Tuesday, April 29, 2008

take a very deeeeeep breath....

and dive right in... here is a HUGE list of new music for today! Also, if you liked the new Coldplay I played earlier (Violet Hill), their new album will be released June 17th. It is titled Viva La Vida.


Madonna- Hard Candy **Sam’s Pick**
She is back, amazing as ever with her 11th studio album! The Material Girl (ok… I know, cheesy) Madonna collaborated this time with Timbaland and Justin Timberlake as well as other key players. Also available today: A special edition of the album that includes some additional mixes and fun swag including actual ‘hard candy’ starlite mints.

Sarah McLachlan- Rarities, B-Sides 2 and Other Stuff, Volume 2
This is a must-have for Sarah lovers! The disc includes a hefty amount of Sarah’s b-sides, plus some excellent covers and rarely heard tunes. Some live tunes and remixes include. Great collection. The live recording of Angel with Emmylou Harris is awesome!

Newton Faulkner- Hand Built by Robots **Sam’s Pick**
Until today, this debut album from Faulkner was only available as an import. This album is gorgeous and a welcome addition to my singer/songwriter shelf. However, it’s impossible to really ‘get’ him unless you see him live. That is where you see why he is so unique. His musicianship and presence are truly amazing. We have a couple live cuts from him on the site… you can hear them by clicking this: http://alice1059.com/pages/291004.php . Awesome!

Augustana- Can’t Love, Can’t Hurt
The band’s second album shows a huge growth in their style. Not so much the music itself, but the songs overall. They have a much more mature vibe than All The Stars and Boulevards. As if knowing this, the group’s lead singer underwent an image overhaul that makes him barely recognizable to fans… but he looks goooooood.

Def Leppard- Songs from the Sparkle Lounge
Are we ready for DLs 14th album? Well, it’s here! With 11 brand new songs from the band that just won’t quit. The current single “Nine Lives” features Tim McGraw and the band has set out on another tour!

White Lion- Return Of The Pride
This is the sequel to the 80s band’s most successful album Pride. Of course, it comes over 20 years after Pride and there have been many albums in-between, but this is the group’s attempt to revisit that original sound. (This was previously available as an import).

Joy Division- the Best of Joy Division
This is a double-disc limited edition collection, featuring 14 greatest hits from Joy Division. The second disc has 8 bonus tracks recorded in ’79 in a couple different Peel Session.

The Slackers- Self Medication **Sam’s Pick**
This NYC-based Ska/Reggae band is awesome! Their live show is incredible. They swing through now and then, normally playing smaller Denver venues. If you see one, I highly recommend attending. I imagine they will be touring to support their new album so keep an eye out!

Portishead- Third **Sam’s Pick**
I have been waiting for this one for a while! Ever since they teased us with a couple new songs on their myspace page, I have been anticipating the new album and it’s finally here. Ambient, ethereal and just plain mesmerizing… Portishead is baaaack. And whoever saw them at Coachella last week? I’m so jealous.

Mudcrutch- Mudcrutch **Sam’s Pick**
Mudcrutch was Tom Petty’s band before the Heartbreakers and here they are with their debut album... uh, finally. The unmistakable vocals of Petty is mixed with old and new tunes with his pals. Something to truly smile about… I feel a road trip coming on!


Other releases worth noting:
The Chipmunks- Sing The Beatles Hits
The Roots- Rising Down
Testament- The Formation of Damnation
Puscifer- V is Viagra: The Remixes
Steve Winwood- Nine Lives **Sam’s Pick**
Forever the Sickest Kids- Underdog Alma Mater
New York Dolls- Live At The Fillmore East
Mindless Self-Indulgence- If
Robyn- Robyn
Nerf Herder- IV
Raven-Symone- Raven-Symone
Walls of Jericho- Redemption
Zero Hour- Dark Deceiver
Iced Earth- Enter the Realm of the Gods
The Cab- Whisper War
Griffin House- Flying Upside Down
Estelle- Shine
Brian Culbertson- Bringing Back the Funk


Thanks for reading!!

xo,
Sam

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

quirky to classic... we have it all today!

Here are some of the new releases today... hooray! Enjoy!

Flight Of The Conchords- Flight Of The Conchords **Sam’s Pick**
I became addicted to these guys and their quirky senses of humor when I first caught their show on HBO. Bret McKenzie and Jemaine Clement are from New Zealand and they have a very unique comedic style that combines acoustic guitars with very offbeat lyrics. Example? This clip from their song Business Time. The boys will be performing May 15th at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House.


Blind Melon- For My Friends
Travis Warren is the new voice of Blind Melon as they put out their first new album since 1995 (the year the band’s lead singer Shannon Hoon died). The rest of the members are original and you will hear music that resembles the Blind Melon you recall but they do try some different sounds on for size as well. Solid recording.


Whitesnake-Good To Be Bad
Boy-oh-boy… new Whitesnake. It’s been 10 years! Confession time. I love David Coverdale’s voice (always have) and this new disc sounds just as you would hope if you’ve been a fan of Whitesnake. There are some extras included here… a bonus disc with a handful of live recordings and a video for the single “Ready To Rock.”


Ashlee Simpson- Bittersweet World
Ashlee is admittedly in a happy place right now. Her career as a musician has so far been very successful and she’s plowed on through embarrassing situations… like the infamous SNL performance. In her own words “I wanted to make a party record.”


Lyrics Born- Everywhere At Once
Tom Shimura is the voice behind Lyrics born and his new album stretches him even further, showing what he is truly capable of doing in the musical genres of pop, R&B, hip hop and alternative. He’s a very gifted artist!


Story of the Year- Black Swan
This is album number 3 from SOTY and loyal fans will not be disappointed and if you’ve never checked them out… this may be the time since the band has admitted they really stepped it up on this one.



Other releases worth noting:
Armin van Buuren- Imagine
Billy Bragg- Mr. Love and Justice
Toyko Police Club- Elephant Shell
The Weepies- Hideaway
Atmosphere- When Life Gives You Lemons, You Paint That S*&@ Gold
Carol King- Tapestry Legacy Edition (2 CD)
Elbow- The Seldom Seen Kid **Sam’s Pick**
Phil Vassar- Prayer of a Common Man (Limited Edition)
Donny Osmond- From Donny With Love


Thanks for reading!

xo,
Sam

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

prepare yourself for a plethora of new music choices....

And here we go... some of today's new releases.




Mariah Carey- E=MC2
Carey is the most successful female recording artist of all time and this new release is most likely going to solidify that role. It’s been slightly over two years since Carey released her last album, The Emancipation of Mimi. She has more than a handful of superstar guests on this new one. It’s Mariah at her best and I’m guessing this will be one of the hottest albums for spring and summer. There is a deluxe edition out today as well that includes some special packaging, an iPod skin and some other goodies.

Hannah Montana- Best of Both Worlds (CD and DVD)
This is pulled directly from the sold-out “Best of Both Worlds” Tour. The CD has 14 of Hannah’s (Miley Cyrus) smash hits and for a deeper look at the tour, the included DVD has behind-the-scenes shots and pics.

Asia- Phoenix
Yes, this is a new album from Asia… in fact, the first in 25 years to feature the original line-up. Geoff Downes (Yes, The Buggles), Steve Howe (Yes), Carl Palmer (ELP), and John Wetton (King Crimson).

Rush- Snakes and Arrows (Live Double CD)
If you missed the tour last year, here’s your chance to hear it on the new live double disc release from Rush. Yes, the classics are there as well as some of the trio’s newer material.

Jimmies Chicken Shack- Fail On Cue
This is JCS’s 8th studio album since the release of their debut album High in the mid-nineties. Not much has changed with these guys.

The Clash LIVE: Revolution Rock (DVD) **Sam’s Pick**
Woo! This is an awesome new documentary that walks us through some amazing live performances from The Clash! Director Don Letts brilliantly arranged some incredible, never before released performances into one awesome ride. My numero uno pick for today!

Thrice- Alchemy Index, Vol. 3 & 4: Air and Earth

Thrice released Vol. 1 & 2 of this series last October. The Air shows Thrice’s softer side while Earth features them stripped down. The previous releases were titled Fire and Water.

The Kooks- Konk
Get the deluxe edition of Konk and you’ll get a bonus disc, plus a couple acoustic tracks and a handful of exclusive tracks. This is the band’s second album… their first is title Inside In/Inside Out. The Kooks are playing The Odgen on May 29th. Head to www.alice1059.com and go to the concert calendar for more.

James- Hey Ma
James has reunited for a brand new album. At this time, it’s only available as an import.

Erasure- Live At Royal Albert Hall (DVD)
This concert was a nice blend of Erasure’s classic hits and never material from their most recent album. Plus, goodies include never-before-released footage.

Everclear- The Vegas Years
This is an album of classic songs, covered by Seattle band Everclear. They are commemorating the release on the 20th with a live webcast from The Beach at Mandalay Bay in Vegas. If you visit http://www.everclearonline.com/ you can find out more. Lead singer Art Alexakis said he has wanted to do this album for over 10 years. These are not all new but the first time they have been compiled to form an album.


Other releases worth noting:
Phantom Planet- Raise The Dead
Lady Antebellum- Lady Antebellum
M83- Saturdays=Youth
Frank Black- Svn Fngrs **Sam’s Pick**
Tristan Prettyman- Hello
Ours- Mercy (Dancing For The Death Of An Imaginary Enemy)
Diana Reeves- When You Know
Children of Bodom- Blooddrunk
Does Offend You Yeah?- You Have No Idea What You’re Getting Yourself Into


I'm off to buy The Clash DVD!

Thanks for reading,
Sam

Tuesday, April 8, 2008

The Spirit of NIN Unfolds in today's new music!

Here are some of today's brand new releases as heard on my New Music Preview... you can catch it every Tuesday just after 12:30pm.



Leona Lewis- Spirit
Lewis won British talent competition X Factor and was snapped up by Clive Davis and Idol’s Simon Cowell and signed. Today is her debut album’s US release… she has all ready enjoyed immense success in the UK. Her list of awards and accolades is growing rapidly and her mix of R&B and pop is pulling in new fans every day. Fun fact: her first single from the album (Bleeding Love) was produced and co-written by Ryan Tedder, the singer from OneRepublic.

Marie Digby- Unfold
Marie (pronounced Mahr-ee-ay), Digby’s success began on youtube.com with a unique cover of Rihanna’s “Umbrella.” Since then, Marie has gathered millions of fans, gotten picked up by Hollywood Records and is in the Gap’s spring campaign along with 4 other artists.

Nine Inch Nails- Ghosts I-IV
This is a new 36-track collection of instrumental music from NIN. Recorded over a month and a half last fall. NIN continues to ground-break with this instrumental release. In Trent Reznor’s own words: “This music arrived unexpectedly as the result of an experiment. The rules were as follows: 10 weeks, no clear agenda, no overthinking, everything driven by impulse. Whatever happens during that time gets released as... something.” Reznor also said this will not be the only NIN release of this type. Look forward to more “Ghosts.”

The Breeders- Mountain Battles
I love the Pixies and in turn, have always looked forward to hearing Pixie Bassist Kim Deal’s other project’s releases! It’s been 6 years since we’ve heard from The Breeders and Kim’s songwriting is consistently impressive. The Breeders will be hitting the road this year, playing festivals and eventually a fall tour.

P.O.D.- When Angels & Serpents Dance
Longtime P.O.D. fans are calling this album a bit more of a return to the band’s roots. I have not yet had a chance to listen, but I have enjoyed a lot of their tunes in the past, so I will be giving it a shot.

Was (Not Was)-Boo!
It’s been 20 years since Was (Not Was) has released an album… and the members are all original and just weird as you remember.

Various- Punk Goes Crunk **Sam’s Pick**
Number 7 in a series of albums that have alt/punk/emo bands covering big tunes… this time, hip hop is the genre they chose the songs from. Extremely entertaining covers, some very… for lack of a better term… ballsy. **explicit lyrics**

The Feeling- Join With Us (Import Only)
This is an import, which is the only reason I haven’t yet listened. The Feeling was a part of the first VH1 You Oughta Know Tour and traveled with Mat Kearney and Rocco Deluca last year. I dug their first release, but rather than spend the 30 bucks for an import, I’ll wait for the US release.

Other releases worth noting:
The Long Blondes- Couples **Sam’s Pick**
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds- Dig!!! Lazarus Dig!!! (This is the special/limited edition release)
James Otto- Sunset Man
Cut Copy- In Ghost Colors
Paul Gilbert- Silence Followed By a Deafening Roar
Ashes Divide- Keep Telling Myself It’s All Right


Thanks for reading!!

xo,
Sam

Tuesday, April 1, 2008

oh yeah... it's tuesday again...

Meaning, time to talk new music! Here are some of today's releases:

R.E.M- Accelerate
Simplify simplify is what the band has done. Not meaning they are boring this time around. Not hardly. But, this is just the approach that I prefer from R.E.M. The tunes on Accelerate are guitar-driven and arranged very simple and straightforward. Plus! R.E.M. just announced a show at Red Rocks, Tuesday, June 3rd. Tickets will go on sale this Saturday, April 5th, 10am at Ticketmaster.

*There is also a bonus CD/DVD version of this released today as well that includes a film and two bonus tracks from the band.*

Van Morrison- Keep It Simple
It’s not often you are announcing the release of a musician’s 35th album. Morrison wrote the lyrics, arranged the songs, composed the music and produced this album. Naturally, he brought his expertise on the Saxophone and Harmonica into the mix… however, you won’t be hearing the big boomin’ horns that sometime accompany Morrison’s releases. He chose instead to make his impression with depth and complexity.

Muse- Haarp (CD/DVD)
The selections from this collection were chosen from the band’s HUGE shows at Wembley Stadium in London in 2006. Plus, included is some behind-the-scenes goodness for those of us who want a little bit more insight into the guys.

The Rolling Stones- Shine A Light
This is the deluxe edition, 2-disc set… of the soundtrack to Scorsese’s film “Shine A Light.” The documentary features performances from the Stone’s shows at The Beacon Theatre in New York in 2006. This deluxe set has 22 tracks (every single one from the film) plus a handful of bonus tracks that were cut from the film.

Moby- Last Night **Sam’s Pick**
From the man who plays multiple instruments, has rocked out in a hardcore punk band, is not quite or lethargic about his passion for animals and the environment… but is arguably best known for his work at a DJ. This is his latest work. Ambient and true-to-form, the tracks on Last Night are what you would expect from Moby… but a bit better! And the first single is called “Alice.” It’s enough to make me want to reevaluate my feelings about techno. Hehe.

Dream Theater- Greatest Hits (… and 21 other pretty cool songs)
Their first ever greatest compilation. The songs have have remastered and there are even a couple remixes as well to tantalize those of us willing to admit we still love Dream Theater. Ahem… me.

Fall Out Boy- Live In Phoenix
This is available on CD and DVD. There have been limited engagements in theaters, but as of today… you can enjoy your own private showing whenever you like. The show was taped in Phoenix’s Cricket Pavilion during last year’s Honda Civic Tour. Outtakes and behind-the-scenes are included on the DVD… including all 8 of the groups video clips in chronological order. Plus, John Mayer fans... there is a studio recording of John Mayer with the band, covering the Michael Jackson tune "Thriller."


Other releases worth noting:
The Blue Man Group- How To Be A Megastar Live! (CD/DVD)
The Osmonds- Live In Las Vegas 50th Anniversary Reunion Concert (LIVE)
Sevendust- Chapter VII (Hope and Sorrow) **Sam’s Pick**
Theory of a Deadman- Scars and Souvenirs
The Sword- Gods of the Earth
Sun Kil Moon- AprilThe Black Keys- Attack & Release


Thanks for reading!

xo,
Sam