Beth Hart Reaches That Elusive Good Place on "Better Than Home"

Beth Hart
“Better Than Home"
Provogue Records
2015

California blues powerhouse Beth Hart has released passionate blues, rock, and R&B albums since 1993. She shares honest and heartfelt stories of life's trials, drawing from her personal struggles with addiction and bipolar disorder. She presents songs with grit and intensity reminiscent of Janis Joplin. Hart has achieved sobriety in recent years and received well-deserved Blues Music Awards for over a decade. Often touring with Joe Bonamassa, she has garnered an impressive international following.

According to Hart, her 2015 release “Better Than Home” was recorded under "painful" circumstances in five days. Producer Michael Stevens battled cancer, while Hart faced stress and mental health issues. None of this prevented her from delivering an outstanding artistic statement. These self-penned tracks form a collection that celebrates reaching that elusive good place of peace in one’s life and holding on. “We’re Still Living in the City," and the title track reflect this, while “Trouble” and “The Mood I’m In” focus on letting go and enjoying oneself. “Mechanical Heart” explores the pursuit of love in the face of our flaws and failures.

The album finishes with the touching and heartfelt track “Mama, This One’s for You.” In this song, an adult reflects on her growing appreciation for her mother through life’s experiences, highlighting the renewed importance of their relationship. Notable tracks include "Might as Well Smile" and "As Long as I Have a Song."

Station Road Delivers Real Rock 'n' Roll on “Whiskey Eyes”

Station Road
“Whiskey Eyes”
Independent
2025

Do you remember when rock ‘n’ roll was fun? Back before keyboards took over in the 1980s and autotune had yet to emerge? A time when new music on the radio was the soundtrack to your life, and you felt everything with an intensity that is hard to imagine today? While great hidden treasures are released every year, there is a shortage of new good-time rock ‘n’ roll. Finding such a release today is rare and feels like falling in love for the first time. Australian band Station Road’s debut album “Whiskey Eyes” is that gem and deserves recognition.

Two of this album's standout tracks are "Smoke in the Dark," which evokes a past love that lingers sweetly, and "Still Burning On," a poignant song of longing for a lost love and the agonizing pain of knowing his beloved is with another. But WAIT! Our hero reclaims the lady fair, and together they flee into the night. Now, isn't that rock 'n' roll?

This project is squarely rock for adults, as three songs, “Your Mother & Me,” “Till Your Wings Can Fly,” and “Chase Your Fire,” are from a parent’s perspective. These adult sensibilities are lovingly expressed by a person still in touch with their own youthful pursuits and perils. "Chase Your Fire" is a father's thoughtful admonition to his son to follow their passions and dreams. This is a beautiful sentiment in the spirit of Bob Dylan's "Forever Young."

The guitar-driven “Outlaws on the Run” continues the theme of breaking the rules for whatever fleeting passion may bring. "Get Off My Back" is a parting of the ways declaration, complete with a brief rap. The title track, "Whiskey Eyes," recalls more young love and heartbreak.
 
The album closes with "Living The '90s Aussie Dream." This brings back memories of misspent youth and good times with friends. Although not my decade, it evokes the universal nostalgia most of us feel for our teenage years. Whether it's Big Star's "In the Street" or "Living the '90s Dream Aussie Dream," it takes one back to a time and place of dreams and endless possibilities.
 
As of this writing, I can find very little information about Station Road. This is the Australian band, not to be confused with other bands by the same name. Oscar Hose is the apparent creative force, who is a multi-instrumentalist and songwriter. It is unclear if Hose played all the instruments on "Whiskey Eyes," but this is my assumption, pending clarification. In the meantime, this is likely my pick for best Rock album of 2025.

Finding Gold in Mariposa County

Bootstrap Circus
“Painted Face”
(self-released)
2011

Adam Burns grew up in the rural Peak District National Park in England. He moved to the United States in 2004 and today makes his home, creates music, and teaches in the one-time gold rush town of Mariposa, California. Burns has created music in various incarnations over the years; first as a solo artist, as the Adam Burns Band, which became Bootstrap Circus, and most recently in the duo Little Tiger.

Burns' rock and new wave influences, combined with his energetic powerhouse of a band, have created an upbeat and highly contagious sound on Bootstrap Circus’ third release, “Painted Face.” Burns' lyrics come alive through each band member’s contributions to the arrangements, skillfully creating a unique sound that is engaging and often joyful.

The collective talents of Burns on guitar and vocals, Kristin Ramsey on violin, vocals, and keyboards, Greg Archer on bass, and Mark Albosta on drums are truly special. From the opening notes of the gypsy sway of “Dirty Water,” with its strains of surf guitar and soaring violin, there’s a sense of embarking on a journey. “Don't Rock the Heater” is a plea to a restless youth, prone to trouble, to not "rock the heater, Jimmy Jones." This is followed by the beautiful "Sunsets And Shooting Stars," a straightforward song of love and devotion.

"The Dark Waltz" is a slow, moody, and mysterious piece elevated by Ramseya's violin. "Drink" is a devil-may-care romp through a wild night of debauchery and treacherous encounters. Meanwhile, "Brenda, The Teenage Arsonist" reflects on the secret passions of an outsider."You're Not Alone" and "Don't Call Me Zero" confront fascism. This is balanced by the light-hearted revelry of "Down In the Alley," declaring "I've got everything I'll ever need." 

With haunting strains of the guitar work of Duane Eddy, "The Godless Girl" depicts a small-town girl's rude awakening in the big city, and the closing title track continues this theme with its refrain "Oh Mama, there's no shame in what I've done." While this is a comedown from where the album began, it doesn't badly mar the project; it simply demonstrates that even a gifted songwriter like Burns can sometimes paint himself into a corner. This is the point where I return to track one and restart this enjoyable, if bumpy ride.