And so it begins. We have what I believe is the first Christmas album on a New Album Release column since I started doing this earlier this summer. Your winner for the unofficial first Christmas album of 2009: Rodney Carrington. On that yuletide note, we have unofficial confirmation that Bob Dylan is releasing a Christmas record later this fall. Many sources have reported it but we have, as yet, no confirmation from Dylan or his label. Yet. Dylan Does Christmas. We'll keep you posted. With that, let's look at the albums coming out this week.
Jimi Hendrix
Live 1968 Paris/Ottawa
It's not really a fair fight, but the sheer tonnage of what has been released in Hendrix's name compared to what the legendary guitarist released during his lifetime is staggering. Equally staggering is the quality of so much of what has been unearthed and the fact so much of what Hendrix did 40 years ago stands up today. What was groundbreaking then becomes pedestrian and then even ancient. Much of the Hendrix catalog still sounds fresh, daring, and exciting. I've collected quite a bit of the posthumous music and even though I feel like I'm feeding the greed of those cashing in on his name, I rather imagine I'll check this one out for myself.
Jessie James
Jessie James
I would have known nothing about this record other than it was coming out were it not for the interview our own Clayton Perry did with Jessie. I'm expecting this album will make noise on the Billboard charts and that we'll be talking about it on an upcoming iTunes Chart Watch.
George Strait
Twang
My wife is an avid reader of Dean Koontz. I've never seen a writer more prolific in my life. I tease my wife that Koontz keeps a team of monkeys churning out the pages at warp speed. I marvel at his pace. She loves (most of) the books. It's nice to be a fan of someone who keeps the work coming. I wish a few of my favorites would take a seminar from the guy!
Article comments
1 - El Bicho
pshaw! forget that latest pop tart, I can't believe Willie got buried in the mix
2 - Josh Hathaway
I probably should have mentioned Willie. I'm not a Willie Nelson fan but I still should have probably given him a few words above the fold, to use the old newspaper speak.
I'll look forward to a review from you on the subject soon.
3 - Clayton Perry
Pop Tarts aren't fully devoid of "nutrition," El Bicho! :-P
Jessie James' album covers multiple genres/platforms, so I believe she will be around for quite some time.
A decade ago, people said the same thing about Christina Aguilera, Jessica Simpson, Mandy Moore and Britney Spears. And when you think about it, all of these ladies are still around in varying capacities.
Give Jessie a chance... ;-)
In the mean time, check out "Burning Bridges," "Wanted," "I Look So Good (Without You)," and "Inevitable." Ms. James has some PIPES! :-D
4 - Josh Hathaway
They're still around in some capacity, Clayton, but I wish they'd all go away! :)
I will say this, however. Your interview with Sam & Ruby piqued my curiosity a little bit. I might have to investigate that.