“The Aldo Rays”

The Aldo Rays

(self-published)

The rock ’n’ roll style of the 1950s continues to attract new generations of musicians. The Aldo Rays — Maria Taylor Alfaro (“lead hollerin’”), Shane Taylor (guitars, mandolin), Nate Alfaro (bass, backing vocals) and Chad “Tommy Gun” Taylor (drums, percussion) — stake their claim as contributors to the founders’ legacy with this beautifully packaged collection of seven hard-hitting rock originals.

They open with “Devil Rides Shotgun,” a hard-rock takeoff on an old-time rockabilly theme; instead of racing with the devil, they have him as their co-pilot. There are a couple of spots where the Rays’ song is almost a kissing cousin to a hit from rock’s first decade. Someone out there should be able to ID the original.

The group pays tribute to the surf-rock rockers of the 1960s with the aptly titled “Surf Train.” Listen closely; there’s a momentary hint of the theme from “The Munsters” television show. Not that there’s anything wrong with that!

Although every song on the album rocks, the most memorable of all is “Hot Flash Mama (Honey Pot Blues).” Take a listen to what is almost certainly the first rockabilly song written about the torments of menopause. Vocalist Maria Taylor Alfaro describes the experiences involved with hard-rocking style; the instrumental arrangement also conveys the unpleasantness of sudden mood swings.

“Human”

Kukahi

(Makalii Productions)

Singer-songwriter Kukahi Lee’s second album, “Kukahi,” prevailed over two other finalists to win this year’s Na Hoku Hanohano Award for alternative album. His third, “Human,” reaffirms his place as a musical chameleon with expansive musical horizons.

The musical arrangements represent an assortment of genres — rock, pop, jazz, Jawaiian and hip-hop. Several songs deliver positive social messages in lighthearted but sincere style. There are several whimsical love songs in a similar playful mood, but “Love in Vain” — writer not identified, but definitely not the Robert Johnson tune that was adapted in 1969 by the Rolling Stones — is a dark and cryptic glimpse into a hidden world.

Lee jumps from pop to punk several songs later with “I Don’t Like You.” The song makes the point that some annoying people are too insignificant to be hated. Saying that you “don’t like” them is all they’re worth.

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