Some Early "Drama" From Nicole Atkins

 

 

I can't put my finger on exactly what it is that irks me about Nicole Atkins. I have friends who swear by her, dig her records, and see her live whenever they can. I've tried, and aside from a song or two, nothing ever sticks. I've also seen her live a few times, as an opener for Ian Hunter and some others I can't recall. She was fine, but I was underwhelmed and ultimately put off by her oversinging, which may be the problem, actually. Every song is sung like the finale in "Evita."

That said, here's her new single from the upcoming album "Drama," due in September on Chris Isaak's new Sun Records imprint Wicked Game Records. Atkins opened for Isaak on a bunch of shows recently and now, she's got a new deal. Way to go!

I do like this new single and will absolutely give "Drama" and Nicole another chance in September. 

If It Was Dwight Twilley, You'd Be All Over It

From 1982 and arguably his best album "High Adventure," please give a listen to Kenny Loggins and what I think is the closest he ever got to power pop. 

Actually, I've loved "Swear Your Love" since I first heard it 44 years ago, but it was only recently that I starting hearing Dwight Twilley. Close your eyes, focus your ears and damn if this track wouldn't sit comfortably on "Scuba Divers."

Da D'Addarios Do "Da Doo Ron Ron"

 

One & Done With The Mississippi Rail Company

 

 

My friends Allen Vella and Susan Shaw co-host a New Orleans radio show every Friday afternoon at 4PM called "All That Gumbo." You can dial it up on WIOX, broadcasting out of the Catskills. Last Friday's show was truly exceptional because I heard some music that really fired me. 

From a 2012 release called "Coal Black Train," give a listen to some music from the Mississippi Rail Company, recorded in the swamps of Maurice, Louisiana. This piano/bass/drums trio is/was led by Travers Geoffray and for a short time 15 years ago, it looked like this band might explode. As it turned out, the band imploded instead, with Travers stating that it felt more like a solo project with guys backing him than a band. But, an album does exist and it's a badass. And thanks to Susan and Allen, I got to hear something truly wonderful that prior to last Friday was nowhere on my radar. 

This is a power trio, and their approach to New Orleans roots music has a very rock and roll side. It's hard and it's rowdy, and the band sounds remarkably fresh playing some very familiar music. 

Travers went on to record a solo album a few years later, which started off as the follow-up Rail Company record. I'll get to that at some point after my enthusiasm over "Coal Black Train" wanes. 

In the meantime, get in on this.

 

Songs Of The Week, 2026: 6/13-6/19

 

Wheels Of Fortune- The Doobie Brothers
This Time- Los Lobos
President Rock- Lizzy
Inside Story- Eric Carmen
Thank God It's Not Christmas- Sparks
Book Faded Brown- The Band
So Long- Fischer-Z

 

Have at it! 

HERE 

 

 

"Paul, Brian, Ray & Todd, 2026": THE WEEKEND MIX

 

Paul McCartney, born on June 18th.
Brian Wilson, born on June 20th.
Ray Davies, born on June 21st.
Todd Rundgren, born on June 22nd. 

I believe this is the 9th or 10th time I have paid tribute to this fab four during their birthday week.

 

 

Sadly, we lost Brian last year, but Paul, Ray & Todd are alive and kicking and I truly believe I am alive and kicking thanks to these geniuses.

It's self-explanatory, so dig in. 

Happy Birthday Gents! You done good.

TRACKLIST: 

Forget All About It - Nazz
You Want Her Too (1988 demo)- Paul McCartney
The Night Was So Young- The Beach Boys
Sweet Lady Genevieve- The Kinks
The Other Me- Paul McCartney
You're So Good To Me- The Beach Boys
Misfits- The Kinks
The Last Thing You Said (Full Version)- Todd Rundgren
Heroes & Villains- The Beach Boys
Waterspout- Paul McCartney
Something Better Beginning- The Kinks
Determination- Todd Rundgren
Just Once In My Life- The Beach Boys
God's Children- The Kinks
One World- Utopia
Junk (Bass & Vocal)- Paul McCartney 

HERE

Whoa Oh, Claudettes

 

The Claudettes have a new record. It's their fourth. I hadn't heard of them before this week, but this intrigued me- "The Claudettes are the only band to successfully meld soul, rock, punk, and cabaret into an intoxicating stew."

Then I see that my old friend Steve Berkowitz co-produced the new record "Garage Glamour." Leader Johnny Iguana happens to be Steve's nephew, Brian Berkowitz. All of this was enough for me to give it a spin. I figured I had a good bet.

I am not hearing much of the five styles they purportedly meld successfully. What I do hear is an amazing vocalist in Rachel Williams who more often than not channels the great Julie Driscoll, as well as Grace Slick occasionally. 

 

 

It's hard to nail just where "Garage Glamour" falls musically. Much of it reminds me of those rare early 80's singles that didn't quite fall into electronica or new wave. Think Mari Wilson, Belle Stars and Lene Lovich. It's a big record and maybe that's where the word cabaret comes into play. What I love most about "Garage Glamour" is that in just a little over 33 minutes, the band manages to cover so much musical ground, I felt like I was listening to a brilliant 80's mixed tape.