Recent Releases

Here are capsule reviews of CDs by local bands or groups that play in the area.

No Regrets, “No Regrets” (PoFolk Records)

There are enough former members of the Ska Daddyz floating around to form an orchestra or a sizable work detail. Three of the most fun former Ska Daddyz--rhythm guitarist Blake Cruz, singer Dustin Maddelone and bassist Paul Shinn--formed No Regrets. Guitar player Pauly Lester, who shreds, and drummer Rich Campbell, who hits the skins with linebacker fury, complete the lineup. The band’s debut CD features six songs, three of which are generic reggae-flavored tunes with some punk and hard-rock overtones. But “Baily,” named after Cruz’s daughter, has a cool rock beat, and “Played Out” is a dance-floor packer. Best, however, is the title tune--party music by locals.

GRADE: B

*

John Hiatt. “The Best of John Hiatt” (Capitol)

Hiatt is a singer-songwriter who has a lot of albums on a lot of different labels. Several of his songs have been recorded by famous rock stars, so Hiatt is in no proximity to the poorhouse, although the radio is notable for his absence. Lots of wise-guy sad songs and a couple of hot rockers such as “Drive South” and “Perfectly Good Guitar” make this flow. So where’s “I Don’t Even Try”?

GRADE: A-

Next gig: Fri. at the Lobero Theatre in Santa Barbara.

*

Ambrosia, “Anthology” (Warner Bros.)

This is a greatest-hits package culled from the group’s previous five albums. Known for such lightweight fluff as “How Much I Feel” and “Biggest Part of Me,” these guys should have yupsters dreaming condo dreams as they mindlessly melt to the muzak.

GRADE: D

Next gig: Oct. 2 at the Ventura Theatre.

*

Save Ferris, “It Means Everything” (Epic)

Hey, it’s a ska band with a talented female lead singer, Monique Powell. It’s Southern California ska named after a Matthew Broderick movie--what else do you need to know?

GRADE: B+

Next gig: Saturday at the Ventura Theatre.

*

Teresa Russell & Cocobilli, “Bustin’ Loose” (Blue Loon Records)

After years as a solo performer, Russell’s debut CD with her backup band Cocobilli is a powerful blues record with her rock-star guitar solos all over the place and vocals almost as large as her hair. Typical blues topics such as Mr. Wrong at the right time and Mr. Right at the wrong time, and all the variations thereof, are handled most convincingly. The real deal.

GRADE: A-

Next gig: Tonight at the Lobster Trap in Oxnard.

*

Joe Ely, “Twistin’ in the Wind” (MCA)

Ely is a West Texan out of Lubbock who has been playing and making albums for more than 20 years. I mean, this guy learned to play guitar in Buddy Holly’s old house. Ely’s music features lots of roots rock and country rock influences on gritty songs about why you don’t want to live in Texas.

GRADE: B

Next gig: Oct. 3 at the Lobero Theatre in Santa Barbara.

*

Flattop Tom & His Jump Cats, “Swing Dance Party” (Palamar Records)

It’s a swing dance, a party, a riot and a rock concert all in one as Flattop Tom himself orchestrates this 17-song dance marathon. With a head flat enough to land small planes on, Tom Hall not only sings up a storm, but during the instrumental parts, he has been known to jump onto the floor and shake a leg with the other sweaty dancers. Mostly Hall originals but also a couple of reverent covers, “Rocket 88” by Jackie Brenston and “Don’t Let Go” by Roy Hamilton.

GRADE: A-

Next gig: Oct. 2 at Carrillo Rec Center in Santa Barbara.