New Brian Setzer Orchestra: “Trouble Train” / “Lonely Avenue”
To remind us all that time marches on, Brian Setzer turned 50 this year. But he shows no signs of slowing down. Brian’s definitely one of those artists that a lot of people take for granted. He’s out there year after year, touring his ass off, playing his Christmas shows with his Orchestra, and keeping that rockabilly / Big Band style alive. Bless ‘im for it.
Brian, together with his Orchestra, are slated to release a brand new album, Songs From Lonely Avenue, on October 13th. But there’s already a sneak peek at a couple of the tracks, and a couple more to come soon. Go cat go!
Listen:
“Trouble Train” – The cover for the single above is totally fitting. The tune cooks like a locomotive steamin’ down the frickin’ frackin’ tracks.
“Lonely Avenue” – Brian channels his 50-60’s cool Vegas crooner. Nice.
Check out: Brian’s Official Web Site
Two from Rickie Lee
Howard Stern had a great interview this morning with Carly Simon. Howard drilled down into her icy relationship with ex-husband James Taylor. Their mutual son – Ben Taylor – was in the studio as well, which made for an interesting dynamic. Long story short, Howard and Ben are joining forces to talk some sense into JT and at least get the former couple talking again. Howard is a great shrink, I’m telling ya.
Hearing Carly Simon made me think of Rickie Lee Jones. Natural progression, right? I don’t know why, but I just associate one loosely with the other. Now let’s go back 15 years, shall we? I have exactly one Rickie Lee Jones album: Traffic From Paradise. It was her last record with Geffen, released in 1993. There’s some wonderful collaborations on the album with the likes of Leo Kottke, Brian Setzer, David Baerwald and Ickmusic hall of famer David Hidalgo. Kottke especially pervades the album, playing 6-string, 12-string, and slide acoustic guitar. Master of the session drummers (and drummer for the Traveling Wilburys) Jim Keltner pounds the skins.
Two songs stand out on the album for me. The first is the crushingly beautiful “Beat Angels”. The background vocalists you hear are Hidalgo, Setzer, and Syd Straw. Hidalgo is also on eight string electric guitar.
Rickie Lee Jones – Beat Angels
The second track is the Jones/Kottke-penned “Running From Mercy”. Providing backing vocals here are Lyle Lovett, Kottke, Teresa Tudury, Sal Bernardi, and John Leftwich. Another one that reaches down into the soul…
Rickie Lee Jones – Running From Mercy
Rickie is still going strong. Check out her tour dates along the East Coast this June and July, and check out her latest, The Sermon on Exposition Blvd.
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