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.
Links
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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All original content on MoreThings.com copyright 2008 Albert Barger or the respective authors
May 06, 2008
New CD Album Releases, 5-6-2008: Born Again Floozies, Cup o' Noodle Elvis Costello, Neil Diamond and Clay Aiken The best things in life are free this week. The scourge of Indianapolis, the Born Again Floozies have an awesome extended nine minute live arrangement of the Sly Stone song "If You Want Me To Stay." The fully three minute guitar introduction is pretty much a whole new instrumental composition in its own rite. Then she-of-the-lungs Nancy Moore turns it out. Find out why Jebus hates Nancy Moore. "If You Want Me To Stay" available for free download from Floozie central. It's about the awesomest new thing I've heard all year.
Here's how Elvis Costello describes his new album Momofuku. It is named for the guy who apparently invented the cup o' noodles concept. "Like so many things in this world of wonders, all we had to do to make this record was add water." And folks, unfortunately that's just what it is, a cheap instant plastic cup full of cheap, bland Elvis-flavored ramen noodles.
Album notes indicate that he may have spent as much as eight days writing and recording this album. I can't see what took him so long. He can't have spent long writing this double handful of nothing. I would think that he could just ad lib and free associate at will at a mic better than this. Seriously.
Not to put too fine a point on it, this may be the worst album Elvis has ever made. It's instant Elvis, with absolutely zero inspiration. I'm Elvis Costello OG, and I can't find anything particularly interesting on any level. It's a generic "Elvis Costello" album - only without a single memorable hook - much less a good song. The only competition among studio albums of Elvis Costello songs is North. I'm pretty much force-feeding to make myself listen to this crap a third time while composing these album release notes.
Turns out that "Pardon Me Madam, My Name Is Eve" was co-written and co-starring Loretta Lynn. That would sound real promising in the theory. I'm the absolute perfect audience for that idea, but there's just nothing inspired or catchy about this song. After hearing it twice, I only found out it was supposed to have Loretta when I saw it in the liner notes. This was a particular disappointment.
I blame Diana Krall. If there is a trophy of a wife, she's got to be it. Elvis goes home to this super hot jazz singer that probably sells more records than he does. Plus, she's given him babies. Holy crap, how are you supposed to find inspiration for a proper evil Elvis Costello song in all this domestic bliss?
On a more constructive note, if you've lost track of Elvis over the years and want to catch up to more modern really good Elvis Costello, discover The Delivery Man from 2004 or When I Was Cruel from 2002.
Neil Diamond is back this week with Home Before Dark. This is his second album with Rick Rubin, and again includes backing Tom Petty's reliable Heartbreakers. His first Rubin album, 12 Songs, was pretty good, but got unfortunately ruined commercially by a dumb DRM malware controversy. I know I wouldn't have put one of those CDs in my computer drive if you gave it to me.
Clay Aiken seems like a real nice fellow, and looking at all the different stuff he's doing I'd gladly front him credit for his work ethic. Still I cannot for the life of me get why anybody would want to listen to this guy sing. On My Way Here is his second album of original songs. It is #5 at Amazon. Fifty million Clay Aiken fans can't be wrong.
Here's the listing of this week's new album releases, courtesy AMG:
Elvis Costello & the Imposters Momofuku Lost Highway Adult Alternative Pop/Rock, Singer/Songwriter, Rock & Roll
Gavin DeGraw Gavin DeGraw J-Records Contemporary Singer/Songwriter, Adult Alternative Pop/Rock, Pop/Rock, Alternative Pop/Rock
Neil Diamond Home Before Dark Columbia Singer/Songwriter, Soft Rock, Adult Contemporary
The Last Shadow Puppets Age of the Understatement Domino Indie Rock
Mindi Abair Stars Peak Smooth Jazz, Jazz-Pop, Instrumental Pop
Clay Aiken On My Way Here RCA Adult Contemporary
Misha Alperin Her First Dance ECM Modern Creative
Ersi Arvizu Friend for Life Anti Latin Jazz, Contemporary R&B, Latin Pop
Barenaked Ladies Snacktime! Nettwerk/Desperation Adult Alternative Pop/Rock, Alternative Pop/Rock, Sing-Along
Dierks Bentley Greatest Hits: Every Mile a Memory Liberty Contemporary Country, Neo-Traditionalist Country
Brian Blade Fellowship Seasons of Changes Verve Post-Bop, Modern Creative
Blank Blue Western Water Music, Vol. II Ubiquity Neo-Psychedelia, Dream Pop, Post-Rock/Experimental
Christine Brewer Christine Brewer Sings Songs by Wagner, Wolf, Britten and John Carter Wigmore Hall Live Romantic, Post-Romantic, Modern and Contemporary Vocal Music
Carney Nothing Without You Interscope Alternative Pop/Rock
Confederate Railroad The Very Best of Confederate Railroad Rhino Neo-Traditionalist Country, Honky Tonk, Contemporary Country, Country-Rock
Taylor Eigsti Let It Come to You Concord Post-Bop, Modern Creative
Everest Ghost Notes Ada/Vapor Alternative Country-Rock, Indie Rock
Firewater The Golden Hour Bloodshot Alternative Pop/Rock, Indie Rock
Tim Fite Fair Ain't Fair Anti Indie Pop, Alternative Country-Rock, Alternative Pop/Rock
Nik Freitas Sun Down Team Love Indie Pop, Alternative Singer/Songwriter, Chamber Pop
Scott Hamilton & Friends Across the Tracks Concord Standards, Mainstream Jazz, Neo-Bop
Nikolaus Harnoncourt Schumann: Das Paradies und die Peri [Hybrid SACD] Sony Romantic Choral Music
Peter Homans Peter Homans: A Prague Spring MMC Contemporary Chamber and Orchestral Music
William Kapell Kapell Rediscovered RCA Piano Selections
Kayo Dot Blue Lambency Downward Hydrahead Experimental Rock, Post-Rock/Experimental, Modern Composition, Avant-Garde
Toby Keith 35 Biggest Hits Show Dog Nashville Contemporary Country
Scott Kelly The Wake Neurot Alternative Singer/Songwriter
Hal Ketchum Greatest Hits Curb Neo-Traditionalist Country, Contemporary Country
The Long Blondes Couples Rough Trade New Wave/Post-Punk Revival, Indie Rock
Matmos The Supreme Balloon Matador Experimental Techno, Electronica, Ambient Techno
Midnight Oil Diesel and Dust [CD/DVD] Columbia College Rock, Album Rock, Alternative Pop/Rock, Aussie Rock
Millencolin Machine 15 Epitaph Punk Revival, Punk-Pop
Mint Condition E-Life Caged Bird/Image Contemporary R&B, Urban
Jeb Loy Nichols Days Are Mighty Compass Contemporary Singer/Songwriter, Adult Alternative Pop/Rock
No Age Nouns Sub Pop Indie Rock, Lo-Fi
Original Sountrack Ironman [Original Soundtrack] Lion's Gate Original Score, Film Music, Soundtracks
Evan Parker/Transatlantic Art Ensemble Boustrophedon (In Six Furrows) ECM Free Jazz, Avant-Garde, Structured Improvisation, Experimental Big Band, Orchestral Jazz, Avant-Garde Jazz, Modern Composition, Free Improvisation
Edith Piaf La Vie en Rose 1935-1951 Sunnyside French Pop, Cabaret, Vocal Pop, Torch Songs, Nostalgia
Russian Circles Station Suicide Squeeze Experimental Rock, Post-Rock/Experimental, Instrumental Rock
Chris Sligh Running Back to You Brash Alternative CCM
Socratic Spread the Rumors Drive Thru Indie Pop, Indie Rock
Charlotte Sometimes Waves & the Both of Us Geffen Contemporary Singer/Songwriter, Alternative Pop/Rock
Steve Turre Rainbow People Highnote Afro-Cuban Jazz, Post-Bop, Latin Jazz
Armin van Buuren Imagine Ultra Club/Dance, Progressive Trance, Progressive House
Various Artists Ayombe!: The Heart of Colombia's Musica Vallenata Smithsonian/Folkways Vallenato, Son, Traditional, Merengue
Various Artists Soul Messages from Dimona Numero Psychedelic Soul, Chicago Soul, Northern Soul, Jazz-Funk, Funk
Steve Von Till A Grave Is a Grim Horse Neurot Alternative Singer/Songwriter, Americana
New CD Album Releases, 4-29-2008: Madonna, Portishead, Steve Winwood Hard Candy is Madonna's 11th album, and her last for Warner Brothers. She certainly deserved her induction into the Hall of Fame a few weeks back, but for my money the Dick Tracy related 1990 album I'm Breathless was her last worthwhile recording. Plus, ridiculous floozie foolishness like the Sex book and the Britney kiss and Kabalah as a fashion statement make it easy and fun to mock and dismiss her.
Still, that godawful Confessions on a Dance Floor sold some eight million copies worldwide. Can't fault her for sticking with what works, I suppose. Who you gonna believe, Al Barger or eight million Madonna fans? But there's been very little song under anything I've heard from her in a decade and a half. Her and Patrick Leonard wrote some fine classic songs 20 years ago, but there's been precious little but minor production gimmicks masqueraded as "songs" for many years.
In fairness though, I've heard most of this Hard Candy album, and it's got at least one or two tracks that might reasonably be considered at least minimally legitimate songs. Most of these are typical generic dance floor workouts with nothing that could other than extremely charitably be described as a "melody." But I'll give her (and Justin) credit for "Four Minutes." That actually has a fairly snappy tune, and some sharp hooks. I've been getting enough good from it to motivate me to hunt down more. The first song "Candy Shop" also is at least halfway listenable. There's somewhat more than her recent average in actual musical content. It's still better than Mariah Carey, at least.
But in terms of actual music, the likely top point of interest is Portishead. They've made some beautiful and memorable music from their shimmering world weary ennui. Problem with that though is that beautiful indifference tends to lead to lack of motivation. Thus, this Third album is their first in 11 years. But hey, they deigned to do a headlining show last weekend for the big Coachella festival, and are even threatening to tour!
Snarkiness aside though, I've heard some of these new songs, and they sound pretty good starting out. "The Rip" keeps up an uncharacteristically simple acoustic sound most of the way through that works nicely. I'm more taken though with "Magic Doors," which is broadly in their slowish trip hop mode. I particularly appreciate the little dissonant keyboard solo that kicks in around 2:20. It's like a tiny bit of motivating discontent bubbling past the ennui. This is the #2 album in the land according to Amazon, right behind Madonna Herself.
It always seems like I should dig Steve Winwood more than I do. He's made some pretty good records, and his skills really only get better with time. Nine Lives is his first album in five years.
Here's the listing of this week's new album releases, courtesy AMG:
Robert Forster The Evangelist Yep Roc Alternative Pop/Rock, Contemporary Singer/Songwriter, Indie Pop
Madonna Hard Candy Warner Bros. Club/Dance
Portishead Third Mercury/Island Electronica, Adult Alternative Pop/Rock, Trip-Hop
The Roots Rising Down Def Jam Alternative Rap, Hip-Hop
Santogold Santogold Downtown Alternative Dance, Club/Dance, Indie Electronic, Dancehall
Steve Winwood Nine Lives Columbia Contemporary Singer/Songwriter, Pop/Rock, Adult Contemporary
Augustana Can't Love, Can't Hurt Epic American Trad Rock, Adult Alternative Pop/Rock
Awesome Color Electric Aborigines Ecstatic Peace! Garage Punk, Noise-Rock
Baby D A-Town Secret Weapon KR Urban Southern Rap, Dirty South
Boris Smile Southern Lord Experimental Rock, Noise-Rock, Post-Rock/Experimental
The Cab Whisper War Decaydance/Fueled by Ramen Alternative Pop/Rock, Emo
Chin Chin Chin Chin Definitive Jux Electro, Jazz-Rock, Techno, House
Cloudland Canyon Lie in Light Kranky Space Rock, Neo-Psychedelia, Indie Rock, Prog-Rock/Art Rock
Roger Clyne & the Peacemakers Turbo Ocho [CD/DVD] Emma Java Americana, Roots Rock, Heartland Rock
Constantines Kensington Heights Arts & Crafts Indie Rock
David Karsten Daniels Fear of Flying FTC Indie Pop, Alternative Singer/Songwriter
Def Leppard Songs from the Sparkle Lounge Bludgeon Riffola/Island Pop-Metal, Album Rock, Hard Rock, Pop/Rock
Dizzee Rascal Maths and English XL Garage Rap/Grime
Steve Earle Copperhead Road [Deluxe Edition] Geffen Heartland Rock, Roots Rock, Country-Rock, Americana, Alternative Country
Ensemble Belladonna Melodious Melancholye Raumklang Medieval Vocal and Choral Music
Estelle Shine Atlantic/Homeschool Urban, Contemporary R&B, British Rap
Fate Vultures Metal Blade Heavy Metal, Thrash
Forever the Sickest Kids Underdog Alma Mater Universal Motown Punk-Pop, Emo
Ronnie Hawkins Arkansas Rockpile/Mojo Man Collectors' Choice Music Rock & Roll
Hayden In Field & Town Hardwood/Universal Lo-Fi, Alternative Pop/Rock, Sadcore, American Trad Rock, Alternative Singer/Songwriter, Contemporary Singer/Songwriter
Heloise & The Savoir Faire Trash, Rats and Microphones Yep Roc Indie Electronic, Indie Rock
Griffin House Flying Upside Down RCA Contemporary Singer/Songwriter, Adult Alternative Pop/Rock, Alternative Country
Lyfe Jennings Lyfe Change Columbia Contemporary R&B, Neo-Soul
Jimmy Eat World Bleed American [2 CD Deluxe Edition] Geffen Punk-Pop, Emo
David Johansen David Johansen Razor & Tie New York Punk, Hard Rock, Rock & Roll
David Johansen Live It Up Razor & Tie New York Punk, Hard Rock, Rock & Roll
Joy Division The Best of Joy Division [2 CD] Rhino/London Post-Punk
Andrew Kennedy On Wenlock Edge Signum Post-Romantic, Modern and Contemporary Vocal Music
Langhorne Slim Langhorne Slim Kemado Alternative Singer/Songwriter, Alternative Country-Rock, Alternative Folk, Americana, Indie Rock
Jamie Lidell Jim Warp Neo-Soul, Experimental Techno
Liverpool Five Best of the Liverpool Five Sundazed Pop/Rock, Garage Rock, British Invasion
Mindless Self Indulgence If The End Industrial Dance, Industrial Metal
Mudcrutch Mudcrutch Reprise / Wea Heartland Rock, Rock & Roll, Bar Band, Pop/Rock, Hard Rock
Music of Remembrance Jake Heggie: For a Look or a Touch Naxos Contemporary Chamber and Vocal Music
Nerf Herder IV Oglio Comedy Rock, Punk-Pop, Post-Grunge, Alternative Pop/Rock, Punk Revival, Indie Rock
New Found Glory/International Superheroes of Hardcore Tip of the Iceberg/Takin' It Ova! B9 Post-Hardcore, Punk-Pop
One Night Only Started a Fire Mercury Alternative Singer/Songwriter, Indie Pop, Indie Rock
Susan Platts Frauenliebe und Leben Atma Classique Romantic Vocal Music
David del Tredici David del Tredici: Vintage Alice; Dracula Innova Contemporary Vocal Music
Puscifer V Is for Viagra: The Remixes Zomba/Puscifer Electro-Industrial, Industrial
Eli "Paperboy" Reed & The True Loves Roll with You Q Division Blue-Eyed Soul, Neo-Soul
Carly Simon This Kind of Love Hear Music Pop, Adult Contemporary, Singer/Songwriter
South You Are Here Bluhammock Alternative Pop/Rock, Indie Rock, Dream Pop
Phil Stacey Phil Stacey Lyric Street Pop Idol, Contemporary Country, Pop/Rock
Strategy Music for Lamping Audio Dregs Indie Electronic, IDM, Electronica, Post-Rock/Experimental
Tickley Feather Tickley Feather Paw Tracks Experimental Rock, Indie Rock
Mel Tillis Me and Pepper Collectors' Choice Music Country-Pop, Traditional Country
New CD Album Releases, 4-22-2008: Jonathan Richman, Ashlee Simpson, Otis Redding and Love Re-issues One new album this week that looks like a must-hear: Jonathan Richman has his 20th or so album this week, Because Her Beauty Is Raw and Wild. He's best known for his songs and cameo in There's Something About Mary - which was just fine, but no fan of Jo-Jo would tell you that's his best. He'd never sold a lot of records, but his original The Modern Lovers album recorded in 1972 was a glorious pre-punk masterpiece.
He was a poor fit for the punk rock scene however, as he was something of a punk rock Buddy Holly - a lover, not a fighter or belligerant. He quickly turned down the volume and tended toward childlike wonder. Some considered classics like "Back in Your Life" or "Dodge Veg-a-Matic" to be emotionally regressive. That he was prone to things like playing acoustic shows in nursing homes probably didn't help his standing with angry Sex Pistols fans and such.
Those critics were very wrong, however, starting with missing the crucial difference between being child-like versus being childish. With age, he has definitely become a more subtle and skillful musician - though it's generally just him on acoustic guitar and long-time partner Tommy Larkin on drums. But he's got a lot more technique as a guitarist over time - not playing fancy solos, but having a broader palette of style and affect. For one thing, he now sometimes does songs or albums in French or Spanish. He has one of each on this album.
Moreover, after singing about lonely dinosaurs and misunderstood abominable snowmen, as an older man he has become quietly and unpretentiously deeper and more preceptive. He's quieted down enough to hear things that others would miss with more recent elusive perceptions such as "I Can Almost Hear Her Fighting with Herself" and "True Love Is Not Nice." Imagine Buddy Holly at age 60.
Because Her Beauty Is Raw and Wild is a particularly beautiful and promising title. From the bits I've heard, "No One Was Like Vermeer" and "When We Refuse to Suffer" sound like particularly hot little jams. His new arrangement of his vintage "Old World" would be a good illustration of his improved musicianship. The album concludes with the "As My Mother Lay Dying" in which he describes listening closely during those last days in the nursing home, eagerly gleaning those last few lessons.
Other than that, the biggest commercial name new release is Ashlee Simpson. Bittersweet World apparently aspires to be competition to Gwen Stefani. Independently, they're both officially designated Enemies of the People. The world situation is too grave even to joke about such things. It's a wearying job being The People's Leader.
But there are also a couple of particularly promising re-issues. The 1965 album Otis Blue: Otis Redding Sings Soul may be the very best classic style soul album ever. Among other classics, this was where he first published his most famous song, "Respect." His arrangement of "Satisfaction" was a hit single. Personally, I find this more listenable at this point than the overplayed Stones original. Also, this album contains his very best song, "I've Been Loving You Too Long." This Rhino re-issue has a whole second disc, with b-sides and rarities, and live recordings.
Perhaps a half-notch lower on the food chain, but Love's Forever Changes is right up there in the all-time rankings. If you dig vintage 60s baroque arty pop, this'll run pretty close to up with Pet Sounds or Sgt Pepper. "The Good Humor Man Sees Everything Like This" rates as my personal fave. This two disc Rhino deluxe re-issue has a whole different mix of the original album, plus lots of alternative and outtakes, including "Wooly Bully." Besides the bonus stuff, Brother Glen Boyd assures us that the re-mastering of the basic album sounds really sharp.
Here's the listing of this week's new album releases, courtesy AMG:
Billy Bragg Mr. Love & Justice Cooking Vinyl Alternative Folk, Alternative Singer/Songwriter, Adult Alternative Pop/Rock
Flight of the Conchords Flight of the Conchords Sub Pop Comedy Rock
The Replacements Let It Be [Deluxe Edition] Twin/Tone/Ryko/Rhino American Underground, College Rock, Alternative Pop/Rock, Hard Rock, Rock & Roll
Ashlee Simpson Bittersweet World Geffen Teen Pop, Pop/Rock, Dance-Pop
Tokyo Police Club Elephant Shell Saddle Creek Indie Rock
Barry Adamson Back to the Cat Central Control Punk Blues, Retro-Rock, Contemporary Singer/Songwriter, Retro Swing, Original Score, Film Music, Space Age Pop, Post-Punk, Cabaret, Jazz Blues, Modern Big Band
Atreyu Lead Sails Paper Anchor 2.0 Hollywood Punk Metal, Alternative Metal
Roy Ayers Ubiquity Vibrations Verve Soul-Jazz, Jazz-Funk, Funk
Tab Benoit Night Train to Nashville Telarc Louisiana Blues, Modern Electric Blues, Swamp Blues, New Orleans Blues
Blind Melon For My Friends Adrenaline Alternative Pop/Rock, American Trad Rock
Terry Callier Occasional Rain [Remastered] Verve Chicago Soul, Folk-Jazz, Singer/Songwriter, Progressive Folk, Soul
The Cinematic Orchestra Live at the Royal Albert Hall Domino Downbeat, Orchestral Jazz, Film Music, Contemporary Jazz
Ornette Coleman The Art of the Improvisers Atlantic Avant-Garde Jazz, Free Jazz
Marilyn Crispell Vignettes ECM Structured Improvisation, Avant-Garde Jazz, Modern Composition
The Jazz Crusaders Old Socks, New Shoes...New Socks, Old Shoes Motown Soul-Jazz, Jazz-Funk
Dov Davidoff The Point Is Comedy Central Observational Humor, Standup Comedy
Van Duren Are You Serious? Air Mail Power Pop
Earles and Jensen Just Farr a Laugh, Vol. 1 and 2: The Greatest Prank Phone Call Ever! Matador Prank Calls
Elbow The Seldom Seen Kid Polydor Dream Pop, Britpop
The Feelies Crazy Rhythms A&M American Underground, College Rock, Jangle Pop, Alternative Pop/Rock
Goldfinger Hello Destiny... Side One Dummy Ska-Punk, Punk-Pop, Alternative Pop/Rock
Marilyn Horne The Complete Decca Recitals Decca Operatic Selections
Jorma Hynninen Elamalle: Songs by Oskar Merikanto Ondine Modern Vocal Music
The Jealous Girlfriends The Jealous Girlfriends Last Gang Indie Rock
Stanley Jordan State of Nature Mack Avenue Contemporary Jazz
Carole King Tapestry [Legacy Edition] Sony Legacy Pop/Rock, Soft Rock
New CD Album Releases, 4-15-2008: Mariah Carey, Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus, Everclear The top big name release this week is from Mariah Carey, people's enemy #1. She's back with her 11th album E=MC2. Apparently dropping in the famous shorthand for Einstein's theory of relativity is supposed to make us think she's smart. Riiight.
A special moment of derision must be reserved for the arguments of her fans and PR flacks. Leastways I would hope that this "Rudy Palma" commenting about the album on Amazon is on her payroll to be writing stuff like "The biggest surprise about E=MC2 is that, aside from its being a consistently satisfying collection of unshakable pop melodies and inspiring ballads, it shares no obvious commonalities with other LPs in Carey's catalogue."
I've dutifully listened to this "Touch My Body" song that's her lead single, and it's just utter crap. It sounds just exactly like every other song she's recorded again and again her whole career. It's utterly bland Cream of Wheat diva r&b with no real passion or identifiable hook. I would call it "corporate music," except that a high-end corporate music hack would be conjuring much catchier ads/songs. After a half dozen careful listens, I can almost remember how the song goes while I'm actually listening to it. That's the best I can do even TRYING to see what other people see in it. There's no THERE there. I swear I'd rather listen to frickin' Barbara Streisand.
Having crossed swords with Mariah's vicious "lambs" before, I note that they tend to put a great argumentive emphasis on commercial statistics, so many millions of albums sold - as if that were some kind of proof that her music is actually good. It's not.
Which leads to the obvious question: How has she sold so many damned records for a couple of decades and running? I'm not particularly a religious person, but this Mariah conundrum does tend to make me think about belief in the supernatural. Could be that Mariah Carey is a subtle form of punishment from God for whatever he might be mad at us about. Couldn't we just have a plague of locusts instead? More realistically, she might be in a Devil and Daniel Webster deal. I would suspect more the Bill Hicks version, which involves special personal favors for the Dark Lord. It's really the only possible explanation for Mimi's popularity.
But this is still (more or less) a free country, so if Mariah Carey does it for you, knock yourself out. We'll save you a room at Camp Mimi.
In terms of girly pop music, the far better bet this week would be Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus Best of Both Worlds Concert. It's the official #1 "children's album" at Amazon, and comes in a 2 disc CD/DVD version. Besides anything else, I'd certainly take the perfectly catchy, cheerful and modest bubblegum of "See You Again" 10 to 1 over anything from Mariah. Not that it has pretentions to High Art, but I'm actually somewhat infatuated with this good basic pop song.
Here's the listing of this week's new album releases, courtesy AMG:
Alkaline Trio Remains Vagrant Punk Revival, Punk-Pop, Emo
Ellen Allien Boogybytes, Vol. 4 Bpitch Control Club/Dance, Experimental Techno
American Princes Other People Yep Roc Indie Rock
Apocalyptica Worlds Collide 20-20/Jive/Zomba Heavy Metal, Classical Crossover, Neo-Classical Metal, Progressive Metal
Asia Phoenix Frontiers/EMI Album Rock, Arena Rock, Prog-Rock/Art Rock
Jon Balke Book of Velocities ECM Structured Improvisation, Process-Generated, Avant-Garde
Christopher Bissonnette In Between Words Kranky Experimental Ambient, Ambient, Electronic
Ketil Bjørnstad/Terje Rypdal Life in Leipzig ECM Folk-Jazz, Avant-Garde, Structured Improvisation, Modern Composition
Braille The IV Edition Syntax Hardcore Rap
The Brian Jonestown Massacre My Bloody Underground A Neo-Psychedelia, Indie Rock, Garage Rock Revival, Shoegaze, Space Rock
Mariah Carey E=MC2 Island Club/Dance, Urban, Dance-Pop
Commander Cody Live in the Ozone: 1973 US Tour Cleopatra Western Swing Revival, Country-Rock, Rock & Roll
Does It Offend You, Yeah? You Have No Idea What You're Getting Yourself Into Almost Gold Indie Electronic, Dance-Rock, Alternative Dance, New Wave/Post-Punk Revival, Indie Rock
Dave Douglas Moonshine Green Leaf Post-Bop
Everclear The Vegas Years Capitol Post-Grunge, Alternative Pop/Rock, Hard Rock
The Gossip Live in Liverpool [CD/DVD] Red Ink Indie Rock, Garage Punk
The Hoosiers The Trick to Life RCA Alternative Pop/Rock, Indie Pop, Britpop
James Hey Ma Mercury Adult Alternative Pop/Rock, Alternative Pop/Rock
Nik Kershaw You've Got to Laugh Shorthouse Alternative Singer/Songwriter, Adult Alternative Pop/Rock
Carole King Tapestry [Legacy Edition] Sony Legacy Pop/Rock, Soft Rock
The Kooks Konk Astralwerks Indie Rock
Kottonmouth Kings The Kottonmouth Xperience, Vol. 2 Suburban Noize Rap-Metal, Post-Grunge, Alternative Metal, Funk Metal
Marilyn Mazur/Jan Garbarek Elixir ECM Improvisation, Structured Improvisation, Folk-Jazz
James McMurty Just Us Kids Lightning Rod Americana, Contemporary Singer/Songwriter, Alternative Country, Roots Rock
Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus Best of Both Worlds Concert Disney Teen Pop, TV Soundtracks
Morgan Heritage Mission in Progress VP Contemporary Reggae, Roots Reggae
Elliott Murphy Notes from the Underground Last Call Adult Alternative Pop/Rock, Singer/Songwriter, Rock & Roll
The Naked Brothers Band I Don't Want to Go to School [Bonus Tracks] Sony Pop/Rock, Teen Pop
Charlemagne Palestine From Etudes to Cataclysms Sub Rosa Contemporary Keyboard Music
John Schneider Por Gitaro: Lou Harrison Mode Contemporary Music for Guitar
Original Soundtrack Forgetting Sarah Marshall Verve Alternative Pop/Rock, Soundtracks
Phantom Planet Raise the Dead FBR Indie Rock
Tristan Prettyman Hello Virgin Adult Alternative Pop/Rock, Contemporary Singer/Songwriter
Professor Longhair The London Concert JSP New Orleans R&B, New Orleans Blues, Piano Blues
Rush Snakes & Arrows Live Atlantic/WEA Album Rock, Prog-Rock/Art Rock, Hard Rock, Arena Rock
Sally Shapiro Remix Romance, Vol. 1 Paper Bag Alternative Dance, Euro-Dance, Indie Electronic
Southside Johnny 1978 Live in Boston Airline Heartland Rock, Album Rock, Rock & Roll
Tangele Tangele: The Pulse of Yiddish Tango Tzadik Jewish Music, Musical Theater, Jewish Folk, Tango
Various Artists Easy Beatles: Irresistible In-Sound Interpretations from the 60s and 70s Bureau B Vocal Pop, Pop, Folk-Pop
Jacob Young Sideways ECM Modern Creative, Avant-Garde Jazz, Folk-Jazz, Post-Bop
Jordan Zevon Insides Out New West Contemporary Singer/Songwriter, Adult Alternative Pop/Rock
New CD Album Releases, 4-8-2008: Nine Inch Nails, Was Not Was, The Rubber Soul Project, POD After a big week of new releases last, this week has pretty nearly nothing of obvious note. Ghosts I-IV is a new release from Nine Inch Nails, 55 instrumental tracks on 4 CDs. These are apparently essentially demo sketch books of Reznor's half-assed sonic doodles. Some of them got developed and turned into songs, but most of them just never went anywhere. I take it as a sign of the level of Reznor's commitment to the material that he didn't bother to come up with names for the tracks.
The most promising new album might be Boo! by Was (Not Was). It's been some years since the dance floor absurdity of "Walk the Dinosaur." Do they still got the goods?
Don't know if there are any songs to back up the conceit, but The Rubber Soul Project on Loud Folk Records gets points for high concept. They concoct an album of original songs based on reputed titles of unreleased Beatle songs. One thing though: there really have been at least scraps of Beatle songs with a couple of these titles circulating among bootleggers, including for example "All Together on the Wireless Machine."
POD was one of the lead purveyors of the dreaded rap-rock craze a decade ago or so. They are back this week with When Angels and Serpents Dance. This is their seventh album, and reunites them with their original guitarist Marcos Curiel. By this point, they have apparently largely given up the hip hop element, playing as more of a traditional guitar band.
Here's the listing of this week's new album releases, courtesy AMG:
The Breeders Mountain Battles 4AD Alternative Pop/Rock, Indie Rock
The Duke Spirit Neptune You Are Here Indie Rock
Foals Antidotes Sub Pop/Transgressive New Wave/Post-Punk Revival, Indie Rock, Math Rock
Tapes 'n Tapes Walk It Off XL Indie Rock
Ashes Divide Keep Telling Myself It's Alright Island Records Alternative Metal, Alternative Pop/Rock
Asia Acoustic and Electric Fuel 2000 Album Rock, Prog-Rock/Art Rock, Arena Rock
Eric Avery Help Wanted Dangerbird Alternative Pop/Rock
David Axelrod Seriously Deep Polydor Obscuro, Experimental Big Band, Jazz-Rock, Jazz-Funk
Marcia Ball Peace, Love & BBQ Alligator Modern Electric Blues
Michael Burks Iron Man Alligator Modern Electric Blues, Soul-Blues, Blues-Rock
Hayes Carll Trouble in Mind Lost Highway Americana, Roots Rock
Karan Casey Ships in the Forest Compass Contemporary Celtic, Folk-Pop, Celtic Pop, Celtic Folk, Irish Folk, Celtic Fusion
Clinic Do It! Domino Indie Rock, New Wave/Post-Punk Revival, Alternative Pop/Rock
Dark Meat Universal Indians [Bonus Tracks] Vice Indie Rock, Neo-Psychedelia
Dead Child Attack Quarterstick Indie Rock, Alternative Metal
Marie Digby Unfold Hollywood Contemporary Singer/Songwriter, Pop/Rock
Elephant Man Let's Get Physical Bad Boy/VP Contemporary Reggae, Dancehall, Ragga
Fleet Foxes Sun Giant EP Sub Pop Indie Rock
For Against Shade Side Sunny Side Words on Music Indie Pop, Dream Pop, Alternative Pop/Rock
The Gibson Brothers Iron and Diamonds Sugar Hill Contemporary Bluegrass, Traditional Bluegrass, Contemporary Folk
Gran Ronde Secret Rooms Filter U.S. New Wave/Post-Punk Revival, Indie Rock
Robert Kelly Just the Tip Comedy Central Standup Comedy
Jennifer Koh String Poetic Cedille Modern and Contemporary Music for Violin & Piano
Yvonne Loriod Olivier Messiaen - Never Before Released Jade Modern Keyboard, Chamber & Orchestral Music
Man Man Rabbit Habits Anti Experimental Rock, Indie Rock
Ellis Marsalis An Open Letter to Thelonious Elm Standards, Mainstream Jazz, Post-Bop
Colin Meloy Colin Meloy Sings Live! Kill Rock Stars Indie Pop, Chamber Pop, Indie Rock
The Microphones Glow, Pt. 2 [Bonus Disc] K Indie Rock, Experimental Rock, Post-Rock/Experimental, Lo-Fi
Thurston Moore Sensitive/Lethal No Fun Productions Experimental Rock, Indie Rock, Alternative Pop/Rock
Peter Moren The Last Tycoon Quarterstick Alternative Singer/Songwriter
Neva Dinova You May Already Be Dreaming Saddle Creek Alternative Country-Rock, Indie Rock
The New Bloods The Secret Life Kill Rock Stars Experimental Rock, Indie Rock
Nine Inch Nails Ghosts I-IV Null Industrial, Experimental Ambient, Dark Ambient, Alternative Pop/Rock, Industrial Metal
Jim Noir Jim Noir Barsuk Indie Pop, Indie Electronic
Old Haunts Poisonous Times Kill Rock Stars Indie Rock, Garage Rock Revival
Orlando Consort Scattered Rhymes [Hybrid SACD] Harmonia Mundi Medieval & Contemporary Vocal Music
Lara St. John Lara St. John Plays Hindson, Corigliano & Liszt [Hybrid SACD] Ancalagon Romantic and Contemporary Music for Violin & Orchestra
James Otto Sunset Man Warner/Reprise Contemporary Country
P.O.D. When Angels and Serpents Dance INO/Columbia Rap-Metal, Alternative Metal
Ray J All I Feel KR Urban Contemporary R&B, Urban
The Rubber Soul Project The Rubber Soul Project Loud Folk Tribute Albums
Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin Pershing Polyvinyl Indie Pop
Richard Swift Richard Swift as Onasis Secretly Canadian Garage Rock Revival, Lo-Fi
Various Artists Steve Reich: Daniel Variations Nonesuch Contemporary Choral & Chamber Ensemble Music
Was (Not Was) Boo! Rykodisc Dance-Rock, Pop/Rock, Dance-Pop
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, 3-25-2008: Gnarls Barkley, the Raconteurs, B-52s, Counting Crows Jack White is a man of destiny, like Judd Hammond in Gabriel Over the White House. When soon the historical inevitability manifests and he becomes El Presidente for Life, Jack White will have a hell of a job cleaning up after the failed politics of democracy and saving the world. So in the meantime, one can well appreciate his desire to kick back with the mates and make another Raconteurs album.
Consolers of the Lonely is their second album, following up the 2006 Broken Boy Soldiers. Along with Brendan Benson, Jack Lawrence (of The Greenhornes and Blanche), and Patrick Keeler (of The Greenhornes), Jack's side project is currently the #2 album at Amazon. Submit to the invasion hit parade. Resistance would be futile and dangerous.
Gnarls Barkley is back with The Odd Couple, their second album. Cee-Lo and DJ Danger Mouse made the 2006 Record of the Year with "Crazy." Moreover, closer listening to that St Elsewhere album reveals that most of the album is actually nearly as good as the big single. These two have both pop and soul well covered.
What I've heard from this album so far sounds pretty good, but I'm not hearing anything to make me forget "Crazy" or "Just a Thought." But I haven't heard enough to really render much opinion other than this merits at least a couple of listens.
The B 52s are back after 16 long years with Funplex. Founding member Cindy Wilson is back in the fold. For being old 50-somethings now, the band all look good on the album cover. But can they come up with any actual good songs after lo these many years?
It's been five years since their last album, and Counting Crows are back with Saturday Nights and Sunday Mornings. I know that this band has sold tens of millions of records and has at least a half dozen hit songs, but I can't for the life of me remember any of them. But again, what do I know from a hit? This is currently the #1 album at Amazon.
Here's the listing of this week's new album releases, courtesy AMG:
The B-52s Funplex Astralwerks Dance-Rock, Alternative Pop/Rock
Counting Crows Saturday Nights and Sunday Mornings Geffen Adult Alternative Pop/Rock, American Trad Rock, Roots Rock, Alternative Pop/Rock
Gnarls Barkley The Odd Couple Warner Bros Alternative Rap, Neo-Soul, Underground Rap
Panic at the Disco Pretty. Odd Fueled by Ramen Emo, Punk-Pop
Karrin Allyson Imagina: Songs of Brasil Concord Jazz Vocal Jazz, Brazilian Jazz
Aztec Two-Step Aztec Two Step ERA Folk-Rock, Soft Rock
Bay City Rollers Elevator Arista Pop/Rock, Power Pop, Pop
Miroslav Jacek Blaszczyk Kilar: Magnificat;Victoria Dux Recording Prod. Contemporary Choral Music
Scott Bradley Tex Avery: Music From the Tex Avery Orig Milan Soundtracks
Lindsey Buckingham Live at the Bass Performance Hall Reprise Pop/Rock
Cavalera Conspiracy Inflikted Roadrunner Heavy Metal, Thrash, Death Metal/Black Metal, Speed Metal
Robert Cray Live at the BBC Mercury Contemporary Blues, Modern Electric Blues, Soul-Blues
Tim Dawe Penrod Collectors' Choice Music Folk-Rock, Singer/Songwriter
De Novo Dahl Move Every Muscle, Make Every Sound Roadrunner Indie Pop, Pop Underground
Justin Townes Earle The Good Life Bloodshot Americana, Alternative Country, New Traditionalist, Roots Rock, Contemporary Singer/Songwriter
Emerson String Quartet Bach: Fugues Deutsche Grammophon String Quartet Arrangements of Baroque Keyboard Music
Genuine Sun Return Fuel 2000 Post-Grunge
Geordie Don't Be Fooled by the Name Repertoire Heavy Metal, Glam Rock, Hard Rock
The best things in life are free this week. The 
But this is still (more or less) a free country, so if Mariah Carey does it for you, knock yourself out. We'll save you a room at 
Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus
After a big week of new releases last, this week has pretty nearly nothing of obvious note. Ghosts I-IV is a new release from Nine Inch Nails, 55 instrumental tracks on 4 CDs. These are apparently essentially demo sketch books of Reznor's half-assed sonic doodles. Some of them got developed and turned into songs, but most of them just never went anywhere. I take it as a sign of the level of Reznor's commitment to the material that he didn't bother to come up with names for the tracks. 
