The Rifles – “Local Boy” (Right Hook U.K.)
Three straight great singles to start the career of this fab British group that sounds like The Jam, (Newtown) Neurotics, and Chords rolled into one (and nearly as good so far for sure!!!).
Belle & Sebastian – The Life Pursuit (Matador)
Can’t stop these Scots from doing brilliant work. Out February 7. Another fantastic (sixth proper) LP!!!
Paul McCartney – Chaos and Creation in the Backyard (Capitol)
Not as good as the reviews led me to believe, and nowhere near as good as Flaming Pie, but it is much in the vein of McCartney and Ram and a good half of this is genuinely inspired. Having not liked much of anything between Band on the Run and Flaming Pie that’s still pretty amazing!
Guided By Voices – Propeller [reissue] (Scat)
I’ve long thought this is the best GBV album not called Isolation Drills, and this reissue just reminded me. Just for “Over the Neptune/Mesh Gear Fox” alone—and there’s plenty more where that came from—this shows they finally hit their stride just before becoming known to those outside of Dayton.
Neil Young – Zuma (Reprise)
I don’t always know why I’m in the mood for an old favorite LP, but this one seems to have been on my turntable a lot of late. “Don’t Cry No Tears” indeed.
Young Canadians – No Escape (Sudden Death Canada)
Timely reissue/revamp by D.O.A.’s label of one of the true greats of late-’70s West Coast punk-pop. Don’t miss.
The Modernettes –
Get it Straight (Sudden Death Canada)
See above comment, as it’s true of this as well. (“Timely reissue/revamp by D.O.A.’s label of one of the true greats of late-70s West Coast punk-pop. Don’t miss.”)
The Shangri-Las – The Best of (The Millennium Collection) (Mercury)
I like girl-group stuff as much as the next (red-blooded) guy, and it says here these Queens girls were the queens of girl-group. Tough, but sweet, can’t beat it. Can’t beat “Out in the Streets” and “Remember (Walking in the Sand)” to start. Though I do love the Marvelettes, too…
Leatherface – Dog Disco (BYO)
I never go long without listening to one of Frankie Stubbs’ LPs. Not only is this one of only a half dozen ‘90s/’00s punk rock bands I’ve loved, his passion and heart still hit me where I live. Just kills me!!! I’m glad people like this are in the world. May I die before him.
Ray Davies – Other People’s Lives (V2)
First official solo album by the Kinks leader; sounds like he’s been listening to his best 1966-1972 work (as evidenced by his sweet suite of Village Green Preservation Society songs he included, solo acoustic, in his set this past Monday at New York’s Supper Club. Some great stuff for sure!!! Another nice comeback from somone whose work since has mostly been spotty, but never awful!
