New CD Releases, December 2nd: Britney Spears, Neil Young, ‘Cadillac Records’, Akon, Panic at the Disco, and more
Britney Spears “Circus”
The troubled pop star, who in recent years has garnered more headlines for her personal life than for her musical endeavors, will try to bolster her career with the release of her sixth studio album.
“Circus” follows last year’s “Blackout,” a work that managed to get some warm reviews, peaked at No. 2 on The Billboard 200, but still fell far from reaching the multi-platinum sales heights of Spears’ earlier efforts. “Blackout” did produce the hit single “Piece of Me,” a tune that helped her have a big night at the most recent MTV VMA ceremony, during which won three Moonman trophies for “Video of the Year,” “Best Female Vocalist” and “Best Pop Video.”
The first single from “Circus” is the track “Womanizer,” which was produced by Atlanta production crew The Outsyders.
Spears reportedly plans to support the new album with a spring tour. The arena trek would be her first since her 2004 outing, which reportedly grossed more than $30 million.
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Neil Young “Sugar Mountain–Live at Canterbury House 1968” (Reprise)
Young’s place in the rock-and-roll history books, as one of the greatest singer/songwriter/guitarists to ever go before a microphone, has been secure for decades. This new release, however, gives fans a rare look at Young’s early days as a performer, well before his legend had been carved in stone.
“Sugar Mountain–Live at Canterbury House 1968,” available both on CD and DVD, was recorded in Ann Arbor, MI just days before the release of Young’s debut solo album. The set captures an intimate performance of some of Young’s best-loved songs, including “Mr. Soul” and the title track.
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Original Soundtrack “Cadillac Records” (Sony)
Set to hit movie theaters on Dec. 5, “Cadillac Records” documents the story of the legendary Chicago label Chess Records. The R-rated film stars Beyonce Knowles as Etta James, Mos Def as Chuck Berry, Cedric the Entertainer as Willie Dixon, Columbus Short as Little Walter and Jeffrey Wright as Muddy Waters.
The original soundtrack to “Cadillac Records” features a number of those stars performing in character on some truly classic Chess cuts. For examples, Beyonce (who also served as one of the film’s producers) sings “At Last” and “I’d Rather Go Blind,” while Mos Def handles “Nadine” and “No Particular Place to Go.”
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Akon “Freedom” (Universal)
The R&B/rap star returns with a follow-up to 2006’s triple-platinum “Konvicted.” “Freedom,” which was originally intended to be titled “Acquitted,” is Akon’s third studio album. The set features a bevy of guest stars, including Young Jeezy, T-Pain and Lil Wayne.
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Panic at the Disco “Live in Chicago” (Fueled by Ramen)
The popular alt-rock troupe unveils its first full-length live release, which is available in both CD and DVD formats, and includes such fan favorites as “Nine in the Afternoon” and “That Green Gentleman (Things Have Changed).” The group’s previous studio set, “Pretty. Odd,” hit stores back in March.
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More new releases:
Shoshana Bean, “Superhero” (Shotime)
Vicente Fern·ndez, “Primera Fila” (Sony)
Sarah Elizabeth Foster, “Gardening from the Ground Up Part 1” (Studio Sarah)
Colt Ford, “Ride Through the Country” (Average Joe’s)
Hillsong, “Ultimate Worship Collection Volume 2” (Integrity)
Burl Ives, “Favorites for Children” (Shout)
Kylie Minogue, “X (2008 Tour Edition)” (Capitol)
Raulin Rodriguez, “Parece Mentira” (Sony)
Queen, “The Singles Collection” (EMI)
Carly and Lucy Simon, “Sing Songs for Children” (Shout)
Jimmy Smith, “Electrifyin'” (Proper Box)
Various Artists, “Meren Hits 2009” (Sony)
Joe Veras, “Vida” (Sony)
Soundtracks and scores:
“Grimm’s & Hans Christian Anderson Fairy Tales” (Shout)
“Halo Trilogy–The Complete Original Soundtracks” (Sumthing Else)
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