Lord Rochester - Mess Around! (2025)

On their latest LP, Scottish rock ‘n’ roll trio Lord Rochester makes no bones about what they stand for: (It’s time to) Mess Around!, and that sounds like a good idea, right? Russell Wilkins, Saskia Holling, and Michael Goodwin keep the Bo Diddley beat going on thirteen cheerful tracks, an infectious mix of rhythm & blues, rockabilly, doo-wop, pub rock, and a generous dose of fun. It may be vintage in every sense, with their inspirations on their sleeves, but it’s never outdated or effortless—these musicians live and play in style. This record is a succession of hip-shaking rhythms and catchy choruses. Pure and joyful, just as this kind of music was meant to be.