The Lovemakers, Let’s Be Friends. Coming on the heels of a series of label changes (from Interscope to Fuzz to none) and a midcareer identity crisis (epic rocker “Save Me” was good, but a bit much for some fans), sophomore full-length Let’s Be Friends finds the Oakland outfit building on its sexy, electro-fied, eminently hummable pop anthems. (self-released)
At the Independent (628 Divisadero St., San Francisco) on Sep. 11. 9 p.m., $17
Hot Buttered Rum, Limbs Akimbo. This SF quintet formed ten years ago as an all-acoustic string band and recorded its first album at the Freight & Salvage. A lot has changed since then, but not enough to alienate old fans: Limbs Akimbo introduces the band’s first drummer and a more rock-based sound that’ll fit better on the festival circuit. (self-released)
At the Great American Music Hall (859 O’Farrell St., SF) on Sep. 11 and 12. 9 p.m., $20
D-Lucca, Pressing Forward. Shades of Joe Satriani and Eric Johnson, albeit less showy, surface on this instrumental New Age jazz album. Solos also go to sax and bass, but the real star is Walnut Creek resident D-Lucca’s guitar. His tone is clear and bright, though not devoid of bottom end, and his playing confident and workmanlike. Unlike many skilled guitarists, he serves the song before his vanity. (D-Lucca Entertainment)
At the Guitar Player Live! Festival (Flagpole Stage, 1st St. and S. Livermore Ave., Livermore) on Sep. 13. Noon, free
Bob Frank and John Murry with the Lansky Brothers, Brinkley, Ark. and Other Assorted Love Songs. Frank and Murry must be working through heartache, or at least drawing from a lifetime of it. With a line like Nothing you could say, nothing you could do/Could bring me back baby, could make me love you, “Hey, Elly” must be one of those “assorted” love songs. The record draws selectively from rock, country, R&B, and soul, but excels in the one thing you can’t quite label: feeling. (Evangeline Records)
