New CD Releases, Aug. 14: ‘High School Musical 2,’ Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds, Blaqk Audio
“High School Musical 2” Original Soundtrack
Attention all other CDs: just step away from the charts. A new boss is about to arrive. And, to paraphrase The Who, this new boss looks pretty much the same as the old boss.
What are people expecting from the soundtrack to “High School Musical 2”? Nothing short of complete chart domination, which is basically what happened with the first “High School Musical” release. That disc spent much time at No. 1 on the charts, even making repeat visits to the spot, and wound up being the top-selling album of 2006.
The Disney Channel juggernaut doesn’t appear to have lost its grasp on tweens across the country. What began as an original TV movie has expanded into a multi-media sensation, which now includes a concert tour, theatrical performances and an ice show.
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Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds “Live at Radio City Music Hall”
Say what you want about Dave Matthews, but the mega-star takes care of his old friends. Case in point: ol’ Virginia pal, Tim Reynolds.
During his sporadic breaks from the Dave Matthews Band, the vocalist has continued to find ways to collaborate with guitarist Reynolds. Notably, that resulted in the pair recording 1999’s multi-platinum “Live at Luther College.” Now, the musical chums return with another concert recording, “Live at Radio City Music Hall.”
This new 2-disc set, also available as a 2-DVD package, was recorded at the landmark NYC venue back in April. The setlist includes Dave and Tim performing such fan favorites as “Bartender,” “Crash Into Me” and “Lie In Our Graves.”
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Blaqk Audio “Cexcells”
Davey Havok and Jade Puget take a break from AFI to release their debut record as Blaqk Audio. This side project is said to be more synthesizer driven and electronic-music oriented than AFI.
“Cexcells” (read “Sex Sells”) was recorded while AFI was touring in support of 2006’s chart-topping “Decemberunderground” and was mixed by Dave Bascombe (Tears for Fears, Depeche Mode).
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Paul Van Dyk “In Between”
The popular DJ has enlisted an impressive array of talents for his latest release. Contributors include David Byrne and Pussycat Doll Jessica Sutta. Van Dyk is one of the most successful DJs on the planet, having received a Grammy nomination in 2005 for Best Dance/Electronic Album for “Reflections.”
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Linda Thompson “Versatile Heart”
The talented vocalist, best known for her work with ex-husband Richard Thompson, returns with her first new album in five years. “Versatile Heart” features contributions from Antony (of Antony and the Johnsons), Martha Wainwright and Thompson’s son Teddy.
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More new releases:
Luke Bryan, “I’ll Stay Me” (Capitol)
Stewart Copeland, “The Stewart Copeland Anthology” (Koch)
Eisley, “Combinations” (Reprise)
Erik Friedlander, “Block Ice and Propane” (SkipStone)
Halfway to Hazard, “Halfway to Hazard” (Mercury Nashville)
Dean Martin, “Forever Cool” (Capitol)
Lori McKenna, “Unglamorous” (Warner Bros.)
Matt Nathanson, “Some Mad Hope” (Vanguard)
Recoil, “Subhuman Deluxe” (Mute U.S.)
12 Stones, “Anthem for the Underdog” (Wind-Up)
Y&T, “Live: One Hot Night” (Locomotive)
Soundtracks and scores:
“As You Like It” (Varese)
“Entourage” (Atlantic)
“The Last Legion” (Varese)
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