New CD Releases, January 29: Willie Nelson, Hannah Montana, Andrea Bocelli
Willie Nelson “Moment of Forever”
The country music legend returns with a follow-up to 2007’s “It’s Magic,” a collection that featured “What a Wonderful World” and 11 other classic compositions.
Produced by–and this is not a typo–country superstar Kenny Chesney, “Moment of Forever” features a few Nelson originals, along with covers of songs by Kris Kristofferson, Bob Dylan, Randy Newman and others, as well as a pair of Chesney-penned tracks, “I’m Alive” and “Worry B Gone.” The first single from the album is a rendition of Dave Matthews’ “Gravedigger.”
This tireless road warrior is, of course, supporting “Moment of Forever” on tour. His itinerary currently includes dates through the end of June.
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Hannah Montana “Hannah Montana 2: Non-Stop Dance Party”
The kiddie-pop juggernaut keeps right on charging along. Having conquered the album charts, the TV ratings and the concert stage, the girl with the double life and dual career–she’s also made a mark under her real name, Miley Cyrus–now returns with “Hannah Montana 2: Non-Stop Dance Party.”
The disc includes newly remixed versions of 10 fan favorites (including “Nobody’s Perfect,” “Rock Star” and “We Got the Party”) that are strung together in a continuous party mix. It’s a tween’s dream–or a parent’s nightmare–as the listener gets non-stop Hannah. The set also includes a slide show, music video and printable party invitations.
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Andrea Bocelli “Vivere: Live in Tuscany”
Having recently put out a greatest-hits package, “The Best of Andrea Bocelli: Vivere,” the multi-platinum pop-opera star is ready to tempt fans with a concert disc.
The 2-disc “Vivere: Live in Tuscany” features all of the crooner’s best-known tunes, including “Time to Say Goodbye,” as well as guest appearances by the likes of Kenny G, Chris Botti and Sarah Brightman. It’s being offered both on CD and on DVD.
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The Mars Volta “The Bedlam in Goliath”
The psychedelic prog-rockers return with their fourth studio album. “The Bedlam in Goliath” is a concept record that tells the tale of a Ouija board nicknamed “Soothsayer” owned by band member Cedric Bixler-Zavala, “and its mutation from a source of amusement during the tour supporting the band’s ‘Amputechture’ album into a malevolent psycho-spiritual force that nearly tore the group apart, collectively and individually,” according to a press release.
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Sarah Brightman “Symphony”
The Broadway/pop diva–a woman still best known for originating the role of Christine DaaÈ in “The Phantom of the Opera” as well as for her marriage to the show’s author, Andrew Lloyd Webber–continues to tinker with her musical image. Her new release, “Symphony,” reportedly has a “goth metal” edge to it. We wonder what the Phantom would think about that.
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More new releases:
Ayreon, “01011001” (Inside Out)
Bullet for My Valentine, “Scream Aim Fire” (Jive)
Dispatch, “Zimbabwe: Live at Madison Square Garden” (Republic)
Linda Eder, “Greatest Hits” (Rhino)
The Five Blind Boys of Alabama, “Down in New Orleans” (Time Life)
Joe Jackson, “Rain” (Rykodisc)
Al Jarreau, “Love Songs” (Rhino)
Shelby Lynne, “Just a Little Lovin'” (Lost Highway)
Idina Menzel, “I Stand” (Warner Bros.)
Pat Metheny Trio, “Day Trip” (Nonesuch)
Van Morrison, “It’s Too Late To Stop Now” (Polydor)
Van Morrison, “Tupelo Honey” (Polydor)
Vampire Weekend, “Vampire Weekend” (Beggars XL)
Various Artists, “2008 Grammy Nominees” (Hip-O)
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