Baird Drives Straight Ahead With Trademark Sound

Dan Baird

“Buffalo Nickel” - American

Former Georgia Satellites leader’s newest solo album is as straight-ahead as they come: three-chord rock tunes fueled by crunching guitars, solid backbeats and whiskey-soaked vocals. Note lead single “Younger Face,” “Cumberland River,” “I Want You Bad” and even a cover of Deep Purple’s “Hush.” Like 1992’s “Songs For The Hearing Impaired,” this is a work that doesn’t break any new ground but delivers to an appreciative and expectant fan base.

Frank Black

“The Cult Of Ray” - American Recordings

Now on a new label, onetime Pixies leader and accomplished solo artist Frank Black departs somewhat from his characteristically dissonant style and embraces a punk-fueled rock ‘n’ roll sound along the lines of the New York Dolls, the Ramones and the Replacements. A bit more cohesive and accessible than Black’s previous effort, “The Cult Of Ray” showcases the artist’s lyrical acuity and sense of humor, particularly on “Kicked In The Taco,” “Punk Rock City,” the title cut, and instrumental “Mosh, Don’t Pass The Guy.” A step forward for a prolific and inventive artist who never fails to deliver the goods.

Linda Davis

“Some Things Are Meant To Be” - Arista

Linda Davis appears to be finally stepping into the country spotlight that many have predicted for her for years. Careful song selection, precise production and one of the most versatile voices in country music combine to make this a winner. Davis even manages to turn “Neither One Of Us” (a legacy from her hotel piano bar days in Nashville) into a reasonable country vehicle.