Just Like The Ol’ Days – Bash & Pop (Tommy Stinson) Rock Assertive With ‘Anything Could Happen’ (ALBUM REVIEW)

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tommy stinson cd 2017Regardless of his guise, the one thing that’s consistent about Tommy Stinson’s musical career is his proficiency for pure, unabashed thrash ‘n’ roll. It was nurtured as a core member of The Replacements and then spun off with his solo forays, his support stints with Soul Asylum and Guns N’ Roses, and his various nom de plumes, Perfect and Bash & Pop, along the way. For his latest foray, Stinson chose to release his record Bash & Pop’s aegis, although in truth it really doesn’t matter how it’s tagged at all. Echoes of all his aforementioned associations are emulated and echoed in its grooves.

Stinson’s first semi-solo album in five years, the optimistically titled Anything Could Happen finds him joined by a superb support team that includes North Mississippi All-Stars guitarist Luther Dickinson, former Ryan Adams bassist Cat Popper, and Guns N’ Roses drummer Frank Ferrer. Members of the Hold Steady, the Mighty Mighty Bosstones and Screeching Weasel also lend an assist. Not surprisingly, the sound is frequently familiar. The rowdy, rousing “Not This Time,” the robust “On the Rocks,” the rollicking “Anything Could Happen” and the assertive strains of “Bad News” all collide with the same boisterous sound, all sweat and swagger with brash intent. Three tracks break stride — the mid tempo “Can’t Be Bothered, the battered ballad “Anything Soon” and the weary closer, “Shortcut.” Think the early Faces, Exile-era Stones or practically any effort from stepsons like the Black Crowes. This is vintage-sounding rock ‘n’ roll with a decidedly frayed edge — all upbeat and energetic, with ample attitude tossed in.

Ultimately, Anything Could Happen contradicts its title. Anything could happen, but what results is predictable, at least as far as this ex Mats man is concerned. Still, that’s just fine. Nothing more is really needed beyond Stinson’s irrepressible approach and pure devotion to duty. And that’s ideal happenstance indeed.

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