MGMT "Congratulations"
While their Dave Fridmann-produced 2008 debut "Oracular Spectacular" got these guys on the airwaves and into hipster ears, their sophomore set goes much further. Sonic Boom (Spacemen 3, Spectrum, E.A.R.) overseeing things, Andrew Van Wyngarden and Ben Goldwasser reach out and stretch their imaginative experiments more with mesmerizing results: the trippy, surf rockin' hit "It's Working"; a post- Roxy Music-solo of oddities; and "Dan Treacy," another ambient sounding groove typical of this duo's M.O.
Coheed and Cambria "Year of the Black Rainbow."
The latest concept album from the scream-o-metal band with fictional story lines in their lyrics. The album pretty much functions sort of as a prequel to "The Armory Wars" narrative outlined on their four previous interrelated albums. They are putting out a deluxe edition that comes packaged with a 300-plus-page novel authored by Claudio Sanchez and New York Times best-selling writer Peter David (of the "Dark Tower" series). Produced by in collaboration with Atticus Ross (NIN, Jane's Addiction) and Joe Baressi (QOTSA, Tool). The album is the first Coheed and Cambria album featuring drummer Chris Pennie, formerly of Dillinger Escape Plan.
Natalie Merchant "Leave Your Sleep"
Merchant tries a time-honored practice of putting out an album of poetry songs. Her first album in seven years features original settings of poet scribes including Ogden Nash, Robert Louis Stevenson, e.e. cummings, Robert Graves, and many more. Just to up the stakes, each of the 26 pieces boasts a distinct musical flavor: Dixieland jazz, reggae, traditional Celtic and Balkan folk. Just might be the intriguing project that has an effortless quality that belies Merchant's intense commitment and a supporting cast of 125 musicians. Merchant partners up with the likes of the Wynton Marsalis Quintet, the Klezmatics, the Chinese Music Ensemble of New York, Medeski, MArtin & Wood and even players from the New York Philharmonic.
Jason Castro "Self Titled"
While you won't find the "American Idol" finalist's popular version of "Over the Rainbow" on his self-titled debut, his rendition of "Hallelujah" (a song popularized by the immortal Jeff Buckley) closes out the set. In light of how many "Idol" contestants now accompany themselves on the show, it's startling to realize that just a couple of seasons ago the dreadlock-sporting Castro set a precedent when he played his own guitar. The album, produced Eric Rosse ( Chris Isaak, Sara Bareilles), features songwriting contributions from Marc Roberge of O.A.R., Norwegian pop duo Espionage plus a duet with Serena Ryder.
Other New Releases Worth Checking Out:
(Have not listened to, but please feel free to post a review)
- Nels Cline Singers: "Initiate"
- Straight No Chaser "With a Twist"
- The Contrast: "God of Malfunction"
- Jen Olive: "Warm Robot"
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