New CD Releases, April 24: Patti Smith, Arctic Monkeys, The Nightwatchman
Patti Smith “Twelve”
Smith is widely considered to be one of the greatest songwriters in rock music history. That’s why “Twelve,” a collection of cover tunes, comes as a bit of surprise. But, then again, Smith has certainly delivered her share of surprises during her 30-plus-year career.
Smith and her band–Lenny Kaye (guitar), Jay Dee Daugherty (drums) and Tony Shanahan (bass, keyboards)–tackle a dozen cover tunes originally penned by such artists as Jimi Hendrix, Bob Dylan, Neil Young and Paul Simon. The set includes such songs as Tears For Fears’ “Everybody Wants to Rule the World,” Young’s “Helpless,” The Rolling Stones’ “Gimme Shelter,” Jefferson Airplane’s “White Rabbit” and Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit.”
“Twelve” is the first new studio offering for Smith since 2004’s “Trampin’.” The poet/punk-rocker was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame earlier this year, as part of a class that also included R.E.M. and Van Halen.
* * *
Arctic Monkeys “Favourite Worst Nightmare”
The British indie-rock act, which ranked as the ultimate buzz band of 2006, will hope to generate more attention with the release of its sophomore set. The first single from the new disc, “Brianstorm,” has already been released to radio.
“Favourite Worst Nightmare” follows the 2006 debut “Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not.” That disc was a smash in the band’s native country, debuting at No. 1 on the British album charts and quickly going triple platinum.
The Brits will back the new album with a North American tour that kicks off with an April 27 appearance at the Coachella festival in Indio, CA.
* * *
The Nightwatchman “One Man Revolution”
Guitar whiz Tom Morello–best known for his unorthodox six-string stylings with Rage Against the Machine and, more recently, Audioslave–goes it alone for his first solo album. The politically and socially active Morello–who handles lead vocals on the set–channels his idealism into “One Man Revolution” via his alter ego, The Nightwatchman.
The album’s release comes in the wake of Audioslave frontman Chris Cornell’s February announcement that he had left the group–a situation to which Morello is no stranger; Rage frontman Zack de la Rocha jumped ship in 2000.
Morello, who has been touring in advance of his new album’s release, will appear as part of a reunited Rage Against the Machine lineup during a handful of summer festivals.
* * *
Donny Osmond “Love Songs of the ’70s”
Hoping to follow in the footsteps of Rod Stewart and Barry Manilow–two stars that found new success by covering old songs–the most-famous Osmond brother releases “Love Songs of the ’70s.”
The set features Osmond’s covers of such former hits as Al Green’s “Let’s Stay Together,” The Bee Gees’ “How Deep is Your Love,” Leo Sayer’s “When I Need You” and Billy Preston’s “Will It Go Round in Circles.” Most appropriately, Osmond also visits the Manilow songbook and walks away with his own rendition of “Mandy.”
* * *
Porcupine Tree “Fear of a Blank Planet”
The experimental rock troupe will support its latest set with a nearly month-long North American tour that kicks off on May 8 in Seattle.
“Fear of a Blank Planet,” an obvious (and clever) play on the title of Public Enemy’s classic “Fear of a Black Planet,” has already been released on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean and has charted in the Top 20 in some European countries.
* * *
Various Artists “A Tribute to Joni Mitchell”
An eclectic crew of artists band together to pay tribute to the great singer/songwriter. “A Tribute to Joni Mitchell” features recordings by such stars as jazz pianist Brad Mehldau, quirky pop/rock queen Bjork and funk-master Prince.
* * *
More new releases:
Norman Brown, “Stay with Me” (Peak)
Patrizio Buanne, “Forever Begins Tonight” (Republic)
Charlotte Gainsbourg, “5:55” (Vice)
Bebel Gilberto, “Momento” (Six Degrees)
Colin Hay, “Are You Looking At Me?” (Compass)
Joe, “Ain’t Nothing Like Me” (Jive)
Marillion, “Somewhere Else” (MVD)
Keiko Matsui, “Moyo” (Shout Factory)
Jane Monheit, “Surrender” (Concord)
The Nightwatchman, “One Man Revolution” (Sony)
John Prine and Mac Wiseman, “Standard Songs for Average People” (Oh Boy)
Neil Sedaka, “The Definitive Collection” (Razor and Tie)
Simply Red, “Stay” (Simply Red)
Mavis Staples, “We’ll Never Turn Back” (Anti)
Soundtracks and scores:
“Evil Dead: The Musical (2006 Original Off-Broadway Cast)” (Time Life)
Categories