Power pop, psych rock, blues and more

Otis Taylor: Double V, Telarc Records

Blues guitarist Otis Taylor is one of the most original artists working within the blues/Americana milieu today, and critics and fans alike consistently praise his discs. While I understand and appreciate Taylor’s approach, droning single-chord tales of repression and prejudice characterized by socially topical lyrics and instrumentation that flies in the face of convention (cello and trumpet are used this time around), I find his refusal to use drums annoying.

In addition, Taylor dismissed ace bassist Kenny Passarelli and used his teenage daughter on bass this time around, and her lack of experience and chops ultimately detracts from the music, resulting in a weaker groove. Nice try though, Otis.

The Winnerys: and…The Winnerys, Rainbow Quartz Records

I must admit I’m a total sucker for guitar-driven power pop that resonates from the sixties. The Winnerys mix influences like The Beatles, Hollies and Byrds, employing jangly six and twelve string electric guitars with tight vocal harmonies and songs whose melodies stick in your consciousness for days.

If you can’t get enough of mid-sixties rock and thought that era was dead and gone, check out The Winnerys debut disc on Rainbow Quartz Records, the undisputed leader in power pop/rock. Check them out at rainbowquartz.com .

The Lackloves: The Beat And The Time, Rainbow Quartz Records

While I’m raving about sixties-style rock, let’s not forget to mention The Lackloves from Milwaukee. Another Rainbow Quartz act, The Lackloves spotlight heavenly vocal harmonies with a gutsy guitar attack that echoes influences like Big Star, Squeeze and The Flamin’ Groovies. Indeed, their angelic vocals are a little too sticky-sweet on occasion, but The Lackloves’ strong songs and instrumental abilities assure this disc’s success without question.

Outrageous Cherry: Supernatural Equinox, Rainbow Quartz Records

Outrageous Cherry’s last disc was reviewed in these pages last year. The band draws its sound from mid-to-late-sixties west coast psychedelic rock.

Time to break out the lava lamp, black light posters and incense, and dig the way out sounds of Outrageous Cherry. The music is rife with wah-wah guitar, spacey vocals, eastern influences and mind-bending lyrics. All told, Outrageous Cherry’s latest disc is much more than a kitschy throwback to a stranger musical time. It’s quality material informed by a lost era of rock music and deserves to be heard.

Deadstring Brothers: same title, Times Beach Records

It took a bit of doing to get a copy of this disc, but the wait was worth it. The Deadstring Brothers base their music around interplay between guitars and pedal steel and often trade licks much in the way jazz musicians do.

Their vocal work and material is equally impressive, as is their choice of “Long Black Veil” as the lone cover tune, rendered very close to The Band’s version. Highly recommended. Learn more about The Deadstring Brothers at timesbeachrecords.com.

Rod Piazza & The Mighty Flyers: Keepin’ It Real, Blind Pig Records

“Keepin’ It Real” is an apt title for the latest release from Rod Piazza & The Mighty Flyers, arguably America’s best blues band.

Harpmeister Piazza and his band never cease to amaze this writer with their skintight sound and choice of songs, both covers and originals. Standout tracks include the knife-edge funk tune “Big Blues Party,” Willie Dixon’s “Pretty Thing,” done a la Bo Diddley, and Honey Piazza’s boogie woogie workout “Buzzin’,” which also features some deft Gene Krupa style drumming from Paul Fasulo.

Piazza draws earthy sounds from his harmonicas that are simply indescribable and highly unconventional. The blues needs more artists like Road Piazza, who is willing to push the music in new directions.