Summer is right around the corner. That means it’s time to crank up the a/c and crank up the tunes! Here are some of the coolest new releases to chill out with.
Americana
The Barlow High Spirits
The Barlow recall the classic country/rock fusion of bands like The Outlaws and the Marshall Tucker Band. From the Outlaw country of “Standing Next To Me,” to the pedal steel ballad, “Backwater,” this album is chock full of memorable moments. Stand outs include the Red Dirt rocker, “High Spirits,” the Flying Burrito Brothers inspired, “Lost Angel Saloon,” and the playful, Jerry Reed meets Little Feat country funk of, “Lonely As A Train.” With plenty of pedal steel, and haunting melodies, this album captures the feel of a midnight ride with a posse hot on your trail.
Stone Cold Single: “Turn Tail and Run”
A rousing Honky-Tonker with driving, Jerry Lee Lewis style piano fills; this song fires on all cylinders as it speeds away from the obligations of work and toward the freedom of the weekend.
thebarlowband.com | fb | buy
Soul
Jessie Wagner War Within
Wagner wrestles with relationships and self-doubt on her sophomore release. Her soulful voice beautifully expresses her internal struggles on the ballads, “One For Me,’ “The War Within,” “You See Me,” and “Watching The Petals Fall.” Poignant and poetic, her vocals and lyrics offer comfort to those who feel unsure of themselves. Turning up the tempo, Wagner continues battling demons on the Reggae tinged, “I Just Can’t Today,” the Stax Soul of “Why Don’t You Love Me?” and the modern Soul of “Up Against The Wall.” Finally finding her footing, Wagner struts with self confidence on the Lenny Kravitz inspired, “Wicked Cool,” and declares her independence on her funky cover of the Stones’ “I’m Free.”
Stone Cold Single: “That Ship Has Sailed”
Capturing the joie de vivre of Jackie Wilson’s, “Your Love Keeps Lifting Me Higher,” this song speaks of a different kind of joy. Instead of the warmth of belonging, this song celebrates the joy of independence. With a blaring horn section, Wagner sings, “You broke my heart, now you want a new start. That ship has sailed.” Full of confidence and hope for the future, Wagner sings the praises of discovering your own self-worth.
jessiewagnerofficial.com | fb | buy
Country
Jesse Daniel Son of the San Lorenzo
Country traditionalist Daniel continues to shine on his fifth album. Guided by his southern California roots, he brings a Bakersfield touch to each of the tracks on this album. From the haunting ballad, “Child is Born,” to the honky-tonk tones of “Son of the San Lorenzo,” to the bluegrass tinged, “Mountain Home,” Daniel paints portraits of a simpler time when people were more connected to each other and less connected to electronic devices. He captures Laurel Canyon vibes on “He,” and “The End.” He revs things up on the alt country of “One’s Too Many (and a Thousand Ain’t Enough),” and “Crankster.” He evokes old school western themes on “The Ballad of Love Creek,” and “Jodi.” He delivers a Guy Clark inspired confessional on, “Time Well Spent for a Man.” Deftly weaving traditional country styles, Daniel also manages to insert modern tones and commentaries to unite past and present in beautiful harmony.
Stone Cold Single: “My Time Is Gonna Come”
An Outlaw country anthem of optimism. With a backing female chorus Daniel proclaims, “I don’t know where I’m headed next. But I know that I’m moving on. I’ve got my heart in the way I’m going; and my time is gonna come.” Cheery harmonica notes emphasize the rosy sentiment as he leaves the pains of the past behind and heads towards a brighter future.
jessedanielmusic.com | fb | buy
Blues
Carolyn Wonderland Truth Is
Texas Blues virtuoso Wonderland continues her ascent on her sophomore album. She moans the blues with a powerful, full throttle voice. Her guitarwork is equally impressive with soaring solos and soulful note bends. The album is a treasure chest of blues nuggets. Highlights include, the New Orleans influenced, “It Should Take,” the high-octane Chicago Blues of, “Truth Is,” the swampy, Texas blues of “Sooner or Later,” the Calypso infused, “Deepest Ocean Blue,” and her sultry take on The Band’s, “Orange Juice Blues.” Vocally and emotionally, she takes it to an even higher level on the civil rights ballad, “Let’s Play a Game,” and her personal tribute to her friend, pianist Gene Taylor, on, “Blues for Gene.” Carolyn Wonderland is a triple threat: she’s a songwriter, a singer, and a scorching guitarist. She belts the Blues the way they were meant to be sung, and she slings her guitar with the best of them.
Stone Cold Single: “Whistlin’ Past the Graveyard Again”
This slow-burning barrelhouse blues song celebrates each new day of living. Despite what hardships life may bring, this smoldering song reminds us that it’s still better than the alternative. As Wonderland aptly states, “I work hard every day, so if I piss it all away; I’ll be whistlin’ past the graveyard all along.”
carolynwonderland.com | fb | buy
Alt Rock
Secret Monkey Weekend Lemon Drop Hammer
Just the name of this band is worth the price of admission. Add to that the fact that this album was produced by the legendary Don Dixon, and curiosity demands you give a listen. Once in, you’re captivated by the lush vocal harmonies and vibrant power pop melodies. It’s hard to believe that all this energy is generated by just three musicians – Jefferson Hart and his two stepdaughters, Ella and Lila. Together, they capture the spirit of the Paisley Revival movement spearheaded by The Bangles in the 80’s. Delivering a steady stream of delicious ear candy, this album plays like a rewind of the classic MTV program, 120 Minutes. “Na Nanana,” recalls the Bangles. “Merida,” evokes Siouxsie and the Banshees.” “We Can Be Friends,” echoes The Replacements at their most ebullient. “Things You Threw Away,” is inspired by the more contemplative moments of R.E.M. “Lemon Drop Hammer,” showcases the guitar driven hooks of The Hoodoo Gurus. “No Way Out,” delves into the spacey, organ-driven fantasy of the B-52s. This is not to say that this album is derivative in any way. It is just wonderfully, gloriously inspired by one of the most creative periods in Rock history. It is nothing short of a love letter to 80’s alt rock.
Stone Cold Single: “So Much Joy”
Guitar, organ, and a haunting vocal chorus introduce this power pop gem. Singing a Mighty Lemon Drops inspired ode to joy, The Harts sing, “Now I quit some of my worst habits. Stopped fretting about my status. It’s my life and I want to be… So much joy I don’t know how to feel it. So much love I just can’t conceal it.” Surging organ and fuzzed out guitar drive the song along like a joyride on the Autobahn.
secretmonkeyweekend.com | fb | listen
Brian Rock
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- TJ’s Summer Roundup 2025 with Jesse Daniel, The Barlow, Jessie Wagner, Carolyn Wonderland, and Secret Monkey Weekend - June 3, 2025
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