I can't help it, but I cringe when hearing that a musician has had their first child. We know what's coming. The new album where the happy new parental unit goes all gooey about this new life and how wonderful it all is.
Holy crap, that sounds cynical. Ahem....
I'm counting on Ani DiFranco to prove me wrong. If ever there was an artist who presents emotions in their pure, raw state, it's Ani. That, and I've always loved the way she abuses her acoustic guitar.
Dream Theater has become an iffy proposition for me. I still take my chances on them with each release, hoping that I'll find a diamond like I did with last year's excellent Systematic Chaos and not get another lump of coal like Octavarium. Chances are better with a live release, however, and this DVD set looks to be pretty promising in that it focuses on much of the previous album and some other material that other live sets haven't featured as prominently. It also has an extensive documentary, videos, and "stage tours" care of Mike Portnoy himself.
Whatever you say about the band, you can't say they don't cater to their fans - Portnoy has made sure fans are well taken care of with bonus content like the above, a whole slew of official bootlegs, and, in the case of this release, a special limited edition that includes three discs of the audio from the concert portion. It's not going to be easy to find, but it will likely be worth it for big fans (here's a hint: Best Buy is stocking them in some stores. Order online for store pickup like I did just a bit ago to save yourself a huge hassle.)
Here are this week's new album releases courtesy of All Music Guide:
The Jesus and Mary Chain
The Power of Negative Thinking: B-Sides & Rarities
Blanco Y Negro/Rhino
College Rock, Noise Pop, Post-Punk, Alternative Pop/Rock
Mercury Rev
Snowflake Midnight
V2
Dream Pop, Neo-Psychedelia, Indie Rock, Alternative Pop/Rock
Roy Orbison
The Soul of Rock and Roll
Legacy
Pop/Rock, Pop, Rock & Roll, Rockabilly
Todd Rundgren
Arena
Hi Fi
Album Rock, Arena Rock, Pop/Rock, Hard Rock
T.I.
Paper Trail
Grand Hustle/Atlantic
Southern Rap, Gangsta Rap
Robin Thicke
Something Else
Star Trak/Interscope
Urban, Contemporary R&B, Neo-Soul
Article comments
1 - Josh Hathaway
I just bought the Orbison today because Costco had it for $25. The reviews of it at AMG were pretty good as a retrospective and I don't have any of his stuff so I decided to make the $25 investment. I can't wait to start listening...
2 - Glen Boyd
It's high time you discovered Orbison then Mr. Josh, being the Bruce fan and all around music guy that you are. I was fortunate enough to see Orbison shortly before he died and his voice just...well, you know, "does something" to you.
-Glen
3 - Mark Saleski
i have no Roy Orbison. never liked him.
4 - Tom Johnson
I've never been an Orbison "fan" (not that I had a problem with him, but you know what I mean) but I still highly recommend Mystery Girl even to Saleski! If you don't fall in love with "California Blue," you are filled with nothing but crusty old scabs and earwigs inside.
5 - Donald Gibson
"A Love So Beautiful" off of Mystery Girl is devastatingly gorgeous.
6 - Glen Boyd
Orbison's voice is an amazing instrument, one of the most haunting yet beautiful I've ever heard -- I'm actually quite surprised that some of you haven't "gotten" him. I realize music is a subjective thing, but I mean what's there not to like?
-Glen
7 - Pat
I picked up the new Todd Rundgren album, Arena today, and it blew me away. It's energy packed rock and roll, powerful guitars, driving beats, fire you up! music and great vocals. Definately one of his best.
8 - Josh Hathaway
Not to pick, Iguana Glen, but I was in 8th grade when Orbison passed. Orbison wasn't 8th grade music. Well, he wasn't for me.
I've gotten to listen to a good bit of the first of the four discs on the set and I like it.
9 - Tom Johnson
Glen, there's simply not enough shredding in Orbison's stuff, that's the problem. Oh, and no drum solos.
10 - Josh Hathaway
And there are no melodies or actual songs on any of his records. ;)
11 - David Bowling
Orbison, Creedence and Rundgren in one week. There really is hope for the world. Orbison had one of the most unique voices in history. Just check out any of his early Monument label albums.