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Tag: Keane

  • New Music In Stores & Online 10/14/08: Keane, Ray Lamontagne and More!!

    The cover of Keane's new album "Perfect Symmetry".Keane: Perfect Symmetry:

    I posted Keane’s new single “Spiralling” in a Single Life column a couple weeks back, and I was surprised not only with its’ quality, but also with how peppy it was. I mean, Keane aren’t totally mopey, but their songs generally have a melancholy quality to them-those Coldplay comparisons aren’t totally farfetched. Perfect Symmetry is rumored to have a more upbeat, Eighties vibe to it, and I can’t wait to hear it.

    Ray Lamontagne: Gossip in the Grain

    Speaking of mopey, raspy voiced singer/songwriter Ray Lamontagne has not been known for being completely upbeat, but there are moments on Gossip-his third album-that are relatively cheery and even reveal a-gasp-sense of humor!! Of course, there are also plenty of tortured ballads here, but the album would be worth it if just to hear his creepy/hilarious tribute to “Meg White”.

    Nikka Costa: Pebble to a Pearl

    Each of the three artists profiled so far is releasing their third album today. Nikka Costa might be the most frustrating of the bunch. Her first album revealed quite a bit of promise, fusing funk and rock in a way not seen since the heyday of Teena Marie. The follow-up, to put it plainly, blew. Switching labels from Virgin over to Stax, Nikka returns after a three-year layoff with a new album, and I’m skeptical about spending my hard-earned ducats on it, so one of you guys reading is gonna have to tell me how the album is.

    …and, there’s not really much else out this week. You can get your metal fix with the new album from Boston’s own Unearth and check out a new EP from singer-songwriter Ingrid Michaelson. There’s also a new one from alt-country giant Lucinda Williams, plus live efforts from Buena Vista Social Club and Phoebe Snow. Otherwise, it’s all reissues and holiday albums.

    The Ho Ho Ho train is in full swing at this point, as there are new holiday-themed efforts from the likes of Los Lonely Boys (!), Sixpence None the Richer (!!) and the Queen of Soul. Aretha Franklin takes some time from bashing Tina Turner and is putting out the first Christmas album of her five-decade career. Of course, it would have been nice if she’d released a holiday album back when she could actually, you know, sing.

    On the reissue tip, Philadelphia International is releasing several of its’ most treasured classic albums, including selections from The O’Jays, Teddy Pendergrass and Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes. The two-disc compilation “Multi-Dimensional Warrior”, featuring some of Carlos Santana‘s best work, is also in stores. There’s also a 2-CD, 1-DVD special edition of Johnny Cash‘s “Live from Folsom Prison”, and the first compilation from R&B crooner Joe hits shelves today.

    Get your full list of new music here

  • The Sunday Seven 10/5/08: One is the Loneliest Number

    So, as stated before, I’m looking for folks who might be interested in doingf a Sunday Seven of their own, since I’d like to know what’s in YOUR CD collections. If you want to contribute on a Sunday in the future, drop me a line (musicpublisher@consumerhelpweb.com) and I’ll sign you up.

    My dear iPod is about to be completely filled. I’m operating with about 1.5 gigs left. One solid release day and I’m sunk. Let the unchecking begin!

    Here’s this week’s seven:

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  • New Flava in Your Ear: New Music from Kanye, Keane &…Wayne Brady???

    *Shit, I just realized I accidentally stole the original title of this blog…oops! My bad!!

    Since we’re in the fourth quarter and new music is flying fast and furious, I figured now would be a good time to check out some of the new music bouncing across the airwaves, since there’s so much of it. I think we’re gonna go with four titles a week until January or February when the release schedule thins and there’s not as much to check out. Anyhow, this week I bring you new music from the mouth that roared, an underrated British trio, an Irish band following up a Platinum record, and…Wayne Brady. Yes, THAT Wayne Brady. Off we go…

    Kanye West “Love Lockdown” (from “808’s & Heartbreak”, due December)

    I wasn’t sure what to think when Kanye premiered this on the VMAs last week. I guess I wasn’t used to not only Kanye standing stock still on stage, but also there was the little fact that he was singing instead of rapping. A few listens later, I actually like the track-which I guess is a recurring theme with Mr. West because it took me a long time to appreciate the early singles off of his last two albums (‘Diamonds from Sierra Leone” and “Stronger”). It’s definitely one of those late-night, pulsing records that’s not exactly dance, but not exactly…whatever the opposite of dance is. This is one of the rare occasions where the whole autotune thing doesn’t bug me as much.

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