Elliott Murphy – Aquashow (Polygram)
How have I gone this long without hearing this guy? This album is like a hybrid of Dylan, Lou Reed and David Bowie’s Hunky Dory. Brilliant!
Crash Street Kids – Little Girls (Cryptogramophone)
I came across this album on a power pop blog devoted to out-of-print and rare albums. It’s wonder, unpretentious, super-melodic guitar pop, circa 1982. Never heard of this band before and I’m shocked they never went any further.
Javier Escovedo – City Lights (Glitterbeat)
Alejandro’s brother Javier finally releases his solo album of melodic rock & roll. I’ve been waiting for this for literally years, ever since I saw a great set of these songs during SXSW. Available only as a download.
Einar Stenseng – s/t (Big Dipper)
Norwegian-born, Berlin-based Nikki Sudden protege’s debut album of elegantly wasted pop & roll.
The Dream Syndicate – Medicine Show (A&M)
The Dream Syndicate’s second album, finally reissed via download, so I can finally hear it. Steve Wynn’s favorite DS record.
The Eastern Dark – Long Live the New Flesh (What Goes On)
James Darroch left Australia’s Celibate Rifles to form this rockin’ garage pop band. He died before this EP’s release, leaving its enormous potential unfulfilled.
Emitt Rhodes – The Emitt Rhodes Recordings (1969-1973) (Hiip-o-Select/A&M/Geffen)
Limited edition double-disk set of the reclusive Rhodes’ four solo albums. Great stuff that lives up to his reputation in power pop circles.
The Cruzados – s/t & After Dark (Arista)
Following his adventures in the Plugz, Tito Lavarra formed a heartland rock quartet aimed straight at the mainstream. These records get a lot of crap for their glossy 80s production, but I think the songs and performances hold up nicely.
Esperanza Spalding – Esperanza (Heads Up)
The Berklee College of Music’s youngest professor and double bass phenom steps out for an album of cool jazz, silky R&B and Brazilian soul. She’s gonna go far.
The Thunder Boys – …Are Go! (Gearhead)
Another band I saw at SXSW a few years ago whose debut album I patiently waited for, but broke up before it came out. Now released as a download, the young quartet’s spunky trash rock and glitter punk is solid and fun, and could’ve really grown into something. Perhaps the leader’s new band All Seeing Eyes will take up the challenge.
