AARON LEE TASJAN – Karma For Cheap
His previous album, 2016’s Gram Parsons-informed “Silver Tears”, might as well be my favorite record of the last 5 years. “Karma For Cheap” rocks a bit harder in Tom Petty mode, and it’s a solid effort compared to practically anything except its predecessor. (8)
ALEJANDRO ESCOVEDO – The Crossing
A fantastic concept album about immigrants in the USA. Now 67, Escovedo manages to release what is probably the best album in his distinguished, long career, coming across as a Tex-Mex Springsteen. Guests include Joe Ely and Wayne Kramer. (8)
EMINEM – Kamikaze
When did everyone start to hate this guy? I think he’s OK and in any case his flow is flawless. (7)
FUCKED UP – Dose Your Dreams
Ridiculously ambitious double concept album featuring strings, saxophones, choirs and J. Mascis. The verdict’s still out on this one as I need a few more spins, but it’s certainly bonkers. (anything from 6 to 9)
JOAN SHELLEY – Rivers And Vessels
One of the most interesting folkies currently around covers Nick Drake, J.J. Cale, Dolly Parton etc. on this EP also featuring guest duets with Bonnie “Prince” Billy and Julia Purcell. (7)
MARC RIBOT – Songs Of Resistance 1942-2018
Adventurous journeyman guitarist plus guest vocalists attack Trump through protest songs from the US Civil Rights Movement, anti-fascist WWII tunes etc., also some originals. Tom Waits sings “Bella Ciao”. (8)
MARK LANEGAN & DUKE GARWOOD – With Animals
Mark Lanegan once released an album titled “Blues Funeral”. I’m officially launching an Internet campaign to demand that all Mark Lanegan albums are retitled “Blues Funeral”, it works for every single one including this one. (7)
ODETTA HARTMAN – Old Rockhounds Never Die
Plenty of artists today are trying to push the boundaries of Americana with production experiments but none is as out there as Hartman, whose songs manage to maintain a hypnotic quality while often sounding like snippets of genius ideas rather than finished tracks. (7)
PAUL SIMON – In The Blue Light
Simon revisits/reimagines 10 overlooked deep cuts from his back catalogue to coincide with his farewell tour. Fans will love this. (8)
RICHARD THOMPSON – 13 Rivers
An extraordinarily impressive return to his rock persona, on “13 Rivers” Thompson sounds more like Bob Mould’s twice-as-talented dad (and you know I’m a huge Bob Mould fan) than like Fairport Convention’s guitarist. A fantastic set of songs. (9)
SPIRITUALIZED – And Nothing Hurt
Sounds like a middle-aged version of “Ladies And Gentlemen We Are Floating In Space” but that’s not a bad thing for a middle-aged reviewer such as yours truly. Space rocker Jason Pierce fought death and came out triumphant, and if this is (as rumored) his last album then it’s a perfect epilogue to his career. (8)
SUPERSUCKERS – Suck It
Not even cancer can stop Eddie Spaghetti – the Supersuckers are back with another excellent Motorhead-meets-Steve Earle rock ‘n’ roll juggernaut. Very funny lyrics too. (8)
SUSANA BACA & ARGELIA FRAGOSO – Quiereme
Peruvian Latin music diva meets Cuban Latin music diva on wonderful jazz-tinged easy listening album. I could listen to this on repeat for hours. (8)
THE DEVIL MAKES THREE – Chains Are Broken
Yee-haw! The Devil makes four, actually, now that they have a full-time drummer on board, and their rockabilly-flavored Americana has never been as fun as it is on this album. (8)
THE LEMON TWIGS – Go To School
WTF rock musical about a chimpanzee raised by humans. Features Todd Rundgren as the chimp’s father, Jody Stephens from Big Star on drums, and a couple of jokes about bananas. (7)
THRICE – Palms
Album #10 by post-hardcore Californians shifts the sound towards a more melodic approach. Can you imagine a cross between the Deftones and Hot Water Music? (7)
