The Brian Setzer Orchestra – Songs From Lonely Avenue (Surfdog) Over the years I’ve acquired a considerable soft spot for Brian Setzer. The Stray Cats stuff (especially their run of UK singles in 1980/81) was exceptional, his early / mid ‘90s jump blues / swing material led to one of the most unlikely revivals of the late 20th Century and he even released that most rare of all beasts, a very respectable Christmas album. His latest, Songs From Lonely Avenue, is inspired by film noir of the ‘40s and ‘50s, with suitably dark song titles to match; “Kiss Me Deadly”, “King Of The Whole Damn World” and the title track, to name but three. The combination of big band arrangements (with help from 87 year old Frank Comstock, who’s worked with everyone from Doris day to The Hi-Los) and Setzer’s twangy guitar bring to life the Chandler(esque) mood of the pieces, and the mix of vocal tracks and instrumentals come together to make a wholly satisfying collection. Whether it can be described as a concept album, I don’t know, though it flows beautifully. www.briansetzer.com Rob F. Brian Setzer gets “Lonely” Stray Cats – Rock This Town Next