New CD Releases, May 19th: Eminem, Tori Amos, Eric Clapton and Steve Winwood, Kenny Chesney, Iron & Wine and more
Eminem “Relapse”
It’s finally time to get real–as in the “Real Slim Shady.” The controversial multi-platinum rap star returns to the game with the release of his long-awaited fifth studio album, which follows 2004’s quadruple-platinum “Encore.î
“Relapse” is the first of two albums that Eminem expects to deliver in 2009. He announced back in March that he plans to issue a follow-up, dubbed “Relapse 2,” by year’s end.
In other Marshall Mathers matters, the rapper has been tapped to perform at the 18th annual MTV Movie Awards, which will air live May 31 at 9 p.m. ET.
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Tori Amos “Abnormally Attracted to Sin” (Universal Republic)
The acclaimed singer/songwriter/pianist is back with a follow-up to 2007’s “American Doll Posse.” “Abnormally Attracted to Sin,” Amos’ 10th studio album, marks her debut on the Universal Republic label.
The album’s first two singles are the tunes “Welcome to England” and “Fire to Your Plain,” videos of which are streaming at the Amos’ website. “Abnormally Attracted to Sin” will be available in both standard and deluxe versions. The latter will include a digital booklet, one bonus track and a DVD of corresponding episodic films for each track, which “bring to life the narrative arc of the album,” according to a press release.
Amos will support “Abnormally Attracted to Sin” with a US theater trek this summer. The “Sinful Attraction” tour kicks off July 10 in Seattle and will continue through mid-August.
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Eric Clapton and Steve Winwood “Live from Madison Square Garden” (Reprise)
The two legendary rockers–who in 1969 combined forces in the super-group Blind Faith–reunited early last year for a three-night stand in New York City. This two-CD set is a document of that sold-out run.
“Live from Madison Square Garden,” which is also being released on DVD, features such classic-rock staples as “Forever Man,” “After Midnight,” “Dear Mr. Fantasy” and “Can’t Find My Way Home.”
Clapton and Winwood have also announced plans to tour together. The trek gets underway June 10 in East Rutherford, NJ, and runs through the end of the month.
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Kenny Chesney “Greatest Hits II” (RCA)
The cowboy crooner is set to deliver his second best-of compilation. “Greatest Hits II” includes such big singles as “Living in Fast Forward,” “Beer in Mexico,” “No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems” and “Never Wanted Nothing More.” It also features one new song, “Out Last Night,” which was released as a single in March.
Fans can hear many of these “Greatest Hits” performed live if they turn out to see Chesney’s “Sun City Carnival” tour. The trek is currently underway and is scheduled to run through late summer.
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Iron & Wine “Around the Well” (Sub Pop)
Indie-rock singer/songwriter Iron & Wine, the stage name of Sam Beam, will please his faithful following by releasing a double-disc set of rarities and B-sides. His touring plans this summer include headlining the inaugural No Depression Festival on July 11 in Washington.
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More new releases:
The Beach Boys, “Summer Love Songs” (Capitol)
Carbon Leaf, “Nothing Rhymes with Woman” (Vanguard)
Dane Cook, “ISolated Incident” (Comedy Central)
Richard Elliot, “Rock Steady” (Artistry)
Mat Kearney, “City of Black & White” (Sony)
Steve Martin, “The Crow: New Songs for the 5-String Banjo” (Rounder)
Method Man, “Blackout 2” (Def Jam)
O.S.I., “Blood” (Inside Out)
The Oak Ridge Boys, “The Boys are Back” (Spring Hill)
Lionel Richie, “Just Go” (Island)
Kate Voegele, “A Fine Mess” (Interscope)
Zee Avi, “Zee Avi” (Brushfire)
Soundtracks and scores:
“Terminator Salvation” (Warner Bros.)
“True Blood” (Elektra)
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