Lucinda Williams, Robbie McIntosh, British Invasion All-Stars and The Rockin’ Bones

Lucinda Williams, Essence, Lost Horizon Records:

Singer/songwriter Lucinda Williams’ Car Wheels On A Gravel Road was not only this writer’s 1998 pick for album of the year, but many other journalists’ as well. It even won Williams a Grammy Award. Her follow-up, Essence, was cut quickly, belying her penchant for recording slowly, and has been released to overall positive reviews. Unfortunately, this journalist just can’t warm to Essence the way he did to its predecessor. The music rarely rises above a slow simmer, with ballads predominating. Williams’ lyrics are honest, confessional vignettes and stories relating to her trials and tribulations, but there’s so little energy expended and so little variation in the feel of the songs, it gives the impression that Williams recorded too quickly, with not enough material at her disposal to present a well balanced set. While Essence has its moments, the big picture is one of disappointment.

Robbie McIntosh Band, Wide Screen, Compass Records

Robbie McIntosh has earned a fine reputation over the years as a tasty rock guitarist, and a reliable sideman with The Pretenders and many others. His latest release is an excellent collection of truly outstanding songs, thoughtful lyrics and wonderful fretwork, and a very fine band that backs McIntosh with great skill. The only problem is McIntosh’s voice, a hoarse, Dylanesque croak that always sounds just slightly off key. The addition of a strong lead vocalist would free McIntosh to concentrate on guitar, and would serve as a welcome addition that would present his music in its best light.

British Invasion All-Stars, British Invasion All-Stars, Mooreland Street Records

The British Invasion All-Stars are exactly what they claim to be: former or current members of The Yardbirds (Jim McCarty), Procul Harum (Matthew Fisher), Creation (Eddie Phillips), Nashville Teens (Ray Phillips), Pretty Things (Phil May and Dick Taylor), Downliners Sect (Don Crane and Keith Grant), The Pirates (Mick Green) and The Jimi Hendrix Experience (Noel Redding). The music is unrelenting, raw British rock, straight from the 60’s, as these old guys prove that age is no barrier to creating exciting rock music. There are no songwriter’s credits given, but oldies like “Gimme Some Lovin’,” “Tobacco Road,” “Shakin’ All Over,” “Green Onions,” “Shapes Of Things,” “Mona” and “I’m A Man” are mixed with a few newer tunes. It’s great to hear them still kickin’ butt after all these years. Mooreland Street Records are available at 501 Westport Ave., Norwalk, CT 06851.

The Rockin’ Bones, The Rockin’ Bones, Tomahawk Records

The Rockin’ Bones are rockabilly revivalists from Maryland who have that style down in spades, complete with never-ending slap echo, hiccupped vocals, Scotty Moore-style guitar licks, the obligatory acoustic rhythm guitar and standup bass. The material is highly listenable and entertaining, but there’s no denying this sound has been done before. Truth is, rockabilly refuses to die, but it just might if some band out there doesn’t do something new and innovative real soon. Tomahawk Records, PO Box 204, Riverdale, MD 20738.