Recommended Noises: Defecting Grey, Robert Randolph, Tanya Tucker and Elephant9
Robert Randolph & The Family Band - Brighter Days
Robert Randolph & The Family Band have been blistering stages with their high-octane mix of spiritual, blues and rock music for over a decade. Their new offering “Brighter Days” builds on an already impressive legacy by delivering well crafted tunes that showcase Randolph’s fiery guitar work along with the nuanced support of The Family Band. Crank this one and you’ll have no problem getting an Amen. CLICK HERE for samples.
Defecting Grey - Run Silent
Rumors of rock’s death have been greatly exaggerated. Defecting Grey’s latest collection is a rabbit punch of a record, featuring well-crafted tunes delivered in a tastefully pulverizing manner. Featuring former members of Buzzed Meg, The Grievous Angels and Buzzkill, Defecting Grey achieves a perfect balance of meaning and malice on this collection from start to finish. If you need proof that guitars and drums are still cooler than a guy in a bunny suit dancing around a laptop, pick this one up . CLICK HERE for samples.
Elephant9 w/Reine Fiske - Psychedelic Backfire II
Jazz chops intersect with garage band subtlety on Psychedelic Backfire II, the latest collaboration from Elephant9 and Dungen guitarist Reine Fisk. Elephant9 being a power trio (organ, bass, drums) are no strangers to intergalactic exploration, and with the addition of Fisk the journey yields even more frequent flyer points. Fans of the more adventurous sides of Pink Floyd and ELP will have fun absorbing this kinetic live set. CLICK HERE for samples.
Tanya Tucker - While I’m Livin’
With help from Shooter Jennings, Tanya Tucker returns to active duty with her first new album in 10 years. Jennings and his team have done a good job of wiping away the over-produced, New Country-goo that is smothering the genre and given Tucker plenty of room to be herself. In fact, this new collection features more of Tucker’s imprint than anything she’s recorded since her 1970s heyday. Authentic country music still exists if you’re willing to trust your ears and ignore your friendly corporate radio station. CLICK HERE for samples.
Jon Dawson’s music recommendations are published weekly by Neuse News. Contact Jon at jon@neusenews.com and www.jondawson.com.
