New Jersey roots rocker Downtown Mystic is back with a brand new album for 2021. The project is the brainchild of veteran singer, songwriter and guitarist Robert Allen. He and his cohorts have been writing, recording and performing timeless original Rock & Roll music for decades. Regular readers of The Static Dive know Allen well. Under the umbrella of his ‘Sha-La Music’ record label and publishing company, the singer has placed his songs in film and television productions around the world.
“21st Century Rock ‘n Roll” is a new collection of 11 remastered tracks of DownTown Mystic’s personally selected favorites. Throughout his career Robert has had the opportunity to work with some of the biggest names in music. The album features the talents of musicians like Max Weinberg and Garry Tallent from the legendary E Street Band, along with Steve Holley and Paul Page from rocker Ian Hunter’s Rant Band.
“Lost and Found” is the first track and lead single from “21st Century Rock ‘n Roll.” The track is a newly remastered version of a song that originally appeared on Downtown Mystic’s eponymous 2013 album. The song is an upbeat rocker featuring a no-frills ensemble of guitars, bass and drums. Honky-tonk guitars meet lush vocal harmonies to create a cool mix of Rolling Stones grit and polished 80’s Pop.
The new album is not simply a greatest hits record, it is also a tribute to long-time engineer Ben Elliott, who owned and operated Showplace Studios in Dover, NJ until his untimely death in April 2020. Robert Allen worked with Ben for over 20 years. The engineer was behind the board for every track on “21st Century Rock ‘n Roll.”
Ben Elliott made it possible to become a Recording Artist. If you want to make a great record, it has to sound great and that was Ben’s forte. I will always be grateful to him.
Robert Allen (Downtown Mystic)
Check out the “Lost and Found” lyric video below. You can also hear the song on the Deep Indie Dive playlist. Or listen to “21st Century Rock ‘n Roll” on your favorite streaming service. Follow the links below to connect with Downtown Mystic. Get on his socials and dig into a rich musical history.
