New music comin’ atcha’

Various Artists, Blind Pig Records 25th Anniversary Collection, Blind Pig Records

I usually enjoy these compilation CD sets, because they offer a little of this ‘n that. One can always find something worthwhile. Blind Pig Records from San Francisco is one of the pre-eminent blues labels, and their roster of artists has included luminaries like Coco Montoya, Pee Wee Crayton, Studebaker John, Jimmy Thackery, Chris Thomas King, Deborah Coleman, Muddy Waters, Bob Margolin, Magic Slim and many more. This 25-year celebration even includes a third disc of CD Rom performances as an added tidbit. This is a commendable holiday gift for the blues fan in your life.

The Shiners, Bonnie Blue, Planetary Records

The Shiners’ music hit a nerve with me on first listen. With roots firmly planted not only in bluegrass and old time country music, but also in punk rock, The Shiners, from Richmond, Virginia, play heartfelt music that’s loaded with what I call “desperate hillbilly soul.” The lead vocals of Wes Freed conjure up images of the mysterious darkness and restless spirit of the southern American psyche, not unlike that of a little known writer named Faulkner. The highlight is a “buried” track entitled “Good ‘Ol Rebel,” written in 1868 by a disenfranchised Confederate soldier, disgusted with the government’s ineffective efforts at reconstruction. Freed sounds positively possessed, so much so that I asked him point blank if he hated Yankees! Fortunately, the answer was no. The Shiners’ debut disc is available on Planetary Records, www.planetaryrecords.com.

The Strokes, Is This It, RCA Records

It’s been many moons since a rock band has caused such controversy as The Strokes, whose first disc has been both praised and derided by critics and everyday listeners alike. The Strokes, all in their early 20’s, have borrowed heavily from the Velvet Underground musical school of thought, vis a‘vis oblique lyrics, jagged, minimalist guitars, pounding percussion and casually tossed-off vocals not unlike those of Lou Reed, way back when. Recorded in glorious low-fi, Is This It is not the saving grace of rock ‘n roll as some have called it, but a pleasantly inept collection of tunes from a group of promising kids whose hearts collectively appear to be in the right place. Next time.

Imperial Golden Crown Harmonizers, same title, Catamount Records

This wonderful, loosely formed septet of Texas music veterans plays traditional gospel music with a kick, a lot of fire and whole lotta’ of soul. The music rings true with the soul of traditional black gospel music, although most of the group is of the Caucasian persuasion. If you love the energy and lift of gospel (and you don’t need to be a Christian to like it), The Imperial Golden Crown Harmonizers will float your boat. The group thoughtfully takes up a collection at every performance for local charities and food banks. www.catatmountco.com.