I need to divide this week's New Release column in two segments: the big releases everyone but me cares about and the stuff you should all be listening to that I've already ordered. Being the magnanimous sort, I'll let you go first.
Kanye West's My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy is going to be a huge seller. Hip hop doesn't often let one artist stand atop the mountain very long but West has established himself as a brand. He's been here for awhile and doesn't seem likely to go anywhere anytime soon. He says and does outlandish, stupid things which means he's a hip hop star in the rock star tradition. Another hip hopper who has demonstrated real staying power is Jay-Z, who is releasing a hits compilation this week.
I suspect Ke$ha is going to have the opposite of staying power. She has a new title out this week. I don't get the appeal but you can't deny she's had some serious commercial success at a time when not many are. Other major releases for today include sets from from Ne-Yo, Nicki Minaj, My Chemical Romance and re-issues from Pantera and Nine Inch Nails.
Now that your titles are out of the way, let's talk about what's new in my collection this week.
Freddie King
Texas Flyer 1974-1976
I hinted at another uber-expensive box set last week and this it. This 5-CD box set is the sequel to Bear Family's 7-CD Freddie King box set, Taking Care Of Business 1956-1973. Texas Flyer finishes King's stay at Shelter records and includes four discs of high quality King live performances from those years at the end of his life and includes a hardcover book with photos and biographical notes from noted historian Bill Dahl. I've pre-ordered my set and am about to explode waiting for its arrival! According to what I've read, these live recordings aren't shoddy bootlegs but professionally recorded performances of King doing songs from throughout his career. My study of and obsession with King is still in its infancy but my appreciation for his music grows daily.
I will have virtually every note this legend recorded by the time these five discs arrive, joining the seven of Taking Care Of Business. This, boys and girls, is why I have a 160GB iPod and can't wait until Uncle Steve Jobs fashions one with a higher capacity. I will travel with all this goodness and when I'm at home, I'll be listening to the magical goodness on my very adequate stereo. Christmas has come early.
Article comments
1 - charlie doherty
Didn't know about the live King's X release and the other older live release you mentioned (since I haven't kept up with them lately). Now you got me excited about them again. Thanks Josh!
2 - Josh Hathaway
Another King's X fan! Good to know, Charlie. I found out about this a month or so ago and then lost track of it until doing the weekly new release thing. We're a small, loyal cabal but we are out there. Anyway, my copy of 'London' just arrived today. I'm very excited about cranking this up and hearing it. The other live set is good, not great. Worth having if it's still in print.