School’s still out, and those generations that still have to attend it usually say that they want it to remain that way. Yet, a school year and a half in have passed with schools mainly remaining virtual or remote, or whatever they call it, and some of those generations might actually become anxious to get back to ‘real live’ school. When and whether they will get that chance depends, this pandemic seems to be going in circles.
One thing though remains certain. Alice Cooper’s glam rock era classic that bears the title of ‘School’s Out’ still makes rounds and has the same ring of both loving and hating the school. Both for those that have done their formal schooling a long time ago and for those that are still going through it.
The Keystones - Time Will Tell
Whatever happens to school this year, Milwaukee, Wisconsin trio The Keystones seem to have gotten that exuberance that is connected to school years quite well with this little power-pop gem. Not exactly the most popular genre these days, but it just might remind the listeners why it creates such a good buzz.
Kris Rogers and The Dirty Gems - I’m Your Man
This one has more of a connection with the era when Alice Cooper came up with his above hit, but definitely not from a glam rock angle. More of a Bob Seger type of ‘good ole rock.’ No wonder and leader Kris Rogers bears the title of ‘rock n’ roll’s secret weapon.” Maybe this one will propel him and his band at least a note up from everybody’s favorite sidemen.
Grouper - Shade
Liz Harris, aka Grouper, has been around for 15 years or so, and after some 12 full-length albums, the fact most of her fans love is that there is no way to pin down her sound. It ranges from loud drones to subtle ballads. This is a title track from her upcoming album ‘Shade,’ which she characterizes as an album about respite, and the coast, poetically and literally. Something you can hear straight away here.
Margo Cilker - Tehachapi
Margo Cilker is yet to release her debut album ‘Pohorylle’ from which ‘Tehachapi’ is a teaser of sorts. Cilker seems to be a mover, from Montana to Spain and elsewhere. And while seemingly deeply rooted in the Americana sound, you can feel the influence of her travels the more you listen to this excellent track.
Drew & Ellie Holcomb - Hey Rivers
Since we’re with the Americana sound, Drew & Ellie Holcomb are something of a familiar name with the fans of the genre. Last Fall, Drew & Ellie Holcomb were tapped as the faces of the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development campaign “For the Love of Tennessee, Travel Safe” initiative. ‘Hey, Rivers’ is inspired by their travels through that state and will certainly fall easy on the ears with the listeners that never set a foot in that state.
EG Vines - Waiting On The Aliens
The title of this song may indicate why EG Vines decided to leave his corporate job back in 2019 after he released his debut album. His follow-up ’Through The Mirror’ is just to be released, and this track might indicate that he might have the right decision as far as his potential audience is concerned. Not sure though whether he will be as well off financially as with his corporate job.
JD Pinkus - Woke Up Dead
Pinkus will certainly be a familiar name to the fans of the legendary punks Butthole Surfers, as he was (and still is?) their longtime bassist. He did have his own musical excursions with different outfits and solo. This one was done for freshly rejuvenated Shimmy Disc, still run by Kramer, another rock legend. "Sometimes your lucky if all ya wake up with is the blues…. “ says Pinkus about this one, and he’s certainly right.