PAWS "Your Church On My Bonfire (Ernest Jenning Record Co.)"
For a band that has never shied away from their emotions, Paws’ Your Church On My Bonfire (Ernest Jenning Record Co. ) is particularly emotive. The guys in the band have had some hard times in their lives, but they aren’t letting that hold them back. They are, however, gonna let you know how they feel. And more than ever, their vocals and lyrics are given the chance to shine here as producer Andy Monaghan of Frightened Rabbit has brought out a softer, gentler Paws, one that has less distorted guitars, and way more string arrangements. This record is a revelation–exposing Paws for what their fans knew they were all along. Sensitive lads who can write a great song. Check out “Honoured To Be Honest.”
Reigning Sound "Abdication…For Your Love (Reissue) (Merge)"
You love the Reigning Sound, right? Of course you do. Memphis’s king of garage rock – what is not to love. Originally “released” in 2011 as a promo only giveaway (huh?), and co-produced by that one guy from the Black Keys, Abdication…For Your Love is a killer collection of killer tunes with some of the most fun guitar/keyboard work I’ve heard since the Specials debut (not that it sounds like that but…..). Wanna rock? Check out “Watching My Baby”.
Versus "Ex Nihilo EP (Ernest Jenning Record Co.)"
If you would have told me 25 years ago that in 2019 (25 years in the future at the time) I would be listening to new EPs from Versus I would have said “Sure, why not? I’m gonna live forever!” Ok, so follies of youth aside, turns out I was right as 2019 is bringing us Ex Nihilo (Ernest Jenning Record Co.), a new EP from Versus! Will this accompany a new forthcoming album? Probably, that’s how they always worked and I’m not expecting that to change here. Check out “Invisible Love.”
Walker Lukens "ADULT (Modern Outsider)"
Walker Lukens’ unique funky, soulful rock sound is back in full effect on his latest release, ADULT (Modern Outsider). There is a reason he has been referred to in the press as a “non-sexually intimidating version of Prince,” and that’s because it’s a rather apt comparison to make. His songs are–like I said before–soulful and funky, but still reside in the rock area of the record store if you are hoping to find one of his releases on your next crate digging expedition (don’t forget the dollar bins, there are always treasures in there!). Full of crooning vocals, synths, danceable beats, quirky touches, it really is a sound like no other. Check out the singular “Tear It Out My Heart.”