Retro Music Review | Oldies, Reissues and New Releases with a Retro Sound

Jet Harris and Tony Meehan - Diamonds and Other Gems (RPM Retro; Retro 825)

Bassist Jet Harris is a master of the musical sonic boom, as evidenced on RPM Retro’s complete Decca singles collection, Diamonds and Other Gems. In the early 1960s, Harris and drummer Tony Meehan created sweeping soundscapes of infinite grandeur and exquisite beauty. Combining elements of pop, rock, surf, and even folk, they brought the rhythm section into the lead, while scoring several chart hits along the way… READ MORE

Michael Nesmith - The Prison (Edsel; EDSX 3002)
Michael Nesmith - The Garden (Edsel; EDSX 3003)

With The Prison and The Garden, Michael Nesmith takes the book and record concept to an entirely new level. As an artist, Nesmith has always been a big thinker, dealing with grand ideas and philosophical questions. On these two works, originally released in 1974 and 1994, respectively, he allows his penchant for soul searching to roam unfettered. Here is Nesmith at his finest, blending music and narrative in a way that is entirely unique… READ MORE

Ringo Starr - Ringo 5.1 - The Surround Sound Collection (2 Discs; Koch; KOC-CD-4496)

On this compilation of tracks from recent solo albums, Ringo Starr offers up a heapin’ helpin’ of The Big Jangle. And honestly, who better? As one quarter of the band that practically invented The Big Jangle, he’s entitled. Songs such as “Fading In And Fading Out” and “Choose Love” are bound to bring a wistful smile to the face of any Fab Four fan… READ MORE

Tremblers - Twice Nightly (Cherry Red; CDM Red 343)

No question, The Tremblers do tremble. With a sound somewhere between The Cars and Lene Lovich, Peter Noone’s post-Herman’s Hermits New Wave pop outfit trembles, shakes, shimmies, and indeed, rocks. Formed in 1980 as a declaration of musical independence, this catchy quintet had all the charm of the Hermits, but without the creative restraints inherent in a pop music franchise… READ MORE

Graham Parker - The Parkerilla (Lemon; CD LEM 103)

Arguably one of the finest rock and roll acts of all time, Graham Parker and The Rumour stormed the British charts in the late 1970s, with a unique blend of soul and cynicism. Parker’s sometimes acidic, sometimes romantic lyrics were a perfect match for the note twisting antics of veteran pub rock guitarist Brinsley Schwarz. Keyboardist Bob Andrews, bassist Andrew Bodnar, drummer Steve Goulding, and rhythm guitarist Martin Belmont rounded out a combo that could tear your playhouse down with just a look…READ MORE

Gas House Gorillas - Five Gorillas Walk Into A Bar (DM11608)

Remember those hoodlum friends you had when you were a teenager? Remember the way they used to hang out down by the drugstore in their zoot suits, snapping their fingers and acting too cool for school? Well, they grew up to be the Gas House Gorillas.

This primo jump blues band has it all: an amazing rhythm section, awesome sax playing, fabulous guitar, a killer frontman, and fantastic songs. And more than all that, these guys have the ability to cross over from jump blues to swing to rock and back again, often within the same track… READ MORE

Lloyd Price - Mr. Personality: Million Sellers And More From ABC (Shout; Shout 43)

Lloyd Price is a rhythm and blues Renaissance man. Storyteller, romantic balladeer, blues wailer, pop prince; Price is all this and more. 16 of the 27 killer tracks on Mr. Personality have Price’s writing credit attached to them, proving he isn’t just a fabulous voice. Of course, the importance of that voice cannot be overstated. Price hits every emotional and musical note in a song, while sounding like he isn’t even breaking a sweat… READ MORE

Judy Garland - Garland At The Grove (DRG; 19107)

Garland At The Grove — the phrase is pure magic. DRG’s reissue of Judy Garland’s amazing 1959 live LP adds 3 new tracks, the previously omitted “Day In - Day Out,” “I Can’t Give You Anything But Love,” and “Do It Again.” Garland’s renditions of all these songs are, not unexpectedly, exquisite. Johnny Mercer’s “Day In - Day Out” lyrics could not have a better friend than Garland. Her delivery is powerful, of course, but also affecting. Building and building, she winds up the song with a fabulous emotional crescendo. Her tender reading of “I Can’t Give You Anything But Love” tugs at the heart gently. Every time she says baby, it’s like a loving caress. “Do It Again” is another shot of romance, swaying like a palm tree in a warm island breeze… READ MORE

Bobby Darin - Mack is Back DVD (Questar; QD3180)

One of the earliest Bobby Darin DVDs ever released and still the best, Mack is Back showcases the many talents of the great Mr. Darin beautifully. The centerpiece of this disc is essentially a concert; an uncut version of the final episode of Darin’s 1972-73 TV variety series. This would also be the last time Darin stepped in front of a camera before his passing late in 1973, and so it has a unique resonance… READ MORE

DJ At’s Crazy Record Hop Presents: Foot Tappin’ & Dance At The Screamin’ Festival Vol. 1 (El Toro; ETCD 1017)

Organizers of rhythm and swing nights take note: here is the disc you need. This collection of rip roarin’ vintage dance tunes, issued by El Toro to honor the 10th Anniversary of Screamin’ Festival in Spain, is guaranteed to put a shimmy in your shake. There are rock tunes that swing, swing tunes that boogie, and boogie tunes that rock. In fact, there’s something for everyone who likes to move their tail… READ MORE