New music for ‘03

Various Artists, Zydeco-The Essential Collection, Rounder Records.

If you have the desire to check out some great Zydeco music and are new to the genre, this is a good place to start. Featured are artists like Nathan & The Zydeco Cha-Chas, Geno Delafose (who this writer once played drums behind), Buckwheat Zydeco, Steve Riley & The Mamou Playboys, Chris Ardoin & Double Clutchin,’ John Delafose (Geno’s dad) and others. The music is uniformly of high quality and features not only traditional Zydeco sounds like those of the Delafose family, but also the modern hip-hop and R&B influenced style of Chris Ardoin. And while you’re in a Zydeco mindset, don’t forget about the father of Zydeco, the late Clifton Chenier, whose work is available on Arhoolie Records.

The Boss Martians, Making The Rounds, MuSick Records.

The Boss Martians combine California surf music, 60s garage rock and early Stones-like R&B quite successfully and have produced one of the year’s best all-out, nonstop rock ‘n roll releases. If you want raw, high energy, look no further. The Boss Martians’ music is so exciting and irrepressible, you might find yourself dancing around the room. The band eschews ballads completely for rockers, cranking out one quality tune after another. You wanna’ rock? Check this one out—quickly. www.musickrecords.com.

Peter Case, Beeline, Vanguard Records.

Peter Case continues to release quality acoustic/electric albums that highlight his songwriting talents, making use of blues, folk and rock influences. Case has found a formula that works well for him and he seems to prefer the role of troubadour as opposed to that of rock star. Despite a recent musically satisfying reunion with his former band, The Plimsouls, Case obviously relishes a more intimate approach, and in the bargain, has established a niche market for himself. Tunes like “If You Got A Light To Shine,” “Lost In The Sky” and the hilarious “Manana Champeen” are standout tracks. www.petercase.vanguardrecords.com.

The Shiners, See Rock City, Planetary Records.

The Shiners hail from Richmond, VA and this, their second CD, is loaded with what I once referred to as “desperate hillbilly soul;” music that’s based on bluegrass, folk, alt/country and rock, with the intense energy of punk. Husband and wife team Wes and Jyl Freed front The Shiners on vocals with a crack backup band behind them. The Shiners celebrate the roots and traditions of southern American music with songs like “Dixie Lullaby,” “As The Crow Flies,” “Elvis Sings To Jesus” and “Water From The Well.”

Simply put, The Shiners’ new disc is as exemplary as their first. www.planetaryrecords.com.

Justin Adams, Desert Road, World Village Records.

Justin Adams made his name as a rock guitarist with Sinead O’Connor, Brian Eno, Billy Bragg, Peter Gabriel, The Indigo Girls and Robert Plant, and somewhere along the way became intoxicated with the music of the African deserts and the musicians who make the music amidst the harsh climate of the area. Besides the occasional percussion of Salah Dawson Miller, Adams plays all instruments, both modern and ancient, and the resulting music has a trance-like quality that realistically conjures up images of the desert that inspired it. Desert Road is an acquired taste, but a worthwhile one. www.worldvillagemusic.com.