New CD Releases, September. 9: Metallica, Natalie Cole, Jessica Simpson
Metallica “Death Magnetic”
The metal masters are set to release their first new studio set in five years.
Metallica will support “Death Magnetic” with a major North American tour, which begins with an Oct. 21 date in Glendale, AZ. The trek is currently scheduled to stretch through January and stop in more than 30 cities. Show-openers The Sword will appear on all dates, while Down, Lamb of God and Machine Head will rotate through the tour’s second support slot.
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Natalie Cole “Still Unforgettable”
After a 17-year wait, the Grammy-winning R&B/jazz singer will release the sequel to 1991’s “Unforgettable … With Love.” That earlier effort has sold more than 14 million copies worldwide and earned Cole several Grammy Awards.
“Still Unforgettable” is Cole’s 21st studio effort and marks her first time in the producer’s chair. The set comprises 14 standards, including “Come Rain or Come Shine,” “The Best is Yet to Come” and “Nice ‘N’ Easy.” It also includes a posthumous duet with Cole’s dad, Nat King Cole, on the single “Walkin’ My Baby Back Home.”
Cole will showcase “Still Unforgettable” for her fans in October, as she embarks on a nearly month-long trek through venues on the East Coast and in Canada.
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Jessica Simpson “Do You Know”
The former pop-princess will further attempt to carve out a place in the country music world by delivering “Do You Know.”
Simpson co-wrote all but three of the album’s tracks, including the crossover single “Come on Over.” Guests on the record include Dolly Parton, who wrote and sings background vocals on the title track.
Thus far, Simpson’s attempt to “go country” has reportedly met with mixed reactions from fans that have seen her perform her country numbers at shows this summer. She still has some gigs left on the book this month, including dates in Arizona, Nebraska and Nevada.
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Joan Baez “Day After Tomorrow”
The legendary folk singer will mark her 50th anniversary as a recording artist by releasing “Day After Tomorrow.” The Steve Earle-produced effort is the singer’s 24th studio album and her first since 2003’s “Dark Chords on a Big Guitar.”
Baez will further celebrate her milestone anniversary, as well as support the new album, during a late-fall trek. She’ll play 14 shows in 10 cities during the outing, which kicks off Oct. 26 in Philadelphia.
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Calexico “Carried to Dust”
The rootsy alt-rock band returns with a follow-up to 2006’s “Garden Ruin.”
“Carried to Dust” features founders Joey Burns (guitar/vocals) and John Convertino (drums/percussion) performing with steel guitarist Paul Niehaus, keyboardist/trumpeter Jacob Valenzuela, multi-instrumentalist Martin Wenk and standup bass player Volker Zander. Iron & Wine’s Sam Beam, Tortoise bassist Doug McCombs and Pieta Brown make guest appearances on the set.
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More new releases:
Eric Benet, “Love & Life” (Warner Bros.)
Kimya Dawson, “Alphabutt” (K Records)
Michael Franti & Spearhead, “All Rebel Rockers” (Anti)
Mitch Hedberg, “Do You Believe in Gosh?” (Comedy Central)
Iced Earth, “The Crucible of Man” (Steamhammer)
Hal Ketchum, “Father Time” (Curb)
LL Cool J, “Exit 13” (Def Jam)
Patty Loveless, “Sleepless Nights” (Saguaro Road)
Okkervil River, “The Stand Ins” (Jagjaguwar)
Joan Osborne, “Little Wild One” (Saguaro Road)
Sasha, “Involver 2” (Global Underground)
Dar Williams, “Promised Land” (Razor & Tie)
ZZ Top, “Eliminator (Collector’s Edition)” (Rhino)
Soundtracks and scores:
Buffy the Vampire Slayer: The Score (Rounder)
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