NEWSLETTER '07 #9, #9, #9...

SAL CELEBRATES 21ST BIRTHDAY -- EXCITED TO FINALLY DRINK LEGALLY IN BARS

NYC GETS 3" OF RAIN: ONE DAY A REAL RAIN'S GONNA COME AND WASH ALL THE SCUM FROM THE STREETS

NEW RELEASES, INCLUDING SOME THAT WE MAY ACTUALLY BE ABLE TO GET!

R.I.P. LARRY STORCH (scared you for a minute, didn't we?)

and now... THE NEWSLETTER!

NEXT WEEK'S NEW RELEASES:

Before we get to the CDs, we'd like to give a shout out to "Cubby" out in L.A. by mentioning that "Private School," starring Phoebe Cates, finally gets a proper DVD release next week.

BIGGIE OF THE WEEK!

THE ARCADE FIRE - NEON BIBLE. It seems like everyone except us has been waiting for this one. Comes in a standard version as well as the deluxe edition with a 32 page booklet. We'll be as happy as anyone if this is the record that winds up saving the music business, but we still don't get what the big deal is. We like Split Enz.

!!! (pronounced "Chk Chk Chk") - MYTH TAKES. The new record from the indie rock collective also comes in two editions -- the deluxe edition includes a bonus disc with live tracks and remixes. All we can say is, !!#@$. (Pronounced "Yawn.")

AIR - POCKET SYMPHONY. The French electronic duo have put out some really interesting material, including their very strong debut, "Moon Safari," and the wonderful soundtrack to Sofia Coppola's "Virgin Suicides." They've also put out some real snoozers. So, if you haven't read the terrible review that we've read about this record, you may still be interested.

Fine new reissues from the WOUNDED BIRD label!

Before we list them, keep in the back of your mind that just because they hit the streets next week doesn't mean we'll get them next week. So if you have patience and can wait just a little bit longer, and can deal with not being the first one on your block to get Translator's third record, here's what's coming up:

BREAD - ON THE WATERS, PETULA CLARK - SUPERSOUNDS FROM A SUPERSTAR (new greatest hits collection), LOGGINS & MESSINA - FINALE, three MELISSA MANCHESTER titles, and PACIFIC GAS & ELECTRIC - PG & E. Praise the Lord! We're saved!

MARY CHAPIN-CARPENTER - CALLING. Singer-songwriter releases her Zoe/Rounder Records debut, sure to have the usual minimal impact on the world as we know it.

RY COODER - MY NAME IS BUDDY. What can we say about Ry Cooder? We love him. If it wasn't for Mr. Cooder, the US of A never would have heard the Buena Vista Social Club. That alone should be reason enough to buy his new record, which features Jim Keltner and Van Dyke Parks on a new set of original material sung from the perspective of a cat. Listen, the guy discovered the Buena Vista Social Club. He can sing from the perspective of a hamster if he wants, as far as we're concerned.

ALBERT HAMMOND, JR. - YOURS TO KEEP. A relative of Albert Hammond, Sr. (we believe it's his son), and also a member of The Strokes, releases his first solo record with guest appearances by Ben Kweller, Sean Lennon, and Julian Casablancas. Somewhat sparse and underproduced like the Strokes' debut, with a slightly more melodic and poppier edge. Nice job, Al!

GRUFF RHYS - CANDYLION. The Super Furry Animals frontman releases one crazy, sugarcoated, psychedelic, hallucinogenic, freakazoid pop record.

SON VOLT - SEARCH. We've written the same review for the last three Son Volt records, so why stop now? We're in the Wilco camp. We know many of you are in the Son Volt camp, so this may be exciting for you. Us, we're sitting tight for May 15th.

THE STOOGES - WEIRDNESS. Iggy & The Ashetons' first studio release since 1973's Raw Power has everything going for it, right down to the original band logo on the front cover. The only thing missing are the songs. It sounds great. By the second song you're thinking "Wow, this kicks ass!" By the fifth song you're thinking "Wow, I feel like having some Skittles!"

WYNTON MARSALIS - FROM THE PLANTATION TO THE PENITENTIARY. Of the several hundred records he's released -- and that's just in this decade -- this sounds like one of the best. Highlighting the sultry vocals of Jennifer Sanon and the piano playing of Dan Nimmer, both of whom can often be seen at Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola at Lincoln Center, this record touches on everything from down-home blues to New Orleans second-line to modern habanera and swing. This is such a strong release that even Tony said "Wow, this may be his 23rd best record out of 807."

NOTORIOUS B.I.G. - GREATEST HITS. Yes, he only had two real albums, but Tony's been waiting ten years to have "Big Poppa" and "Hypnotize" on one CD, and now, at last, his dream is becoming a reality. Sal wishes Tony the best of luck in future endeavors. The CD also has two brand new tracks produced by 2Pac, as well as a duet with Russ Columbo.

ELVIS PRESLEY - ULTIMATE GOSPEL. Not to be confused with the last gospel collection called Ultimate Gospel, this one features 26 tracks, all of which are on the last Ultimate Gospel collection. Just don't confuse the two. The first one already came out, and this one comes out next week.

TO ORDER ANY OR ALL OF THESE TRULY EXCELLENT NEW RELEASES, EMAIL US OR CALL (212) 244-3460, AND KEEP YOUR FINGERS CROSSED! Apparently, NYCD has become the Sonny Corleone of the music business. Everyone knew that the first 800 bullets killed him on the causeway, but there was still that guy who had to kick him in the face. Thank you to everyone who's waiting for CDs and still wants to give us money! We are doing our best to keep you happy! IT REALLY ISN'T OUR FAULT!

BUY SOME OF OUR WARES ON AMAZON!

And while you're at it... SELL US YOUR OLD CDs & DVDs! We got the cash right here! CALL OR EMAIL!

WE WANT TO KNOW! (first in a series, maybe)

Sal was riding to work today, drenched from the morning's downpour and being suffocated by some fat guy in a puffy coat, when the Walker Bros.' "The Sun Ain't Gonna Shine Anymore" came on his iPod. Suddenly, being wet and suffocating on a crowded train didn't seem so bad. It's one of those songs that, no matter what Sal is doing or where he may be -- purchasing spearing at a live bait shop, getting a tattoo in an uncomfortable place, whatever -- everything becomes OK for 3:07. Tony gets the same feeling from Frank Sinatra's "That's Life."

Our question -- what song can brighten YOUR mood, no matter how crappy your day is? EMAIL and let us know!If we get enough entries, we'll compile them onto a CD for all those who contributed answers! If we don't get enough entries for a full CD, those who participated will get a bag of spearing.

UNTIL NEXT WEEK, WE LEAVE YOU WITH THIS:

In the words of Dennis De Young, "This song goes out to Avi Fishbein. Mazel tov -- today you became a man. Here's 'Mr. Roboto.'"

Your friends,
Shaw-Blades