It's not a terribly loaded week for new releases but there are a couple records I'm excited to highlight. I've been looking forward to new Mark Knopfler music since Get Lucky was announced in June. I've anticipated the debut record from “supergroup” Works Progress Administration even longer, going back to when I interviewed WPA co-conspirator Glen Phillips in May of last year. More on those in a minute.
Last week, we did a special feature on The Beatles' reissues and as a result I didn't get to talk about one of the new releases from last week that normally would have gotten some attention. Alison Sudol released the second A Fine Frenzy record, Bomb In A Birdcage. It's a departure from her debut but proves to be a fine, fine listen. We also learned of plans for a massive Tom Petty box set, but no release date has yet been announced.
Jumping back to this week, we have new music from Muse and a collaboration between Pete Yorn and Scarlett Johansson.
Mark Knopfler - Get Lucky
Knopfler is on a roll, following up his outstanding Kill To Get Crimson with the brilliant Get Lucky. He doesn't change the approach he's taken on previous solo records but Get Lucky stands out because of the quality of the material he has given himself as well as his collaborators this time out.
Among the highlights are the Celtic-folk of “Before Gas And TV,” the subdued blues of “You Can't Beat The House,” and the tender “Hard Shoulder.” Knopfler has started announcing tour dates for Get Lucky, hitting US venues in spring 2010.
Works Progress Administration - Works Progress Administration
WPA may not be a supergroup in the most famous sense, but there is some serious musical pedigree among these performers. Former Toad The Wet Sproket frontman Glen Phillips is joined by Heartbreaker Benmont Tench, Nickel Creek's Sean Watkins, and Luke Bulla. Also participating in the recording process was Sara Watkins (Nickel Creek), Greg Leisz (Bill Frisell, Joni Mitchell), Pete Thomas (Elvis Costello and the Attractions and Imposters), and Davey Faragher (Cracker, the Imposters).
That's a lot of talent for one record. I've heard one song from the album, “Always Have My Love,” which was briefly offered as a free download. Phillips takes lead, but the Americana/bluegrass feel of the Nickel Creekers prominently accentuate the song, separating it from much of the music of Phillips' previous band and solo outings. Professionalism permeates the performance of “Always” and I'm eager to hear more. I've pre-ordered my copy of the record and hope to have it in hand this week.
Article comments
1 - Tom Johnson
"It's not a terribly loaded week for new releases"
Josh, man, this week is HUGE for music lovers. Knopfler, Porcupine Tree, Living Colour, Pete Yorn/Scarlett Johansson (yes, surprisingly pretty GREAT,) Muse, Shudder To Think, David Sylvian - it's one of those weeks that I think if you're really a music lover, there's something for you. Heck, all of September is a danger to the budget, and that's not even considering the Beatles last week.
2 - Josh Hathaway
I'm glad this week is deeper for you than it is for me this week, Tom. You know I'm on a Porcupine Tree boycott. Actually it's more like an embargo. They are Cuba to me. :-)
I've never really gotten into Muse. I liked Living Colour for a few minutes when I was in middle school but they didn't age well for me, despite Vernon Reid's obvious prowess. The new release calendar is going to get busier and busier, no question, but this week didn't have a lot that got my attention.
3 - Glen Boyd
I got PT covered in my review Tom -- plus I'm going to see them live tonight, and will most likely have a review on that as well. As for Josh's "embargo," well no accounting for taste, right?
-Glen
4 - Josh Hathaway
See, this is why I nearly struck them from the list. You can't say the words "Porcupine" and "Tree" in the same sentence without a thread hijack. Take this over to Boyd's articles and leave us in peace! :)
It's almost a relief to me that more music wasn't on tap for me this week (and that WPA still hasn't arrived) because I can't stop listening to Knopfler. Powerful and habit-forming that record is. Normally I'd be all kinds of losing my mind about WPA not being here. I need a couple days before I try wading into that one.
5 - MarkSaleski
(sssspt!!! hey, while glen is rocking out at the Porcupine Tree show, lemme say that i never could get into them...bough Fear of A Blank Planet but never really could get into it)
6 - MM
The WPA album is excellent. It is really growing on me. I wasn't sure about the Luke Bulla songs at first, but they have really grown on me after multiple listens.
7 - Josh Hathaway
I've gotten one full listen to the CD in myself. I need to spin it a few more times but I like it.