Boston based
Rum Bar Records recently released 2 new great cds.
1) Kurt BAKER - Play It Cool
Kurt BAKER seems to be a real workaholic in the last couple of years. Besides his solo carrier he is playing, amongst others, with Brad Marino and Geoff Palmer in The New Trocaderos and has also a band in Spain, the aptly titled Bullet Proof Lovers.
"Play It Cool" is his third solo album and second release on Rum Bar Records and it arrives on the heels of last year's Brand New B-Sides compilation.
Personally, as much as i liked his early recordings, "Got It Covered" and "Rockin' For A Living", I was not too keen of his "Brand New Beat" record which I found to be overproduced and lacking great songs.
"Play It Cool" on the other hand is a total different story. The man is back on the top of his game and he is delivering 12 perfect shots of power poppin' rock n' roll with hooks a plenty. If you need name dropping think The Yachts, Elvis Costello, Joe Jackson, The Jags (remember their 1979 hit "Back Of My Hand"?)
The whole record has a more "live" feeling to it and perfectly captures the fun and energy of the Kurt Baker band on stage. I saw them in cafe Bacchus a couple of years ago, and believe me, they kicked major ass! Absolutely GREAT!!! A MUST BUY!
PURCHASE IT HERE:
https://rumbarrecords.bandcamp.com/album/play-it-cool
2) Nato Coles and the Blue Diamond Band - Promises To Deliver (Rum Bar Edition)
Over the last four years, Nato Coles & The Blue Diamond Band have released one single, two split seven-inches, and the acclaimed 2013 full-length "Promises To Deliver".
Rum Bar Records recently released an expanded CD reissue of Promises To Deliver - which supplements the album's nine songs with four seven-inch tracks, an unreleased number called "Pieces On The Ground", and a demo of "Julie (Hang Out A Little Longer)".
With inspiration ranging from The Replacements or early Green Day to great songwriters like Bruce Springsteen or Tom Petty here is a new slice of great and heartfelt american rock'n'roll.
You know when you listen to this record that the man and his pals are not faking it and that he truly believes every single word he spits out.
PURCHASE IT HERE:
https://rumbarrecords.bandcamp.com/album/promises-to-deliver-rum-bar-edition