Chris Robinson Brotherhood, Big Moon Ritual (Silver Arrow) The Black Crowes frontman presents the first record of his solo project; the lineup includes Adam MacDougall (of the Black Crowes) on keys, George Sluppick on drums, Mark "Muddy" Dutton (of Burning Tree) on bass, and Neal Casal on guitar.
Crocodiles, Endless Flowers (Frenchkiss) The psych/noise/pop outfit presents their first-full length with the current five-piece lineup. The band hits New World Brewery Sat., July 21.
Friends, Manifest! (Fat Possum) The Brooklyn five-piece released two singles in 2011 - "I'm His Girl" and "Friend Crush," both tracks given lots of love from the likes of Stereogum ("Band to Watch"), Gorilla Vs Bear, Pitchfork, Spin and others. This is their full-length debut. Check out the video for "Mind Control" below.
Heart, Strange Euphoria (Epic/Legacy) Ann and Nancy Wilson personally curated this three-disc collection, which includes never-before-heard rarities and demos of "Magic Man" and "Crazy On You," live versions of “Barracuda” and “Never,” and a DVD of a rare 1977 performance originally aired on Northwest Public Television.
The Hives, Lex Hives (Disques Hives) The hip garage rocking Swedes finally releases a follow-up to 2007's well-regarded The Black and White Album. Video for first single "Go Right Ahead" below.
Kelly Hogan, I Like To Keep Myself In Pain (Anti-/Epitaph)
Langhorne Slim & The Law, The Way We Move (Ramseur Records) One of my favorite modern singer-songwriters issues his fifth full-length, which he was able to record with a little help from his fans via a Pledge Music campaign, with 10 percent of all proceeds benefiting the American Cancer Society. Check out the video for the title track below.
The Melvins, Freak Puke (Ipecac) This so-called “Melvins Lite” record finds founders Buzz Osborne and Dale Crover partnering with bassist Trevor Dunn (Mr. Bungle, Fantômas, Tomahawk)
Rhett Miller, The Dreamer (Maximum Sunshine) The lead singer-songwriter of the Old 97s offers up a new solo record.
Paul Simon, Graceland 25th Anniversary Edition (Sony Legacy) Legacy issues two new commemorative editions of the enduring masterpiece that include a copy of the Graceland documentary, Under African Skies, which chronicles the controversial recording of Graceland and its subsequent impact on world music and pop culture.
Patti Smith, Banga (Columbia) The legendary "Godmother of Punk Rock" presents her first new album of original material in eight years, which she's said is inspired by "unique dreams and observations," and focuses on "a wide range of human experience" with songs about history, current affairs, death and nature.
Spectrum Road, Spectrum Road (Palmetto) A new progressive/avant rock band formed by Cream bassist Jack Bruce, Living Colour guitarist Vernon Reid, keys whiz John Medeski (MMW) and drummer Cindy Blackman Santana, who most famously played with Lenny Kravitz. From what I've heard so far, this sounds pretty badass. Check the four playing below.
Joe Walsh, Analog Man (Fantasy) Grammy-winning vet rocker Walsh presents his first new album in two decades, Walsh, best known for his powerful guitar licks, joined the Eagles in 1976 and is credited for bringing a harder rock sound to the band. A singer-songwriter and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Walsh has entertained for more than four decades, not only as a solo artist, but as part of admired bands like The James Gang and Barnstorm.
Neil Young and Crazy Horse, Americana (Reprise) The first new album from Neil Young & Crazy Horse in nearly nine years is a collection of classic, American folk songs, among them, “Oh Susannah,” “This Land Is Your Land” and “Get A Job.”
A huge tidal wave of new music kicks off June. I've included info and links for the ones you want to know about most below, plus some other ones you may not have heard of (but should know), with audio & video for your listening and viewing pleasure. Click here to check out releases that dropped over the past few months ...
The Bamboos, Medicine Man (Tru Thoughts) The Bamboos' fifth album blending blues, pop, soul and psychedelia, and features guest appearances by Aloe Blacc, Daniel Merriweather and Megan Washington alongside the powerhouse stylings of regular singer Kylie Auldist. Video for "I Got Burned" with Tim Rogers below.
The Beach Boys, That's Why God Made the Radio (Capitol) Brian Wilson returns to the fold for the first album of new original BBs material since 1992. Is it a return to past glory or glorified kitsch? Read Anthony Salveggi's review to find out.
David Bowie, The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and The Spiders From Mars 40th Anniversary Edition (EMI) The album has been remastered by original Trident Studios engineer Ray Staff (at London's Air Studios) and is available in a special limited vinyl format featuring the new 2012 remaster with a 5.1 mix and high resolution audio on DVD that includes previously unreleased 5.1 and stereo bonus 2003 Ken Scott mixes of “Moonage Daydream” (instrumental), “The Supermen,” “Velvet Goldmine” and “Sweet Head.”
Brandi Carlile, Bear Creek (Columbia) The alt country and folk songstress Brandi Carlile presents her fourth studio LP, which was produced by three-time Grammy winner Trina Shoemaker, and finds her reflecting with poetic poignancy on anything from ringing bells and raising hell, to keeping your heart young, to the lost loves you never forget, no matter what your age. Check out "Hard Way Home" after the jump along with the rest of this week's new releases.
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