RecommNeds | EDJ, Benjamin Booker & Pete Molinari

Keeping it simple for a rocking holiday weekend…

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EDJ: EDJ

You know what sucks? When one of your favorite bands, like say, the Fruit Bats, calls it quits. You know what makes it better? When the leader of said band comes back in new form, sounding just as good, like Eric Johnson has, performing now as EDJ. Even better, he’s grabbed members of another one of my favorite bands, the Yellowbirds, to back him up on his new album of the same name. The result is a fantastic LP that combines Johnson’s songwriting strength and makes-it-look-easy sound with the band’s little-something-special playing. The opening track “For the Boy Who Moved Away,” in particular, is quite nice. Whether you were a fan of the criminally underrated Fruit Bats or you’re just a human being who likes great music, check out EDJ.

Rdio: http://www.rdio.com/artist/The_Soundcarr iers/album/Entropicalia/

Spotify: EDJ – EDJ

Rhapsody: http://www.rdio.com/artist/EdJ/album/EDJ/

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Benjamin Booker: Benjamin Booker

Odds are someone has already told you about Benjamin Booker, or you’ve already been spending the last couple of weeks blasting his rocking self-titled debut through your HiFi. And if not, consider me the last defense before the hype bomb explodes. While I’m always wary of overhype, the RecommNeds finds the “overnight sensation” tag totally warranted. Hailing from New Orleans, but harkening a more traditional blues-based rock and roll, Booker is an explosive energy with a voice that’s equal parts sweet honey and gritty street. The songs and the verve and the voice all click, requiring barely a guitar solo to make it work, but it’s the rest of his trio that help propel their third of this rager.

Rdio: http://www.rdio.com/artist/Benjamin_ Booker/album/Benjamin_Booker/

Spotify: Benjamin Booker – Benjamin Booker

Rhapsody: http://www.rhapsody.com/artist/benjamin-booker/album/benjamin-booker-ato-records

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Pete Molinari: Theosophy

Rounding out this week’s picks is another roots-rocker from the UK, Pete Molinari. His new album, Theosophy, brings to mind a range of sounds from the “golden age” of folk rock in the ’60s and ’70s, from Laurel Canyon to the British Invasion, the Byrds to Neil Young. Over 13 tasty tracks, Molinari crams it all in. The album is produced by Tchad Blake, who adds an updated-old-school texture to the mix and features great guest spots from Dan Auerbach and Barrie Cadogan (of another Ned-fave, Little Barrie). There’s plenty to love here, but I’m partial to the opening “Hang My Head in Shame” and the swinging sing-along “Mighty Song of Abraham.”

Rdio: http://www.rdio.com/artist/Pete_Molinari/album /Theosophy/

Spotify: Pete Molinari – Theosophy

Rhapsody: http://www.rhapsody.com/artist/pete-molinari/album/theosophy-clarksville-recordings

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Written By: Aaron Stein