Well, kids, it's our shallowest week of new releases yet but despite the shortage of titles there are some very good items on the list and we'll highlight a couple of them.
We'll start with Michael Jackson's Michael CD. It's being touted as the first posthumous release from the supposedly voluminous Jackson archives. As with the icon in life, controversy surrounds him in death. There are those questioning the authenticity of the vocals on this collection. Teddy Riley, one of the producers, stands by the work on the record. I haven't yet heard any of the songs from it and have no take on whether this is legit or not but one thing is certain: this is the first of many more archival releases to come.
We'll also throw a plug in for the record I'm most excited about, that being the double album from the "retired" Ryan Adams & The Cardinals. According to what's up on Amazon, the music for this record came during the Easy Tiger sessions and features a band in transition and is described as being something of a concept record. Adams is a phenomenally talented songwriter/musician but is prone to making erratic statements regarding his own work. I'm a huge admirer of much of what he's done throughout his career and look forward to hearing these songs. Beyond that, take what you hear about the album with a pinch of salt. Know it's there and check it out.
Another nod in the direction of Phish, who are releasing a multi-disc set commemorating their 2010 "reunion" show at Alpine Valley as well as blues-rocker Popa Chubby who is releasing a compilation of his work with San Francisco's great Blind Pig label.
Popa Chubby - The Essential Popa Chubby
Setzer, Brian Orchestra - It S Gonna To Rock... Cause T
Birthmark - Shaking Hands
Bowersox, Crystal - Farmer's Daughter
Ciara - Basic Instinct
Crespo, Elvis - Indestructible
Igor Boxx - Breslau
Jackson, Michael - Michael
Kandi - Kandi Koated
Kelly, R. - Love Letter
Midnight Juggernauts - The Crystal Axis
Phish - Alpine Valley 2010
Ryan Adams – III/IV
Shrag - Life! Death! Prizes!
Tank - Now Or Never
Article comments
1 - El Bicho
I am curious to hear Crystal's album. I really like her voice