Those of you who like your singer/songwriters sensitive are in for a treat today, because the overwhelming majority of albums coming out today (at least those worth mentioning) feature in that little sub-genre!
I promise I will not say another word about how Ray LaMontagne makes me swoon. All I will say is that his fourth album, “God Willin’ and the Creek Don’t Rise” is at the top of my new release list for various reasons. I will also say that he’s embarked on a summer tour with David Gray, and Gray ALSO has a new album coming out today…sort of. “Foundling” comes less than a year after Gray’s most recent work, the solid “Draw the Line”, and the songs actually originate from the same sessions. They have a more intimate vibe than the “Draw” songs, according to folks who are more in the know than I am. As Gray’s voice is one of the more expressive in the pop music world, I’ll take intimate, I’ll take rockin’-doesn’t matter what it is as long as David’s singing it.
If you like a little smoove-ness to go with your singer/songwriter-ism, make sure you check out the latest album from Detroit’s Kem. Quiet as kept, the jazzy soul singer’s first two albums have moved a combined 1.7 million copies. However, he took a five-year break from recording after the success of his sophomore release (what’s up with soul singers taking crazy long breaks in between albums?). “Kem III: Intimacy” promises more of that mature bedroom talk to assist in any babymaking needs you may have.
Running down the rest of the new release list, you’ll find a new record from metal legends Iron Maiden, as well as a new joint from the indefatigable John Mellencamp (he’s been on an album per year bender for quite some time now, hasn’t he?). If you watched the Prince tribute, you may have been introduced to a singer/bassist named Esperanza Spalding. Her “Chamber Music Society” hits stores today, as does a new one from your favorite tenor Andrea Bocelli, and a George Gershwin tribute by a songwriter who should be mentioned in the same breath, Brian Wilson.
Next week, Katy Perry and Usher lead the pack. Make sure you’re checking out Pause and Play for all your new release needs!