New CD Releases, Aug. 28: Lyle Lovett, Ben Harper, Ringo Starr
Lyle Lovett “It’s Not Big It’s Large”
The four-time Grammy winner will find out if “13” can indeed be a lucky number as he prepares to release “It’s Not Big It’s Large.” The set, Lovett’s 13th album, follows 2003’s “My Baby Don’t Tolerate” and, before that, 1996’s “Road to Ensenada.”
“It’s Not Big It’s Large” was produced by Lovett and longtime collaborator Billy Williams. The 12-track CD, as referenced in its title, features Lovett’s signature Large Band. A deluxe version of the album, which includes a DVD with studio footage, is being released simultaneously.
Having recently finished up a co-headlining tour with K.D. Lang, the Texas troubadour will back “It’s Not Big It’s Large” with a handful of dates in his home state in October.
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Ben Harper & the Innocent Criminals “Lifeline”
Having explored “Both Sides of the Gun” last year, Harper quickly returns with another major burst of creativity. The singer/songwriter’s new album, “Lifeline,” is an 18-track, two-disc affair, divided into two styles: softer acoustic grooves on one disc and more rocking tunes on the other. The record’s lead single is the track “In the Colors.”
Regular road warriors, Harper and his Innocent Criminals will, of course, tour to support “Lifeline.” The band’s major North American theater tour will kick off Sept. 1 in Boulder, CO, and is currently scheduled to last through mid-November. Two-night stands are booked in Montreal, Toronto, Los Angeles and Seattle.
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Ringo Starr
“Photograph: Very Best of Ringo Starr”
The man who set the beat for John, Paul and George gets his turn under the spotlight with “Photograph: Very Best of Ringo Starr.” This 20-track disc, which is bundled with a bonus DVD, features material from Starr’s own impressive solo career.
Starr has had his share of post-Beatles success. Notably, he has charted seven Top 10 pop hits on his own. “Photograph: Very Best of Ringo Starr” includes such fan favorites as “It Don’t Come Easy” and “Back Off Boogaloo.”
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Heaven and Hell “Live from Radio City Music Hall”
Heaven and Hell, the reunion of the Ronnie James Dio-era Black Sabbath, proved very popular with fans during a concert tour earlier this year. So popular, in fact, that the group–featuring vocalist Dio, guitarist Tony Iommi, bassist Geezer Butler and drummer Vinnie Appice–has decided to schedule another round of shows, which kick off in early September.
If you are still undecided about whether to attend an upcoming Heaven and Hell gig, you might want to check out the group’s “Live from Radio City Music Hall.” This concert set documents the band’s March gig at the famed NYC venue, which was the first stop on the U.S. comeback trail for the band.
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Casting Crowns “The Altar and the Door”
The Christian pop troupe returns with its third album, which follows the platinum-selling albums “Casting Crowns” and “Lifesong.” The group has also released two popular concert discs, “Live from Atlanta” and “Lifesong Live,” which were certified, respectively, platinum and gold. Casting Crowns is led by singer/songwriter Mark Hall, a man who splits his time between being a pop star and working as a pastor at his local church.
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Other new releases:
Aesop Rock, “None Shall Pass” (Def Jux)
Paul Anka, “Classic Songs, My Way” (Decca)
Atreyu, “Lead Sails Paper Anchor” (Hollywood)
Blu & Exile, “Below the Heavens” (Sound in Color)
Rick Braun, Richard Elliot, “RnR” (Artizen)
Epica, “Divine Conspiracy” (Nuclear Blast)
Victoria Hart, “Whatever Happened to Romance?” (Decca)
The Kingston Trio, “Nick, Bob & John: The Final Concert” (Collector’s Choice)
Ledisi, “Lost and Found” (Verve Forecast)
Liars, “Liars” (Mute)
Sophie Milman, “Make Someone Happy” (Koch)
New Young Pony Club, “Fantastic Playroom” (Interscope)
Northern State, “Can I Keep This Pen” (Ipecac)
Deva Premal, “Sings the Moola Mantra” (White Swan)
Queensryche, “Sign of the Times: The Best of Queensryche” (Capitol)
Scorpions, “Humanity Hour 1” (New Door)
The Subdudes, “Street Symphony” (Back Porch)
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