Jim Basnight “Under The Rock”
Jim Basnight has been active since the late 70s, first with the Moberlys and later as a solo artist, helping shape Seattle’s pre grunge indie rock scene. His new album, ‘Under The Rock,’ began in 2023 with sessions in Athens, Georgia, organized by bassist John Carlucci. Back in Seattle, Basnight and longtime co producer Garey Shelton expanded the recordings with new harmonies and guitar work from his current band. Inspired by the results, they cut more tracks in 2024 and 2025, rotating players and building a deep pool of material.
As a longtime fan, I hear the spark of his early records paired with the control of a seasoned writer. He opens “All Summer Long” with the feel of a lost John Fogerty tune, driven by Basnight’s steady swagger. “Get It Out” hits fast and hard, and the country tinged “Other Woman” and “So F’ed Up” lean into sharp storytelling and hooks that stick after one listen. The solid “Think Of Me,” and the heart felt ballad “Ones That Got Away” are also highlights here. If you care about strong songs, tight playing, and records you will spin more than once, this one delivers. Highly recommended.
The Junior League “The Moon Neither Noticed Nor Ignored”
Joe Adragna returns as The Junior League with another batch of melodic guitar rock that hits the mark. He has built a track record for consistency, and this set keeps that streak intact. “Sunset Park” and “A Matter of Time” feel like instant staples, built on clean jangle, strong melodic lines, and Adragna’s weathered vocal, which gives the songs lived in credibility.
“Just As Long As I Have You” leans into earnest mid tempo territory, layering guitars around a direct love lyric. “The Naked Lunchbox” taps into the smooth, harmony rich sound of Eagles in their late 70s prime, without sounding retro for the sake of it. “Never Quite The Same” raises the bar with a more detailed arrangement, subtle backing harmonies, and tasteful slide guitar that adds depth.
Adragna pushes harder on “I Hate To Break It To You,” where distorted guitar and punchy percussion give the track a blues punk edge. He pivots back to bright, guitar driven pop on “Until You Get It Right,” proving he knows how to balance grit and melody. The emotional core runs deepest on the extended “Forget Forget Me Nots,” which closes the album with weight, reflection and great guitar riffs. This stands among his strongest efforts and deserves your attention. Highly recommended and an early nominee for 2026.
