The Lonely Goatherd Blog And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats - Matthew 25:32
Up to the minute notes on the current state of free thinking and free living: Kentucky moonshine - original analysis and reporting from MoreThings, and all round pop culture museum of sight and sound - photo galleries, mp3 and video downloads.
Al Barger and MoreThings - getting people's goats since 1998.
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To explicitly state the obvious, these external links go to interesting and provocative websites, but they speak for themselves. I don't necessarily agree with anything they say - especially that no-goodnik Richard Marcus.
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April 01, 2008
New CD Album Releases, 4-1-2008: Willie Nelson box, REM, the Rolling Stones, Van Morrison, Moby, Blue Man Group, George Strait, Africa Celebrates U2 There's quite a batch of new big name releases this first day of April, starting with everlovin' Van Morrison. Keep It Simple is counted as his 35th album, and his first album of new material since 2005. Per the title, he has apparently trimmed back the orchestrations, leaving out a lot of the strings and horn sections that he often uses. The record company promo makes special note of the prominent use of ukelele.
For someone who hasn't had a radio hit in a good many years, Van sure seems to keep movin' the product. Keep It Simple is currently #3 at Amazon.
George Strait has been around forever, and hardly makes a headline. But he just keeps making hit album after hit album for a quarter century plus. Troubadour is the #4 album at Amazon, featuring the single "I Saw God Today."
Shine a Light: Original Soundtrack is the soundtrack to an upcoming Martin Scorcese film documenting Rolling Stones concerts from fall of 2006. There's a single CD version, but the two disc version with all the songs from the film and several more besides is going for a modest $12 at Amazon.
For making a big film, they seem to have brought in minimal outside guest stars. Buddy Guy joins the band for "Champagne & Reefer." Christina Aguilera jumps in for some "Live With Me" action, and the chosen one Jack White takes a little sup from the "Loving Cup."
Accelerate is the first new studio album from R.E.M. since 2004. They were never up to their billing as giants in a league with the Beatles and Prince and such, and I quit paying attention a decade ago or so. Nonetheless, this album is the #1 seller currently at Amazon. These 11 songs total about 35 minutes, so at least they get points for concision. If it sucks nads, at least you won't have to listen for an hour and more to figure it out.
Tribute albums are often a particularly disappointing experience to me, but nonetheless In the Name of Love: Africa Celebrates U2 sounds intriguing. I'm not familiar with most of these specific artists, but the Soweto Gospel Choir singing "Pride (In the Name of Love)" surely sounds promising.
Willie Nelson turns 75 at the end of this month, and Sony has a 4 CD box set One Hell of a Ride. It contains 100 recordings, going back to 1954 or so. Along with a bunch of hits, Willie songs that were hits for other people, and a couple of unreleased tidbits, there are relatively obscure songs from before he got big. "Bloody Mary Morning" in particular is an old favorite of mine.
Here's the listing of this week's new album releases, courtesy AMG:
The Black Keys Attack & Release Nonesuch Punk Blues, Garage Punk, Indie Rock
Moby Last Night Mute Electronica, Club/Dance, House, Techno
R.E.M. Accelerate Warner Bros. Alternative Pop/Rock, Adult Alternative Pop/Rock
The Rolling Stones Shine a Light: Original Soundtrack Interscope Album Rock, Hard Rock, Blues-Rock, Rock & Roll, Pop/Rock
Ahn Trio Lullaby for my favorite insomniac RCA Arrangements for Piano Trio
The Apples in Stereo Electronic Projects for Musicians Yep Roc Indie Pop, Neo-Psychedelia, Indie Rock, Lo-Fi
Blue Man Group Canta Conmigo Rhino Tribal-House, Club/Dance, Dance-Pop, House
Blue Man Group How to Be a Megastar Live! [CD/DVD] Rhino Alternative Pop/Rock
James Brown Singles, Vol. 5: 1967-1969 Hip-O Select R&B, Funk, Soul, Blaxploitation
Buzzcocks Orgasm Addict Live Cleopatra British Punk, Punk Revival, Punk
Los Campesinos Hold on Now, Youngster... Wichita Indie Pop, Indie Rock
Jennifer Cardini Feeling Strange Kompakt Tech-House, Club/Dance, Techno, House
The Carter Family The Acme Sessions, 1952-56 JSP Traditional Country, Old-Timey, String Bands, Appalachian Folk, Close Harmony
Colour Revolt Plunder, Beg, and Curse Fat Possum Indie Rock
Dream Theater Greatest Hit (....And 21 Other Pretty Cool Songs) Rhino Neo-Prog, Progressive Metal, Heavy Metal, Prog-Rock/Art Rock, Hard Rock
Fall Out Boy Live in Phoenix Island Alternative Pop/Rock, Emo, Punk-Pop
Far Cry Far Cry [Fallout] Fallout Jazz-Rock, Psychedelic, Blues-Rock
Ferras Aliens & Rainbows Capitol Pop/Rock, Adult Alternative Pop/Rock
Jim Ford Point of No Return Bear Family Country-Rock
Greg Ginn Goof Off Experts & the Taylor Texas Corrugators SST Experimental Rock, Jazz-Rock, Instrumental Rock
Josh Gracin We Weren't Crazy Lyric Street Pop Idol, Contemporary Country, Country-Pop
Merle Haggard Hag: Concepts, Live & the Strangers -- The Capitol Recordings 1968-1976 Bear Family Bakersfield Sound, Honky Tonk, Traditional Country, Western Swing Revival
Robyn Hitchcock Shadow Cat Sartorial Alternative Pop/Rock, College Rock, Folk-Rock, Neo-Psychedelia
Jars of Clay Greatest Hits Essential Alternative CCM, Adult Alternative Pop/Rock
Karl Jenkins Karl Jenkins: Stabat Mater EMI Classics Modern Music for Chorus and Orchestra
Nigel Kennedy Beethoven: Violin Concerto; Mozart: Violin Concerto No. 4; Horace Silver: Creepin' In Opendisc Classical, Romantic and Modern Music for Violin & Orchestra
Donna Lewis In the Pink Peruzzi Adult Alternative Pop/Rock, Adult Contemporary, Pop/Rock
Alexander Liebreich Farewell ECM Classical and Contemporary Music for Orchestra
Christa Ludwig The Art of Christa Ludwig EMI Classics Operatic Selections
Ministry Cover Up Megaforce Industrial, Industrial Metal, Alternative Metal
Van Morrison Keep It Simple Exile/Lost Highway Adult Alternative Pop/Rock, Blue-Eyed Soul, Singer/Songwriter, Celtic Rock, Contemporary Blues, Adult Contemporary, Country-Rock, R&B
Muse H.A.A.R.P. Live from Wembley Warner Bros. Alternative Pop/Rock
Fred Neil Trav'lin Man: The Early Singles Fallout Country Boogie, Honky Tonk, Rockabilly, Rock & Roll
Willie Nelson One Hell of a Ride [Box Set] Sony Legacy Progressive Country
No Use for a Name The Feel Good Record of the Year Fat Wreck Chord Punk-Pop, Punk Revival
The Osmonds Live in Las Vegas 50th Anniversary Reunion Concert Denon Pop
Webb Pierce High Geared Daddy Bear Family Honky Tonk, Traditional Country
Poi Dog Pondering 7 BCD Music Group Alternative Pop/Rock
Matthew Ryan Matthew Ryan vs. the Silver State 2:59 Adult Alternative Pop/Rock, Alternative Pop/Rock
Joe Satriani Professor Satchafunkilus and the Musterion of Rock Epic/Red Guitar Virtuoso, Pop/Rock, Fusion, Hard Rock, Instrumental Rock
Sevendust Chapter VII: Hope and Sorrow Asylum Alternative Metal, Heavy Metal, Post-Grunge
George Strait Troubadour MCA Nashville New Traditionalist, Contemporary Country
Sun Kil Moon April Caldo Verde Indie Rock
The Sword Gods of the Earth Kemado Heavy Metal, Doom Metal, Stoner Metal
Tally Hall Marvin's Marvelous Mechanical Museum Atlantic Indie Rock, Indie Pop, Pop Underground
Trina Still da Baddest Sas Dirty South, Southern Rap, Hardcore Rap
Various Artists Bushspeak, Vol. 2: Fore More Years Shout! Factory Political Comedy, Speeches, Novelty
Various Artists In the Name of Love: Africa Celebrates U2 Shout! Factory Adult Alternative Pop/Rock, Afro-Pop
Various Artists The Very Best of Outlaw Country Sony Legacy Outlaw Country, Americana, Country-Rock, Honky Tonk, Southern Rock
Dionne Warwick Why We Sing Rhino Adult Contemporary
The Wood Brothers Loaded Blue Note Alternative Folk, Americana, Contemporary Folk, Acoustic Blues
Victor Wooten Palmystery Heads Up Crossover Jazz, Contemporary Jazz, Fusion, Jazz-Funk, Jazz-Pop, Progressive Bluegrass ************** THE ROLLING STONES
New CD Album Releases, 3-4-2008: Alan Jackson, Carlene Carter, the Black Crowes, Lynyrd Skynyrd The main action in this week's new releases comes from the country and the country fried. Alan Jackson's last two albums were a romantic deal (Like Red on a Rose) and a gospel album (Precious Memories). His new album is Good Times, with more of the classic honky tonk sound and song titles such as "I Still Like Bologna." This is the #1 country album in the land, and #7 overall at Amazon currently.
Carlene Carter has apparently her first new album in several years, Stronger. In that time, she's had to deal with the deaths of her famous mother and stepfather, and long time boyfriend Howie Epstein. I can't remember any of her songs, knowing I've listened to her, so I wouldn't expect too much artistically. But I was struck by the album cover, and how much she looks like Mom. It gives me warm fuzzy feelings, even if she isn't as talented as June Carter. I mean, who is?
Moving from country to country-fried, the Black Crowes slap on their Warpaint for their first batch of fresh fried greasy country blues since 2001.
Cooler than anything new, however, is a deluxe 2 CD edition of the last and greatest album by Hall of Fame stalwarts Lynyrd Skynyrd. Besides re-mastering, there's a whole second disc. The original album released three days before their plane crash in 1977 showed the band at the height of their powers and expanding their sound, notably with horns. They had the bright pop of "What's Your Name?" and cast an unearthly deathly pall with "That Smell" that Robert Johnson would have been proud of.
The second disc of this Geffen set has two original songs ultimately entirely left off the original album, "Georgia Peaches" and "Sweet Little Missy." There are five live recordings from one of the very best live American rock bands ever. Also, there are early versions of most of the album songs from discarded sessions produced by Tom Dowd. From the descriptions, I'd be particularly interested in hearing the 7:30 alternate version of "That Smell." Sounds like some seriously charbroiled death.
Like Double Fantasy, the Street Survivors album is popular and well known, but they've both been somewhat artistically underappreciated because people are distracted by the sudden deaths of the creators so unexpected and closely timed. To me, Skynyrd's crash was maybe even a little greater loss than the Buddy Holly crash - but they went out on a hell of a note.
Here's the listing of this week's new album releases, courtesy AMG:
Miss Kittin Batbox Nobody's Bizzne Techno, Neo-Electro, Electro-Techno, Club/Dance
David Russell Air on a G String Telarc Baroque Music for Guitar
Adam Summerhayes Gypsy Strings Chandos Traditional Melodies Arranged for Two Violins & Orchestra
Mark Pickerel and His Praying Hands Cody's Dream Bloodshot Americana
Rakim The Archive: Live, Lost & Found Fast Life East Coast Rap, Hip-Hop
The Ruby Suns Sea Lion Sub Pop Indie Pop
The Raymond Scott Quintette Ectoplasm Basta Swing, Third Stream
Ashton Shepherd Sounds So Good MCA Nashville Contemporary Country, Country-Pop
Valet Naked Acid Kranky Dream Pop, Indie Rock
Various Artists Cage: The Number Pieces, Vol. 5 Mode Contemporary Music for Two Pianos
Various Artists Conquer the World: The Lost Soul of Philadelphia International Records Philadelphia International/Le Smooth Soul, Pop-Soul, Quiet Storm, Philly Soul, Urban, Soul, Disco, Funk
Various Artists Don't Stop: Recording Tap Numero Post-Disco, Club/Dance, Urban, Old-School Rap
Various Artists The Sound of Philadelphia: Gamble & Huff's Greatest Hits Philadelphia International/Le Smooth Soul, Pop-Soul, Quiet Storm, Philly Soul, Urban, Soul, Disco, Funk
The Waco Brothers Waco Express: Live and Kickin' at Schuba's Bloodshot Americana, Alternative Country, Alternative Country-Rock, Indie Rock
What Made Milwaukee Famous What Doesn't Kill Us Barsuk Indie Rock, Alternative Pop/Rock
Whiskeytown Strangers Almanac [Deluxe Edition] Geffen Americana, Alternative Country-Rock, Roots Rock
Jim White Transnormal Skiperoo Luaka Bop Americana, Adult Alternative Pop/Rock, Alternative Folk
David Wilcox Airstream What Are? Contemporary Singer/Songwriter, Contemporary Folk, Singer/Songwriter
Mary Lou Williams A Grand Night for Swinging Highnote Standards, Classic Jazz, Stride, Post-Bop, Swing, Bop ******************************** Alan Jackson
New CD Album Releases, 2-26-2008: Dolly Parton, Hayseed Dixie, Erykah Badu, Janet Jackson The top couple most interesting sounding new releases come from the country quadrant. Backwoods Barbie is the first proper commercial country album from Dolly Parton in something like 20 years, after a series of outstanding bluegrass oriented records. Seems like the modern commercial country music industry (far more frightening to me personally than the military-industrial complex) has become even considerably less accepting of aging artists than commercial rock and pop radio.
Thus, it'll be interesting to see if THE most still viable major old country singer still standing can actually be credible with country radio 2008 at the age of 62 - though that's one well preserved old woman on that album cover. In the pink dress spread out across the hay in the back of a pickup, Miss Dolly does indeed look like a backwoods Barbie.
Less exalted on the food chain, Hayseed Dixie have their Cooking Vinyl album No Covers. This comedically oriented bluegrass band has been known for their hot-jammin and surprisingly effective bluegrass covers of hard rock bands, most notably AC/DC. Per the album title, this does appear to be an album of original songs. These guys have shown a lot of creative imagination in their humble jokey interpretations - sort of latter day Homer and Jethro. They're lead by a hillbilly with a PhD who really likes beer, so they're like profound and stuff. But do they have anything to say as songwriters?
Then there is the Jackson family. Michael has apparently abandoned Neverland to foreclosure. Worse yet, Janet Jackson has a new album, Discipline. She was a mediocre talent in her prime, mostly successful because she's a Jackson and because Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis wrote her a few passable hits. But she was at least a nice girl. As her popularity has faded, however, she's become increasingly whorish in her recordings and of course the infamous Superbowl Titty Massacre. Now we have this "discipline" S&M shtick. Shut up, already. Damn. If I might suggest humbly, I think I have a solution.
In the way of re-issues, there's a particularly tasty looking compilation from Stax, Stax Does the Beatles. Booker T and the MGs were digging the Beatles along with other Stax luminaries in Beatle covers. There's an alternate version of Otis Redding's well known version of "Day Tripper." The Beatles were great in many ways, but not particularly a soul band. I'd be particularly interested in Booker T's arrangement of "Got to Get You Into My Life," which is a great soul song.
Here's the listing of this week's new album releases, courtesy AMG:
Erykah Badu New Amerykah, Pt. 1: 4th World War Universal Motown Neo-Soul, Urban, Contemporary R&B
Carl Craig Sessions !K7 Detroit Techno, Club/Dance, Techno, House
Goldfrapp Seventh Tree Mute Alternative Pop/Rock, Electronica
Janet Discipline Island Urban, Contemporary R&B
Dolly Parton Backwoods Barbie Dolly Traditional Country, Progressive Country, Honky Tonk, Country-Folk, Country-Pop
The Cardigans The Best Of [Limited Edition] Polydor Indie Pop, Alternative Pop/Rock, Swedish Pop/Rock, Twee Pop, Adult Alternative Pop/Rock
Carl St. Clair Villa-Lobost: Symphony No 10 Amerindia CPO Modern Orchestral Music
Cowboy Junkies Trinity Revisited [Bonus DVD] Zoe College Rock, Adult Alternative Pop/Rock, Alternative Country-Rock, Alternative Pop/Rock
The Dirtbombs We Have You Surrounded In The Red Garage Punk, Garage Rock Revival
Earth The Bees Made Honey in the Lion's Skull Southern Lord Post-Rock/Experimental
Eugenius Mary Queen of Scots Wounded Bird Indie Pop, Jangle Pop, Indie Rock
Hayseed Dixie No Covers Cooking Vinyl Contemporary Bluegrass
Chris Hicks Dog Eat Dog World Shout! Factory Southern Rock
Missy Higgins On a Clear Night Virgin Adult Alternative Pop/Rock
Jefferson Starship Timeless Classics Live Rainman Album Rock, Arena Rock, Hard Rock, Adult Contemporary
The Judybats Native Son Wounded Bird Alternative Pop/Rock
King's Singers The Golden Age Signum Classics Renaissance & Baroque Vocal Music
Ludo You're Awful, I Love You Island Indie Rock
Maria McKee Live at the BBC Polydor Alternative Country-Rock, Country-Rock, College Rock, Roots Rock, Alternative Pop/Rock
Tift Merritt Another Country Fantasy Alternative Country, Adult Alternative Pop/Rock, Contemporary Singer/Songwriter, Americana
Morrissey Greatest Hits Polydor College Rock, Alternative Pop/Rock, Dance-Rock
Jose Serebrier Bizet/Serebrier: Carmen Symphony Naxos Modern Arrangement of Romantic Orchestral Music
Robert Spano Michael Gandolfi: The Garden of Cosmic Speculation [Hybrid SACD] Telarc Contemporary Orchestral Music
New Album Releases, 1-29-2008: Willie Nelson, Joe Jackson, The Five Blind Boys of Alabama New CD releases are starting to pick up a little bit. Most notably, Willie Nelson has Moment of Forever, which features production and performing services of Kenny Chesney. Along with some new Willie originals, he does Dave Matthews' "Gravedigger" and Bob Dylan's big gospel hit "Gotta Serve Somebody."
I haven't been knocked out by a Joe Jackson record in a long time, but then I've missed at least a couple. Still, being the author of Look Sharp and Night and Day should earn a good listen for his new album Rain. This features all but one member from his original band, which seems to represent a back to basics approach.
The Five Blind Boys of Alabama have been one of the top gospel groups since forming in 1939. Their new Down in New Orleans album features at least one original member, Jimmy Carter. As the title suggests, it's a NOLA affair, including participation by luminaries such as Allen Toussaint.
Here's the listing of this week's new album releases, courtesy AMG:
The Five Blind Boys of Alabama Down in New Orleans Time Life Black Gospel, Traditional Gospel, Southern Gospel, Contemporary Gospel
The Helio Sequence Keep Your Eyes Ahead Sub Pop Indie Rock, Dream Pop, Neo-Psychedelia
Joe Jackson Rain Rykodisc Pop/Rock
Shelby Lynne Just a Little Lovin' Lost Highway Vocal Pop, Pop, Adult Contemporary
The Mars Volta The Bedlam in Goliath Universal Post-Hardcore, Punk Metal, Progressive Metal, Neo-Psychedelia, Thrash
Vampire Weekend Vampire Weekend XL Indie Rock
John Anderson All the People Are Talink' Collectors' Choice Music Outlaw Country, Neo-Traditionalist Country, New Traditionalist, Honky Tonk, Country-Pop
John Anderson Eye of the Hurricane Collectors' Choice Music Neo-Traditionalist Country, New Traditionalist, Honky Tonk
Beck Odelay [Deluxe Edition] Geffen Indie Rock, Lo-Fi, Club/Dance, Alternative Pop/Rock, Dance-Rock
Andrea Bocelli Vivere: Live in Tuscany [CD + DVD] Decca Music for Tenor & Orchestra
Bonnie "Prince" Billy Wilding in the West Spunk Alternative Singer/Songwriter, Indie Rock, Lo-Fi
Sarah Brightman Symphony Manhattan Show Tunes, Musicals, Adult Contemporary
Bullet for My Valentine Scream Aim Fire Jive/Zomba Punk Metal, Screamo, Alternative Metal
Popa Chubby Deliveries After Dark Blind Pig Blues-Rock, Modern Electric Blues, Contemporary Blues
Billy Ray Cyrus Love Songs Mercury Nashville Contemporary Country, Country-Pop
Dailey and Vincent Dailey and Vincent Rounder Bluegrass-Gospel, Contemporary Bluegrass, Country-Folk
Dimitri from Paris & DJ Muro Super Disco Friends Headphone Heroes Club/Dance, Disco, Funk, Old-School Rap
Dispatch Dispatch Zimbabwe: Live at Madison Square Garden [CD/DVD] Republic Jam Bands, Adult Alternative Pop/Rock, Alternative Pop/Rock
The Doors The Future Starts Here: The Essential Doors Elektra/Rhino Album Rock, Psychedelic, Hard Rock, Pop/Rock, Rock & Roll, Proto-Punk
Donna Jean & the Tricksters Donna Jean & the Tricksters Dig Heartland Rock, Jam Bands, American Trad Rock, Folk-Rock, Psychedelic, Country-Rock, Rock & Roll
Human Bell Human Bell Thrill Jockey Experimental Rock, New Acoustic
Ida Lovers Prayers Polyvinyl Sadcore, Indie Pop, Dream Pop
Al Jarreau Love Songs Rhino Adult Contemporary, Vocal Jazz, Contemporary R&B, Smooth Jazz, Crossover Jazz
Paavo Järvi Prokofiev: Lieutenant Kijé Suite; Symphony No. 5 [Hybrid SACD] Telarc Modern Orchestral Music
Jeffrey Lewis 12 Crass Songs Rough Trade Alternative Folk, Anti-Folk, Political Folk
Louis XIV Slick Dogs and Ponies Atlantic Indie Rock, Neo-Glam, Garage Punk
Idina Menzel I Stand Warner Bros. Adult Alternative
Pat Metheny Trio Day Trip Nonesuch Post-Bop, Contemporary Jazz, Folk-Jazz
Charles Mingus The Very Best of Charles Mingus [Rhino] Rhino Early Creative, Hard Bop
Van Morrison Avalon Sunset [Expanded] Polydor Album Rock, Blue-Eyed Soul, Pop/Rock, Singer/Songwriter, Soft Rock, Rock & Roll
Van Morrison Back on Top [Expanded] Polydor Album Rock, Blue-Eyed Soul, Pop/Rock, Singer/Songwriter, Soft Rock, Rock & Roll
Van Morrison It's Too Late to Stop Now [Expanded] Polydor Album Rock, Blue-Eyed Soul, Pop/Rock, Singer/Songwriter, Soft Rock, Rock & Roll
Van Morrison Tupelo Honey [Expanded] Polydor Album Rock, Blue-Eyed Soul, Pop/Rock, Singer/Songwriter, Soft Rock, Rock & Roll
Van Morrison Wavelength [Expanded] Polydor Album Rock, Blue-Eyed Soul, Pop/Rock, Singer/Songwriter, Soft Rock, Rock & Roll
Willie Nelson Moment of Forever Lost Highway Contemporary Country, Traditional Country
David "Fathead" Newman Diamondhead Highnote Jazz Blues, Hard Bop, Soul-Jazz
Thao We Brave Bee Stings and All Kill Rock Stars Alternative Singer/Songwriter, Indie Pop
Obituary The Best of Obituary Roadrunner Heavy Metal, Death Metal/Black Metal
Kim Sjøgren Lalo: Symphonie Espagnole OUR Recordings Post-Romantic Music for Violin & Orchestra
Leonard Slatkin Leroy Anderson: Orchestral Music, Vol. 1 Naxos Modern Orchestral Music
Tabia Zimmermann Sally Beamish: The Seafarer Bis Contemporary Orchestral Music
Original Score 27 Dresses [Original Score] Varese Sarabande Original Score
Original Soundtrack Be Kind Rewind Lakeshore Original Score, Soundtracks
Lee "Scratch" Perry Chicken Scratch Heartbeat Dub
Protest the Hero Fortress Vagrant Post-Hardcore, Punk Metal, Progressive Metal, Emo
Sun Ra & His Arkestra Some Blues But Not the Kind That's Blue Atavistic Standards, Post-Bop
Radar Bros. Auditorium Merge Slowcore, Indie Rock
Ed Sanders Beer Cans on the Moon Collectors' Choice Music Proto-Punk, Folk-Rock, Psychedelic, Rock & Roll, Comedy Rock
Ed Sanders Sanders' Truckstop Collectors' Choice Music Proto-Punk, Folk-Rock, Psychedelic, Rock & Roll, Comedy Rock
Various Artists Grammy Nominees 2008 Hip-O Pop/Rock, Pop, Pop Idol, Adult Alternative Pop/Rock, Contemporary Jazz, Hard Rock, Contemporary Country, Contemporary R&B, Urban, Dance-Pop
Various Artists Pulse Platinum Razor & Tie Club/Dance, House, Euro-Dance, Euro-Pop
Various Artists Smithsonian Folkways: Classic African American Gospel Smithsonian Folkways Field Recordings, Spirituals, Traditional Gospel, Gospel Choir, Southern Gospel, Black Gospel
Christopher Walla Field Manual Barsuk Indie Pop, Indie Rock
Kate Walsh Tim's House Blueberry Pie Contemporary Singer/Songwriter, Contemporary Folk
Webb Wilder Born to Be Wilder Blind Pig Roots Rock, Blues-Rock
Larry Willis The Offering Highnote Post-Bop, Modern Creative
Xiu Xiu Women as Lovers Kill Rock Stars Experimental Rock, Indie Rock, Post-Rock/Experimental
Yoav Charmed & Strange Verve Forecast Alternative Singer/Songwriter, Adult Alternative Pop/Rock
New Album Releases, 11-6-2007: Country Blues and String Band Music, Jay-Z, Gram Parsons, David Byrne Way the most intriguing item on this week's release schedule is A Richer Tradition Country Blues & String Band Music 1923 - 1942. This moderately priced four CD boxed set contains 100 songs. Even as a dedicated fan of roots music, I'm not familiar with any of these artists. So unless you're a considerably bigger old-timey music geek than even me, this will all be new stuff to you.
This stuff comes from back before there was anything like an industry, or record company executives thinking they knew what would sell. These people seem pretty much straight off the farm. I can't tell much for sure about the race of the performers, and I strongly suspect that some of these folks are obscured enough that no one does. From the bits that I've heard of this set though, I'd say that most of it sounds closer to Robert Johnson than to the Carters.
It's mostly a lot lighter in tone than the anguish of Robert Johnson though, as evidenced for starters by song titles like "I Heard the Voice of a Pork Chop." Also, a fair amount of this is jug band stylings, as evidenced for starters by the names of several of the artists, ie the Nashville Washboard Band and the Birmingham Jug Band. All in all, this is a fine window into what might seem now like pre-historic times to most of us.
From the famed tape vaults of the Grateful Dead comes Gram Parsons Archive, Vol. 1. It is billed as a Gram Parsons album, but it is specifically the Flying Burrito Brothers. These are never-before-released live recordings from two shows opening for the Dead in April of 1969.
The most interesting thing recorded recently is The Knee Plays by David Byrne. These compositions were written to go with a stage play by Robert Wilson, which seems to be set exploring tensions in the pre-Civil War era. Byrne's songs are largely brass band pieces, maybe kinda New Orleans style. From the bits I'm hearing, I'm particularly interested in "The Sound of Business."
The very likely new #1 album for next week will be Jay-Z, with American Gangster. This was apparently inspired by the American Gangster movie, which is the #1 movie in the land and has a soundtrack album this week as well.
Here's the complete list of this week's major new album releases, courtesy AMG:
Angels & Airwaves I-Empire Suretone/Geffen Alternative Pop/Rock
Dion Son of Skip James Verve Forecast Modern Acoustic Blues
Jay-Z American Gangster Roc-A-Fella Hardcore Rap, East Coast Rap, Gangsta Rap, Pop-Rap
Dewey Redman The Struggle Continues ECM Post-Bop, Modern Creative
Tommy Roe Phantasy Fall Out Sunshine Pop, Pop, Psychedelic Pop
60 Watt Kid 60 Watt Kid Absolutely Kosher Indie Rock
Rick Springfield Christmas with You Gomer Holiday, Christmas
Various Artists Art of Field Recording Dust-To-Digital Field Recordings, Traditional Folk, Bluegrass-Gospel, Bluegrass
Various Artists Bullet Records Rhythm & Blues Blue Label Jump Blues, Electric Blues, Piano Blues, R&B
Various Artists Richer Tradition: Country Blues and String Band Music 1923-1942 JSP Prewar Blues, Early American Blues, Folk-Blues, String Bands, Prewar Country Blues, Country Blues, Acoustic Blues
Stevie Ray Vaughan Solos, Sessions & Encores Sony Legacy Album Rock, Modern Electric Texas Blues, Texas Blues, Electric Texas Blues, Blues-Rock, Modern Electric Blues
White Magic Dark Stars Drag City Indie Rock
White Williams Smoke Tigerbeat6 Indie Rock, Indie Electronic ***************** Gram Parsons pictures
New Album Releases, 10-23-2007: Alison Krauss & Robert Plant, Neil Young, Carrie Underwood Robert Plant & Alison Krauss have the most promising sounding new album, Raising Sand. This represents a pretty big reach between the most upscale chick singer in Nashville today and perhaps the greatest heavy metal singer ever, if you wish to frame it that way. It's a pretty big deal, and not surprisingly is the #1 top selling album at Amazon currently.
Previews suggest that Plant is more reaching into her domain rather than Alison Krauss being turned into any kind of rock singer. The big name crew gives a pretty good idea of what to expect. Ever lovin' T Bone Burnett produced this, and among the big name players is guitarist Marc Ribot. Burnett was apparently influential in the choice of material, most of which are lesser known old songs by major writers like Tom Waits, Townes Van Zandt, and at least one new song from Sam Phillips, "Sister Rosetta Goes Before Us."
Carnival Ride is the second album by Carrie Underwood. I'm at something of a loss to know what to say to someone who thinks that any of these American Idols are actually legitimate musicians whose records you should buy. Much less would I know where to begin with someone who buys a "country" singer who was on that show. What the hell's even wrong with you people, anyway? On the plus side, at least she's not recording any more god forsaken Diane Warren songs. Still, we're building a special wing for American Idols over at Camp Mimi.
Then there's Neil Young. Chrome Dreams II is the sequel to an album he apparently got too stoned to finish making in the 1970s. The centerpiece is an 18 minute cut called "Ordinary People" based on a 20 year old recording with his Bluenotes horn section.
Here's the complete list of this week's major new album releases, courtesy AMG:
Coheed & Cambria Good Apollo I'm Burning Star IV, Vol. 2: No World for Tomorrow Columbia Progressive Metal, Album Rock, Hard Rock, Alternative Metal, Emo
Dave Gahan Hourglass Virgin/Mute Adult Alternative Pop/Rock, Alternative Dance, Alternative Pop/Rock
Robert Plant/Alison Krauss Raising Sand Rounder Contemporary Singer/Songwriter, Americana, Contemporary Folk, Adult Alternative Pop/Rock, Modern Delta Blues, Folk-Rock, Modern Acoustic Blues
Serj Tankian Elect the Dead Warner Bros. Neo-Prog, Progressive Metal, Industrial Metal, Hard Rock
Carrie Underwood Carnival Ride Arista Pop Idol, Contemporary Country
Ween La Cucaracha Rounder Comedy Rock, Indie Rock, Alternative Pop/Rock
Neil Young Chrome Dreams II Reprise Album Rock, Singer/Songwriter, Folk-Rock, Hard Rock, Country-Rock
Ryan Adams & the Cardinals Follow the Lights Lost Highway Americana, Adult Alternative Pop/Rock, Alternative Country-Rock, Singer/Songwriter
Gary Allan Living Hard MCA Nashville Contemporary Country
Babyshambles Shotter's Nation EMI/Parlophone Indie Rock
Bobby Bare Drunk and Crazy [Bonus Tracks] Raven Outlaw Country, Nashville Sound/Countrypolitan, Progressive Country, Traditional Country
Bizarre Blue Cheese 'N' Coney Island KR Urban Hardcore Rap, Underground Rap
Bush Tetras Very Very Happy Roir No Wave, Post-Punk
Cassius 15 Again EMI/Virgin Progressive House, House, Club/Dance
Castanets In the Vines Asthmatic Kitty Indie Rock
Coke Na Na: A Funk Anthology Essential Media Group Latin Rock, Funk, Latin Soul
Justin Currie What Is Love For Wea/Rykodisc Adult Alternative Pop/Rock
Bo Diddley I'm a Man: The Chess Masters, 1955-1958 Hip-O Select Rock & Roll, R&B, Electric Chicago Blues
Jermaine Dupri Ya'll Know What This Is...The Hits Island Pop-Rap, Urban, Hip-Hop
Enthroned Tetra Karcist Napalm Heavy Metal, Death Metal/Black Metal
Ghost Overture: Live in Nippon Yusen Soko Drag City Improvisation, Free Improvisation, Experimental Rock, Experimental, Psychedelic, Avant-Garde
Everette Harp My Inspiration Shanachie Crossover Jazz, Jazz-Pop, Instrumental Pop, Smooth Jazz, Contemporary Jazz
Heart Dreamboat Annie Live Shout! Factory Album Rock, Pop/Rock, Hard Rock, Arena Rock
Hurricane Chris 51/50 Ratchet Polo Grounds/J-Records Southern Rap, Hardcore Rap
Shooter Jennings The Wolf Universal South Alternative Country, Contemporary Country, Outlaw Country, Southern Rock, Country-Rock
Paavo Jarvi Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 6 "Pathetique"; Romeo and Juliet Overture-Fantasy [Hybrid SACD] Telarc Romantic Orchestral Music
Roman Kofman Liszt: Christus MDG Romantic Oratorio
Ulrich Krieger The Marvellous Aphorisms of Gavin Bryars: The Early Years Mode Contemporary Chamber Music
Julie London All Through the Night [Bonus Track] Capitol Traditional Pop, Cool
Taj Mahal Oooh So Good N'Blues/Recycling the Blues Raven Folk-Blues, Electric Country Blues, Modern Acoustic Blues
Motley Crue Carnival of Sins: Live, Vols. 1-2 Eleven Seven Music Hair Metal, Heavy Metal
Susan Narucki Kernis: Simple Songs; Valentines; Songs of Innocents Koch International Classics Contemporary Vocal Music
Lisa O'Kane It Don't Hurt New Light/Universal Contemporary Country
Of Montreal If He Is Protecting Our Nation... Who Is Protecting Big Oil, Our Children? Track And Field Indie Pop, Neo-Psychedelia
Original Video Game Soundtrack Guitar Hero 3 Interscope Video Game Music, Soundtracks
Phosphorescent Pride Dead Oceans Indie Rock, Alternative Folk, Lo-Fi
New Album Releases, 9-4-2007: Trojan Country Reggae Box, Patti Scialfa, Ice Cube I see one really interesting album in this week's weak listings, a three CD box Trojan Country Reggae Box Set. As the reggae form was emerging in Jamaica in the 1960s and 70s, they were being blasted with megawatt American radio broadcasts. Thus, they knew the American music as well as the Americans, being exposed to US pop, soul, rock and even country music.
This set compiles vintage Jamaican covers of American country music. I'd bet that Toots and the Maytals did something most groovy with "Take Me Home Country Roads." I'm right interested in hearing the ska version of "Tennessee Waltz" and the reggae version of "Stand By Your Man."
Patti Scialfa has a new album called Play It as It Lays. I've never known of Mrs Springsteen being a big seller in her own rite, but this album is currently #3 at Amazon. Hopefully it'll be better than the tuneless and utterly generic "Radio Nowhere" that her husband has circulating on the net in advance of their upcoming E Street Band album.
O'Shea Jackson aka Ice Cube is "The Wrong (Negro) to (fornicate) With," as per the title of one of his movie soundtrack songs on the new compilation In the Movies. This appears to contain a pretty high percentage of songs not on any of his own albums.
Here's the complete list of this week's major new album releases, courtesy AMG:
Heavy Trash Going Way Out with Heavy Trash Yep Rock Rockabilly Revival, Garage Punk, Indie Rock
Patti Scialfa Play It as It Lays Columbia Album Rock, Roots Rock, Contemporary Singer/Songwriter, Pop, Singer/Songwriter, Rock & Roll
Athletic Automaton A Journey Through Roman's Empire Skin Graft Avant-Prog, Experimental Rock, Industrial Metal, Heavy Metal, Hard Rock
Albert Ayler The Hilversum Session Coppens Avant-Garde Jazz, Free Jazz, Avant-Garde
Rachel Barton Pine An Italian Sojourn Cedille Italian Music for Violin, Cello & Harpsichord
Joshua Bell Corigliano: The Red Violin Concerto; Violin Sonata Sony Classical Contemporary Music for Violin
Calvin Harris I Created Disco Red Label Alternative Dance, Indie Electronic
The Holloways So This Is Great Britain? [Bonus Tracks] TVT Indie Pop, Britpop
Ice Cube In the Movies Priority West Coast Rap, Gangsta Rap, Hardcore Rap
Jars of Clay The Essential Jars of Clay Essential/Legacy Alternative CCM, Adult Alternative Pop/Rock
Jars of Clay Live Monsters Essential Alternative CCM, Adult Alternative Pop/Rock
Will Kimbrough EP Daphne Contemporary Singer/Songwriter, Americana, Alternative Country
Jenny Lin Nostalghia: Piano Works by Valentin Silvestrov Haenssler Classic Contemporary Music for Piano
Ferraby Lionheart Catch the Brass Ring RCA Alternative Singer/Songwriter, Indie Pop
McRad FDR Red/Uprising Skatepunk, Hardcore Punk
New Model Army High Attack Attack Post-Punk, Alternative Pop/Rock
Daniel Pollack Colors RCM Romantic Music for Piano
Giora Schmidt Vocalise Endeavour Classics Piano Recital
Patrick Stewart Richard Strauss: Enoch Arden Sony Classical Post-Romantic Orchestral Music with Recitation
PRE Epic Fits Skin Graft Noise-Rock, No Wave, Hardcore Punk
The Perishers Victorious Nettwerk Alternative Pop/Rock
Pink Floyd The Piper at the Gates of Dawn [40th Anniversary 2-CD Edition] Capitol British Psychedelia, Psychedelic, British Invasion, Prog-Rock/Art Rock
Turzi A Kemado Indie Electronic
Townes Van Zandt Be Here to Love Me Tomato Music Americana, Contemporary Folk, Singer/Songwriter, Progressive Country
Townes Van Zandt For the Sake of the Song: First Album Tomato Music Contemporary Folk, Singer/Songwriter, Country-Rock, Progressive Country, Americana
Various Artists A Place for Us: A Tribute to 50 Years of West Side Story Masterworks Broadway Musicals, Show Tunes
Various Artists Trojan Country Reggae Box Set Trojan Reggae, Country *********************** Patti Scialfa
New Album Releases, 8-28-2007: Lyle Lovett, Ben Harper, Ringo Starr Best likely sounding pick this week is Lyle Lovett and His Large Band, It's Not Big It's Large. This is Lovett's eight original studio album, and his first in four years. As suggested by the title and the album cover, this goes back to the big band/Western swing of the 1990 Large Band album. He starts with a cover of Lester Young's "Tickle Toe" before heading off into his original songs. Lovett's never particularly been a big commercial powerhouse, but I note that this album is as high as #3 currently on Amazon.
Ben Harper & the Innocent Criminals Lifeline is Harper's eight album in twelve years. Those criminals on the album cover don't look so innocent, though. The promo guys are making a big point of how this album was recorded quickly (seven days) without much in the way of modern high tech recording gear. Listening to some samples, I don't hear anything particularly memorable. "In the Colors" distinctly sounds like a watered down Van Morrison pastiche. "Needed You Tonight" sounds like imitation Otis Redding. He'd probably have been better off just covering Morrison and Redding.
Photograph: The Very Best of Ringo Starr is the first Ringo solo compilation since 1975. This contains all of those excellent songs, a couple left off that original vinyl album, and a few more recent things. When the Beatles broke up, Ringo was actually the biggest solo act for the first couple of years. That was in significant part because of songs written by his old bandmates. These early solo songs were quite good, and particularly well chosen and engineered for Ringo's voice and personnae. "I'm the Greatest" for one would likely have come off far less effective if it had been sung by John Lennon, the author. This is some excellent stuff.
Here's the complete list of this week's major new album releases, courtesy AMG:
Aesop Rock None Shall Pass Definitive Jux Underground Rap, Alternative Rap
Ben Harper & the Innocent Criminals Lifeline Virgin Contemporary Singer/Songwriter, Adult Alternative Pop/Rock, Country-Soul, Folk-Rock, Urban Folk
Liars Liars Mute Indie Rock, Experimental Rock, Post-Rock/Experimental
Lyle Lovett and His Large Band It's Not Big It's Large Lost Highway Alternative Country, Singer/Songwriter, Contemporary Country
Ringo Starr Photograph: The Very Best of Ringo Starr Capitol Pop/Rock
Leif Ove Andsnes Ballad for Edvard Grieg EMI Classics Post-Romantic Music for Piano
Paul Anka Classic Songs: My Way Decca Vocal Pop, Vocal Jazz, Adult Contemporary
Atreyu Lead Sails Paper Anchor Hollywood Punk Metal, Alternative Metal
Jorge Ben Forca Bruta Dusty Groove America Samba, Brazilian Pop
Dickey Betts & Great Southern Official Bootleg Evangeline Southern Rock, Boogie Rock, Blues-Rock, Rock & Roll
Beyonce Irremplazable Columbia Contemporary R&B, Urban, Latin Pop
Dennis Brown Best of the Joe Gibbs Years Shanachie Smooth Reggae, Lovers Rock, Roots Reggae
Circus Devils Sgt. Disco Ipecac Indie Rock
La Clave La Clave Dusty Groove America Rock en Español, Latin Soul, Salsa, Funk
Joe Cocker Classic Cocker Capitol Adult Contemporary, Soft Rock, Pop/Rock
Simone Dinnerstein Bach: Goldberg Variations Telarc Baroque Keyboard Music
The Fall The Fall Box Set Castle College Rock, Post-Punk, Indie Rock, British Punk, Punk, Alternative Pop/Rock
Fred Frith/Evelyn Glennie The Sugar Factory Tzadik Free Improvisation, Avant-Garde
Frank Frost/Sam Carr The Last of the Jelly Roll Kings SPV Juke Joint Blues, R&B, Electric Delta Blues, Soul-Blues
Stan Getz The Smoothest Operator JSP Cool, Bop, Ballads
Victoria Hart Whatever Happened to Romance? Sony Vocal Jazz, Adult Contemporary, Standards, Vocal Pop
Heaven & Hell Live from Radio City Music Hall Rhino Album Rock, British Metal, Heavy Metal
The Howling Hex XI Drag City Indie Rock
Sarah Johns Big Love in a Small Town SBMG Nashville Neo-Traditionalist Country, Contemporary Country
Cledus T. Judd Boogity Boogity: A Tribute to the Comic Genius of Ray Stevens Curb Country Comedy, Contemporary Country, Novelty
Paavo Jarvi Tuur: Magma Virgin Classics Contemporary Orchestral Music
Emily King East Side Story J-Records Neo-Soul, Contemporary Singer/Songwriter
Kottonmouth Kings Cloud Nine Suburban Noize Rap-Metal, Alternative Metal, Funk Metal
Michael McDermott Noise from Words Oli Americana, Contemporary Folk, Roots Rock, Singer/Songwriter
Mr. Vegas Hot It Up Delicious Vinyl Dancehall, Contemporary Reggae
New Young Pony Club Fantastic Playroom Modular Indie Electronic, Indie Rock, Dance-Rock, Alternative Dance
Northern State Can I Keep This Pen? Ipecac Left-Field Hip-Hop, Indie Electronic
New Album Releases, 8-21-2007: Vee Jay box set, Ronnie and the Del MCoury Band, Travis Tritt scheduled for Camp Mimi Actual new music looks pretty thin this week, but we've got one especially tasty looking four CD box set, Vee-Jay: The Definitive Collection out from Shout! Factory. Vee Jay Records was the main top black owned record label of the pre-Motown era, founded by a husband and wife team in Gary, Indiana in 1953. By the time they dissolved in bankruptcy in 1966, they'd recorded all kinds of groovy blues, doo wop, gospel and soul. Among many luminaries among the 86 tracks of this box set are John Lee Hooker, Betty Everett, Jerry Butler, the Staple Singers, the El Dorados, and the Moonglows.
They also did pretty good with their first white act, Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. It was at Valli's suggestion that they licensed the first Beatles albums in America back before Capitol saw fit to start releasing them - though there's no Beatles on this set.
Between the handful of familiar groovy hits, notably "At My Front Door," and lots of tantalizing stuff unknown, this looks like something people need to hear.
Ronnie McCoury has Little Mo' McCoury, recorded with his dad Del and their band. This is billed as the first bluegrass children's album. Some might be skeptical of what could be done with stuff like "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star." However, after Springsteen messed up my world singing stuff like "Mr Froggie Went a-Courtin'," I for one am listening to such stuff with new ears. The McCourys have THE top bluegrass band in the world today, and I bet they could kick your ass playing "I've Been Working on the Railroad."
But the real kicker is the first song. They start their "children's album" with a personal fave underrated Dylan song from his Slow Train Coming album, "Man Gave Names to All the Animals." The Amazon preview clip sounds really sharp.
I suspect Travis Tritt of likely high crimes against Geometry and Theology in his new album The Storm. That would be apparently some relation to a quiet storm, ie a "soul" album produced by Randy Jackson. If that prospect from this mediocre "country" singer doesn't put you off, note that this includes two new Diane Warren songs being unleashed on the world. Look, stuff like this is why we voted for the Patriot Act. When next I update our list of Enemies of The People, Mr Tritt may be finding himself scheduled for re-education at Camp Mimi.
Here's the complete list of this week's major new album releases, courtesy AMG:
Imperial Teen The Hair the TV the Baby & the Band Merge Indie Rock, Punk-Pop
M.I.A. Kala Interscope Alternative Dance, Club/Dance, Hip-Hop
The New Pornographers Challengers Matador Indie Rock, Pop Underground
Rilo Kiley Under the Blacklight Warner Bros. Indie Rock, Alternative Pop/Rock, Indie Pop
Various Artists Vee-Jay: The Definitive Collection Shout! Factory R&B, Uptown Soul, Doo Wop, Soul, Detroit Blues, Pop-Soul, Juke Joint Blues, Blues Revival, Northern Soul, Pop/Rock, Black Gospel, Electric Harmonica Blues, Electric Blues, Electric Chicago Blues, Chicago Soul
Aiden Conviction Victory Post-Hardcore, Emo, Alternative Pop/Rock
Architecture in Helsinki Places Like This Polyvinyl Indie Electronic, Indie Pop
As I Lay Dying An Ocean Between Us Metal Blade Heavy Metal, Alternative Metal, Thrash
Paul Bley Solo in Mondsee ECM Improvisation, Free Improvisation
Joe Bonamassa Sloe Gin Premier Artists Adult Alternative Pop/Rock, American Trad Rock, Blues-Rock, Singer/Songwriter
Peter Brötzmann The Complete Machine Gun Sessions Atavistic Structured Improvisation, Free Improvisation, Free Jazz, Avant-Garde
Caribou Andorra Merge Indie Electronic, Shoegaze, Noise Pop, Dream Pop
Miles Davis Evolution of the Groove Sony Broken Beat, Funky Breaks, Electronica, Jazz-Rock, Fusion, Funk, Hip-Hop
Ella Fitzgerald The Very Best of the Duke Ellington Song Book Verve Labels Vocal Jazz, Standards, Swing
Judy Garland Greatest Hits Live Savoy Jazz Traditional Pop, Standards, Show Tunes, Vocal Pop, American Popular Song
Armando Ghitalla A Trumpet Legacy Bridge Baroque, Romantic, Modern, and Contemporary Trumpet Concertos
James Gilchrist The Far Country: 26 English Songs by John Jeffreys Divine Art Contemporary Vocal Music
Lee Hazlewood Something Special MGM Obscuro, Baroque Pop, Pop, Lounge, Country-Pop
Ian Hobson Don Gillis: Symphonies Nos. 3 & X; Tulsa Albany Modern Orchestral Music
Ingram Hill Cold in California Hollywood Roots Rock, Alternative Pop/Rock
Gregory Isaacs The Winner: The Roots of Gregory Isaacs Trojan Reggae-Pop, Lovers Rock, Roots Reggae, Political Reggae, Rocksteady
Kinski Down Below It's Chaos Sub Pop Experimental Rock, Post-Rock/Experimental, Space Rock
Talib Kweli Eardrum Blacksmith/Warner Bros. Underground Rap, East Coast Rap, Hip-Hop, Alternative Rap
MC5 Live at the Saginaw Civic Centre, Jan. 1, 1970 Get Back Italy Detroit Rock, Proto-Punk, Hard Rock
Ronnie McCoury Little Mo' McCoury McCoury Sing-Along, Bluegrass
Loreena McKennitt Nights from the Alhambra Verve Celtic New Age, Celtic Fusion, Adult Alternative, Worldbeat
The Mekons Natural Quarterstick Post-Punk, Alternative Pop/Rock, College Rock, Punk
Mendoza Line 30 Year Low Glurp Indie Rock, Alternative Country-Rock, Alternative Folk
Travis Morrison Hellfighters All Y'All Barsuk Indie Rock
Vaclav Neumann Smetana: Ma vlast Berlin Classics Romantic Orchestral Music
Joe Nichols Real Things Universal South Contemporary Country
The main action in this week's new releases comes from the country and the country fried. Alan Jackson's last two albums were a romantic deal (Like Red on a Rose) and a gospel album (Precious Memories). His new album is Good Times, with more of the classic honky tonk sound and song titles such as "I Still Like Bologna." This is the #1 country album in the land, and #7 overall at Amazon currently.
Less exalted on the food chain, 
In the way of re-issues, there's a particularly tasty looking compilation from Stax, Stax Does the Beatles. Booker T and the MGs were digging the Beatles along with other Stax luminaries in Beatle covers. There's an alternate version of Otis Redding's well known version of "Day Tripper." The Beatles were great in many ways, but not particularly a soul band. I'd be particularly interested in Booker T's arrangement of "Got to Get You Into My Life," which is a great soul song. 
New CD releases are starting to pick up a little bit. Most notably, Willie Nelson has 
Robert Plant & Alison Krauss have the most promising sounding new album, 
