New CD and Music DVD Releases

by Staff of CD World

Faktion's got Myspace attraction and Red Animal War's still fightin' the post-punk funk battles.

Faktion: Faktion

The songs featured on Faktion's Myspace page have already been streamed an astounding 240,000 times. The page's friends community numbers over 32,000 members (5,500 in the past month alone!), and is larger than that of many major artists. Features the single 'Take It All Away'.

Red Animal War: Seven Year War

After seven years of existence, R.A.W. is back with their fourth full-length of biting world commentary, rhythmic cannonades and catchy, unforgettable choruses. This is a 12 song collection of new and old recordings in a darker, more mature form of post-punk funk.

Anti-Flag: For Blood & Empire

Explicit version. Not since Rage Against The Machine has there been a band with a more urgent, crucial message. In fact, Tom Morello of RATM and Audioslave had these exact words of praise for the band: "Anti-Flag are the most important emerging band in America. Uncompromising, ferocious, and absolutely right. In desperate times like these, the world needs a band like Anti-Flag to set shit straight."

B.G.: Vol. 2-Heart Of Tha Streetz

2006 may just be the B.G. comeback year that’s been bubbling under since his acrimonious split with Ca$h Money. The Heart Of Tha Streetz, Vol. 2 (I Am What I Am) is the follow-up to last year’s The Heart Of Tha Streetz, Vol. 1. So what’s different this time around? How ‘bout a long-awaited reunion with hit-maker Mannie Fresh for starters! And a killer new single called 'Move Around' also featuring Mannie. From start to finish, The Heart Of Tha Streetz, Vol. 2. (I Am What I Am) is undoubtedly the strongest of the 4 album’s B.G.’s released through KOCH Records/Chopper City.

My Chemical Romance: Life On The Murder Scene

This CD+2DVD package Life on the Murder Scene fans the flames of fanatiscism with live performances, demos and rarities, including over 4 hours of footage of live performances, MTV2 $2 Bill, MTV Discover and Download, plus Sessions @ AOL, and Live @ Launch. The love affair with My Chemical Romance has just begun.

Appleseed Cast: Peregrine

On Peregrine, the Kansas four-piece bangs out its staple brand of lavish instrument-thick rock, mashing airy guitar and samples with singer Chris Crisci’s alluring, often off-kilter vocal smatterings. Beat master Nathan Jr. Richardson picks up where former drummer Josh Baruth left off, pinging and panging in the band’s high-hat heavy style, while Aaron Pillar and Marc Young knock out The Appleseed Cast’s characteristic swell.

Richard Ashcroft: Keys To The World

US Special Edition includes a bonus DVD (NTSC/Region 0). Powerful reflection, coupled with a winding guitar led melodies that wander off, at times, but always return to punctuate Richard’s banal and bemused philosophizing and mark a much welcomed return from The Verve-ster. This is no better captured than in the freewheeling 'Why Not Nothing' and the mournful 'Cry Til The Morning'. Richard’s ability to build up feeling and emotion in songs is second to none. He does it with in with his usual craft on this reflective offering and also finds time to fires out a more positive than normal perspective with pride and, dare say it; contentment, via Keys To The World.

Band Of Horses: Everything All The Time

Guitarist/vocalist Ben Bridwell and bassist Mat Brooke formed Band Of Horses in 2004 after the dissolution of their nearly ten-year run in northwest melancholic darlings Carissa's Wierd. Carissa's Wierd trafficked in sadly beautiful orchestral pop, whose songs told unflinching stories of heartbreak and loss, leavened with defeatist humor. Band Of Horses rises from those ashes. Buoyed by Bridwell's warm, reverb-heavy vocals (which channel a strange brew of Wayne Coyne, Neil Young, and Doug Martsch), the group's woodsy, dreamy songs ooze with amorphous tension, longing, and hope. Both raggedly epic and delicately pensive, this is an album painted gorgeously in fragile highs and lows.

Bizzy Bone: Story

As one fourth of Bone Thugs N Harmony, Bizzy Bone has always been the dark mysterious member. Over the years Bizzy had to endure many hardships and growing pains. Real Talk Entertainment and Bizzy Bone are back to release his most insightful and personal album to date The Story. On The Story, Bizzy with his rapid-fire flow and angelic voice, addresses all the rumors and misconceptions. You'll witnessa whole new side of Bizzy.

Luka Bloom: Innocence

Innocence seems like a strange title for Luka Bloom’s tenth studio album. However, Innocence is an album that could easily be mistaken as an accomplished debut. Bloom's lyrics are so insightful and fresh that you'd be forgiven for mistaking him as a young and disillusioned twenty-something, instead of a 50 year old who has been making music for 36 years. Musically, Innocence is just as simple and static. There's an unrivalled tenderness to Luka Bloom's enchanting, earnest songwriting - his musical and lyrical delivery possesses that special charm.

Boy Sets Fire: Misery Index - Notes From The Plague Years

The Misery Index: Notes From The Plague Years. The new album is filled with socially charged lyrics and the unmistakable Boy Sets Fire sound, which is sure to excite new and old fans equally. Get ready for a lesson from the true pioneers in post hardcore.

Buddha-Bar: Vol. 3

Mixed by musical trendsetter DJ Ravin, this highly acclaimed release (which sold over one million copies worldwide) has captured audiences with its new age, serene, and world fusion music. The double disc includes Nicos, Asiabeat, Deepak Ram, Eden, Gotan Project, Freeman, Anna Vissi, Ravi Prasad, Kodo, and many more.

Cannibal Corpse: Kill

Formed in Buffalo in 1989, Cannibal Corpse is one of the leading proponents of extreme gore-death metal (in fact, they are acknowledged as the number one seller of death metal albums, over a million albums sold thus far in their career). Their style and image has scarcely changed over the years, and they show no sign of letting up. New CD was produced by Eric Rutan (Hate Eternal, Malevolent Creation).

Chicago: Chicago XXX

When Chicago exploded onto the music scene with their stellar 1969 double-LP debut, Chicago Transit Authority, the band's innovative fusion of up-front horns in a rock 'n' roll context and impeccable pop sensibilities was an instant smash. Chicago rank among the all-time most successful American rock group. On their 30th album, and first new studio album in 10 years-the band's songwriting mastery and world-class musicianship shines on a collection of tracks ranging from signature ballads to funked-up grooves to solid rockers.

Cocteau Twins: Vol. 1-Lullabies To Violaine:

The Cocteau Twins have proven to be one of the most prolific bands in modern music. This 2 CD Set breaks down the songs on the boxset version of Lullabies to Violaine.

Cocteau Twins: Vol. 2-Lullabies To Volaine:

Cocteau Twins have proven to be one of the most prolific bands in modern music. This 2 CD Set breaks down the songs on the boxset version of Lullabies to Violaine.

Elvis Costello: Juliet Letters

London-born Declan McManus, better known as Elvis Costello, has distinguished his remarkable career with a long and acclaimed string of artistically adventurous albums. this lyrically brilliant and melodically nimble singer-songwriter's penchant for exploring diverse genres and shifting musical personae is nowhere more front and center than on 1993's The Juliet Letters. Inspired by a collection of missives written by an Italian professor to Shakespeare's Juliet, this unique project fuses pop sensibilities and chamber music form, proving both avant garde and accesssible as Costello gave new meaning to the term "alternative music."

Czars: Goodbye

Following 2002’s highly celebrated The Ugly People Vs The Beautiful People and tours with the likes of the Flaming Lips and David Gray, Colorado based quartet The Czars deemed it necessary to work on a new album straight away. Six months time would soon bring their most aspiring record to date. Goodbye’s UK release on Bella Union in 2004 was exceptionally successful, outranking works by the Shins, Morrissey and Bjork on Mojo’s Top 50 year-end list. Its long awaited stateside release should be nothing short of irresistible for western ears. Conjuring up the spirits of Miles Davis, Kraftwerk, Patsy Cline and Chris Isaak, Goodbye stands a full-bodied, sweetly twisted collection that will surely continue to dwell, this time in the hearts and minds of its American listeners.

DJ Kicks: The Exclusives

DJ Kicks: The Exclusives features tracks from Carl Craig, Kruder & Dorfmeister, Dj Cam, Terranova, Thievery Corporation, Rockers Hi-Fi, Kid Loco, Nightmares On Wax, Trüby Trio, Vikter Duplaix, Playgroup, Tiga, Chicken Lips, Erlend Øye, The Glimmers.

Editors: Back Room

Back Room is the debut album from the Birmingham based Indie/Rock outfit Editors, that features the successful singles 'Munich', 'Blood' and 'Bullets'. 11 total tracks.

From First To Last: Heroine

First impressions can often be misleading. Like the sound of a word with two opposing meanings, From First To Last has created Heroine, an album of contrasts that initially may shock and amaze but will ultimately elevate and inspire. Recording in isolation in the shadow of Mt. Shasta with producer Ross Robinson, From First to Last embarked on an almost mystical mission to create a sound so honest, so urgent, so undeniably pure of intention that there could never be any doubt that it was their own.

Further Seems Forever: Hope This Finds You Well

Hope This Finds You Well is a collection of 21 tracks that feature all of the groups lead singers, Jason Gleason, Chris Carrabba and John Bunch. Also included are some B-sides and rarities.

Game: G.A.M.E.

The Game was without a doubt the biggest and most successful new rap artist to hit the scene in 2005, and he has the numbers to prove it. His debut album The Documentary has sold nearly 2.5 million albums to date featuring his work with superstar artists and producers Dr. Dre, Eminem, 50 Cent, Mary J. Blige, Busta Rhymes, Nate Dogg, Kanye West, Timbaland, Just Blaze and Scott Storch. With the The Documentary having been out for over a year now, The Game is in the studio recording a follow-up, but in the meantime, G.A.M.E. is the perfect album to feed his eager fans previously unreleased material from the rapper who tore up the charts and put the West Coast back on the map with The Documentary. Guaranteed to feature classics and hidden gems from exclusive and unheard recording sessions.

Howe Gelb: Sno Angel Like You

Jeremy Gara of Arcade Fire plays the drums on the record. Howe Gelb is joined on the record by the Canadian Gospel Choir - Voices of Praise. Howe Gelb's profile has been steadily increasing in the UK with his last album The Listener gaining reviews and features everywhere. In between time he has released a Giant Sand album and toured the UK in 2004.

Glass Casket: We Are Gathered Here Today

Featuring members of Between the Buried and Me, Glass Casket’s debut We Are Gathered Here Today has been re-packaged and re-worked with new art and additional enhanced footage featuring the controversial, unedited video 'In Between The Sheets' that was too racy for MTV. The band has toured America relentlessly and with the growing popularity of two of the member’s current project, Between the Buried and Me, Glass Casket’s debut is sure to be a welcome addition to any fan of contemporary metal- core. We are Gathered Here Today will have a cover sticker prominently detailing cd enhancement and the name Between the Buried and Me.

Ben Harper: Both Sides Of The Gun

2 CD set. The first disc delves into a variety of styles, from the swaggering, Black Crowes-style rocker 'Get It Like You Like It' to the raw blues of 'The Way You Found Me' and the slow-burning, largely instrumental jam 'Serve Your Soul' that closes the side. The second half of Both Sides is a much quieter, intimate affair. It opens with the wistful, string-addled ballad 'Morning Yearning' and moving on to the Nick Drake-influenced solo guitar confessional 'More Than Sorry' and the unabashedly sentimental closer 'Happy Everafter in Your Eyes', an ode to Harper's wife, actress Laura Dern. Also available as a 3 CD set that also features four alternate mixes and two live tracks.

It Dies Today: Caitiff Choir

Limited edition includes a bouns DVD as well as bonus tracks. It Dies Today is a poignant mosaic of copious brutality fused with melodic hooks and epic choruses that transcend modern metal and hardcore. Unashamed to passionately incorporate multiple styles, coupled with a lyrical message portraying the darker aspects of the human condition. The Caitiff Choir, an album three years in the making, serves as a showcase to the individual talents while cementing the sound of the group as a united powerhouse.

Jazzanova & Gilles Peterson: Kings Of Jazz

The Kings Of... series continues in its aim of bringing you forgotten and neglected gems from the world of music. This, the fifth volume, ventures into the vast, exciting world of Jazz. Influential DJ/Broadcaster Gilles Peterson pairs up with producer/remixer collective Jazzanova to bring you a selection of their top tracks across 2 CD’s.

Jedi Mind Tricks Presents - Army: Torture Papers

The long awaited debut from the supergroup comprised of some of the underground hip-hop elite (7L & Esoteric, Outerspace, Celph Titled, Apathy and anchored by retail powerhouse Jedi Mind Tricks' emcee Vinnie Paz),The Torture Papers is a true milestone release within the underground hip-hop landscape. Boasting production from 7L (7L & Esoteric) and rising underground producer Shuko, The Torture Papers is a must-have selection for the underground hip-hop aficionado, whose long delayed release has generated a firestorm of anticipation within the underground community.

Sondre Lerche: Duper Sessions

A charming detour into jazz-inflected pop, Duper Sessionsis a fresh, back-to-basics collection of songs that showcases a more intimate side of this gifted singer-songwriter. Inspired by Chet Baker, Caetano Veloso and even David Lynch, Duper Sessions transports the listener into a different time and place, filled with melody and romanticism. Featuring classic- sounding originals plus covers of songs by Elvis Costello, Cole Porter and Prefab Sprout's Paddy McAloon, Duper Sessionsis Sondre Lerche's tribute to the music he loves.

Liars: Drum's Not Dead

Drum's Not Dead was partly inspired by the Liars' relocation to Berlin from NYC after their 2004 album They Were Wrong, So We Drowned. From clanging guitars, martial beats, dense drones and pulverizing rhythms to high dreamy harmonies, of-kilter guitar lines and soothing samples of waves laping, this is LIARS’ finest, fulest and most unexpected album to date. Drum's Not Dead comes with its own cinematic sister project - a DVD, with 3 film versions of the album, directed by band members Angus Andrew, Julian Gros & filmaker Markus Wambsgans. Each film is comprised of videos for every track on the album: 36 videos total. From backstage travelogues to surreal animation and mini sci-fi epics, Liars document the proces of recording, touring, then visualy reinventing each track.

Lifetime: Somewhere In The Swamps Of Jersey

This double-disc set not only collects early singles, later compilation tracks, covers, and demos, but also two different versions of their crucial and long out of print 1993 debut, Background. Disc one's version has been completely remixed, and it foreshadows the tight, loud, and exuberant sound that would come to define the band. Disc two presents the album in all of its original glory, complete with the bonus live set, and now remastered for collectors. For fans of Descendents, Gorilla Biscuits, Kid Dynamite, Dag Nasty, and Embrace.

Loose Fur: Born Again In The U.S.A.

Rising from the undead three years after their debut is Loose Fur with an album of all new, all-American rock and roll called Born Again In The U.S.A. With all messages aside, the Loose Fur II sound is irreverently all over the place. Twinned electric guitarmonies and stop-on-a-dime rhythms give way to breezy acoustics and melodious whistling, which in turn fades into an ominous well of vibes, percussion and distant thunder.

Mates Of State: Bring It Back

Mate's of State's unique, often complex, and always catchy pop gems defy genre boundaries. This husband/wife duo has released three previous full- lengths as well as numerous singles and EPs. Though a duo, they never fail to generate an abundance of melody and harmony via monster, bass-heavy organ, creative drumming, and alternately lushly layered and playfully dueling vocals. Bring It Back is Mates Of State at their complex yet lighthearted best: impeccably layered music that rewards attention, analysis, and repeated listens, but that's also instantly enchanting, drawing you in at once with hook upon incredible hook.

New Amsterdams: Story Like A Scar

Matt Pryor is The New Amsterdams. Even while serving as frontman for trailblazing rock outfit The Get Up Kids, he found a way to release 3 excellent albums as The New Amsterdams. The most recent release, 2004’s 'Worse For The Wear', was not only his best selling, but also his most critically acclaimed. Well The New Amsterdams is no longer a 'him'. With the addition of three full time band members, The New Amsterdams are growing in more ways than one. The sound is more full, more lush, and more adventurous. And with The Get Up Kids now fading in the rearview mirror, there’s more time for the band to tour and write.

Colin Newman: Provisinally Entitled The Sing

Provisionally Entitled the Singing Fish was originally released in 1981 and marked a departure from Newman's previous experience in bands, as he wrote all the tracks and played all the instruments. It is completely different from his earlier work and not in the slightest a pop record. Cinematic, but also slightly unfocussed, the thirteen tracks (Fish One, Fish Two, Fish Three, etc) are generally listenable and sometimes impressive, but can sometimes wander along without going anywhere. Many of the tracks are reinterpretations of tracks Wire had been playing in 1980 including Safe, We Meet Under Tables and the fantastic You, Me and Happy. An odd cover of Blue Jay Way (The Beatles) rounds off a very good selection. The simple style works well and although the content is rarely challenging or revolutionary it stands true as an excellent release all the same.

Norma Jean: O'god Aftermath

Norma Jean are no strangers to suspense. In fact, it seems the band almost thrives on creating anticipation for their admiring fans. Whether it be the flurry of eagerness that divulges the crowd as their strobed show begins, or the way they can hold a captivated audience in the midst of a 15-minute song, Norma Jean have a gift for creating an anxious buzz. And that buzz has never been bigger as they prepare for their follow up release to 2002's Bless The Martyr and Kiss the Child. This limited edition contains a bonus DVD that is full of live and behind the scenes footage.

Perfecto Chills: Vol. 3-Perfecto Chills

Paul Oakenfold's Perfecto Records introduces the third installment of it's acclaimed Chillout compilation series, Perfecto Chills Vol. 3. New installment takes series back to the big name artists and exclusive contained on Vol. 1. With so many no name, cookie cutter Chillout compilations entering the marketplace, the perfecto chills Vol.3 sets itself apart with a stellar track listing that combines marquee names from the alternative, pop and dance. Compiled by the world's most renowned DJ, Paul Oakenfold, Perfecto Chills Vol. 3 includes an exclusive collaboration between Oakenfold's Perfecto Allstarz and Lisa Gerard, plus marquee names such as Keanes, Postal Service, Scissor Sisters, Dido, Bloc Party and more.

Prince: 3121

Prince is back with his new offering 3121. The album is full of classic Prince song's including the current single 'Black Sweat'. The first initial run of the CD will include 7 tickets that will grant those 7 lucky winners an intimate performance with Prince at his home in Los Angeles.

Quasi: When The Going Gets Dark

Quasi captures sounds that are powerful, unrepeatable, and unmistakably psychedelic. Producer Dave Fridmann (Flaming Lips, Mercury Rev, Sleater-Kinney) made the mixes powerful and unpredictable. He enhanced the swirling, layered, psyche feel. When The Going Gets Dark proves that all the blood, sweat, and tears were worthwhile.

Josh Rouse: Subtitulo

After successful albums such as 1972 and Nashville, Josh Rouse is gearing up for his latest release. Subtitulo is heavily influenced by Josh’s move to Spain. Having spent many years in central Tennessee, Josh packed up his bags, bought a plane ticket and immersed himself into the lifestyle and customs of the Spanish culture; emerging with Subtitulo (which is Spanish for 'subtitled'). This influence shines throughout the upbeat (and largely romantic) tenor within each song on the new album.

Royksopp: Royksopp's Night Out (Live EP)

Hot on the heels of their critically acclaimed album The Understanding, Röyksopp return with their first ever live record. Recorded in Oslo, November '05 in front of an ecstatic hometown crowd, this 40 minute EP captures all the spinetingling excitement and energy of a Royksopp show. Royksopp’s Night Out features highlights from throughout their career, including dynamic and radically re-conceived versions of 'Poor Leno', 'Remind Me', 'What Else Is There', and 'Only This Moment', plus a Queens Of The Stone Age cover. A must for fans and a great introduction for newcomers, this glorious and revelatory live set finds Röyksopp at the top of their game, setting another benchmark for the genre.

Tom Russell: Love & Fear

Tom Russell was born in Los Angeles and now makes his home on the border in El Paso, Texas. He taught school for a year in Nigeria, during the Biafrant War. He lived in Spain, then relocated to Vancouver, B.C., where he started at the bottom of the music business, playing in the strip bars along skid row. With Love & Fear, Tom shakes off his folk troubadour shackles to bare his soul with his most personal recording to date.

Snoop Dogg: Death Row's Greatest Hits

These are Snoop’s REAL Greatest Hits. Out of print for over 2 years now, Death Row’s Greatest Hits from Snoop Doggy Dogg is a good starting point for any Snoop fan (both new and old). Comprising 16 jointz, it includes favorites like 'Gin And Juice', 'Who Am I (What’s My Name)', 'Doggy Dogg World', 'Murder Was The Case' and many more including a Timbaland re- mix of 'Doggfather', and of course, 'Nuthin’ But A 'G' Thang' from Dr. Dre’s seminal album, The Chronic featuring a young Snoop. This collection also includes the hard-to-find rock remix of 'Snoop Bounce' feat. Rage Against The Machine.

Sounds: Dying To Say This To You

The Sounds' 2003 debut, Living In America firmly established the band as one to watch. Their second release is an even stronger fusion of their punk attitude and pop savvy. Honed by a sonic brain trust that includes producer Jeff Saltzman (who helmed The Killers' Hot Fuss), with additional production from Scratchie Records co-owners James Iha (Smashing Pumpkins, A Perfect Circle) and Adam Schlesinger (Fountains Of Wayne, Ivy), and mixer Paul Q. Kolderie (Radiohead, Pixies, Hole), the album presents a diversified and deeper version of the sound they established on their debut. Limited first pressing with bonus remixes and video content.

Southern Culture On The Skids: Doublewide & Live

Cancel your weekend plans -- Southern Culture on the Skids are bringing the world-famous, sexed-up, blistering, chicken-fried, Dick Dale by way of Link Wray, warped SCOTS road show to your living room courtesy of their first official live release! Prepare yourself for the six-sensory assault that the faithful already know means a box of chicken, a dance floor of virile, gyrating bodies and more rockabilly, surf, country and blues licks than you can shake a limbo stick at! Snatched from the dank, smoky air of Chapel Hill's Local 506 and burnt to disc. Blazing hot and live!

Ursula 1000: Here Comes Tomorrow

Ursula 1000 (aka Alex Gimeno) explores a mind meld of jazz, electro, latin, swing, ska, bossa nova, hip hop, funk, psychedelia, and glam rock to create an undeniably original album chock full of fun surprises. 'Tomorrow' marks Ursula's third studio album and features guest appearances by Los Amigos Invisibles, Cristina (of Ze Records fame) , Members of Gentle People, Qypthone, Cabaret Noir, Tower Of Power, and Misty Roses among others.

Keller Williams: Grass

Keller Williams' album Grass is a delightfully bizarre collection of anything-but-traditional bluegrass songs. Like most recordings from Keller, Grass is self indulgent and possibly offensive to those who lack a sense of humor, but Keller had a damn good time recording it. For the project Keller teamed up with old buddy and award-winning flat picker Larry Keel on guitar, and Larry's beautiful rock-solid in-the-pocket acoustic bass playing wife, Jenny Keel. The result is an organic and airy acoustic record featuring 10 songs, originals and unexpected cover tunes, that yield to a pure love of music. Grass makes it better.