A new feature to The High Note will round up what music rises to the top each Tuesday when new albums are released. My highlights for Tuesday, April 22 include new music from old favorites […]
Tag: rock
Real Estate hits home with “Atlas”

Why can’t it feel like summer? I’m not just longing for beautiful weather and endless days spent wandering the miles of New Jersey shoreline. “Atlas,” the latest release by Real Estate, has given me a new perspective on summer fun. As I waded into immersive sound that comprises the third album by the band that hails from Ridgewood N.J. I found myself seeing the entire world through the warmth of summer’s glow.
Real Estate has a modern rock ‘n’ roll sound. Leading off with a sultry and bluesy guitar intro, “The Bend” is among the best songs on the album and features some of the best guitar work including a very Zepplin-esk outro. One of my favorite aspects of this album is the jammy riffs that are prominent throughout the 10 tracks here and is a signature of band.
Beck gets better with age
Beck‘s latest album, “Morning Phase,” has steadily grown on me like a new haircut since its release on Feb. 21 on Capitol Records. Sonically, this mellow and folky album paints a pastoral landscape of twisting hills divided by ribbons of asphalt and old cars. That’s the world that Beck has created with his first album in six year.
Phish rides “Wingsuit” into Boardwalk Hall

By SHAUN SMITH
ATLANTIC CITY – As they streamed out of Boardwalk Hall, concert-goers were high-fiving security and whooping it up into the night Saturday, Nov. 2 following the last night of a three-night stand. The historic convention center on the Boardwalk was submerged with strange sights and sounds as Phish closed out its fall 2013 tour beginning on Halloween.
“The ‘Jibboo’ last night was worth the price of admission,” one fan said leaving Saturday evening. The band last played “Gotta Jibboo,” 19 shows prior, on July 30, 2013 in Lake Tahoe, according to Phish.net.

Remembering Ray Manzarek
One of the founding members of the Doors, keyboardist Ray Manzarek, died this week at the age of 74 on Monday, May 20. Manzarek’s influential work on the keys was equally responsible for the band’s […]
Dawes keeps rolling on ‘Stories Don’t End’
http://www.shorenewstoday.com/snt/news/images/stories/00-downbeach/Shaun_Cassette-Logo.jpg The retro sound that Dawes developed on the band’s first two albums is more refined and authentic on “Stories Don’t End,” released April 9. Since the band’s 2009 debut release “North Hills,” Dawes has […]
Hart masters soul on latest album
http://www.shorenewstoday.com/snt/news/images/stories/00-downbeach/Shaun_Notes-Logo.jpg When Beth Hart joined Jeff Beck on “I’d Rather Go Blind,” to honor Buddy Guy at the Kennedy Center in December it marked the second chapter in the singer’s career. Since receiving a standing […]
Wavves is fearless on new album
http://www.shorenewstoday.com/snt/news/images/stories/00-downbeach/Shaun_Cassette-Logo.jpg Full of crunchy power chords, youthful lyrics and unabashed energy, California-based Wavves is leading the grunge revival with “Afraid of Heights,” released March 26. The psychedelic stripped down surf punk sound perfected by the […]
‘Old Sock’ fits Clapton well
http://www.shorenewstoday.com/snt/news/images/stories/00-downbeach/Shaun_Notes-Logo.jpg Eric Clapton is clearly comfortable in is position as an elder statement of blues on his latest album, “Old Sock,” released March 12. Blues, soul, reggae, folk, jazz and an all-star cast of players […]
Yorke runs ‘Amok’ with Atoms for Peace
http://www.shorenewstoday.com/snt/news/images/stories/00-downbeach/Shaun_Notes-Logo.jpg “Amok” by Atoms for Peace is Thom Yorke’s latest neon enigma. The experimental electronic band led by the Radiohead vocalist includes Flea, the legendary bassist from Red Hot Chili Peppers, Radiohead producer Nigel Godrich […]