drums). Gathering Logs is a song off the second album appearing under the Dirt Buyer name, Dirt Buyer II.
Blues Traveler/Qualified
If the name Blues Traveler doesn’t ring a bell, chances are you know the blues rock and alternative rock band’s catchy 1995 hit Run-Around. They were formed eight years earlier in Princeton, New Jersey and put out their eponymous debut album in May 1990. Led by John Popper (lead vocals, harmonica, acoustic guitar), Blues Traveler have since released 13 additional albums. Apart from Popper and co-founders Chan Kinchla (guitar) and Brendan Hill (drums), the group’s current line-up features Tad Kinchla (bass) and Ben Wilson (keyboards), who each have been members for more than 20 years. Off their new album Traveler’s Blues, here’s Qualified a great tune with a soulful vibe
The Rolling Stones/Bite My Head Off
The Rolling Stones are finally out with Hackney Diamonds, their long-awaited first album of new music in 18 years. I previously covered the second upfront single Sweet Sounds of Heaven, a great soulful ballad featuring Lady Gaga on backing vocals and Stevie Wonder on Fender Rhodes. There are other prominent guests on the album, including Elton John, Bill Wyman and Paul McCartney. The late Charlie Watts can be heard on two tracks as well. The other drum parts are handled by the Stones’ current drummer Steve Jordan. Based on scanning some reviews, Hackney Diamonds appears to have been well received. Variety called it the best album by the Stones since 1981’s Tattoo You. Here’s Bite My Head Off, featuring Macca on fuzz bass, who even throws in a short solo. While unfortunately I haven’t had the time yet to give the album the attention it deserves, I know this: Bite My Head Off rocks!
Sources: Wikipedia; Nettwerk Music Group website; AllMusic; Dirt Buyer Bandcamp page; You Tube, Spotify
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