Friday New Releases – June 18, 2021

Welcome to the next edition of the Friday New Releases. It was a great week as we were on vacation this week down on Amelia Island in Florida. It was so nice to get away for a little while and just relax. And to come back and be a new release day…even better. We have another strong week of releases so I hope you find something you like. My choices are highlighted in Blue. Let me know what you want to hear this weekend and if I left anything off the list so everyone will know about it. Thanks for stopping by and have a great weekend!!

  • Caleb Johnson - Mountain Mojo Vol. 1  Caleb Johnson – Mountain Mojo, Vol. 1 – (Caleb Johnson): Caleb Johnson has one of the best voices in music…period. He has never really blown up the airwaves since his American Idol days, but there is no denying he is special. I look forward to every release and this one is no different. His voice is perfect for that old brand of Southern Rock & Roll and I hoping that is what is served up on this one. This one has the both Jason Bonham and Damon Johnson on it so this could be awesome.
  • 71ECew2EL7L._SS500_  Crobot – Rat Child E.P. – (Mascot Label Group): Do you like your rock hard and with a little funk…I thought so. Then check out Crobot and you won’t be disappointed. The only sad thing here is it is only an E.P. I am so ready for another full album. Come on boys, get on that!! In the meantime, be prepared to rock you ass off with this one.
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Caleb Johnson & the Ramblin’ Saints – ‘Born From Southern Ground’ – Album Review

Caleb Johnson came to us via American Idol, but don’t let they fool you into dismissing him because that would be a huge mistake on your part.  Caleb’s debut album came out in 2014 very quickly after winning said singing competition and the album did pretty well, but the record company didn’t know what to do with him and Caleb was rather unhappy with them and with the album as he was forced to do songs he didn’t necessarily like.  After a long battle and finally breaking free from that contract, Caleb is back 5 years later with the album he wanted to make as his first album.  This is the real Caleb Johnson.

Caleb Johnson now has a band called ‘The Ramblin’ Saints’ and what a backing band they are. The album shows every influence that has impacted his life from classic rock, southern rock, soul and even a little funk all with one of the most powerful voices in rock today on full display.  If you really had to classify this album, it is straight-up, pure rock & roll.

The album opens with “Hanging On” with a nice Hammond Organ and then a build up until it rocks out which is pure classic rock in style and mixed with some lovely ladies that do the backing vocals on this (and other songs) that also adds a little soulful touch to the song.

The next song, “Solid Gold”, has a Rival Sons vibe probably because it was co-written with Jay Buchanan of the band along with Blair Daily.  It is bluesy piece and that guitar sounds a lot like the new Rival Sons album which is a very good thing.

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Friday New Releases – June 14th

Happy Friday!!  Welcome to the weekend.  There are a ton of releases this week, sadly though, not much for me.  There is one I will listen to and I am excited about and another that I will listen to celebrate their 50 years together.  The rest, hopefully you will be digging those!  My choices are highlighted in Blue as usual.  Let me know what you are interested in hearing and what I might have missed.  Thanks for stopping by and have a great weekend!!

  • 71plwaZe7oL._SS500_  Caleb Johnson & the Ramblin’ Saints – Born From the Southern Ground – (Big Johnson Records):  Caleb has such an amazing voices and for me, one of the best voices to come out of American Idol.  His debut I thought was great and from what I have heard off this one, this release will be fantastic as well.  Give him a try if you haven’t, you won’t be disappointed.

  • 616ig+9LFaL._AC_UL115_  ZZ Top – Goin’ 50 – (Warner Bros) – (Deluxe 3CD out August 16th): Can you believe they have been going for 50 years?  No, I can’t either.  This is a celebration of their career and a career worth celebrating.  It looks like these are remastered 2019 versions so that should be great to hear!! Digital and Single Disc CD is today!!  3 Disc Set and Vinyl is August 16th in case you want the mack daddy version.

Continue reading “Friday New Releases – June 14th”