New CD and Music DVD Releases

by Staff of of CD World

Ghoultown - Bury Them Deep

The long-awaited new release from the masters of twisted hellbilly! Furious cowpunk seasoned with spaghetti western and rock elements. Produced by Chris Telkes (Nocturne) and mastered by Sara Lee Lucas (Marilyn Manson) with cover art by Dan Brereton (Nocturnals, Rob Zombie art, etc). Includes a foldout poster of the cover art!

Lloyd Banks - Rotten Apples

The Multi-Platinum Playboy of G-Unit is here with his second installment Rotten Apples. The new album features cameos by 50 Cent, Young Buck, Tony Yayo and Scarface. Eminem, Timbaland, Havoc, 9th Wonder, Needlz and Ron Brownz produced the tracks. With the star power involved and his punchline style this album is sure to be a classic!

Jimmy Buffett - Take The Weather With You

Take The Weather With you returns Buffett back to his country foundation with breezy ballads, interpretations of alt-country songs, a version of Merle Haggard's "Silver Wings" and mariachi horns in "Cinco De Mayo In Memphis." A tribute to the historic bars along the Gulf Coast in "Bama Breeze" is flavored with sublime Southern riffs, and Buffett fulfilled a dream of playing with Mark Knopfler, who wrote and guests on "Whoop De Doo." Jimmy’s first country release, the now platinum License To Chill, debuted at #1 on both the country and overall soundscan charts. This album features Mark Knopfler, Gomez, Jake Shimabukuro, Bill Payne, and Sonny Landreth. The album was recorded in Key West, Muscle Shoals, and London.

Rod Stewart - Still The Same - Great Rock Classics Of Our Time

Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Rod Stewart has been lauded as having one of the greatest and most distinctive rock voices in history. Still The Same - Great Rock Classics Of Our Time is an incredibly strong and passionate return to form. Stewart takes ownership of these thoughtfully selected tracks crafted by some of the best songwriters of our time, including Bob Dylan ("If Not For You"), Van Morrison ("Crazy Love"), Bob Seger ("Still the Same") and John Fogerty ("Have You Ever Seen the Rain," which will be the first radio single from the album). Several of Stewart's other selections sound like they were written for his signature, inimitable rasp in the first place, like Bonnie Tyler's "It's a Heartache" and "Fooled Around and Fell in Love," a 1976 hit for Elvin Bishop.

Sting - Songs From The Labyrinth

Sting ventures into "new" musical territory with an album featuring the music of acclaimed Elizabethan songwriter, John Dowland (1563-1626). Sting is joined on this recording by much-admired lutenist Edin Karamazov, in what he describes as "a soundtrack to Dowland's life in words and music." "This project was never really meant to be a record. It was a labour of love. Those that are familiar with John Dowland normally think of him as being this melancholy, doom-laden character; but he can write songs that are absolutely joyful. I'm not a trained singer for this repertoire, but I'm hoping that I can bring some freshness to these songs that perhaps a more experienced singer wouldn't give. For me they are pop songs written around 1600 and I relate to them in that way; beautiful melodies, fantastic lyrics, and great accompaniments."

American Hardcore: History Of American Punk Rock 1980 - 1986 - Soundtrack

Hardcore was more than music; it was a social movement created by Reagan-era misfit kids. Featuring twenty-six definitive tracks, this is the audio companion to the feature-length documentary, released by Sony Pictures Classics in September 2006. Artists include Black Flag, Bad Brains, Minor Threat, Circle Jerks, Cro-Mags, Adolescents, Die Kreuzen, Flipper, Gang Green, Negative Approach, DOA, MDC, DRI, and more. CD World Pick!

Apoptygma Berzerk - You & Me Against The World

This release showcases the band's ever evolving ability to go from hard hitting dance floor smashers to Top 40 radio hits. While still rooted in electronics with signature synth lines, the new album welcomes early member Anders Odden back by exhibiting more guitar work than on the previous two releases. Apoptygma Berzerk re-invents itself with every release, and this CD is no exception.

Austin Lounge Lizards - Drugs I Need

Their second album on Blue Corn contains more than the usual share of songs about current events. In 2005, the Lizards were commissioned to write five songs for various consumer advocacy groups. "The Drugs I Need" tackles the prescription drug industry, "The Tower" concerns the monopolization of big media, "Christmastime For Visa" takes on credit card debt, "Go Ahead And Die" is about health insurance, and "Toast The Earth" is concerned with a boycott of Exxon/Mobil. All five songs are on this release and they've been paired with hilarious animation, available for viewing on the Internet. "The Drugs I Need" is featured on Jib Jab and is one of the site's most popular numbers. Other songs here feature gospel-tinged tunes, a bilingual Tex Mex tune, a Les Barker poem set to music, an American folk classic, and a German hip-hop song.

Be Good Tanyas - Hello Love

One of the reasons why Hello Love is so much more positive is that it feels as though the band have cast off expectations entirely, and decided to focus on writing new songs that follow their compositional instincts, as well as picking two covers (amongst others) which reflect their own highbrow / playful tastes and a determination to break genre walls at the same time as flaunting their righteous cultural relativism. Hello Love is perhaps best viewed as the album The Be Good Tanyas just made because they could - it feels like a rediscovery of their love for what they do, and a melding of their shiny pop instincts with their dark heart. In so many ways, it feels like a worthy successor to On The Beach in a way that so few artists have ever approached.

Bitch - Make This/Break This

Armed with an electric violin, a ukulele, and a bass guitar, Bitch (formerly of Bitch and Animal), is on the road and rampage again with a fistful of new songs from her debut solo release. She's an entertainer and songwriter who has pulled audiences to their feet worldwide with her politically charged and personally wrenched lyrics, atypical instrumentation, minimalist sound, and wildly dramatic stage persona. "Bitch is a poet, a songstress, an educator, an activator, and a prophetess" - Amy Ray (Indigo Girls).

Blood Brothers - Young Machetes

Produced by John Goodmanson (Sleater Kinney, Unwound, Blonde Redhead) and Guy Piccioto (Fugazi, the Gossip), Young Machetes is chaotic and frenetic yet full of melodies that run throughout the record.

Buddhattitude - Buddhattitude Freedom

Fifteen new titles concocted only for escape. Titles from the world over bring diversity, an inimitable sound, and cultural richness through various topics: songs of the whales, trip in Tibet, gypsy spirit, and African rhythms. Welcome in the Zen universe of Buddha Bar and taste the zest of paradise.

Califone - Roots & Crowns

Roots and Crowns. "Uniting where you come from - your roots - with what you strive to be or what you reinvent yourself to become - crowns," explains Califone's Tim Rutili. "At the bottom of these songs are the memories and images you sift through in the process." Imagery of rebirth comes up often on this CD. Limitations, obstructions, darkness, and the new possibilities they illuminate is what "Roots And Crowns" is all about. Califone have toured with Wilco, Iron And Wine, Modest Mouse, The Shins, and The Sea And Cake, and were invited to the Sonic Youth-curated ATP.

Chavez - Better Days Will Haunt You

This super-deluxe re-mastered compilation has a triple-gate digipak: two CDs plus DVD, two 28-page books, the two original studio albums (1995's Gone Glimmering and 1996's Ride The Fader), non-album B-sides, compilation tracks from "What's Up Matador" and "Schoolhouse Rock! Rocks", a previously unreleased track, two promo videos, a tour documentary, plus other DVD Easter eggs.

Four Tet - Remixes

Kieran Hebden is one of those artists whose receptive audience is without classification. And that extends into the world of musical colleagues. Four Tet has commandeered fans and collaborators as wide reaching as experimental rock bands (Radiohead), massive pop acts (Coldplay), underground hip-hop producers (the late J Dilla), post-punk influenced upstarts (Bloc Party), electronic mavericks (Aphex Twin), folk chanteuses (Beth Orton and Juana Molina), and jazz legends (with Kieran's ongoing collaboration with drummer Steve Reid).

Fucked Up - Hidden World

Fucked Up's first full-length studio album marks a turning point for the mysterious Toronto band, transcending the boundaries of punk with melody, aggression, expansive structures, and enigmatic diatribes on what lies under the immediate, visualized world. They combine confrontational ideologies with deliberate misinformation to produce a brutal analysis on thought provocative punk. "Ironically, their fast and sloppy early 80's hardcore is a million times more musical and ferocious than 99% of professional myspace-era mosh bands, and their fans' post-show cuts and bruises remind us that this shit might have the potential to still be dangerous" - Vice. For fans of The Wipers, Ramones, The Who, Negative Approach, Pink Floyd.

Wayne Hancock - Tulsa

Tulsa is yet another beautifully crafted collection of stunning originals that finds him walking in the footsteps of giants; in fact, it might just be his best yet. Tulsa--his third for Bloodshot Records and first studio record since 2001--is a testament to the version of America he loves. Wayne Hancock personifies the two great American inventions of jazz and country and creates his own style of uncompromising western swing; as much Gershwin as Hank; equal parts Art Blakley and Bob Wills. In typical Wayne fashion, Tulsa was put to tape in 2 days, capturing the band at their livest and loosest. Recorded by longtime producer and ally, Lloyd Maines, Tulsa is spurred on Wayne’s signature "call-outs" to his stellar cast- Eddie Biebel, Dave Biller, Paul Skelton (lead guitar), Chris Darrell (doghouse bass), Eddie Rivers (steel guitar), Bob Stafford (trombone), and John Doyle (clarinet).

Micah P. Hinson - Micah P Hinson & The Opera Circuit

On the full-length follow-up to his critically acclaimed "The Baby And The Satellite" EP, Hinson offers a substantiated account of misery and triumph, evoking translucent memories and physical struggle. During an ironically twisted period of heavy medication and pain brought on by recent back surgery, this release is the product of rallying above physical torment, facing proverbial closeted skeletons, and discovering eventual resolution through the power of euphoric connection. A veritable reminder that progress through pain can be intimate, heartfelt, and epically necessary. "Sophisticated and sublime folk" - Mojo. "Up there with Bob Dylan" - London Times. For fans of Iron & Wine, Sufjan Stevens, Silver Jews, Smog. CD World Pick!

Hybrid - I Choose Noise

Brand new album featuring their new single 'Dog Star', with Perry Farrell on vocals!! Album collaborators include Perry Farrell (Jane’s Addiction), Peter Distephano (Porno for Pyros), Judy Tzuke, & Harry Gregson Williams. Bonus CD features footage from God’s Global Gathering.

Isis & Aereogramme - In The Fishtank 14

In The Fishtank is an ongoing project of Konkurrent, an independent music distributor in the Netherlands. Chosen musicians are given two days studio time and freedom to do whatever they like musically. On this edition, while both bands are known for their love of metal and post-hardcore with an experimental and spherical approach, they not only show these skills here, but they also add an impressively high level of purity, roominess, and emotion. It's the analog warmth that makes the songs tender, organic, imminent, and fragile.

Jazzanova - Broadcasting

Jazzanova celebrates their 10 year anniversary by offering up a tasty compilation highlighting their most recent back catalogue along with exclusives from long-time Sonar Kollektiv affiliates, rookies and brand new artists! A must have for fans everywhere! 20 tracks.

Shooter Jennings - Live At Irving Plaza 4.18.06

The title says it all. One night, one special artist, one incredible set of music. This isn’t one of those over dissected, market-tested, ProTools-pitch-corrected concert recordings that give the term recorded live a bad name. This is a take-no-prisoners set of high-volume honky tonk music; this is Shooter Jennings and the .357’s captured raw and real. If you’re looking for perfect or just like the record, go pick up any of the million-and-one live albums out there. But if you’ve been yearning for the real thing from a true artist, you need look no further.

Damien Jurado - And Now That I'm In Your Shadow

No longer a solo artist, Jurado is now a band; having added permanent members Eric Fisher and Jenna Conrad. Together they'll lead you into the lyrical world of the forgotten faces that you once knew. The songs are old friends and close relatives, quarreling loves and love lost, the very thoughts that cross your mind when you are alone or among the crowd.

Joe Lally - There To Here

Joe Lally has played bass in Fugazi since their inception in 1987. In 2003 the members of Fugazi decided to take an indefinite hiatus from recording and performing. Since that time Joe has continued to write and perform both solo material and collaborations with various musicians and friends. "There to Here" was recorded both at Inner Ear Studios by Ian MacKaye and Don Zientara and at the Dischord House by Ian MacKaye. The album features Lally's spare and direct bass compositions with contributions from Jason Kourkounis, Jerry Busher, Danny Frankel, Eddie Janney, Guy Picciotto, Ian Mackaye, Amy Farina, Scott Weinrich and Antonia Tricarico. Joe has been playing regional east coast dates in the US with Don Zientara, toured in Italy and will be touring the states with Antelope in the fall of 2006.

Melvins - Senile Animal

The Melvins release a lot of records. A lot. Having said that, the album (A) Senile Animal will stand up as one of the best of their career. (A) Senile Animal was recorded in Hollywood and as you may or may not know, The Melvins have been through a lot this last year: wars, drugs, impeachment, but they never lost sight of what was important AND what was festering in their bowels. Once again the Melvins have "started over" with two new members, Coady Willis and Jared Warren, from the Seattle band Big Business. And there it is my friends. One thing you can be sure of is this album is really really great and it really works! It's ten songs long and is most likely the best album they or anyone else will put out this year or any previous year or ever probably.

Oxford Collapse - Remember The Night Parties

Taking cues from post-punk pioneers and genre-transcending bands like The Embarrassment, Mission Of Burma, or fIREHOSE, Oxford Collapse construct melodic art-pop packed full of chiming guitars and shout-along vocals. This CD is both restless/nervous and heartfelt, with time signatures that are as urgent as they are unpredictable. This is their Sub Pop debut after releasing two full-lengths and a handful of singles and EPs.

Pastor Troy & Nino - Down South Hood Hustlin

On his 1st new album since 1998, Nino (of PKO fame) is joined by the legendary Southern rap star, Pastor Troy, who has appeared on albums by Ludacris and Chamillionaire, and has released solo albums that have sold over 1 million copies!

Pit Er Pat - Pyramids

The latest from this Chicago-based trio of keyboards, bass, and drums. Powerful rhythms provide the solid floor for ethereal melodies and layers of textural samples. Vocals evoke haunting innocence. While ominous imagery is repeated on "Pyramids", there's also an equally heavy presence of openness and possibility uniting the dualities that this band has come to represent.

Robert Pollard - Normal Happiness

The second release from ex-Guided By Voices member inside a calendar year. Pollard has assembled a tour de force that will single-handedly re-establish the 2-minute pop song as one of the truly American art forms of this new century. Sixteen songs in just over 35 minutes, with brilliant melodies that'll be stuck in your head for days.

Pompeii - Assembly

Pompeii's music is a thing of elegance and eloquence, splendor and daring. In just over a two-year lifespan, the band has managed to construct a monument of evocative emotion, ambitious sound, and infinite vision. This is their debut. "Pitching camp in the no-man's land between latter-day Nada Surf and Death Cab For Cutie, these Austin-based newcomers lavish us with tasteful, thoughtful, American indie of the highest order" - Distort Magazine UK. With the intellect of the lyrics, powered by a backbone of solid rhythm and melody, this otherwise ambient five-piece has a natural ability to make even the most mundane seem epic.

Portastatic - Be Still Please

Their second release of 2006 and ninth full-length sounds as fresh as ever. Analytically angry, melding darker imagery with indignation, Mac McCaughan also musters the wherewithal to remain hopeful. Be Still Please continues the full-on rock band sound of 2005's Bright Ideas but with more of an emphasis on the orchestration featured in his soundtrack work, "Who Loves The Sun".

Robert Randolph & The Family Band - Colorblind

On Colorblind, the third album from Robert Randolph & The Family Band, Eric Clapton, Dave Matthews, and Leela James join for a jam-packed, emotion-filled, good-time party mix of funk, soul, rock, gospel, and blues. CD World Pick!

Rasmus - Hide From The Sun

The Rasmus are back again with their internationally Platinum-certified Hide From the Sun, an album that combines chunky guitar riffs, saccharine-sweet choruses, keyboard washes and just a touch of Nordic darkness all into one undeniable album. The U. S. Edition of Hide From the Sun includes 5 bonus tracks ''Dancer In The Dark'', '' Open My Eyes'', ''Trigger'', ''No fear (Chris Vrenna Remix)'' ''Sail Away (Benztown Mixdown)'' Lucifer's Angel (Acoustic)'', along with an exclusive video for the track ''Inmortal.'' Like their country-mates in H.I.M., the Rasmus also have the solid endorsement of Bam Mangera.

Senses Fail - Still Searching

Senses Fail is a band on the verge of HUGE things. The band’s last album (2004’s Let It Enfold You) has sold over 325,000 to date and continues to sell through. Everyday more and more people discover how incredibly catchy SF’s songs are and how energetic their live show has become. The band has gone from drawing 500-1000 people to playing to over 2,500 / day along this summer’s Van’s Warped Tour. Still Searching is the next installment in the band’s recording career. Produced by Brian McTernan (Thrice, Snapcase, Circa Survive) in upstate NY, the album shows an incredible rock base while maintaining the band’s signature guitar sounds and melodies. This kind of maturity and growth in the band’s songwriting is a label’s dream come true.

Sister Hazel - Absolutely

The affirmative overtones of the CD's title only serve to underscore the pride the band feels with the end result; that it's the best record they've made in a decade-plus career. While wanting to create a cathartic experience for fans, this release also comes close to capturing that elusive live show magic. Sister Hazel have sold over 2 million albums, have six top 30 singles, have a certified platinum album "Somewhere More Familiar", and a certified gold release, "Fortress".

Static Lullaby - Static Lullaby

A Static Lullaby's mix of passionate screaming, addictive melodies, and emotionally driven lyrics has elevated record sales to over 120,000 in the US. Along the way, the band shared stages with My Chemical Romance, The Use, AFI, and Senses Fail. With this record, they combine raw energetic instrumentation with tightly produced anthems that solidify their status as one of hardcore music's most exciting acts.

These Arms Are Snakes - Easter

Their second full-length for the Jade Tree label finds the Seattle foursome towing a proverbial line between paradox, hostility, and a caustic blend of post-hard/math core. "Easter" explores the relationship between suspect animism, impending otherworldly doom, and the ethereal battle between virtue and ruin. "Heavy guitars collide with greasy analog-synth blurts and post-punk grooves" - Revolver. "Dramatic, thrashed post-hardcore that angers and invigorates" - CMJ. For fans of Drive Like Jehu, The Jesus Lizard, Led Zeppelin.

Trivium - Crusade

Florida's Trivium has surely earned the major contender status that has been afforded them by the international media. After spending the last few years up to their necks in blood, sweat and tears, the formidable foursome, whose 2005 sophomore release Ascendancy made them a hit with discerning music fans everywhere, have paid their dues. Relentless touring around the world with over 350 shows in the past two years has sharpened the band's live prowess, making their new album, The Crusade, one of the most hotly anticipated hard rock albums of 2006. The level of charisma and energy that they've harnessed since hitting the global gig circuit has built Matt Heafy, Corey Beaulieu, Paolo Gregoletto and Travis Smith a huge international fan base that is as devoted as it is ever growing.

Whitey - Light At The End Of The Tunnel

Over the past two years, NJ's Whitey and his sidekicks have played over 200 shows alongside the Undertones, Buzzcocks, LCD Soundsystem, New Order, and Iggy Pop, to name a few. This record has already made waves in Europe. Incorporating the best of rock, electro, and folk, Whitey plans on re-introducing America to good dance and chill sounds. "The missing link between Nirvana and Fischerspooner - a cocaine psychosis classic" - Vice. "Like Syd Barrett fronting Queens Of The Stone Age...surefooted, inventive and buzzing with surprises" - Guardian. For fans of LCD Soundsystem, Bloc Party, MSTRKRFT, The Rakes, Tom Vek.

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