New CD Releases, September 30th: James Taylor, Ben Folds, T.I.
James Taylor “Covers” (Hear Music)
The acclaimed singer/songwriter pays respect to other songwriters with the release of “Covers.” The album includes versions of songs made famous by such artists as Leonard Cohen, Eddie Cochran, The Dixie Chicks, George Jones, The Temptations, Buddy Holly and John Anderson.
“Covers” was created in a Massachusetts barn-turned-studio with Taylor’s regular band. The selections are all songs that the vocalist has performed in concert over the years, but previously had not recorded.
Taylor is no stranger to the cover tune. Many of his best-known recordings have been cover songs, including “You’ve Got a Friend” and “How Sweet It Is.”
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Ben Folds “Way to Normal” (Sony)
The singer/songwriter/pianist is back with an eagerly awaited new studio album, which follows 2005’s “Songs for Silverman.”
“Way to Normal” was produced by Dennis Herring (Elvis Costello, Modest Mouse) and it features bassist Jared Reynolds and drummer Sam Smith. Guest vocalist Regina Spektor appears on the album’s first single, “You Don’t Know Me.”
Folds is currently showcasing his “Normal” sides on tour. The road show is scheduled to last through mid-November.
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T.I. “Paper Trail” (Grand Hustle)
The Grammy-winning hip-hop star returns with his sixth album, which follows last year’s “T.I. vs. T.I.P.” The lead single from “Paper Trail” is the tune “No Matter What.”
The album features tons of guest performers and top-name producers, including Lil Wayne, Rihanna, Usher, The Dream, Fall Out Boy, Kanye West, B.O.B, John Legend, DJ Toomp, Swizz Beatz, Drumma Boy and Danja.
Along with releasing several hit albums over the years, T.I. has also experienced his share of legal problems. Notably, earlier this year he was sentenced to a year in prison on weapons charges.
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Jennifer Hudson “Jennifer Hudson” (Arista)
Having already established herself as a superstar vocalist in the film version of “Dreamgirls,” Hudson finally gets around to releasing her eponymous debut CD.
Hudson, who first came to fame competing on “American Idol,” is joined on this 13-track disc by some big-name guest stars. Included in the mix are fellow “Idol” vet Fantasia and rap star Ludacris.
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Faith Hill “Joy to the World” (Warner Bros.)
Although Halloween is still a month away, the Christmas-time CD blitz has already started. Getting a jump on the competition is Hill, who delivers “Joy to the World.”
The collection features the country star performing such holiday standards as “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” “Holly Jolly Christmas” and “Silent Night.”
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More new releases:
Anberlin, “New Surrender” (Universal)
Ani DiFranco, “Red Letter Year” (Righteous Babe)
Dream Theater, “Chaos in Motion 2007-2008” (Roadrunner)
Linda Eder, “The Other Side of Me” (Verve)
Enigma, “Seven Lives Many Faces” (EMI)
Jack’s Mannequin, “The Glass Passenger” (Warner Bros.)
Kellie Pickler, “Kellie Pickler” (BNI)
Joshua Radin, “Simple Times” (Mom & Pop)
Andre Rieu, “Live in Vienna” (Denon)
Todd Rundgren, “Arena” (Hi Fi)
Robin Thicke, “Something Else” (Interscope)
Trivium, “Shogun” (Roadrunner)
U2, “Under a Blood Red Sky (Deluxe Edition)” (Island)
Soundtracks and scores:
“Nightmare Revisited” (Disney)
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