This might be the longest list I've since since I took over this column. Sadly, I don't see a lot of essential buys among them. There are a few interesting tidbits worth discussing, though. Former lead Cranberry Delores O'Riordan has a solo album. Willie Nelson has an American Classic for Blue Note. We begin with a band I like to call Sliced Bread, your Arctic Monkeys.
Arctic Monkeys
Humbug
My sidekick 11 is a big NASCAR fan and he's taken to calling driver Joey Logano "Sliced Bread" (as in "the greatest thing since") because of all the hype he received on his way into the sport. The Arctic Monkeys were a nu-music sensation before they'd released a record. Their debut set British sales chart records. They were huge until they weren't, just another victim of NME. At least Arctic Monkeys' hype led to substantial sales. The Gossip gets anointed by NME every two weeks and no one – at least in the US – is buying those records.
That said, I liked AM's debut and I liked their follow up. They're not nearly as good as their hype, but they've put down some nice tunes. I'm not sure I'll race out to grab this one, but I'm curious to hear something from it and to see how it does.
Radiohead
Kid A, Amnesiac, Hail To The Thief (Deluxe Editions)
Earlier this year, EMI released deluxe editions of Radiohead's first three albums with the label. With this trio, EMI has now maxed out all six albums from Radiohead's time with them. There are two packages being sold. Both packages include 2 CDs, the first being the actual album and the second disc being comprised of B-sides and rarities. The second package includes a bonus DVD.
Some hardcore Radiohead fans will have most – if not all – of this material. Still others are boycotting it as this package has been released by the label with no input from the band. 11 and I call this contingent the Fruit Baskets. These are delusional fans who think by "taking a stand" for their heroes, their heroes will one day knock on their door bringing them a fruit basket and other kingly gifts. Springsteen has "virtuous" fans like that. They bring signs to concerts that say "'Mary's Place' Is My Favorite Song" or "Waiting' On A Sunny Day' Was Our First Dance." These people deserve our scorn, not our pity.
Article comments
1 - El Bicho
That Guthrie set looks compelling.
Glad to see the Beach Boys beat the rush and decided not to get buried with all the other Xmas albums.
2 - Mat Brewster
Béla Fleck/Zakir Hussain/Edgar Meyer
If this disk is as good as the Fleck/Meyer duos thing it will be essential.