Last of the Good Ol' Days

If no one told you The Latebirds were Finnish, you’d never know; you’d likely think this Helsinki-based group was bred somewhere in the U.S. and raised on classic rock radio and alt-country wisdom. Their third album, Last of the Good Ol’ Days, was recorded in Los Angeles with producer Jim Scott and features guests like Wilco’s Nels Cline, keyboardist extraordinaire Benmont Tench, and actress/singer Minnie Driver. The album features five bonus tracks recorded with Levon Helm at his studio in Woodstock, N.Y., including sweet meditative takes on Steve Goodman’s “City of New Orleans” and Townes Van Zandt’s “To Live Is To Fly.” Tracks such as “You Cynical You,” “Like Father Like Son," and “No. 1” are fantastic tunes awash in empathy and arrangements that prove just how universal and enduring music can be. There’s a pure Tom Petty–like drive to the pop-rock of “Summer Become Fall” and the dark, driving “Fearless.” Don't overlook these incredible musicians.