Toots & the Maytals, "Got To Be Tough" (Trojan Jamaica/BMG). As we learn that eternal reggae singer Toots Hibbert is in a medically induced coma perhaps due to Covid-19, the title of his exciting new blast feels prophetic. The 77-year-old's rough Jamaican chant makes him sound up for the challenge, thanks to the dynamic production of Nigel Burrell (Gov't Mule, Sizzla) and the nasty guitar stings of Carl Harvey; classic drummer Sly Dunbar cultivates the roots. The Rolling Stones wish they could make an album this good. Addendum: Toots died in Jamaica on Sept. 11. He was for really really real, an original.
Deep Purple, "Whoosh!" (EarMusic). Damn satisfying heavy rock, as producer Bob Ezrin's third turn with DP finds him dialed in to a brisk pace and a luxurious soundscape. The interplay between guitarist Steve Morse and keyboardist Don Airey hits new levels of intricate precision; Ian Paice and Roger Glover bring prime rhythmic beef; and Ian Gillan sings as if he really wants to. Delight in discovering the best material ("The Power of the Moon," "Man Alive") toward the end; take a Deep breath and start over.
Zakk Sabbath, "Vertigo" (Magnetic Eye). Stalwart Ozzy guitarist Zakk Wylde recorded his take on Black Sabbath's 1970 debut album in one day, same as the original. Zakk's reverence prevents him from flavoring the material with a lot of harmonic squealing and sweep-picking, so we might wonder why he bothered. But Zakk fans and Sabbath fans alike will feel the passion from a very different band, which includes drummer Joey Castillo and bassist Blasko. And if we wondered whether Zakk would be faithful enough to drop his preferred Gibsons and pick up a Fender for the one song Tony Iommi essayed on Strat ("Wicked World"), now . . . we can guess. Buy here.
Diesel Machine, "Evolve" (Metalville). Fans who crave drum-centric metal will applaud the return of Cosmosquad skinsman Shane Gaalaas' Diesel Machine. Broken gallops, proggy syncopations, stumbling slogs or straightforward headbang -- Gaalaas and bassist Rich Gonzalez pump it all with the aid of former Halford guitarist Patrick Lachman, one of the few who truly revels in chopping that rhythm ax, hardly bothering to solo. With vocalist AJ Cavalier rasping hellacious rage, this is the record to spin when the jackhammer comes to your street.
Kraig Grady, "Monument of Diamonds" (Another Timbre). "It makes certain emotions possible," says Grady of the 17-tone scale he uses here. The microtonal harmonies he composed for his homebuilt instruments, and for the sampled tones of players he likes, may indeed make you feel in new ways. For over 40 years, all his music has done that; often, the feeling results in something like peace. Sample/buy here.