Fans of John Corabi with limited funds are in a state of emergency at the moment, what with the new Dead Daisies live album coming out a week after the great man offers up his first solo album for Frontiers.
I’d have to say if a shortage of pennies worries you that New Day is definitely the purchase you’ll make first. Backed by an all star cast and in absolutely match winning vocal form, Corabi breezes through the retro rock he’s chosen as his canvass this time around with a cheeky glint in the eye and an undeniable spring in his step. Daisies fans might also like to take note that Love That’ll Never Be, the best track from 2024’s Light ‘Em Up, gets a run out here in reworked form, making this of some interest (i’d say the original is marginally better, but that’s just me) if completism is their game.
Sly Stone‘s Everyday People also gets a Corabi makeover (and the fact that it’s nowhere near the best track on the record shows you how strong the material here is), but for the most part this is all his own work, guided by the steady hand of sometime Aerosmith associate Marti Fredriksen (and obviously Aerosmith is a big touchstone here, what with the overall seventies feel of the material, with the ragged-assed blues of Good To Be Back Here Again in particular evoking memories of Mr Tallerico and company).
Creedence Clearwater Revival are another clear and present influence, and Corabi’s pliable, powerful pipes are strong enough to live in the company of such giant names. Superbly produced by Fredriksen, he absolutely shines on New Day, When I Was Young and 1969, and even if you haven’t counted yourself as a particular fan of the man in the past it’s highly likely you’ll be enchanted by his vocal presence if you decide to give this record a spin.
Me? I’ve loved the man since his days in The Scream with Racer X‘s Bruce Bouillet and Juan Alderete and I’m absolutely lovin’ this album. Corabi’s humanity shines through on every track, making this one of the most downright enjoyable listening experiences I’ve had all year. More power to the man.
New Day releases on April 24th