New CD Releases, February 5: Jack Johnson, Lenny Kravitz, Sheryl Crow
Jack Johnson “Sleep Through the Static”
The Hawaii-born singer/songwriter surfs back into action with the release of his fourth solo disc, “Sleep Through the Static.” Johnson’s last solo disc was 2005’s “In Between Dreams,” though he was also a major contributing force behind 2006’s chart-topping “Sing-A-Longs and Lullabies for the Film Curious George.”
“Sleep Through the Static” was produced by JP Plunier, who also helmed Johnson’s 2001 debut, “Brushfire Fairytales.” The album features the singer’s longtime collaborators: drummer Adam Topol, bassist Merlo Podlewski and keyboardist Zach Gill.
As far as the concert front goes, the 32-year-old Johnson is currently scheduled to support “Sleep Through the Static” with a headlining set on the opening night (4/25) of Southern California’s Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.
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Lenny Kravitz “It is Time for a Love Revolution”
If, indeed, “It is Tme for a Love Revolution,” then we can think of no one better suited to lead the charge than Lenny “Let Love Rule” Kravitz.
Kravitz, a man seemingly born to be a rock star, is back with his eighth album, “It is Time for a Love Revolution,” which follows 2004’s “Baptism.” The 14-track set was produced by the artist himself and features the singles “Bring It On” and “I’ll Be Waiting.”
Having already performed some Stateside dates this year, Kravitz will next take to Canadian soil for shows in March, beginning with a March 10 gig in Vancouver, British Columbia.
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Sheryl Crow “Detours”
The multi-platinum vocalist returns with her sixth studio album. “Detours” was produced by Bill Bottrell, who previously worked with Crow on her Grammy-winning 1993 debut, “Tuesday Night Music Club.”
The 45-year-old Missouri native, known for such singles as “If It Makes You Happy” and “All I Wanna Do,” has a few dates lined up in support of “Detours.” The current itinerary includes a two-night stand (Feb. 6-7) at the Fillmore New York at Irving Plaza, as well a late-April appearance at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival.
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k.d. lang “Watershed”
The supremely talented vocalist, born Kathryn Dawn Lang, delivers 11 new original songs on “Watershed.” The 46-year-old Canadian also makes her debut as a producer on this set. “Watershed” follows 2004’s “Hymns of the 49th Parallel.”
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Hot Chip “Made in the Dark”
The British electro-pop heroes are ready to unveil “Made in the Dark,” the band’s third studio release and the follow-up to 2006’s “The Warning.” “Made in the Dark” is being released as a CD/DVD set, which features the studio album plus video footage taken from the band’s live performances.
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More new releases:
Adele, “19” (XL)
Avantasia, “The Scarecrow” (Nuclear Blast)
Betty Buckley, “Quintessence” (Sony)
Taylor Dayne, “Satisfied” (Adrenaline)
Hanzel und Gretyl, “2012: Zwanzig Zwolf” (Metropolis)
Paul Hardcastle, “Hardcastle 5” (Trippin and Rhythm)
Josh Kelley, “Special Company” (DNK)
Fernando Lima, “Pasion”
Bob Mould, “District Line” (Anti)
Nada Surf, “Lucky” (Barsuk)
Omar Rodriguez-Lopez, “Calibration (is Pushing Luck and Key Too Far)” (N2o)
Jill Scott, “Live in Paris” (Hidden Beach)
Soundtracks and scores:
“Love in the Time of Cholera” (New Line)
“Rambo” (Lions Gate)
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