Marley's Ghost: "Honky Tonk" (2026) CD Review

Marley's Ghost was formed in 1986, forty years ago, and interestingly the band has released a new album to celebrate each decade of the its existence. In 1996, it was Four Spacious Guys. In 2006, it was Spooked. In 2016, it was The Woodstock Sessions. And now, to celebrate this excellent band's fortieth year, we have Honky Tonk, which follows 2019's Travelin' Shoes (yeah, seven years is a long time to go between albums, the longest gap in the band's career). Like The Woodstock Sessions, Honky Tonk focuses on covers. While The Woodstock Sessions featured traditional numbers, and Travelin' Shoes got into gospel numbers, this new album, as its title suggests, gets into honky tonk country music. Whatever area of the music world this band decides to explore, you can be certain the results will be wonderful, and will features some excellent vocal work. The band is made up of Mike Phelan on guitar, dobro, bass, fiddle and vocals; Jerry Fletcher on keyboards, accordion and vocals; Ed Littlefield Jr. on pedal steel guitar and vocals; Dan Wheetman on bass, steel guitar, fiddle, guitar and vocals; Jonathan Wilcox on mandolin and vocals; and Bob Nichols on drums and percussion. They are joined by Larry Campbell on acoustic guitar, electric guitar, fiddle and backing vocals (Larry Campbell also produced the album); and Cary Black on bass.

The album opens with "Invitation To The Blues," which has a nice vibe right from its instrumental introduction, featuring fiddle. This song was written by Roger Miller, and it was a hit for Ray Price. Here Dan Wheetman is on lead vocals, delivering a good, passionate performance. "I don't know why you caused me such pain/I only hope I never go through this much again." In the middle, we are treated to several great leads in a row, beginning with guitar, that section a reminder of how talented all these musicians are. That's followed by "Honky Tonk Song," the first of two tracks on this album to include the term "Honky Tonk." This one was written by Mel Tellis and Buck Peddy. Mike Phelan sings lead. "A band kept playing in a joint underneath/I picked up my pillow and I covered up my head/But the band kept playin' and shakin' my bed." Then it kicks in, and it's like the music itself might be what's keeping him up. This is a fun number featuring some delicious work on piano. And of course we learn that the band playing dowstairs isn't the real problem. "Well, I'm so blue, my baby's gone/She took all my money and left me all alone/I'm trying to forget her, but I don't know what to do/A honky tonk song keeps leaking on through." Yup, the real trouble is a woman who has done her man wrong.

Ed Littlefield Jr. sings lead on "Brand New Mister Me," a song written by Ronald McCown, and recorded by Mel Tillis And The Statesiders. It's one of those sweetly sad country number, and these guys do a great job with it, Ed's vocal performance containing just the right amount of ache. It's an interesting song, as it directly addresses his love's new man. "Is my darling good to you/I hope you're feeling happy/'Cause I'm sure feeling blue/And I drive by every morning/And see the man I used to be/How does it feel to be/The brand new mister me?" Then we get the second song with "Honky Tonk" in its title, "Burn Another Honky Tonk Down," a song most famously recorded by George Jones. It's a delightful waltz, with Jon Wilcox on lead vocals, and featuring some really nice drumming. This track has a full and vibrant sound, with lovely work on accordion and fiddle. "Spending my money I earned at the saw mill/To build another honky tonk wall/Early each morning I'm back on that mountain/Wishing her lies were the truth." This is one of my personal favorites on this album.

Teresa Williams joins Dan Wheetman on vocals for "Just Someone I Used To Know," a song written by Jack Clement, and a hit for George Jones. This song is also known as "A Girl I Used To Know." "There's a picture that I carry/One we made some time ago/When they ask who's in the picture with me/I say just someone I used to know." This song always works better as a duet (Porter Wagoner & Dolly Parton, George Jones & Tammy Wynette), because they're both experiencing the same thing, the same longing, yet each (we imagine) without knowing the other does. It's like they are in two different places, but expressing the same things simultaneously, which makes the ache all the more striking. It's a beautiful and sad song, and features some nice work on fiddle. That's followed by "Only Daddy That'll  Walk The Line," a cool and catchy number written by Ivy Bryant and recorded by Waylon Jennings, who included it on his Only The Greatest record. This one is great fun. Ed Littlefield Jr. is on lead vocals. "I keep working every day/All you want to do is play/I'm tired of staying out all night/I'm coming unglued." This track contains a good lead on guitar, as well as some delicious stuff on pedal steel and piano.

Mike Phelan sings lead on "Slowly," delivering a moving performance. There are also some excellent harmonies. "Now I can't hide my feelings no matter what I do/For slowly I'm falling more in love with you/More and more, I need you and want you by my side/More and more, I love you as each day passes by." Oh yes, what a great feeling. Hey, even the peddle steel seems cheerful. This is another of my personal favorite tracks. It's followed by "Rockin' Chair Money," the Hank Williams number (through it was written by Lonnie Glosson and Bill Carlisle). "And I love to rock/Yeah, rock/Baby, rock/Rock on down the line." There are many precursors to rock and roll, but obviously this song is one of them, and this track features a cool bass line and some hopping stuff on piano, through the fiddle and peddle steel provide a lot of its charm.

I love Merle Haggard's songs, especially his slower, sad numbers like "Sing Me Back Home" and the one that Marley's Ghost chooses to cover, "If I'd Left It Up To You," which was on Merle's 1965 album Strangers. Dan Wheetman is on lead vocals, and he delivers an excellent performance. "You made plans to leave a thousand times, I know/And a thousand times I should have let you go/But then I'd always beg you back somehow/If I'd left it up to you, it would all be over now." This track also features some really nice work on guitar. Then "Detour" is a fun, delightful number, with Mike Phelan on lead vocals. "Spent the next five years in jail/Should have read that detour sign." Part of its charm is in its rhythm. And, like many of these tracks, it contains some really nice work on fiddle and pedal steel. These guys need to go on tour soon, spread some of this great music to all the places where it's needed, which, as far as I can tell, is everywhere. Mike Phelan also sings lead on "Midnight," another of the disc's highlights. This song was a big hit for Red Foley, and if this world made any sense, it would be a big hit for Marley's Ghost too. Everything about this track works perfectly. I especially love that guitar work in the middle.

"Motel Time Again" was written by Bobby Bare, and was a hit for Johnny Paycheck. Here it is sung by Jon Wilcox. "Motel time again/Yes, I take myself to bed/I don't even know what town I'm in." Sometimes I miss being on the road, but I don't miss the motels all that much. Road trips still hold their appeal, but I doubt gas prices will ever return to a place where such adventures again become affordable. That's followed by "Waltz Of The Angels," a good, slow waltz featuring Dan Wheetman on lead vocals. "It's surely from heaven, this music I hear/When your lips say I love you in waltz time, my dear." The album concludes with a cover of "Birmingham Bounce," which is a total delight. Jerry Fletcher sings lead on this one. The line "When the drum starts playing that solid beat" leads to a brief drum solo that I love. This track also contains some great stuff on piano, along with a strong bass line. What a perfect choice to wrap things up, the band leaving us feeling good, leaving us dancing. "Now everybody's dancing and they're jumping too/When the music starts rocking, nobody's blue." Exactly. So if you're feeling blue, put this album on.

CD Track List

1. Invitation To The Blues
2. Honky Tonk Song
3. Brand New Mister Me
4. Burn Another Honky Tonk Down
5. Just Someone I Used To Know
6. Only Daddy That'll Walk The Line
7. Slowly
8. Rockin' Chair Money
9. If I'd Left It Up To You
10. Detour
11. Midnight
12. Motel Time Again
13. Waltz Of The Angels
14. Birmingham Bounce

Honky Tonk is scheduled to be released on May 19, 2026. 

Amy Rigby at Permanent Records Roadhouse, 5-13-26

Amy Rigby

"I'm holding onto anything that's good in this world/There's a lot that's good in this world." Those lines come from Amy Rigby's "Don't Ever Change," and they provide a good reminder, particularly these days when we are constantly alerted to everything that's wrong. For, truly, there's a lot that's good in this world, even now. I find much of it in music, and especially in live performances. Amy Rigby delivered a special show last night at Permanent Records Roadhouse. It was a combination book reading and concert, along with a conversation about her new book, Girl To Country, a sequel to her first memoir, Girl To City. And it concluded with a book signing.

starting the show by reading a passage

At 7 p.m., Amy Rigby took the stage, introducing herself, She mentioned that at first she was nervous about the night, until she reminded herself that she wrote the book, and so the hard part was over. Rather than doing a reading and then a concert, or a concert and then a reading, she went back and forth, a performance that connected her memoir to her songs, which of course made perfect sense. The first song she played was "Beer & Kisses," a track from her Diary Of A Mod Housewife album. She mentioned her daughter's wedding, and joked about how her daughter did not ask her to sing any of her songs at the ceremony, and that led to "Cynically Yours." She said that the line "I can picture being with you until one or both of us is dead" isn't as funny to her now as it was twenty years ago. (By the way, her daughter Hazel was the one spinning some great records before the show started, including a song from my favorite Kinks album.) Amy then read some more from her book. If you're familiar with Amy Rigby's music, you know that there is a great deal of humor to her work, and the book, from the passages she shared last night, is also quite funny. As for the songs she played, "Keep It To Yourself" in particular received a lot of laughter from the crowd. If you haven't heard that one, I highly recommend checking it out. I think everyone can use a laugh or two these days.

Amy Rigby and Wreckless Eric

Amy Rigby can also rock when she wants to, as she did on "Bricks," a song from Hang In There With Me, which was released in 2024. I love when an artist rocks out on acoustic guitar. From that album, she also played "Too Old To Be So Crazy," an especially fun song. Following that song, she read from her book a passage about meeting Wreckless Eric, and then Eric joined her on stage. He had played a show at the Wild Honey Backyard Amphitheatre on Sunday (a show I wish I could have attended), and there Amy had joined him for a couple of songs. Now he returned the favor, playing electric guitar and singing backup on "Do You Remember That" and then delivering an excellent lead on "Genovese Bag," which was such a treat. Amy read a final passage from toward the end of the book, and then closed out the performance with "Don't Ever Change," Wreckless Eric again joining her on electric guitar. While that was the end of the music, it wasn't the end of the evening. Pat Thomas joined Amy on stage for a conversation about the new book, and they talked a bit about the writing process and about self-publishing. At the end, Pat Thomas encouraged everyone to purchase a copy of the book, reminding the audience that the event had been free so that people could use what would have been the admission cost to get a book. And though I'm broke, I had to add that book to my collection of music memoirs. Actually, Amy had copies of both books for sale, and as much as I want to read Girl To City, that will have to wait until the next time I see her perform or read. Anyway, it was a wonderful evening, and I'm looking forward to reading my copy of Girl To Country.

Wreckless Eric sets up Pat Thomas' mic

Amy Rigby and Pat Thomas

Permanent Records Roadhouse is located at 1906 Cypress Ave. in Los Angeles, California. 

Stunt Drummer: "Warm Up, Tiger" (2026) Vinyl Review

Stunt Drummer, a band based in Portland, Oregon, put out its first full-length album in 2023, and has now followed that with Warm Up, Tiger. The album title is a combination of two song titles, one from the first side of the record, one from the second. So I guess there are two title tracks to this one. And while we're talking about titles and names, the band's name comes from the fact that different folks would fill in on drums in the early days, and even after the release of the first album. The drummer on this album, Paul J. Leaver, did not play on the band's first album, a self-titled release. The band is also made up of Erik Becker on guitar and vocals, Marty Buckenmeyer on guitar and vocals, and Ethan Schee on bass. Ezra Meredith, who recorded and mixed the album at The Deer Lodge, helps out on these track, and is credited with "Various Bells, Whistles, Howls, Antics and Flamethrowers." Someone might have to explain to me where the flamethrowers come in, but certainly there is some heat to these tracks, some power. The music is a combination of punk and garage rock elements, often with an intense, heavy sound. The album features all original material.

Side A

The record's first side, which is labeled the "Stunt Side," opens with "Pool," which comes on strong, with a heavy, raw and insistent force. There is something frightening as Erik repeats, "Everyone in this place is gonna drown." A mantra of doom, and there is something of an aggressive attitude. But, and maybe I'm just crazy, there also seems something strangely, darkly humorous about that, when you remember that they're singing about a swimming pool. And, hey, we all are doomed, and there's no escaping that. So have a little fun. That's followed by "Chinese Windows." It's interesting that each of these songs has a line that is repeated. Here it is "Chinese windows, they don't fit like they used to," the very first line of the song, repeated several times. What a strange line to be in a song at all, but to be repeated like a chant? It's a song about architecture. And it is delivered with a great energy that comes rushing at us. "He makes his bosses happy/And Peter gets a bone/And now he builds his empire/The model for his class."

"Warm Up" is the song from the first side whose title contributes to the album title. This one has a great beat, a cool groove, so the raw scream of the vocals comes almost as a surprise. There is an intensity, and almost a desperation, to the vocals. And before the end there is the demand, "Get up get up get up" and then "Warm up warm up warm up." And it's over. The first side concludes with "Voodoo," which begins in a surprisingly softer place, though we sense something is nearby, coiling, getting ready to strike. The slow pace of it contributes to an ominous sensation, which is cool. "Are you a witch and will you fly, let's push you off the cliff and see if you try." There is something haunting, even mesmerizing here. This one too has a line that is repeated, "What is up with all the voodoo dolls," and it is during the repetition of that line that the energy increases, the vocal approach changing from an ache to a howl. And from there, the track begins to roll right over us, and then it cannot be stopped. Incredible. This is one of my personal favorite tracks.

Side B

The second side, labeled the "Drummer Side," opens with "Vortex," which is interesting, the way it takes us through different places, different expectations and feelings, even before the vocals come in. The first lines are delivered in a fairly straightforward way. And the very first line, "The vortex is nice this time of year," is undeniably funny, and the straightforward aspect of its delivery makes it funnier to me. The chorus is then shouted, and it becomes frightening. This track ends in mellower territory. It is followed by "Paul The Pear Farmer," which has a delicious beat, and a sort of 1960s element to the guitar work at the beginning. It's a strange song, and there is something scary in the lines, "Paul spent a lot of time down in his room/Down in his room sharpening his knife." But the madness might be coming from within rather than without. Who can keep a hold on reality anymore? Then "Switch" begins with a strong beat, and quickly becomes delightfully strange, many things happening at once, and that bass is so damn good. There is a fierce energy to the vocals, like his life depends on it, or our lives do. "It's got nothing to do with everything/Start it over from the end, turn it on turn it off." It then slowly pushes through, until the vocals return for one last quick burst at the end.

"White Tiger" is the song from the second side that contributes to the album's title, and it contains some good stuff on guitar. "Did you see my car, I think it's blue/Did you cut my throat, yeah, I would've too." This music feels like it exists right on the edge, and if you throw yourself too far in any direction, bones and light will shatter. "Did you see my ghost?" The line is repeated. An answer is needed, is demanded. I love the drumming on this track. The record concludes with "Dress," this one opening in a mellower place, creating a very cool vibe. And maybe we need this, a space to relax a bit after the previous intensity. This one is like a late-night city street. There is even saxophone on this track, Tom Ricciardi delivering some excellent work. "You were insane then/Your favorite word was/Isolation." I especially love the guitar work here, helping to make the track another of my favorites. This is totally delicious. "You only wanted my attention/When you wore that dress."

Record Track List

Side A

1. Pool
2. Chinese Windows
3. Warm Up
4. Voodoo

Side B

1. Vortex
2. Paul The Pear Farmer
3. Switch
4. White Tiger
5. Dress

Warm Up, Tiger was released on April 17, 2026 on Cavity Search Records.

Grateful Dead: "Dave's Picks Bonus Disc 2026" (2026) CD Review

Thanks to my mom, I have a subscription to the Dave's Picks series of Grateful Dead concert releases. Four times a year, a new Grateful Dead show arrives in my mail box (or somewhere in the general vicinity of my mail box, as happened with the new volume), and once a year that show is accompanied by a bonus disc. This year the bonus disc arrived with Dave's Picks Volume 58, a three-disc set that contains the complete show the Dead played on December 18, 1973, and a couple of songs from the December 12, 1973 show too. The Dave's Picks Bonus Disc 2026 contains more songs from that December 12th show at The Omni in Atlanta, Georgia, songs from both the first set and second set.

The disc opens with "Sugaree," which was the second song of the first set, following "Promised Land." Interestingly, some setlists online don't include the first four songs of the show, perhaps basing their list on incomplete audience tapes. Anyway, this is a sweet rendition of "Sugaree," featuring a vocal performance from Jerry Garcia that is wonderfully gentle at the beginning. This song grows in power at the right moments, a song of hills and valleys, and of beauty. The disc then skips to the middle of the first set for "Peggy-O," this being only the second time the band played this song. The first was two days earlier. And again, Jerry's voice is so gentle, so sweet as the song begins. And the track features some really nice work by Keith Godchaux on keys. There is something about this rendition that just feels so good. Then we go to the final song of the first set, a glorious, epic "Playing In The Band." It begins with that wonderful energy, like something opening, like a bright light breaking over us, and then gets into the action of the main theme of the song. But of course the real action is after that, when the band begins to explore other spaces, when the music takes us away from the ground, away from stage, almost like the music somehow separates from the instruments, taking on its own life and choosing its own direction. There is a moment, approximately six minutes thirty-eight seconds in, when the sound shifts to a lesser source. There were a few of those moments on the discs of Volume 58 too. It lasts nearly a minute, and then we are back to the clearer, crisper sound. By that point, it is like the entire universe is dancing, everything the music encounters becoming immersed in the groove, in the energy, in the drive outward. Bill Kreutzman's drumming is so good, and Jerry's guitar reaches to delicious heights, and sometimes turns inward too. What I love is that this version is able to get out there into those exciting places while still maintaining, more or less, a wonderful rhythm that we can hold onto. And then, somewhere around the nineteen-minute mark, the song's main theme is re-established. I always love when the song kicks back into that theme with full force. It's like a welcome back to the earth, but now with whatever knowledge and experience we've gathered along the way, and so our approach to the song is different. There is often more joy. We are not quite the same people we were when this started.

We then skip the first couple of songs of the second set and go right to "China Cat Sunflower," and so we head straight back into interesting territory. After all, there was never any question about what this song was about. Here the structure remains even more intact, while still giving us a chance to open up to different realms. The jam here moves forward with a joyful, delicious force, certain of itself, of its destination. And soon we are into "I Know You Rider," which begins in perhaps a somewhat mellow place, yet with a good amount of heart, and then rises to a great peak on Jerry's "I wish I was a headlight on a northbound train." The disc skips a couple of songs, and moves to "Weather Report Suite," the full song, including the pretty, meditative "Prelude" and a really nice rendition of "Part 1," even if Bob Weir seems to momentarily lose his place. This song feels like it can take care of us, can see us through. "We'll see summer by and by." And then we're into the "Let It Grow" part, the only section that I ever got to see the Dead perform. There is a wonderful power to this piece, and we get a strong rendition here. "And listen to the thunder shout, I am! I am!" What an excellent jam, showing again how 1973 was the best year for the band, as far as live performances are concerned. The band then goes into "Wharf Rat," another of my personal favorites. And this is a striking rendition. Listen to the ache and determination in Jerry's voice as he sings, "But I'll get back on my feet someday." The song at key moments feels like a combination of magic and perseverance. And it gently lets us go at the end.

CD Track List

1. Sugaree
2. Peggy-O
3. Playing In The Band
4. China Cat Sunflower >
5. I Know You Rider
6. Weather Report Suite
7. Wharf Rat

Dave's Picks Bonus Disc 2026 was released in early May, 2026.

Grateful Dead: "Dave's Picks Volume 58" (2026) CD Review

Nothing raises my spirits more than a new Grateful Dead concert recording arriving in the mail. After worrying that the new Dave's Picks volume got lost on its way to me, I discovered it had been delivered to the wrong spot, and today got a chance to enjoy it. And enjoy it, I did. After all, Dave's Picks Volume 58 contains music from 1973, which I still consider the absolute best year for Grateful Dead live performances. This three-disc set contains the complete show the band performed on December 18, 1973 at Curtis Hixon Hall in Tampa, Florida, the penultimate show of the year (the final show had been released as Dick's Picks Volume One). It also contains a couple of songs from the December 12th show in Atlanta. There is a slight re-ordering of songs, with the night's encore placed toward the end of the second disc, just before the Atlanta tracks.

Disc 1

The first disc contains most of the first set. Yup, it's a nice long first set, too much to fit on a single disc. After a moment of tuning, the band opens the show with "Tennessee Jed." This is one of those songs that just always seems to hit the right spot. There is a kind of gentle vibe to this one as it begins, and it soon grows from there, featuring some nice work by Keith Godchaux on keys and some passionate vocal work from Jerry Garcia. It's a good rendition. There is some more tuning afterward, and then Bob Weir leads the band into "Me And My Uncle," with Bob adding "That's me" after the line "I'm as honest as a Denver man can be." There is some stage banter after that song, Bob saying, "As you can see, one of our fellows here is diligently nailing Billy down to the floor." The band then delivers a fun rendition of "Don't Ease Me In" that bounces along, keeping the audience's feet from remaining on the floor for too long. Does Jerry forget which verse he's starting, just for a second? Well, no matter. This rendition has a sudden ending. And the band then eases into "Looks Like Rain," and we can hear some folks cheer as they recognize it. Seems fairly early in the show for "Looks Like Rain," but Bob gives a really good vocal performance here. Check out, for example, the way he delivers these lines: "But it's all right, because I love you/That's not going to change anyway/Run me around/Make me hurt again and again." There are some sweet, pretty moments here too, particularly some of the stuff that Jerry is doing on guitar. And I love Phil Lesh's work on bass, keeping things from getting too light. This is an excellent "Looks Like Rain." "Whole world's turning grey, and it looks like rain."

That rhythm at the beginning of "They Love Each Other" is so catchy, one to get us dancing, and it's allowed to go on a bit before Jerry comes in on vocals. I love early versions of this song, with its bouncy groove, Bill Kreutzman dancing behind the drum kit, and with those extra lines. This is a lot of fun. And then it's suddenly over, and Bob leads the band into "Me And Bobby McGee," delivering another good, moving vocal performance. Everything sounds so good, so crisp, so sweet, and this song ends up another highlight of the first set. Bob then announces they're going to take a moment to fix the piano. The band soon starts "Brown-Eyed Women," another song that always hits its mark. And this version contains some particularly good guitar work. "And the old man never was the same again." A nice gentle ending, too. "Beat It On Down The Line" is next, with like fourteen or fifteen beats to start it. Does the number of beats determine how good a given rendition will be? I bet someone's done a study of it. Anyway, this is a fun, strong version of the song, with some energetic playing. 

Jerry begins "Peggy-O" on guitar, emerging beautifully and sweetly from a bit of tuning, and this is a gorgeous, striking rendition, another of the set's highlights. Everything comes together perfectly here. It's interesting, because, depending on your mood, it's a version you can dance, or least sway to, because of Billy's drumming, or you can close your eyes and drift into a gentle dream of a time gone by. Then the moment "El Paso" begins, some folks cheer. This song too takes us into its particular world, its own story, though this one with undeniable energy. Hearing it, and knowing how things turn out, I find myself still wanting a different outcome for the main character of the song. But of course the end is inevitable, and everything is moving toward that conclusion, even as Jerry's guitar takes us for some delightful twirls. Some odd stuff on piano between songs, like demanding something or other. And Jerry leads the band into "Deal." Maybe it has just a bit of a relaxed vibe early on, but the guitar starts calling down its own energy, creating its own heat, and then everything has to follow that, doesn't it? Jerry starts pushing things vocally too. "Deal" is followed by "Jack Straw," which has a pretty opening, and features some wonderful work on guitar, the music feeling like one final, glorious chance at something grand, if only we can make it happen. I love when the music transports us like that, creating an entire world and placing us at the center of it. This song does it perfectly.

Disc 2

The second disc contains the final two songs of the first set, along with the first chuck of the second set, the encore, and two songs from the December 12th show. The disc opens with "China Cat Sunflower," and you can bet the crowd reacts as soon as it starts, knowing where this song can take folks. And there certainly is a bit of magic here, especially in the guitar, that instrument helping to open the door between this world and another, the band urging everyone to dance straight through. And that's the way we want to enter other worlds, isn't it? There is a joyful energy to the jam, causing even the light to dance. The segue into "I Know You Rider" is seamless, and that song has such a good feel to it. It's great as the energy builds. For a moment approximately halfway through, it sounds like the sound shifts to an audience recording. Still, this is a really good rendition of "Rider." And that's how the first set ends.

This disc then presents the first section of the second set. There is a bit of joking at the beginning. "It's a terrible feeling to step on a flower," Bob says. "If you're going to throw flowers, throw 'em at Bill." After some tuning, the band starts the second set with "Promised Land," shifting things right into gear and getting things immediately in motion. That leads straight into "Bertha," to keep that energy high, keep everything dancing forward, Jerry delivering a strong vocal performance, with some power at the right moments, as well as a wonderful lead on guitar in the second half.  The band then goes straight into "Greatest Story Ever Told," choosing another high-energy song. There is some interesting stuff on guitar in the second half, with a different feel, even as the rhythm continues to rumble beneath it, and then things start to seriously rock. After a brief pause, letting folks cool off, the band goes into "Row Jimmy," slowing things down and taking us into a prettier area, Jerry's voice soothing us. There is some beautiful guitar work here, and I just want to stay in the world of this song a little longer, let it rock us to and fro. This is an excellent version of "Row Jimmy." The disc then moves to the show's encore. "It's gonna be a couple minutes," Bob tells the crowd, "Because a couple of our fellows are backstage taking care of business." Soon the guys deliver a nice rendition of "Uncle John's Band," featuring a delicious jam that takes us quickly toward the outer reaches of the atmosphere. "He's come to take his children home." Didn't we always feel at home at a Dead show?

The final two songs on this disc are from deep in the second set of the December 12th show. (By the way, this year's bonus disc, which arrived with Volume 58, contains more selections from that show.) The band eases into one of my favorites, "Eyes Of The World," a song that always makes me feel good, always gets me moving. The jamming here is wonderful, flying and flowing so naturally in the brightest sunlight early on, and then taking us into more interesting territory in that final jam, teasing darkness before stepping back into the light. And this is 1973, so the jam has the extra section that would later be dropped (and sort of turned into "Stronger Than Dirt"). That song then drops us into "Morning Dew." I love the combination of grief and anger in Jerry's voice on certain lines, which seems exactly right. This is a powerful rendition, even in its quietest, most delicate moments.

Disc 3

The third disc contains the bulk of the second set. "We're going to figure out what we're going to play next," Phil told the crowd. And then when the band eased into "Weather Report Suite," he said, "This is the quiet part, folks." I always loved hearing the band do "Let It Grow," and these early, full versions of "Weather Report" are a treat to listen to. And, yes, as Phil said, it begins softly, in pretty territory with "Prelude." And there is an undeniable beauty to "Part 1." "Like a song that's born to soar the sky." And then the power grows during "Let It Grow." Maybe because it has the chance to grow from the softer, earlier sections of this song, but this "Let It Grow" has an incredible intensity and is just a great rendition. The jam is particularly good. There is a moment toward the end of the track when it seems to switch to an audience recording. Certainly, there is shift of some kind, and it lasts a little longer than the one on the second disc. Usually when something like that happens, Dave Lemieux includes a caveat, but I didn't see one in this volume (maybe I missed it). But no matter, because then we are into "Dark Star," a song that promises an intriguing and often exciting journey. And this version doesn't wait at all before beginning its exploration, dancing in a garden where lights spring up and twist around in response to our attention. And once enjoying a taste of life, they continue to grow and spiral above us, pushing open new doors we didn't realize were even there. And we follow them upward and outward, and we then we are floating on our own, in unfamiliar territory, no clear way back (and who wishes to go back anyway?), and so the only thing to do is look ahead, accept whatever is coming, look the Weird straight in the eyes, with a smile. It seems to work, and a different reality begins bubbling up around us, little beings dancing and popping up into sight and then disappearing again. And then we are back into the song's main theme, and soon Jerry delivers the first verse. That's like eleven minutes in. "Shall we go, you and I, while we can?" And then we are almost immediately placed in a darker, less certain realm, one where atoms are less inclined to stick together. Reality flows into large blue, curious masses, which can't help but overwhelm us, whatever their inclination might be. Other, smaller creatures cry out into the void, waiting for answers. Expecting them? And the answers, when they do come, fly by in unexpected forms and so are largely unintelligible. A beauty tries to emerge, and the band never gets to the second verse.

A short, but good drum solo from Bill Kreutzmann is what does come out of "Dark Star," and it in turn leads to "Eyes Of The World," effectively lifting us out of whatever strange world we'd found ourselves in. This song calls everyone back together, and reminds us of a shared reality, one of our own making. And I love how when Jerry's guitar is flying, so is Phil's bass, though not at the same height. "And the seeds that were silent all burst into bloom and decay." And the jam after the final verse is particularly good, the band cooking, leading to that cool extra "Stronger Than Dirt"-type section. I wish they had kept that in, so that I could have seen the band do it in the 1980s and 1990s. This is an absolutely stellar "Eyes," with an unusual conclusion, leading into "Wharf Rat." Normally you'd think that might be something of an extreme shift, from "Eyes" into "Wharf Rat," but the jam led us here in such a way as to make it feel completely natural, even inevitable. We were ready for it then, ready to be taken into the particular story of this song, to be able to approach it with the right frame of mind. And this is an excellent "Wharf Rat," Jerry delivering a phenomenal vocal performance, pulling us right in at key moments, making us feel like we're privy to confession. And is there another shift in sound sources? Weird. This one is brief, but still jarring. And it's a shame it comes in such a great "Wharf Rat." Keith delivers some nice work on keys. As this song eases out, "Sugar Magnolia" comes alive, always a good choice to wrap up a set. This version features a good jam, building in energy as it goes. Wow, there is something of an extended pause before "Sunshine Daydream." What a great show! The Dead could do no wrong in 1973.

CD Track List

Disc 1

1. Tennessee Jed
2. Me And My Uncle
3. Don't Ease Me In
4. Looks Like Rain
5. They Love Each Other
6. Me And Bobby McGee
7. Brown-Eyed Women
8. Beat It On Down The Line
9. Peggy-O
10. El Paso
11. Deal
12. Jack Straw

Disc 2

1. China Cat Sunflower >
2. I Know You Rider
3. Promised Land >
4. Bertha >
5. Greatest Story Ever Told
6. Row Jimmy
7. Uncle John's Band
8. Eyes Of The World >
9. Morning Dew

Disc 3

1. Weather Report Suite >
2. Dark Star >
3. Drums >
4. Eyes Of The World >
5. Wharf Rat >
6. Sugar Magnolia 

Dave's Picks Volume 58 was released in early May, 2026. I got my copy on May 7th. This release is limited to 25,000 copies (mine is number 17002).

Mike Green: "Hang The Moon, Part One" (2026) Vinyl Review

Los Angeles-based musician and songwriter Mike Green released his first full-length album, Restart, in 2019, and has now followed it with Hang The Moon, Part One. This album features original material, all the songs written or co-written by Mike Green. Songs with excellent lyrics, songs of substance, of meaning. Though if you just want to enjoy a good rhythm, these tracks will satisfy you too. They are in a sort of alternative pop realm, mixing in elements of rock. Mike Green plays guitar and synthesizer on these tracks, and is joined by Eli Marcus on bass, Cam Tyler on drums, and Leddie Garcia on percussion, along several other guests on various tracks. By the way, though it's a single record, there is a gatefold, something I always appreciate and find almost comforting, perhaps because it reminds me of my childhood, when I'd have an album jacket open on my lap while listening. And, from what I gather, there will be a Part Two, more tracks having been recorded at the same sessions that yielded this record.

Side A

Early in the album's first track, "Dig," Mike Green sings, "Maybe I can keep these dark thoughts/Subservient to my heart." What great lines! The first time I put this record on, it was those lines that alerted me that these songs should be paid particular attention to. And interestingly, there is a dark element to the pop sound. This track also contains a good, interesting rhythm, especially to the verses, where it feels more prominent. These are uncertain times, and the music here seems to reflect that, reflect our own personal uncertainty. "I keep shoveling the earth until/I have a grave to fill/And I'll dig." There is a powerful instrumental section toward the end, featuring some really good stuff on guitar. Then there is something of a 1980s sound from the start of "Bug." Here is a taste of the lyrics: "How do I know/If the pain's intentional/How do I know/If it isn't visible/How do I know/We kill to believe it/Even if we don't see it." Again, the lyrics grab us, even if the song misuses the word "comprise" (it should be "composed of"). I like the rhythm of the vocal line during the verses. The track also becomes exciting during that instrumental section, building up as if preparing to explode or attack, and taking us to some higher level in the process. It's a fantastic moment.

"Coyote" uses something from reggae in its beat, and here too the vocal line has its own delicious rhythm. And even with the reggae element to the song's beat, it is the rhythm of the vocals that is especially catchy. In addition, this song features a horn section, helping to make it one of the record's highlights. Michael Stever is on trumpet, Nick Lane is on trombone, Evan Mackey is on trombone, and Andrew Neu is on saxophone. Also, Shea Marshall joins the band on organ, and Whitney Tai provides some nice backing vocal work. "The risk is wild/The pain's okay/To go back now/Is to dig our graves." It is interesting that this is the second song to mention graves. Then "Afterglow" is a more moody piece, more contemplative. And even before Mike sings the word "memory" we are immersed in memories, in feelings of longing. "Let me go easily/You're tangled in my memory/Before I give up your ghost/I'll revel in your afterglow/I'll carry on/Without you in my life." There is something beautiful about this song.

Side B

The second side opens with "I Can't Help It," this one written by Mike Green and Luis Narino. Mike delivers a soulful vocal performance here, at the beginning supported by some finger snaps. "When am I gonna get it right/This feeling is so strong/Whenever you and I collide/There will never be/Enough days or time/To satiate my thirst for you." Yeah, it's a love song, but one that acknowledges the "misery" as well as the "ecstasy" of the relationship. And the love is for someone from the past. Seeing that person re-ignites that fire. And when this song slowly fades out, we wonder if that fire, that passion, is slowly fading too, as it likely did once before. The excellent lead guitar work on this track was done by Luis Narino. And Bryan Parks is on vocoder. Then in "Best I Can," Mike Green sings, "I wish I could/Cast away the rage I've left/To be with you again/But again/I've been slippin'." And with lines like that, we can't help but connect this song to the previous song, at least thematically. I love the bass work to this one, especially that lead in the second half, and I love the beat. I also love when Mike's voice becomes more passionate near the end, as he repeats, "The best I can." This is a song that really grew on me.

As "Sun Goes Down" begins, with that steady beat, we feel this track will be more in the rock vein. And yes, there is some of that sound, some of that energy to this song, with a rhythm that gets you moving. Plus, it makes use of some of those subjects that are often in rock songs: the night, drinking. "You get the next drink 'cause/It's another night gone by/Yeah, celebrate another night to come/I got a picture of it in my mind/I'll see you when the sun goes down." This is a fun one and it contains some good stuff on guitar. It was written by Mike Green and Jonah Smith. Shea Marshall is on organ. That's followed by "Get Away," which contains some delicious percussion. Derek Abrams joins the band on percussion on this track. There is also some interesting whispering of certain lyrics, in response to the first part of a given line. And then soon Mike Green sings, "In my mind, in my mind," and we think that's where the whispering came from, a different part of his mind, even as later he sings, "Your voice/A whisper/On a cliff of my design." This is an intriguing song, a sort of conversation with the self, where a decision must be reached. This song, written by Mike Green and Jacob Johnston, is another of the album's highlights.

Record Track List

Side A

1. Dig
2. Bug
3. Coyote
4. Afterglow

Side B

1. I Can't Help It
2. Best I Can
3. Sun Goes Down
4. Get Away

Hang The Moon, Part One was released on April 17, 2026.

The Glimmer Stars: "Someday's A Long Time" (2026) CD Review

The great Los Angeles music scene is really made up of several different scenes which sometimes overlap. One of the bands at the heart of one of those scenes, and having a delightful tendency to overlap with others, is The Glimmer Stars. The band has been delivering fun and energetic power pop and garage rock for like two decades. The kind of music that in better times would be on the charts, where of course it deserves to be. But on or off those charts, The Glimmer Stars seem to be gleefully dedicated to rocking our socks off and making us smile. The band is made up of the sort of musicians who are so in love with music that they will regularly show up at gigs where they're not even on the bill, supporting their fellow rockers and enjoying the action along with everyone else in the audience. In short, they are the real deal. And they show us exactly what they're about on their new album, Someday's A Long Time. First, just a few words about that title. There is something about the word "someday" that always grabs me. "Someday Never Comes" is my all-time favorite CCR song; "Someday" is one of my favorite songs by The Loomers; and there is a line from Steve Owen's song "Longing To Be" that hits me every time I hear it: "It's a different kind of cursing, but someday is the dirtiest word." The message is clear. Seize the moment. Life is what you're doing now. And isn't that precisely what rock is all about?

The album kicks off with "I Don't Wanna Let Go Tonight," which has a delicious classic rock sound to the guitar at the beginning, helping to set the tone, and to set our expectations, not just for this song but for the album. Basically, it tells us this going to be a fun disc. Paula Tiberius (of Richard Duguay's band) joins the trio on vocals (as she sometimes does at the band's concerts). "Hey, little gypsy, won't you let me take your hand/I got a broken heart, lady, you can understand." Every once in a while lead vocalist Mini Mendez reminds me of Bon Scott, and there are moments of this song where he does. Perhaps that's part of the great appeal for me, since High Voltage was one of the first albums I ever got when I was a child. That's followed by "I Can't Take The Heartache," which has a steady beat that feels empowering. It's like we're all marching away from heartache to a day of our own making, you know? "Well, every rainbow has its end/It's never just circumstance/You'll never get that chance/Because I can't take the heartache anymore." There is something catchy about this song, part of it in the vocal line, part in that steady rhythm. By the way, all the songs on this album are originals, written by Mini Mendez, who, in addition to the lead vocals, plays bass. Steven Soto is on guitar and vocals, and Richie Mendez is on drums and vocals.

"And I just want to run away/There's too much here to pay/I don't want to stay," Mini Mendez sings at the beginning of "Run Away." This song features a particularly good vocal line, and I especially love the way a single word drives the next line. There is a great need heard in that first word, as well as an energy, and that's what grabs us. And then in the second half of this track, there is a good lead on guitar. I wish that lead went on a little longer, actually, but these songs are all fairly short, between two and a half and three and a half minutes, just like those wonderful old rock and roll songs and punk songs. Then we get "I Need It Now," one of the album's best songs. This is one the band has been playing in concert lately, and it's a whole lot of fun, with a great beat. It's a song I loved from the first time I saw them play it, an immediate highlight of any set. "I'm gonna play a new song/So grab your tambourine/I'm gonna tell you, baby/I need it now/Na-na na-na now." And the chorus especially rocks, the chorus being just the line "I need it now," delivered it with power and joy. This is everything you want from a power pop number, from a rock song. And when you think it couldn't possibly get any better, we are treated to some delicious work on guitar toward the end.

"It's The Only Dream I Keep Around" has a sweeter, prettier sound, though still with a strong beat (don't you worry). "If I ever needed someone/The way I needed you/And you know I do." There is a hint of a 1960s influence in the sound, particularly the sound of the guitar. "And when I'm feeling down, I know you know the way/Know the way." I like how the repeated "Know the way" is emphasized, each word given its own moment. This is a song I like more each time I hear it. Paula Tiberius returns on vocals for "Autumn Girl." Here Mini Mendez sings, "And you can be yourself now/You can be/My autumn girl." I love that insistent beat in that moment, part of the song's appeal. And there is certain joy heard in Mini's delivery, particularly on lines like "Love is for the brave ones/When the angels sing/And if I had my one chance/I'd marry you in spring." There is a bit of a Willie Nile energy here, especially in his vocal performance.

I love the moment when "Love, Madeline" kicks in. "When the storms start to come/And you know where you belong/And the words I could quote/Were written in your note." So damn delicious! There is a delightful energy to the vocal approach, which helps to drive the song, both forward and into our hearts. Seriously, this is a wonderful song, one of the album's best. "So I run back to the scene/Far away, just like a dream/You treated me just like the rest/Put on your act and be your best." That's followed by "Snow In Hell." The first lines, "Take me to your leader/I'd like to meet her," make me think of what could have been, what should have been, in this country. This is another strong rock song, featuring some really good stuff on guitar, as well as a driving beat. "I want to know, I want to know/Will you tell me so/So, tell me now/Yes, tell me now/Will it snow in hell?" If you are a fan of AC/DC, as I am, you are going to fucking love this song.

"Maybe" is a catchy number, like a pop song that comes from a rock home, if you know what I mean. "Like the moon affects the tide/I only want you by my side/I want you to know, I want you to know/Maybe, maybe/And I'm still falling down/Maybe, maybe/And I still want you around." I love that passionate vocal performance. Shouldn't this song be a hit? It certainly feels like it to me. "And if the world should fade away/I'm in love with you today." Steven Wesley Guiles joins the band on vocals for the album's final track, "Better Day." Here are the song's opening lines: "I took the California blues just as far as I could take it/It's a different beat, but baby we could make it/And I know I think I do/And you know that it's always been you/And I'm coming here to stay." Yes, a positive, hopeful number (and a good rock number) to wrap things up.

CD Track List

1. I Don't Wanna Let You Go Tonight
2. I Can't Take The Heartache
3. Run Away
4. I Need It Now
5. It's The Only Dream I Keep Around
6. Autumn Girl
7. Love, Madeline
8. Snow In Hell
9. Maybe
10. Better Day

Someday's A Long Time was released today, May 8, 2026, through Rum Bar Records. The Glimmer Stars have upcoming gigs in Tuscon and Las Vegas, so if you live in those cities, keep an eye out for this band.