There are a bunch of Mingus reissues and unearthings coming into existence, all leading up to the release (late June) of Cornell 1964. It's really tough for me to resist any of it. Mingus was such a powerful talent.

Chick Corea - Enchantment (Universal)/Jazz

Corea in a set of duets with Bela Fleck. Piano and banjo, an unusual pairing to say the least!

Michael Brecker - Pilgrimage (Heads Up)/Jazz

For his final recording session, Michael Brecker brought in a crew of friends: Herbie Hancock, Jack DeJohnette, John Patitucci, Brad Mehldau, and Pat Metheny. Supergroups from any genre can be risky propositions, but with this lineup I'll take my chances.

Death Ambient - Drunken Forest (Tsadik)/Avant

There's really no categorizing this recording. "Avant-Garde" is sometimes used as a catch-all basket for "weird stuff that doesn't fit anywhere else." With Fred Frith's guitar, Ikue Mori's laptop, guest percussionist Jim Pugliese, and Kato Hideki on an assortment of guitar-like instruments and recorders, Death Ambient makes spooky and thoughtful music with many layers. Hey, how many bands do you know listing "glasses, ice, and water" on their instrument list?

Massacre - Lonely Heart (Tzadik)/Avant

It's a Fred Frith two-fer this week. Charles Hayward (drums) and Bill Laswell (bass) complete the lineup. This is improvised music that runs the scale from ambient to surfy to violently noisy.

Suburban Kids with Biblical Names - Loop Delicate My Heart (Yesboyicecream)/Electronic

This is a single released from this Swedish duo's #3 album. Cross some fun pop melodies with electronica and there you are. Plus, I really couldn't pass up that great band name.

Azalea City Penis Club - The Coffin Years (Rock)/???

Speaking of band names, this one caught my eye. Yeesh, imagine the conversation at home. "Hey, mom, I joined a band!" "That's nice, hon, what's it called?" "Uh....Azalea City Penis Club!" "Oh, you crazy kids!!"

Seriously though, these guys cite bands like Pere Ubu, Boris, and Red House Painters as influences. Give Pictures a listen and you'll see that that's a pretty accurate assessment. The Coffin Years is an Internet-only release. Details can be found at Dreamboat Records.

Ozzy Osbourne - Black Rain (Columbia)/Rock

What's left to say about Ozzy? I mean, the record will come out and his fans will lap it up. The folks who've always hated him will figure out some new clever put down, etc. Boring. If he's still irritating some people, maybe he's still onto something.