New Releases, April 21: Depeche Mode, Jane’s Addiction, Pet Shop Boys, Ron White, Black Label Society, more
Depeche Mode “Sounds of the Universe” (Mute)
The legendary British modern-rock troupe is set to unveil its 12th studio album. The 13-track set was produced by Ben Hiller, who also helmed the band’s 2005 release, “Playing the Angel.”
The first single from “Sounds of the Universe” is the track “Wrong,” which was released to radio early last month.
These new-wave pioneers will support the album with a worldwide trek dubbed “Tour of the Universe.” The North American portion of the journey is set to begin July 24 in Toronto and will include a stop at Chicago’s mammoth Lollapalooza festival, which runs Aug. 7-9.
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Jane’s Addiction “Cabinet of Curiosities” (Rhino)
The newly reunited alt-rock icons are ready to treat its fans to a “Cabinet of Curiosities.” This box-set includes three CDs and a DVD, bundled together in a case that–quite appropriately–resembles a wooden cabinet.
The first CD features unreleased demos recorded from 1986-87. The second disc also includes demos, as well as previously unreleased live tracks and covers of songs originally recorded by the Grateful Dead, The Stooges and Led Zeppelin, among others. Also featured on the second disc is a live mash-up of sorts called “Bobhouse,” that features the lyrics to Bob Dylan’s “Like a Rolling Stone” over the music from Bauhaus’ “Burning From the Inside.” The third CD in the set features a live show recorded in December of 1990.
Having kick-started its reunion at the invite-only Playboy Party held during last month’s South by Southwest festival in Austin, TX, Jane’s Addiction is now set to spend May and June on the road. The tour, a co-headlining jaunt with Nine Inch Nails, will begin May 8 in West Palm Beach, FL. The band will also perform in August at Lollapalooza, the event that was originally founded by Jane’s Addiction vocalist, Perry Farrell.
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Pet Shop Boys “Yes” (Astralwerks)
The electronic/dance/pop band, which has sold more than 50 million records worldwide, is back in action with its 10th studio disc. “Yes” is the Pet Shop Boy’s first offering since 2006’s “Fundamental,” although the group did release one remix effort, 2007’s “Disco 4,” during that break.
The new album was produced by Brian Higgins’ crack team, Xenomania, which also co-wrote three tracks on the set. Guitar great Johnny Marr (The Smiths, Modest Mouse) guests on “Yes.” The first single is the track “Love etc.”
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Ron White “Behavioral Problems” (Capitol)
The mega-popular funnyman, who has made millions laugh with his appearances on Comedy Central, returns with a new live disc that features 27 comedic bits. This CD follows several other successful endeavors for White, who also can put New York Times Best Seller List author and Gold-certified recording artist on his resume.
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Black Label Society “Skullage” (Eagle)
While awaiting a proper studio follow-up to 2006’s “Shot to Hell,” Black Label’s society of fans can pass the time by listening to this new compilation disc. Fans can also hear many of these tracks, no doubt, during Black Label Society’s current North American tour.
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More new releases:
Beegie Adair, “Moments to Remember” (Green Hill)
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, “How Big Can You Get?–The Music of Cab Calloway” (Vanguard)
Camera Obscura, “My Maudlin Career” (4ad)
Chester French, “Love the Future” (Interscope)
Empire of the Sun, “Walking on a Dream” (Astralwerks)
Dan Fogelberg, “Live in Colorado 1977” (Store for Music)
Great White, “Rising” (Shrapnel)
Jars Of Clay, “The Long Fall Back to Earth” (Provident)
Booker T. Jones, “Potato Hole” (Anti)
Lacuna Coil, “Shallow Life” (Century Media)
Manchester Orchestra, “Mean Everything to Nothing” (Sony)
Mormon Tabernacle Choir, “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing” (Mormon Tabernacle)
Rick Ross, “Deeper Than Rap” (Def Jam)
Tinted Windows, “Tinted Windows” (S-Curve)
Allen Toussaint, “The Bright Mississippi” (Nonesuch)
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