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