CDs:

Alter Bridge – Fortress CD (Alter Bridge/Universal)

Fortress builds upon the sound that Alter Bridge has been known for with their uncompromised vocal melodies, untouchable dueling guitar work and pounding rhythm section. The album was produced by long-time Alter Bridge producer Michael “Elvis” Baskette, known for his work with Falling In Reverse, Story Of The Year, and Incubus.

Iggy Azalea – Change Your Life CDEP (Island)

Australian born, now residing in Atlanta, Iggy Azalea has spent the last year building an incredible buzz. Discovered by T.I., Iggy has gained the respect of hip-hop heavyweights. The cult classic mixtape Ignorant Art catapulted her into the spotlight in 2011.

Jamie Baum Septet – In The Life CD (Sunnyside)

It may seem counterintuitive that NYC flutist-composer-bandleader, Jamie Baum, accomplishes her breakthrough to greater recognition with the stellar In This Life, but so be it. An album inspired by her travels in South Asia and the music of the late Pakistani Qawwali vocalist Nusrat Fateh Ali Kahn, Jamie’s musical imagination and skills are not limited by her origins or circumstances instead, they are enriched by her experiences.

Bombay Dub Orchestra – Tales From The Grand Bazaar CD (Six Degrees)

“London’s Bombay Dub Orchestra (a.k.a. Andrew T. Mackay and Garry Hughes) returns with another wonderful album of globetrotting world beats, blended with traditional Indian orchestral sounds.” – Pop Matters

Danny Brown – Old CD (Fools Gold)

Danny jumps from “artist to watch” to undeniable icon with his magnum opus, Old. This emotionally-charged concept album is an intoxicating mix of Danny at his most experimental and most accessible, balancing hip-hop grit with electronic club sonics and much, much more. Featuring guest appearances from A$AP Rocky, Schoolboy Q, Freddie Gibbs, Purity Ring, Charli XCX, and more overproduction from the likes of A-Trak and Rustie, Old is a psychedelic portrait of rap’s most vital and exciting new star. “BNM [8.7]” — Pitchfork 

Cage The Elephant – Melophobia CD/LP (RCA)

For their junior album, Cage The Elephant are departing from their usual Southern rock. On their first single they channel Bowie’s spacy style. “Melophobia means a fear of music. Aptly titled, because any band vying for the title of rock album of the year should fear the music on this record.” – themusic.com.au

Anna Calvi – One Breath CD/LP+MP3 (Domino)

“Vigorous vocals, virtuoso guitar solos and tense orchestral climaxes were the main ingredients that made her enthralling musical and performative style synonymous with passion and deep, noir-ish atmospheres. Winning the heart of Brian Eno and Nick Cave amongst many, her powerful vocals and enchanting stage presence made for a pretty unique and identifiable style: whether she was covering Edith Piaf or Beyoncé, Anna Calvi thundered with pathos.” – Drowned In Sound

Alex Chilton – Electricity By Candlelight CD/LP (Bar/None)

On the night of February 13, 1997 Alex Chilton and his band were getting ready to play their second set of the night at the Knitting Factory in New York City when the lights went out. What happened was this album, a spontaneous off the cuff performance. This is Alex thinking on his feet, in the moment, bouncing songs and ideas off the folks that stuck around for a real one-of-a-kind exchange. This is as close and personal as it gets.

Miley Cyrus – Bangerz CD (RCA)

Bangerz features production by Mike WiLL Made It, Pharrell Williams, and will.i.am among others, with features from Britney Spears, Big Sean, Future, Nelly, Ludacris, and French Montana. Available in Regular and Deluxe editions. Deluxe adds three bonus tracks.

[Read more…] about New Releases for October 8, 2013

CDs:

John Abercrombie Quartet – 39 Steps CD (ECM)

John Abercrombie was one of the key jazz guitarists to emerge in the mid-’70s, along with John Scofield and Pat Metheny, and an Abercrombie ECM album has been a steady occurrence since his signature fusion classic Timeless from 1975. Lately, he’s been in a acoustic quartet mood on his ECM records, but the “John Abercrombie Quartet” means something quite different this time because there isn’t, say, a saxophone (Joe Lovano) or violin (Mark Feldman) to go along with bass and drums. This time, a piano is sharing the front line with Abercrombie, something that hadn’t been in an Abercrombie-led recording for the label for a very long time.

Advance Base – The World Is In A Bad Fix Everywhere CDEP (Caldo Verde)

A tribute to early 20th century Texas street preacher, singer, songwriter and musical innovator Washington Phillips.

All Time Low – Don’t Panic: It’s Longer Now! [2012] CD (Hopeless)

Reissue of the band’s fifth full-length studio release, expanded with four brand new songs plus four acoustic tracks.

Atlantian Kodex – The White Goddess (A Grammar Of Poetic Myth)

Drawing from traditional heavy metal, doom and Norse metal, The White Goddess showcases their strongest songwriting, lyrical, vocal performance and production yet. Self-described as falling somewhere between Twilight of the Gods-era Bathory, early Manowar (Ross the Boss-era) and other classic US bands like Fates Warning, Cirith Ungol and Warlord, Atlantean Kodex retains a singular modernity and heaviness via their incredible production and recording techniques, and through singer Markus Becker, who has the naturally blessed pipes to rival the best heavy metal vocalists past or present. Vinyl edition December 10.

Richard Barone – Cool Blue Halo [Reissue/1987] CD (Jem)

Hailed by NPR as “a plaintive masterpiece,” Cool Blue Halo by NYC singer/songwriter Richard Barone is an album consistently cited as one of the best records you’ve never heard. The unique sound of “chamber rock” replaced bass and drums with cello and percussion, and presaged the Unplugged era that shortly followed. This version is completely remastered and includes nine bonus tracks not on the original record.

Richard Barone – Cool Blue Halo Concert 2xCD+DVD (Jem)

To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the cult classic, Richard reassembled the band for a one-night-only concert at New York’s City Winery on May 4, 2012. Features a set list of his best originals, unique covers, and special guests including Garth Hudson and Tony Visconti. Includes the complete concert on DVD, and a “making-of” documentary.

Tim Berne’s Snakeoil – Shadow Man CD (ECM)

Over four years together, Berne and his band of New York standouts (pianist Matt Mitchell, clarinettist Oscar Noriega and drummer/percussionist Ches Smith) have developed a rapport that sounds like communal telepathy. The studio outcome is a marvel of kinetic action — the six pieces of Shadow Man make for music as visceral as it is cerebral; there is rollercoaster dynamism and aching lyricism, roiling counterpoint and intriguing harmony, glinting detail and ensemble impact.

Blind Boys Of Alabama – I’ll Find A Way CD/LP (Sony Masterworks)

Produced by Justin Vernon (Bon Iver, Kathleen Edwards), I’ll Find A Way features some of the Blind Boys’ most fervent vocals as well as contributions by a new generation of Blind Boys fans – Sam Amidon, Shara Worden of My Brightest Diamond, Merrill Garbus of tUnE-yArDs, Casey Dienel of White Hinterland, Patty Griffin, and Vernon himself.

Blitzen Trapper – VII CD/LP (Vagrant)

Seventh album from the Portland, Oregon-based experimental country/folk act. VII is full of the vivid folk-rock-campfire-tales frontman Eric Earley is so well known for. The album moves effortlessly from track to track allowing Earley to paint the colorful pictures that play in our head while singing along.

The Blow – The Blow CD/LP (Kanine)

Original member Khaela Maricich has partnered with Melissa Dyne to create a record that reflects their united love of pop music, bass, frequency, hooks and intimate lyrics. This is the long-awaited first new release since 2007’s Paper Television.

Blue Sky Black Death – Glaciers CD (Fake Four, Inc.)

“Blue Sky Black Death is an excellently-named Seattle production duo; they’ve put in serious time assembling spacey, twinkling, weirdly pretty beats for rappers like Nacho Picasso and Deniro Farrar. This fall, they’ll release their new album Glaciers. The album is only five songs long, but each of them is a sprawling, expansive, softly epic piece of work.” — Stereogum

Basia Bulat – Tall Tall Shadow CD/LP (Secret City)

Tall Tall Shadow,is the third album singer/songwriter Basia Bulat, who has garnered critical acclaim from Pitchfork praising her “rare, extraordinary voice,” and Filter, who declares “Bulat can pine with the best of them.” Basia co-produced Tall Tall Shadow with Mark Lawson (The Suburbs) and Tim Kingsbury (Arcade Fire).

Brendan Canning – You Gots 2 Chill CD/LP (SQE)

Sophomore solo LP from Broken Social Scene’s Brendan Canning.

[Read more…] about New Releases for October 1st, 2013

CDs:

Au Revior Simone – Move In Spectrums CD/LP (Instant)

First new album in four years from Brooklyn, NY’s acclaimed female trio. More luscious, electronic dreamy pop filled with vintage keyboards and tight harmonies. Also available on pink vinyl.

David Bromberg Band – Only Slightly Mad CD (Appleseed Recordings)

A thorough display of Grammy nominee Bromberg’s many talents as a sensitive, masterful guitarist, mandolinist and vocalist, convincing song interpreter, songwriter, bandleader, and arranger. There are enough musical roots on display on Only Slightly Mad to support a giant redwood blues, bluegrass, gospel, folk, country, Irish fiddle tunes, English drinking songs, even a cappella, all happily coexist, as they did on his much-loved albums of the ‘70s and 80s.

Ray Charles – Ray Charles Forever CD+DVD (Concord)

Features remixed and remastered versions of some of Ray’s classic hits and the previously unreleased “They Can’t Take That Away From Me.” The DVD contains re-purposed, rare live performance footage related to the project.

Cher – Closer To The Truth CD (WB)

Cher’s first studio album in over 10 years, Closer To The Truth includes songwriting from Timbaland and P!nk, plus performances by the latter as well as the Scissor Sisters’ and Jake Shears. Available in Regular and Deluxe editions. Deluxe includes three bonus tracks.

Chvrches – The Bones Of What You Believe CD/LP (Glassnote)

Debut full-length studio release for the Scottish synth-pop trio. “The Bones Of What You Believe hits so many high notes with its surprisingly simplistic delivery that it’s impossible not to recommend to even the most jaded of listeners. Yes it is at times sickly sweet, but that’s part of the charm.” – Sputnikmusic

Clannad – Nádúr CD (ARC Music)

Nádúr (Gaelic word for “nature”) is Clannad’s first album of new material since 1998’s Grammy winning Landmarks, and features the full original line-up — siblings Moya, Ciaran and Pol Brennan, and their twin uncles Noel and Padraig Duggan — back together on record for the first time since the 1989 album Past Present.

[Read more…] about New Releases for September 24, 2013