The Stray Cats, Peter Frampton, Jellyfish and Kenny Howes are among the greats featured on new CD collections.

Fall 2012 is providing an endless number of fantastic new releases for music lovers. The Stray Cats, Peter Frampton, Jellyfish and Kenny Howes are among the greats featured on new collections. Artist: The Stray Cats. Title: Live At Montreux 1981 (Eagle Rock Entertainment). You might be interested in buying this if you like: Elvis Presley, the Blasters, Lee Rocker. Tell me more: The Stray Cats didn’t launch rockabilly music, but the New York trio sure revived the ‘50s-spawned style and introduced it to an entire new generation of music lovers in the early...

Claude Hay – I Love Hate You

Australian musician Claude Hay uses somewhat of a different style than a lot of guitarists. He uses a technique that loops together different sounds of instruments to make it appear that the studio is much more crowded than it is. Truth is, this is actually a one man show, with Hay doing the singing and performing all the instrumentation. He also wrote all the songs, except for a little nugget called “Come Together,” from the pen of some songwriters with...

Chris Edwards – There Was A Time

I would bet a high amount of money that Virginia native Chris Edwards has listened to a Duane Eddy album from time to time during his life. The influence is all over this disc. It takes you back to a time when there instrumentalists made their own records. Granted, it still happens today, just not on the same scale as it once did. That being said, this album is a lot more than simple nostalgia. Edwards picks his back side off, kicking off with the...

Music Worth Buying: Led Zeppelin and The Doors

Orange County Register (CA) music critic Robert Kinsler and his co-host, TJR review new CDs.. This week, TJR and Robert take a look at the new live DVD - Blu Ray releases by Led Zeppelin Celebrartion day and The Doors Live at the Bowl 68

Rich Mahan – Blame Bobby Bare

As a child, Rich Mahan recalls how the free and easy sounds of Bobby Bare helped to serve as a healing stream of sorts to his father when he would get stressed. For his latest album, the California transplant name-checks Bare for the title, but also that quirky and irreverent style that he personified in his recordings. Stylistically, Mahan shows his blues influence all over the place. There’s a hard driving sound to the opener, “Math,” and Mahan knocks it out...

Rick Stephenson – Love Beyond Reason

When it’s done right, Inspirational music brings you closer to your spiritual side. Wisconsin native Rick Stephenson does just that with a praise-filled collection that includes songs designed to warm your heart – and bring to mind your daily walk. The opener, “Be Still,” is a prime example of this. What really makes the track work is they way he shifts the tempo from the verses to the choruses. It makes for interesting listening, which kind of leaves you...

Holiday Music Celebrated on New Christmas Collections

Orange County Register music writer Robert Kinsler reviews some new Christmas albums by various artists including The Shins, Paul McCartney, The Civil Wars, Colby Caillat, Mandisa and Smash Mouth.

The Charlie Daniels Band - Hallelujah It's Christmas Time Again

The new album from the Charlie Daniels Band gives the legendary musician a chance of to combine two of his strongest passions - his love for the Christmas season and the birth of Jesus Christ, as well as his deep appreciation of the United States Armed Forces, and the work those men and women do in keeping us safe. The Grand Ole Opry member has partnered up with Buffets, Inc to help benefit ...

The Oak Ridge Boys - Christmas Time's A-Coming

You know how some things just make you comfortable - like that old pair of shoes in the corner that feel right. Listening to the Oak Ridge Boys is one of those things. By my count, this is their sixth Christmas -themed disc. You might wonder how an act can keep coming up with new and fresh takes on topics, but once you get into the first verse of the standard "Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow," and you hear that unmistakable harmony, you know...

Willie Nelson – Heroes

Even if you are not the biggest fan of his music or not, one has to admire Willie Nelson and his creative spirit. Even as he nears 80 years old, the ‘Red Headed Stranger’ is still out there each year performing and creating. That being said, I think might very well be his best all-around project since 2002’s The Great Divide, which I think is one of his most underrated efforts. This disc is basically a creative effort with son Lukas, who appears on eight tracks...

Sick / Sea – Moral Compass

Every now and then you hear something that is so different and exciting that you just have a pretty good idea that you are on to something special. Of course, sometimes it’s so obvious that you can’t really take a lot of credit for it when you write about it. Sick / Sea is one of those musical experiences. Hailing from extreme South Texas, their music is a diverse mix of a lot of different styles, concentrating on more of a Rock and Indie type feel to what...

Various Artists – A Very Special Christmas

There are a couple of versions of the “Very Special Christmas” discs on the market this holiday season. One features songs of the holiday season from artists in the Country format, while this review focuses on the Christian market. There are some very powerful messages in this warm and inviting collection, with the opener, “Because It’s Christmas,” from the Sidewalk Prophets being a great example. There’s no heavy handed message or sermon, just a...

A Trio Of Ground Breaking Newcomers Are Making A Strong Impression In 2012

Gary Clark Jr.’s “Blak and Blu” You might be interested in buying this if you like: Jimi Hendrix, Al Green, Albert Collins, Eric Clapton. Tell me more: Gary Clark Jr. impressed thousands of new fans when he performed at Coachella earlier this year with his blistering sets that fused the energetic guitar-anchored rock of Jimi Hendrix with the soulful singing of Al Green. On his full-length debut “Blak and Blu...

Aerosmith - Music From Another Dimension

They’re Baaaaacck! After a short 11-year hiatus, one of rock’s most dysfunctional families is set to release an album of new material. Aerosmith’s Music from another Dimension hits stores Nov. 6. The original release date was pushed so as not to conflict with other artists. Tyler told Cleveland's WMMS: 'You know what? We've got the goods. [There] ain't no doubt about it. We'll wait another couple of months.” It’s a rugged, back to basics album with the band returning to their gritty, arena rock roots. Producer Jack Douglas’s old school...

Phil Vassar - Noel

Since he first appeared on the scene back in 1999 with the sing-a-long "Carlene," Phil Vassar has earned the reputation for being one of the smoothest acts in the business. Like many artists these days, Vassar has shifted his recordings from the corporate world to his own label, Rodeowave. His first release for the label is a Yuletide disc, a rite of passage for any musical performer. With his light and easy pop-flavored feel, it seems that Vassar would have been a natural for a Christmas album. That would be the correct assumption to make as Vassar...