Tuesday, November 4, 2008

If It's Tuesday...- New Releases, 11/04/08

Before we get to today's new releases, I offer this video. Aside from Bullwinkle reruns, this is the only time I want to see or hear anything about moose...unless it's spelled mousse.








So, I am back from New Orleans, which means all of today's new releases...and there's not many...will be deep fried and covered in crabmeat.


DAVID GARZA- DREAM DELAY

I was first knocked out by David Garza with his debut "This Euphoria," a groovy display of melody and harmony. He never really hit the big time and that's a shame. Garza is a smart songwriter with a strong singing voice and...oh...that explains it.
"DREAM DELAY" is his first release in 6 years and I for one, can't wait to dig in.

JACQUI NAYLOR- YOU DON'T KNOW JACQ

For those unfamiliar with Jacqui Naylor, she is a fine jazz singer who takes the whole mash-up craze to a new level. For those of you who don't know what a mash up is, click HERE. In the past, Naylor and her killer band have "mashed" Gershwin's "Summertime" with the Allman's "Whipping Post," "My Funny Valentine" with AC/DC's "Back In Black," and "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town" with "Sweet Home Alabama," and believe me...it works. (check out some samples on iTunes, I ain't lying)


CAT STEVENS- TEA FOR THE TILLERMAN (DELUXE EDITION)

Remastered and expanded to include a bonus disc with live and unreleased material, as well as a Do It Yourself Fatwa kit. (I hate cheap Fatwa jokes. I'm ashamed)




TRAVIS- ODE TO J SMITH

Brit popstars Travis get electric for the first time in years. The first single, "Something Anything" is a punchy rocker with a chorus to die for. And you know what? The rest of the album is damn good, too! Like The Kinks without the cheek. (and not as good)





BLIND PICK OF THE WEEK






LITTLE WILLIE JOHN--THE DAVID AXELROD AND HB BARNUM SESSIONS

(read this. taken from Streetwise)

One of the great lost albums of the 60s finally gets a worldwide CD premiere! Some of the best mid 60s soul and blues ever committed to tape has remained unheard – until now. Recorded for Capitol in early 1966 while Little Willie John was awaiting final sentencing for manslaughter, the album was mired in a raft of contractual arguments and was put on ice once it became clear that Willie was going to have to serve a prison term and wouldn't be able to promote it. This CD contains everything that Willie cut for Capitol and is enhanced by a selection of stereo mixes and alternate versions from the sessions. Arranged and produced by two music legends, HB Barnum and David Axelrod, it features the cream of the mid-60s LA session musician scene and is topped off by one of the greatest soul voices.
I'LL TAKE IT!


BRAD PAISLEY- PLAY

This is the "guitar album" Paisley fans have been waiting for. He has released some killer, offbeat country classics, but "Play" focuses on Paisley's fancy fretwork. Big buzz about this one, or so I say.

Q TIP- THE RENAISSANCE


One of the most distinctive voices in hip hop from one of the most influential rap acts of the 90s, the man behind A Tribe Called Quest gets some help from Raphael Saadiq (who by the way, has released one of the best albums of the year,) D'Angelo and Norah Jones on his first "officially" released CD since 1999's "Amplified." Better be good, Mr. Tip.






ACTUAL PICK OF THE WEEK







MAVIS STAPLES- LIVE: HOPE AT THE HIDEOUT

A true legend and leader, the great Mavis Staples released one of the best CDs of 2007. The Ry Cooder produced "We'll Never Turn Back," was a collection of protest songs from someone who has preaching and spreading the word along with her father, the late, great Pops Staples for over 40 years. In June of 2008, Mavis Staples went back home to Chicago and played to an intimate audience at the city's legendary club, The Hideout. Backed by a simple 3 piece band and a few backing singers, this recording is all one could ask for in a live record--you hear what was performed and no more. The recording captures the room so perfectly, you feel as if Mavis is testifying in your living room. Staples is an emotional powerhouse, and her songs and stories continue to inspire. From the killer opener, "For What It's Worth" right up to the closing crowd favorite, "I'll Take You There," "Live: Hope At The Hideout" is BIG!



Finally, I want to thank you for reading today's post. I know there's some other shit going on today so if you're here, I am honored.




NOW LET'S GO CHANGE THE WORLD AND SEND "LITTLE MISS G DROPPER" BACK TO WASILLA.

3 comments:

Holly Cara Price said...

Moose and squirrel!!!!!! I’m with ya on that, sir. No more moose talk after today. LOVED the Woody Allen clip. BTW “Tea for the Tillerman” is one of my favorite albums. Thanks for the tip that it is now remastered and expanded. I’ll have to purchase that bad boy. The Travis stuff sounds like just my kinda thing, will explore. And Mavis Staples! What a treat. What an amazing album cover, also. Another of the many purchases that I will be making after reading your blog.

Dave said...

I always loved this bit on "Standup Comic", where he adds "...and there's a law against driving with a Jewish couple on your fender Tuesdays, Thursdays and ESPECIALLY Saturdays."

I'll be all over that Mavis disc. Thanks!

Sal Nunziato said...

Dave,
As I was watching the clip, I was waiting for that same line. I guess he tightened the bit up as time went on.