QUICK NEWSLETTER TODAY - TONY ON HIS WAY TO LEONARD'S OF GREAT NECK!
BUT ALL THE NEW RELEASE NEWS AND THE OTHER STUFF THAT, FOR SOME REASON, YOU FIND ENTERTAINING!
PICK OF THE WEEK!
FOUNTAINS OF WAYNE - TRAFFIC & WEATHER. Both their debut and followup, Utopia Parkway, appealed to just about everyone who heard them. Even people who only listened to jazz were blown away by the hooks and chops. Their most successful record, Welcome Interstate Managers, had some of their best-written material, as well as some of their most easily dismissable. But after "Stacy's Mom" became their much-overdue hit single and they were no longer hip, people were ready to stick a fork in F.O.W. Many fans figured that the commercial success would have diminished the creative edge that put them a step ahead of so many other power-pop bands. The nay-sayers figured, OK, witty, often hilarious lyrics, great harmonies, '70s pop influences with '80s new wave flourishes -- we get it. Enough. But NO! NOT ENOUGH! Traffic & Weather sounds like classic Fountains Of Wayne, but it also goes a step further, incorporating everyone from Nilsson to the Beach Boys to Todd Rundgren to the Flying Burrito Brothers. Don't count these guys out yet, not by a long shot. This is some of the best-written material you'll hear this side of the Pecos.
BLACK SABBATH - THE DIO YEARS. Ah, the Dio years -- how the mere mention of the name mingles memory with desire. Their first post-Ozzy record, Heaven & Hell, is arguably a hard-rock classic. Their two followups (follows up?), not so much. This collection compiles some of each, with three newly recorded tracks, just in time for Pesach -- and their sold-out reunion tour.
HILARY DUFF - DIGNITY. Dignity is a word that instantly springs to mind when we think of Hilary Duff. (Have you SEEN "Cheaper By The Dozen 2"?) And this is her most dignified album to date.
KINGS OF LEON - BECAUSE OF THE TIMES. First there was Arcade Fire. Then the Killers. Now, the third most overrated band in the history of overrating bands, the Kings Of Leon, release their third not-so-good CD. Buy it now! Only in theaters.
ROBERT PLANT - REISSUES (PHASE 2!). Remastered with bonus tracks, the second half of the "Nine Lives" box set is now available individually. Titles include Dreamland, The Honeydrippers EP, Now And Zen, and Principle Of Moments.
BEYONCE - B'DAY (Deluxe Edition). Just in case you still like CDs, here's another ripoff that's sure to try your patience. This time, you get a bonus disc with THREE brand new, never-released songs, and SIX brand new, never-released songs in Spanish! This is, as our Spanish friends say, "Caca de vaca."
TIMBALAND - TIMBALAND PRESENTS SHOCK VALUE. The Eugene Landy of Britney Spears' life drops his new joint which features collaborations with Justin Timberlake, Nelly Furtado, Fall Out Boy, The Hives and Elton John. Our Yiddish friends refer to this as "trayf."
PAUL MOTIAN, BILL FRISELL & JOE LOVANO - TIME AND TIME AGAIN. The followup to their critically acclaimed I Have The Room Above Hers is just as beautiful, and features some fantastic playing by these three jazz legends.
ALISON KRAUSS - HUNDRED MILES OR MORE: A COLLECTION. Not to be confused with the previously released collection Now That I've Found You, this compiles many of her duets with people like Sting, Brad Paisley and James Taylor, as well as two newly recorded tracks with one of our favorite vocalists, John Waite.
JONATHA BROOKE - CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR. Miss Brooke's last four releases were all in heavy rotation on the NYCD playlist when they came out. She is a brilliant songwriter who has just the right amount of balls to keep her a step ahead of her peers. This new release is a bit harder and poppier than anything she's done before. The catchy title track will keep all you power-popsters singing for weeks.
JARVIS COCKER - JARVIS. The US release of the UK hit. We never liked Pulp, but we thought this was pretty damn good.
LOS STRAITJACKETS - ROCK EN ESPAñOL. It seems that every vintage rock n' roll hit of the '60s had a Spanish counterpart. Here, the 'Jackets, along with Cesar Rosas, Big Sandy, and East LA legend Little Willie G give you their versions of the Spanish versions. Features classics by Arthur Alexander, The Kinks, the McCoys and the Troggs, among many others. As they say in Spanish, "Es muy bueno!"
KERMIT RUFFINS - LIVE AT VAUGHAN'S. Just in time for the New Orleans JazzFest, the ambassador of all things Louis is captured live at his regular stomping ground, Vaughan's in New Orleans. If this doesn't put you in the mood for a little second-lining and parasol-waving, nothing will.
HOT OFF THE PRESSES!!!
One of our favorite records of the last ten years was FREE THE BEES by THE BEES, which many of you bought and loved. And if it wasn't for our friend STEVE WYNN, who turned us on to this wonderful band, we never would have experienced the joy that is The Bees. Now, their long-awaited followup, OCTOPUS, is here! Unfortunately, for now, in small quantities, as it's only available as an import and we only have a few in stock. It can be ordered, but for the ones we have on hand, it's a first-come, first-served basis, so get those emails in NOW!
BUY 'EM ALL! BUY 'EM ALL TWICE! EMAIL US OR CALL (212) 244-3460!
SELL US YOUR CDs! AND DVDs, for that matter. CALL OR EMAIL TO SET IT UP!
PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT:
SAVE THE DATE! Sal's band, THE COOL JERKS, is playing on APRIL 20 at 8 PM at DON HILL'S. They're a lot of fun! No pretentious originals, just your favorite R&B cover versions by Sam & Dave, Fats Domino, Wilson Pickett, Otis Redding, and even Wet Willie. Come on down and have some fun!
JIMMY WEBB & BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN GET TOGETHER FOR HISTORIC RINGTONE COLLABORATION!
And now... NYRT's NEW RINGTONES FOR NEXT WEEK! (available on CD) *We do not actually sell ringtones.
DAVID BOWIE - YOUNG AMERICANS (CD & DVD). As Sal once said, "Ah sure does love me a David Bowie!" This is his 1975 classic featuring the #1 hit single "Fame," featuring John Lennon, as well as the title track. Being released in between the classics Diamond Dogs and Station To Station, and not really sounding like either of them, Young Americans, while selling well thanks to its singles, never really got the acclaim it deserved. Now, with this newly remastered package, which also includes a DVD that features 5.1 Surround Sound as well as videos from Bowie's performance on the Dick Cavett show and 3 previously unreleased bonus tracks, you can finally give it the acclaim it deserves. BUYER BEWARE! While smartly priced, this is still an import, so the DVD is in PAL format. The US release is due next month. The ringtone release has yet to be scheduled.
THE DOORS - REMASTERS. Get your "Peace Frog" ringtone right here! The Doors' recent box set "Perception" went out of print faster than you can say "Hey, was that Jim Morrison's shlong?" But the individual albums, with their additional bells, whistles and ringtones, are now available separately. That's six of the most overrated records in the history of music, now with bonus tracks and new packaging, but unfortunately with the same rinky-dink organ courtesy of Ray Manzarek.
BRYAN FERRY - DYLANESQUE. Originally scheduled for March 10, then canceled, now back on schedule for April, this contract-breaking stinker by one of our alltime favorite artists is available NOW as an import! We can't decide what's more boring -- the really novel idea of doing all Dylan covers, or the songs that were chosen for this music equivalent of triptophan. Featuring a bonus downloadable ringtone of "The Lonesome Death Of Hattie Carroll!"
GOOD CHARLOTTE - GOOD MORNING REVIVAL. Wow, they must be 20 by now.
ELTON JOHN - ROCKET MAN: NUMBER ONES (CD & DVD). Elton John celebrates his 60th birthday by ripping off his fans with yet another greatest hits package (funny, that's how we celebrate our birthdays too). Features 17 chart-toppers plus an optional DVD with 10 clips, and a ringtone of "Song For Guy."
KAISER CHIEFS - YOURS TRULY, ANGRY MOB. Those goofy, lovable Brits follow up one of the best debuts in recent years with more of the same -- literally. We love these guys, and you should too.
KLAXONS - MYTHS OF THE NEAR FUTURE. Those goofy lovable Brits precede their sophomore effort with their debut, featuring their hit ringtone... uhhh... we don't remember the title, but when we hear it, we know it's Uncle Phil calling.
MADINA LAKE - FROM THEM THROUGH US TO YOU. A new band that's all over MTV and is sure to sell millions of ringtones.
MIKA - LIFE IN CARTOON MOTION. Mika makes Freddie Mercury sound like Howlin' Wolf. This fey young lad, with his fragile little pop tunes, is both very talented and very scary. If you like Queen and the Pet Shop Boys and George Michael, you're supposed to like this guy.
STEVIE NICKS - REFLECTIONS: THE VERY BEST OF. She hasn't had any hits since her crack pipe broke, but that doesn't stop the record companies from repackaging the same hits compilation that you bought 15 years ago. The difference here is that it's got more songs, which you've probably never heard, PLUS a DVD with her videos AND her audio commentary on each one! "That was the day I did a lot of blow." "That was when I let myself go and found it difficult to spin more than three seconds at a time without getting out of breath." "As we were shooting the video for 'Edge Of Seventeen,' I turned to Tom Petty and said 'ringtones.'"
GRANT-LEE PHILLIPS - STRANGELET. Ten years ago, the fact that Peter Buck of R.E.M. plays on this album would have been a selling point. Now, we need to remind people who R.E.M. is. Who has time to try to sell this CD? And it's probably damn good, too. The first ringtone could have been a hit, but Stacey had a fight with Brad, so she deleted that number from her phone.
RUBINOOS - PARTY OF TWO. All you power-popsters out there certainly remember the Rubinoos' brilliant single "I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend," on the Berserkley label, so you should be excited about this expanded version of the Todd Rundgren-produced "Party Of Two" EP, now including six more tracks, and still including Utopia on background vocals and various instruments.
PICKS OF THE WEEK!
Tony: THE SONICS - BUSY BODY: LIVE IN TACOMA '64. As raucous and demented as the Sonics' studio records are, they were even more raw live. This is the first ever document of the Sonics in concert, and if you like Nuggets-y garage rock, you gotta have it.
Sal: MARY WEISS - DANGEROUS GAME. 40 years after recording a string of hits with the legendary Shangri-Las, Miss Weiss is back. Backed by Detroit legends The Reigning Sound, Mary Weiss still sounds great at the age of 55, and she serves up one catchy tune after another. It's got the balls of Patti Smith, the girl-group jangle, and perfect retro production that'll transport you right back to the days of Danceteria while you waited for Holly & The Italians to take the stage.
Both of these records are available courtesy of the great Norton Records label!
NORTON RECORDS: "Ringtones? Shmingtones!"
SYLVAIN SYLVAIN - REISSUES. The New York Doll, not to be confused with the assassin with the similar name, released two solo albums for the RCA label, and now Wounded Bird, along with a handful of other people, recognizes these releases, SYL SYLVAIN & TEARDROPS and SYLVAIN SYLVAIN, with first-time CD appearances. Feature the minor hits "14th Street" and "Formidable."
VARIOUS ARTISTS - NOW 24. Features many popular ringtones in their full length, "song" versions.
WARREN ZEVON - REISSUES. The late great Warren Zevon... need we say more? One of the greatest records of all time, EXCITABLE BOY, gets remastered and expanded, and two other albums from the same period, THE ENVOY and the holy grail of never-on-CD live albums, STAND IN THE FIRE, also get remastered and expanded with lots of bonus tracks. All three are essential, none of them are greatest hits CDs, and Excitable Boy is a must for anyone with a conscience.
MACY GRAY - BIG. Resident soul loony Macy Gray put out one strong debut and two really strong and unjustly ignored followup records. She also proved to be a damn fine actress in such films as "Lackawanna Blues" and "Training Day." So basically, Macy Gray is a major talent, with hit singles and acting chops. So you tell us why nobody gives a s***, because we're baffled and we're tired of it. Thankfully, her new album is produced by "The Rajah Of The Ringtone," Will.I.Am, so maybe she'll finally have another hit.
Speaking of the Black Eyed Peas, is it us? Or does Fergie look like Martin Milner?
HIP-HOP RELEASE OF THE WEEK!
THA DOGG POUND - DOGG CHIT. NB: We guarantee our distributors have plenty of THESE in stock.
ORDER ALL OF THESE CDs BY TEXTING "GIMME THESE CDs" TO 95633*, OR YOU CAN SIMPLY EMAIL US OR CALL (212) 244-3460! *please do not text us. That was our lame attempt at bitter sarcasm. SELL US YOUR CDs, DVDs AND RINGTONES! You'll find us in the cardboard boxes next to the churro stand on 9th Ave. Bring blankets! Please!
KEEP READING THE BLOG! There's bound to be something new on there someday!
UNTIL NEXT WEEK, WE LEAVE YOU WITH THIS:
Tinariwen are not from Egypt. We thank our reader for correcting us.
and in honor of St. Patrick's Day... OUR FIVE FAVORITE SONGS THAT MENTION KEVIN McHALE!
and now... in alphabetical order just so you don't think we're playing favorites, NEXT WEEK'S NEW RELEASES!
CIBO MATTO - POM POM: ESSENTIAL CIBO MATTO. If you ask Sal, the essential Cibo Matto would be a nice three track single. But if you ask fellow Asian Tony Sachs, the good people at Rhino Records got it right with this 19 track comp, featuring all their semi-hits plus rarities and two previously unreleased tracks. They had a reputation for being goofballs, but by their second and last album they'd developed into some mighty funky goofballs who could write and perform a great tune. Worth checking out.
MODEST MOUSE - WE WERE DEAD BEFORE THE SHIP EVEN SANK. It seems like a million years since "Float On," from their last record, Good News For People Who Love Bad News, became a surprise crossover hit and made Modest Mouse bigger than the Beatles for at least a month. Will anyone care about this release now that Johnny Marr is a fulltime member of the band? We sure don't.
ROBERT PLANT - REISSUES. As expected, individual remasters of his entire catalog, which was featured in the Nine Lives box set, are now available with the same remastering and bonus tracks. Phase one, due next week, includes FATE OF NATIONS,MANIC NIRVANA, THE MIGHTY REARRANGER, PICTURES AT ELEVEN, and SHAKEN N' STIRRED.
RICKY SKAGGS & BRUCE HORNSBY - RICKY SKAGGS & BRUCE HORNSBY. We haven't heard this record yet, so we really can't fairly tear it apart the way we wish we could. But take it from us, it's probably not that good, seeing as how it includes both Ricky Skaggs and Bruce Hornsby.
JOSS STONE - INTRODUCING JOSS STONE. The Soul Sessions -- very good. Mind, Body & Soul -- very bad. Introducing Joss Stone -- very very good. Cowriting most of the material herself, Stone's voice has matured a bit. The melisma is almost non-existent, and the tunes are super-catchy.
COOL REISSUE OF THE WEEK!
Now that STAX RECORDS is being resurrected by Concord/Universal, expect to see not only new music from such R & B artists as Angie Stone and Isaac Hayes, but classic reissues, expanded with rare and unreleased tracks. Next week, we see 1969's career-making classic THE QUEEN ALONE, from CARLA THOMAS, get new remastering with five previously unreleased bonus tracks added.
NOW YOU HAS JAZZ!
From Blue Note, newly remastered reissues include DONALD BYRD's CATWALK, DEXTER GORDON's CLUBHOUSE, ANDREW HILL's COMPULSION, THAD JONES' DETROIT NEW YORK JUNCTION, JACKIE McLEAN's NEW AND OLD GOSPEL (which features Ornette Coleman on trumpet and is highly recommended by Sal if you want to get your squeak on!), and ART TAYLOR's ART'S DELIGHT.
Also from Blue Note, a new release from one of the great young jazz pianists on the scene today. ROBERT GLASPER's IN MY ELEMENT is a trio record that features a bunch of Glasper originals as well as a damn fine take on Sam Rivers' "Beatrice" and a great medley of Herbie Hancock's "Maiden Voyage" with Radiohead's "Everything In Its Right Place."
While we were typing that out, WILLIE NELSON just recorded another album, this one featuring RAY PRICE and MERLE HAGGARD. LAST OF THE BREED is a two CD set featuring songs made famous by such legends as Bob Wills, Buck Owens, Hank Williams, Lefty Frizzell, the Everly Brothers, and Elvis Presley, with special guests Kris Kristofferson and Vince Gill. We must admit, these three guys still sound fantastic. We're eagerly awaiting Willie's followup album, due in a couple of minutes.
ANOTHER COOL REISSUE OF THE WEEK!
COLIN BLUNSTONE, lead singer of THE ZOMBIES, finally sees his brilliant debut solo album, 1971's ONE YEAR, get a US release. If you've never heard this record, it's high time you did. It's not quite Britpop like the Zombies, but its lush production and gorgeous melodies are addictive.
NICK CAVE & THE BAD SEEDS - THE ABBATOIR BLUES TOUR. 2 CDs AND 2 DVDs culled the 2004 tour of the same name, as well as from 2003's "Nocturama" tour.
HOLLY COLE - HOLLY COLE. The new release from the Canadian chanteuse is, unfortunately, import-only, but highly recommended and worth the extra bucks. Miz Cole has a knack for taking standards and current pop tunes and making them quintessentially Cole-esque. In fact, we love Holly Cole so much that we're going to start a Sunday morning tradition, "Breakfast With Cole," with lots of jams and muffins and .... (Sorry, we didn't know where we were going with this. Still, it's a fine, fine record.)
JESSE MALIN - GLITTER IN THE GUTTER. Downtown New York legend releases his third solo CD, with guest spots from BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN, RYAN ADAMS, and JAKOB DYLAN.
TRACEY THORN - OUT OF THE WOODS. The Girl to Ben Watt's Everything releases her first solo album in many a moon. TRACEY THORN JOKE OF THE WEEK! Tracey Thorn walks into a bar. The bartender says "Hey, Tracey, why the long face?" (Forget the joke, buy the record.)
TINARIWEN - AMIN IMAN. Not a concept album about a love affair between the former ruler of Uganda and David Bowie's wife, but some more "desert blues rock" by these incredibly talented Egyptians hailed by so many.
TO ORDER AS MANY OF THESE AS YOU LIKE, OR EVEN MULTIPLE COPIES IF YOU WANT TO GIVE THEM OUT AS GIFTS, EMAIL US OR CALL (212) 244-3460! WE CAN ORDER ANYTHING ELSE YOU WANT AS WELL, EXCEPT FOR TURKEY ON RYE, BECAUSE WE'RE OUT OF TURKEY. (SAL JUST WALKED OUT)
SAL'S QUICK BUT THOROUGH NEW ORLEANS REPORT!
Got to see IRMA THOMAS for the first time. So often, I am disappointed going to see some legend in concert. Two people come to mind: Al Green and Little Richard. Both charged a small fortune for the ticket, both played less than 60 minutes, and neither finished singing a song in its entirety, with the exception of Little Richard, and that song was "On Top Of Spaghetti" from his then-new childrens' CD. Irma Thomas -- $20, 100 minutes. What did I get? Six perfectly executed performances of songs from her new Grammy-winning release, AFTER THE RAIN, as well as full-length, well-rehearsed, and completely inspired versions of every hit you'd ever want to hear. New Orleans musicians are proud. I thank you. Go to New Orleans. It's not snowing there. Tell 'em Sal sent you.
DON'T FORGET TO KEEP CHECKING OUT THIS BLOG, which for the last three weeks has had absolutely nothing new to read apart from our last three newsletters. Why? Because you never know when there's going to be some new and controversial topic, such as "TONY'S WEEK IN THE NATIONAL GUARD" or "SAL'S GOT A LITTLE BIT OF BITCH IN HIM."
SELL US YOUR CDs AND DVDs! WHY? BECAUSE WE LIKE YOU. M-O-U-S-EEEEEEEEEEEEEE.... CALL OR EMAIL TO SET IT UP!
UNTIL NEXT WEEK, WE LEAVE YOU WITH THESE TWO THINGS:
1. It's a shame that the band BOSTON is often lumped into the same bad piles as R.E.O. Speedwagon, Styx, and Kansas. Is it just because their first two records sold a quizillion copies? We never understood why that was a reason to turn them off. BOSTON and DON'T LOOK BACK are two legendary records -- yeah, that's right, legendary. And with the suicide of lead singer BRADLEY DELP, we just wanted you to know that.
2. Sal is very worried that, now that he's back, that all the bad jokes in this newsletter are going to be attributed to him, since last week's newsletter was so good when he wasn't around. With the suicide of Richard Jeni, we just wanted you to know that.
SAL GOES TO NEW ORLEANS, TONY HAS A BUSY FRIDAY IN THE OFFICE, READERS GET FIRST EVER NYCD WEEKEND NEWSLETTER
GIULIANI TAKES EARLY LEAD IN PRESIDENTIAL RACE: MILLION SQUEEGEE MAN MARCH PLANNED FOR D.C.
ANNA NICOLE SMITH BURIED, JESUS' TOMB EXHUMED, ABE VIGODA STILL ALIVE
and now... NEXT WEEK'S NEW RELEASES! AND THERE'S A WHOLE LOT OF 'EM, TOO!
AQUALUNG - MEMORY MAN.The acclaimed British singer-songwriter returns with his second full-length album, and, um... yeah, that's about all I got for you on this one. Second album, folks. Line forms to the right.
TONY'S PICK OF THE WEEK! THE FRATELLIS - COSTELLO MUSIC. The latest UK flavor of the month (from Scotland, actually) surprisingly turns out to be as good as the hype surrounding them. You may have heard the frenetic, insanely catchy first single "Flathead" on a recent iPod commercial. The rest of the album is excellent as well -- if you like your music loud, fast, and hooky, this is for you.
THE CORRS - DREAMS: THE ULTIMATE CORRS COLLECTION. We don't know anyone who likes them, but they sell a whole lot of records, so if you're interested, here's a 20 track collection featuring lots of songs that were supposedly big hits but we don't remember ever hearing them.
JAMES MORRISON - UNDISCOVERED. The British pop/soulman's voice has been compared to Stevie Wonder's, although to my ears he sounds more like Paul Young, and his debut album has already gone triple platinum in the UK. This week it finally sees US release. FUN FACT: A friend of Tony's thought that Paul Young's big hit single was called "Every Time You Go Away, You Take A Piece Of Meat With You."
SAL'S PICK OF THE WEEK! (PICKED BY TONY, AS SAL IS IN NEW ORLEANS)
AMY WINEHOUSE - BACK TO BLACK. You'd think with all the rapturous, foaming-at-the-mouth praise this record has received from the critics, it couldn't help but be disappointing, but seriously, this is excellent. Soulful, a little jazzy, and a little funky, with songs and production that do justice to her sultry, smoky vocals. Sal has been going bonkers over this album for months, and even Tony, who usually heads for the exits at the mention of the words "new UK soul diva," is in agreement this time.
NEIL YOUNG - LIVE AT MASSEY HALL. After decades of promising but never delivering, Neil Young is finally going into his vaults and coming out with some amazing material. Live At Massey Hall, the second in his series of archival releases, is a previously unreleased solo acoustic gig from 1971, and not only is the performance killer, but the sound is amazing as well. If you're a fan, you've gotta have this one. You even get to choose if you just want the CD or if you want it with a DVD featuring video of the performance as well.
MUSIQ SOULCHILD - LUVANMUSIQ. Worth boycotting for his stupid album titles alone. Stayawayfromthizreqord.
PAT METHENY/BRAD MEHLDAU - QUARTET. Metheny has one of the stupidest hairpieces in the music business, but he's a damn talented musician, and his 2006 album with Mehldau, Metheny Mehldau, had some fine moments. Their second collaboration adds the other members of Mehldau's trio. I haven't heard it yet, but this has a lot of promise.
GENE CLARK - WITH THE GOSDIN BROTHERS. Clark cut this pioneering country-rock album (although it's got some great pop songs on it as well) shortly after leaving the Byrds in 1966. The lineup includes fellow Byrds Michael Clarke and Chris Hillman, as well as Glen Campbell, Clarence White and Doug Dillard, and orchestration by Leon Russell. A lost gem that was a big influence on, among many other records, the Byrds' own Sweetheart Of The Rodeo.
MARC FORD - WEARY & WIRED. Since Sal's not here I've gotta be straight with you and tell you that I could care less about this guy, who happens to be the former guitarist for the Black Crowes. But Sal likes him, and for all I know, this record could be good. If you like that sort of thing.
ROB'S PICK OF THE WEEK!
JORMA KAUKONEN - STARS IN MY CROWN. I don't think Rob has heard this album, but I know he loves Jorma, and that's good enough for me.
GRAHAM PARKER - DON'T TELL COLUMBUS. For the handful of fans that Parker hasn't alienated by being a crotchety old bastard, here's his latest record. Enjoy.
TONY'S OTHER PICK OF THE WEEK!
JON RAUHOUSE - STEEL GUITAR HEART ATTACK. I read somewhere that Rauhouse's music shows that steel guitar goes as well with a dry martini as with a cold glass of beer, and that's the case on this nonstop hoot of an album. Jazz, swing, retro-pop, lounge... Rauhouse delivers it all and then some. Backed by Calexico, and guest vocalists include Neko Case, Sally Timms of the Mekons, and Kelly Hogan. Fun fun fun.
WILSON PICKETT - HEY JUDE. The Wicked Pickett covers the title track, "Born To Be Wild," and lots of smokin' Southern soul on the reissue of this 1969 classic. You can't go wrong with this guy.
LIZ McCOMB - SOUL, PEACE & LOVE. For over two decades she's been a sensation on the gospel circuit, and now soul fans are starting to pick up on this vocalist and pianist. And frankly, that's about all I know about her. Sal knows more, but he's in New Orleans, so what do you want from me, people?!
PINE LEAF BOYS - BLUES DE MUSICIEN. This young band is the best of the new wave of Looziana bands who bring rock and roll energy to traditional Cajun and Creole music -- you may have read their recent writeup in the Times. Seriously, these guys can really kick ass. Bon temps roulez, motherf***ers!
YOU WANT 'EM? YOU GOT 'EM! ORDER ANY OR ALL OF THIS FINE BATCH OF NEW RELEASES DIRECTLY FROM US! EMAIL OR CALL (212) 244-3460!
SELL US YOUR OLD CDs! COME ON, ALL THE COOL KIDS ARE DOING IT! EMAIL OR CALL!
UNTIL NEXT WEEK, WE LEAVE YOU WITH THIS:
Since Sal's not here, it's time for...
TONY'S COCKTAIL TIPS!
People, people, people. I know what you're thinking. The less vermouth in a martini, the better. Because vermouth tastes like ass. And I understand why you think that. Your bottle of Martini & Rossi has probably been sitting in your liquor cabinet for months, if not years. Right? Well listen up, kids -- vermouth is a kind of wine. And if you opened up a bottle of wine and left it at room temperature for six months, it'd taste like ass, too. Here's the key -- once you open up a fresh bottle of vermouth, stick it in the fridge. It'll keep for a good long time, taste like it's supposed to taste, and then you'll realize just how much oomph that stuff will add to your 'tini. "Dry," my friends, does not necessarily equal "better." I thank you.
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!
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.'"
We do public speaking engagements! You need a couple of witty, bitter, snarky guys to talk about the music industry? Let us know! Email us at HEYNYCD@aol.com! Hey, we've been in the Times, so we know what we're talking about.
