New CD Releases, February 12: Michael Jackson, Widespread Panic, Simple Plan
Michael Jackson “Thriller–25th Anniversary Edition”
The landmark album, by most accounts the world’s best-selling record of all time, gets its proper due with this expansive anniversary re-release.
The dual CD/DVD “Thriller–25th Anniversary Edition” includes the full-length original album as well as seven bonus tracks, consisting of six remixes and one unreleased cut (“For All Time”). The remixes come courtesy of such stars as Kanye West, Fergie, will.i.am and Akon.
The DVD portion features all of the original music videos from the album, including the groundbreaking “Thriller” short film. Perhaps best of all is the inclusion of Jackson’s acclaimed performance of “Billie Jean” on the 1983 “Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever” TV special.
“Thriller” was originally released on Nov. 30, 1982–which actually makes 2008 the 26th anniversary of the album–but the celebration is still quite timely, given that the record would dominate the charts for much of 1983.
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Widespread Panic “Free Somehow”
The Southern-rock jam band, which made its name on heavily improvised live performances, releases its 10th studio album. “Free Somehow” is the group’s first release with new guitarist Jimmy Herring, who replaced George McConnell last fall. McConnell had joined Panic following the 2002 cancer death of founding member Michael Hauser.
These road warriors will, of course, support “Free Somehow” on tour (how often Panic actually plays this new material during the tour is another matter). The month-long trek of Eastern cities begins April 1 with a two-night stand in Washington, DC.
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Simple Plan “Simple Plan”
The Canadian rock group delivers its fourth CD, which follows 2002’s double-platinum debut, “No Pads, No Helmets … Just Balls,” 2004’s platinum-certified “Still Not Getting Any” and 2005’s “MTV Hard Rock Live.” Simple Plan is currently scheduled to support the self-titled disc with a pair of East Coast shows, Feb. 26 in New York City and Feb. 27 in Philadelphia.
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British Sea Power “Do You Like Rock Music?”
The UK indie-rock troupe poses a musical question on its third full-length release: “Do You Like Rock Music?” The answer, if the new disc is anything like 2003’s “The Decline of British Sea Power” and 2005’s “Open Season,” will most likely be a ringing affirmative from the group’s fans.
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Type O Negative “Dead Again–Deluxe Edition”
Originally released in March 2007, Type O Negative’s seventh studio album is now getting a fancy re-release. “Dead Again–Deluxe Edition,” which still features Russian mystic Grigori Rasputin on its cover, includes a DVD with live performances, interviews and music videos.
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More new releases:
Blue Highway, “Through the Window of a Train” (Rounder)
Flo & Eddie, “The Phlorescent Leech & Eddie/Flo & Eddie” (Manifesto)
Natalie Grant, “Relentless” (Curb)
The Kingston Trio, “Once Upon a Time” (Collector’s Choice)
The Kingston Trio, “Twice Upon a Time” (Collector’s Choice)
Nancy LaMott, “Ask Me Again” (Midder)
The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, “Spirit of the Glen” (Fontana)
Sanctus Real, “We Need Each Other” (Sparrow)
Supreme Beings of Leisure, “11i” (Rykodisc)
UFO, “Force It” (Caroline)
UFO, “No Heavy Petting” (Caroline)
UFO, “Phenomenon” (Caroline)
Various Artists, “The Complete Motown Singles, Vol. 9: 1969” (Hip-O)
Various Artists, “WOW Gospel 2008” (Verity)
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