A busy week followed by a quiet week. That seems to be the way things go in the music industry go these days. After a plethora of notable new albums hit the stores last week, things have chilled out majorly this week-as only a few moderately anticipated albums are going to show up on shelves.
First and foremost (AKA the only album that will probably make chart noise in a week’s time) is yet another new Glee album. Glee: The Music Presents The Warblers features several members of the popular TV show’s cast as the Dalton Academy Warblers, along with the chorus from local Tufts University-the same school that spawned Tracy Chapman. Forgive me for not being able to muster up a significant amount of enthusiasm for yet another album from the “Glee” cast. It seems like there’s a new one coming out every two weeks!
Just about a year after releasing Plastic Beach, Gorillaz are back-sort of. The Damon Albarn-fronted cartoon group recorded The Fall last year via iPad and released it digitally in December. For those of us Neandertals who still favor CDs (I’m exaggerating slightly, since more than 70% of albums purchased are still on compact disc), today offers the chance to score the Gorillaz latest-and last? I remember reading somewhere that there would be no more Gorillaz albums following this one. Other interesting releases out today include Book of David, the latest by trailblazing L.A. rapper/producer/multi-instrumentalist DJ Quik, as well as the latest from classic rock staple Steve Miller. The “Abracadabra” guy is releasing Let Your Hair Down on his own Space Cowboy label.
Also out this week-an instrumental album from former Stray Cat Brian Setzer (who has apparently ditched the Orchestra) as well as a new side project from former G’n’R/Velvet Revolver Duff McKagan. French coffeehouse-soul duo Les Nubians return for their first album in a number of years, Nu Revolution, and we’ll close it out with a new album of children’s songs by the incredibly versatile Wayne Brady. For those who never bothered to check out the guy’s 2008 album, A Long Time Coming, you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
This column wouldn’t be complete without my obligatory shout to Pause and Play. Make sure you’re checking that site out for the complete lowdown on new music.
4 comments
GG says:
Apr 19, 2011
I have this nice gift card that I won from a great site to use and there’s nothing to buy!
blerd says:
Apr 19, 2011
Bro, I can’t even think of anything to recommend to you.
GG says:
Apr 19, 2011
I know there’s some good stuff coming out in the near future, but man, pickings are slim right now.
blerd says:
Apr 19, 2011
The way it seems to be lately is one bad week for every good week. Depending on what you like, I guess. I might buy that Dj Quik.