Artist: Johnny Marr
Title: The Messenger (Sire/ADA)
You might be interested if you like: The Smiths, Blur, New Order
Tell me more: More than 25 years after the Smiths disbanded, that legendary British quartet's phenomenal guitarist Johnny Marr has finally issued his first-ever solo album. Indeed, "The Messenger" is so wonderful it's easy to wonder why Marr didn't turn down participation in post-Smiths projects such as The The, Electronic, the Cribs and Modest Mouse in order to focus on completing a solo project much sooner. Some songs on the 12-track release sound as if they were unleashed back in the 1980s; the driving "I Want the Heartbeat" and New Order-flavored "European Me" immediately come to mind. However, other songs ("Upstarts," "Lockdown," "New Town Velocity") capture the seeds of that decade blended into a rich musical landscape that fits comfortably alongside '00s music champions Snow Patrol, Coldplay and Neon Trees. While there are few discerning listeners who will be surprised by Marr's always-artful and stellar guitar work, the Manchester native's fine vocals serve as a revelation. The icing on the cake for area fans is that Marr is scheduled to perform at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in Indio on April 12 and 19.
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Artist: Atoms for Peace
Title: Amok (XL Recordings)
You might be interested if you like: Radiohead's "King of Limbs," Caribou's "Swim," Thom Yorke's 2006 solo album "The Eraser"
Tell me more: Atoms for Peace's new album "Amok" is an admittedly challenging disc. At first listen, songs such as "Before Your Very Eyes..." and "Dropped" sound chained to a relentless electronic rhythm and eerie noises. But singer Thom Yorke's otherworldly tenor always keeps the futuristic sounds grounded in the here and now. "Default" blends his voice with a late '70s-sounding synthesizer, while "Unless" relies on a tight beat and sound effects to paint the soundscape that surrounds Yorke's vocals. As is clear with repeated listens, there is more to "Amok" than it seems; tune into "Stuck Together Pieces" closely and you'll hear plenty of gorgeous guitar and Flea's rousing bass guitar playing amidst the amalgam of electronic textures. On the title track "Amok" the gradual buildup of altered and distant layered voices attempts to emerge from beneath the beat in an ever-evolving and beautiful dance.
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Artist: The Jeff Healey Band
Title: House On Fire (Eagle Rock Entertainment)
You might be interested if you like: Joe Bonamassa, Eric Clapton, Steve Miller Band
Tell me more: Although March 2, 2013 will mark the 5th anniversary of his death, Jeff Healey continues to gain new fans thanks to an ongoing effort by Eagle Rock Entertainment to release material pulled from the vault of the late Canadian guitarist. "House On Fire" is a collection of studio rarities and demo recordings completed between 1992 and 1998. From the original blues-styled title track and rollicking "Who's Been Sleeping In My Bed" to the breathtaking instrumental gem "Bish Bang Boof," there is plenty to celebrate on the release. The heartfelt ballad "You Go Your Way, I'll Go Mine" and a cover of Bob Seger's "We've Got Tonight" showcase Healey's tender side. Speaking of covers, Healey's reworking of Bruce Springsteen's "Adam Raised a Cain" is terrific and every bit as ferocious as the original; this version features inspired guitar playing and powerful vocals that defined Healey. As sad as it is that the world lost Healey much too soon (he was only 41 when he lost his battle with cancer), albums such as "House On Fire" assure his passion for making great music will long be remembered.
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Artist: Justin Hayward
Title: Spirits of the Western Sky (Eagle Rock Entertainment)
You might be interested if you like: The Moody Blues, Nils Lofgren, Poco
Tell me more: As the distinctive singer-songwriter and guitarist of the Moody Blues, Justin Hayward is well known for penning classic tracks such as "Nights In White Satin," "The Story in Your Eyes," "Question," "Your Wildest Dreams," "Tuesday Afternoon" and "I Know You're Out There Somewhere." Although it seems natural for the casual listener to assume Hayward's primary gift centers on crafting lush and soaring symphonic rock, that is only half right. On his new solo disc "Spirits of the Western Sky," Hayward displays a strong gift for linking his ear for melodic song craft with a mix of British folk and Americana styles used to portray his latest original material. There is driving folk rock (the irresistible "On the Road to Love") that recalls The Eagles' biggest hits, as well as more introspective quiet material that recalls Poco ("In Your Blue Eyes," "The Western Sky"). Across the full length of the album is Hayward's intelligent voice that extols an artist who continues to push forward.
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Robert Kinsler 2013
