Ken Burgan – ‘Somewhere Else’ [Album Review]

California-based rock musician and singer-songwriter Ken Burgan unveils his long player, Somewhere Else, which explores motifs of inner harmony, yearning, and the transience of life.

The nine-track album was produced by Burgan’s son, Hunter, who plays bass for AFI. Hunter contributed drums and bass on Somewhere Else.

Burgan grew up in Los Angeles and later played saxophone in Frank Zappa’s band, The Boogie Men. In the ’60s, he played with The Imposters and The Red Roosters, followed by playing in Montana Mule and Rock of Ajax.

In 1974, he signed with Blue Thumb Records, releasing his debut album, The Big Bow Wow Strain. Almost simultaneously, his song “Sweetheart (Waitress in a Donut Shop),” was covered by Dan Hicks. Later, Maria Muldaur covered the song.

Blue Thumb Records changed hands, and Burgan was left hanging in the wind. In the ’80s and ’90s, he played with various bands and wrote songs. He released Moonbang in 1998 and Real Reality seven years later.

Somewhere Else was influenced by John Coltrane, T.S. Eliot, Camille Paglia, and Johnny Cash. Talking about his influences, Burgan says, they are a “powerful placebo against existential stresses.”

The first song on the album is “The Spider, The Web, And The Fly,” a Southern country rock tune topped by Burgan’s deliciously drawling, punk-flavored vocals. Slip-sliding while wallowing in wavering guitar textures, the song is faintly reminiscent of The Rolling Stones.

Ken Burgan, photo by Hunter Burgan

For some reason, “Shampoo” evokes memories of The Motels with its swaying flow and retro-laced guitars. “Down There,” with its slinky blues feel and rumbling percussion, blends vague hints of pop and alt-rock.

On the “Streets of Hollywood,” Burgan rolls out an undulating melody that’s tinted with darker colors and hints of a Latin Bolero-like sway. This song finds Burgan strutting the range of his voice, using nuanced inflections to regale listeners.

The last track on the album, and a personal favorite, “The Traveler,” rides a tightly measured rhythm topped by chiming accents and oozing synths. There’s a slight jazz sensation to the melody.

Somewhere Else showcases vintage and modern sonic tangs, a reflection of Ken Burgan’s imaginative muse and distinctive style.

Somewhere Else Track Listing:

1. The Spider, The Web, And The Fly
2. Shampoo
3. Down There
4. Bad Approach
5. Streets of Hollywood
6. One Heart
7. Your Level
8. Standing On Your Own
9. The Traveler

Run Time: 35:13
Release Date: June 26, 2026
Record Label: Independent