New Releases for June 3, 2014
CDs:
The 5th Dimenson – Earthbound [Reissue/1975] CD (Real Gone Music)
The Soul City and Bell recordings of the original line-up of the 5th Dimension have been amply reissued in the digital age, with reissues of all their albums and collections too numerous to name. But Earthbound, the final album they recorded together after moving to the ABC label in 1975, had, due to some contractual confusion, been lost in limbo for almost four decades.
50 Cent – Animal Ambition: An Untamed Desire To Win CD/CD+DVD (G-Unit)
Fifth album from the rapper features guest appearances from Yo Gotti, Trey Songz, Kidd Kidd, Jadakiss, Mr. Probz, Guordan Banks, Prodigy, Schoolboy Q and Styles P. Available in Regular and Deluxe editions. Deluxe adds a bonus DVD.
Dave Alvin & Phil Alvin – Common Ground: Dave Alvin & Phil Alvin Play and Sing the Songs of Big Bill Broonzy CD/LP+CD (Yep Roc)
The Alvin brothers, who founded seminal early L.A. punk roots band The Blasters in 1979, have shared a fascination with Broonzy since childhood. After an illness nearly took Phil’s life in 2012, they resolved to return to the studio and pay tribute to the blues legend. Common Ground includes 12 songs that capture a 30-year cross section of Broonzy’s canon, performed by the Alvins’ in their signature style of rollicking roots and stomping country blues.
Big Mucci (Dat 71 North Boi) – Shuffle Step Slide: The Line Dance Movement CD (71 North Entertainment)
Big Mucci and his 71 North Boyz phenomenon has taken over clubs with line dances and infectious lyrics that keeps dances floors rocking.
Big Smo – Kuntry Livin’ CD (Elektra)
The “hick-hop” duo of Hick Ross and Boss Of The Stix release their debut album, which is aimed squarely at the knuckle-dragging mouth-breathing redneck hordes.
Birdy – Fire Within [2013] CD (Atlantic)
US edition of the second album from the British singer/songwriter. Fire Within sees Birdy come to the forefront as a songwriter in her own right, having written/co-written all of the 11 tracks on the album. Collaborating with some of the biggest names in the business including Ryan Tedder (Beyonce), Dan Wilson (co-wrote and produced “Someone Like You” for Adele), Rich Costey (Muse, Arctic Monkeys, Sigur Ros) and Ben Lovett from Mumford & Sons, whom she’s collaborated with in the past.
Blackbird Blackbird – Tangerine Sky CD (Om)
This is futuristic electronic-pop that doesn’t look back for inspiration, instead tying together elements of forward thinking hip-hop/R&B, space-age folk, and the meditative grooves of house and techno.
Shy Blakeman – Live At Billy Bob’s Texas CD+DVD (Smith Music Group)
New live release from the Texas-based country singer/songwriter. Shy Blakeman won the second annual Live At Billy Bob’s Texas Recording Contest. Shy, a Kilgore, TX native, received the most votes after two rounds of voting. He is the 43rd artist to record a Live at Billy Bob’s Texas album and joins the ranks of Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Pat Green, Jason Boland, Kevin Fowler, Stoney LaRue, Randy Rogers Band, Wade Bowen, Brandon Rhyder, Cory Morrow and last year’s winner, Josh Grider.
Alice Boman – EP II CD/LP (The Control Group)
Alice Boman’s voice hits with the emotional force and haunting fragility of Nina Simone. Timeless and direct, the Swedish singer returns with a wistful collection of songs on EP II, which is expanded with a special bonus edition of the stunning debut EP, Skisser.
