Interesting New Stuff...

When you think of Bill Mumy you probably think of this:


Or this:


Or maybe this:


Or maybe, if you're really hip, this:


But probably not this:



Bill Mumy's Carnival Sky is an album of 15 folk rock numbers that show a mature individual reflecting on life. Bill has a spare lyrical style that makes the most of the words he chooses. This is one of my favorite lyrics from the album:
"Snow kept fallin’
Rivers froze
Cold confessions
Highway closed
Tumbling words
You could lose your mind
Memories like birds flying
Through a blizzard of time"
I love that metaphor of memories being like birds flying through a blizzard. Mumy has an expressive voice equal to the task of delivering the meaning behind his lyrics. He has a strong band assisting him. This album is well worth many listenings.


Bill Mumy - Speechless
What's even more revelatory than Carnival Sky is Mumy's "Speechless." An album of "ambient blues" or as many might classify it, "new age music." Get the images of sleepy snooze jazz out of your minds though. This is a collection of instrumental numbers, mostly guitar and keyboards that journeys through a lot of territory. Imagine Will Robinson as an adult at rest in a space station, watching the stars float by, if you will.

BillMumy.com

And while we're at it, when I think of Juliette Lewis, I usually think of something like this:


Not this:


Juliette Lewis - Terra Incognita
I'll admit I'm out of the loop. I never knew Juliette Lewis is a rocker grrl... but apparently she's been playing in bands as long as she's been acting. She's pretty darn good, IMO. She really puts everything she has into her music and delivers some gutsy rock n roll. I must say I'm impressed! I'm amazed at the depth of her vocals- at times very bluesy, at times sounding a bit like a young Patti Smith.


Juliette & The Licks - Speaking My Language
This album is more straight ahead rock, but it still impresses.

Here's a new and old contrast:


The Byrds - Dr. Byrds & Mr. Hyde
This 1969 release was the first album by the "new" Byrds after Chris Hillman and other members left. David Crosby was already long gone. This album continues the country flavor of Sweetheart of the Rodeo and is a fine album in its own right- This Wheel's on Fire, Drug Store Truck Drivin' Man, Stanley's song- all classic material.


John York - Arigatou Baby
Flash forward to present day, and we have one of the members of The Byrds, John York, releasing a solo album. John gives us straight forward singer/songwriter material on this release, anchored by his soulful vocals. Fine work.

John York's website


Brenda Lee Anthology 1956 - 1980
Contemporary with Patsy Cline, Brenda Lee has not had quite the critical regard of Cline. Lee may not have had that sultry croon that Cline had, but her somewhat flatter voice lent itself to more variety in material- country, pop, rockabilly, torch songs. Brenda Lee was just as influential in her time, so enjoy these 40 tracks from her career.

All this and much more can be heard on NeverEndingWonder Radio
Or- on iTunes, in the radio section, find NeverEndingWonder Radio in the Eclectic category