New CD and Music DVD Releases

Fresh spins for the week of October 24

by Staff of CD World

Stoney Larue: Live At Billy Bob's Texas

The Stoney Larue limited edition package includes a CD with 11 tracks, plus the DVD. Stoney LaRue is a singer, songwriter and part of the Red Dirt music movement. Red Dirt Music began as a term for the songwriting style centered around Stillwater, OK for the past 25 years. Today, several acts have established themselves and proudly wave the Red Dirt banner, including Cross Canadian Ragweed, Jason Boland & the Stragglers and The Red Dirt Rangers.

Derailers: Retrospective: Just One More Time

Bakersfield country, British Invasion, and power pop meet in the middle in Austin, Texas, home of The Derailers. For more than a decade, these road warriors have been tearing it up in honky-tonks far and wide, and this first multi-label (Sire, Lucky Dog, Watermelon, Freedom) career retrospective features the best work from their first six albums, The Derailers biggest musical influence is Buck Owens (who was also one of the group’s greatest fans), but they also remind one of an era of vintage Top 40, when country, soul, rave-up rockabilly, and catchy pop all could be heard on the same AM station. This release was compiled with the help of original group members Brian Hofeldt and Tony Villanueva. Ten of the tracks were produced by songwriter/performer Dave Alvin (The Blasters).

Flaming Lips: At War With The Mystics w/ Bonus DVD

Includes bonus DVD featuring the album in 5.1 surround sound plus outtakes, several radio sessions, three music videos and even Wayne Coyne's 2006 commencement speech at hometown Oklahoma City's Classen High School. Expand your consciousness of the Flaming Lips with the At Wat With The Mystics limited edition.

Children Of Bodom: Chaos Ridden Years - Stockholm Knockout Live

Children of Bodom have come a long way since their humble beginnings, and today stand tall in the all time extreme metal hall of fame, commanding the respect and awe of both fans and colleagues alike. Children of Bodom have been hugely influential, but still, eight years down the road, remain the leaders of the genre. Chaos Ridden Years - Stockholm Knockout Live which is 2CD album contains a concert filmed at the Arenan, Stockholm, Sweden.

John Legend: Once Again

Once Again, the much-anticipated second solo album from the multi-platinum Grammy-winning artist John Legend. Once Again is the sophomore studio album by R&B/Soul singer John Legend, and the first single is 'Save Room'. He has worked with a great list of producers and co-writers, including Kanye West, will.i.am, Raphael Saadiq, Craig Street, Sa-Ra, Eric Hudson, Devo Springsteen, Dave Tozer and Avenue. There is a special guest appearance from Mary J. Blige. Though he had worked with Blige before, Legend said he got to know her better this time around. "She's really sweet and she's very easy to work with, very humble. It was kind of refreshing." The album has a range of influences, from soul to hip-hop to classic pop to alternative. "It's not dramatically different, but I think people see it as a growth and an extension for me."

My Chemical Romance: Black Parade

The Black Parade, My Chemical Romance's follow-up to its 2004 platinum major-label debut Three Cheers For Sweet Revenge, "is way more dramatic, way more theatrical, completely over the top, borderline psychotic," says Gerard Way. "It's the most pure, intense thing we've ever been involved in." Producer by Rob Cavallo (Green Day), the album is a celebration of lvoe and death and darkness. Join The Black Parade!

Siouxsie & The Banshees: Voices On The Air - The John Peel Sessions

2006 compilation featuring Peel Sessions favorites from the Queen of Goth, Siouxsie Sioux and her band of Banshees. 19 tracks including 'Hong Kong Garden', 'Halloween', 'Candyman', 'Overground' and more. Darkness has never sounded so delightful.

Sparta: Threes

Sparta are one of the punk community's most consistent and widely respected bands for good reasons. Three's, their first album with former Engine Down/Denali guitarist Keeley Davis onboard, is perhaps their most accomplished and least anxious record yet. Most of the wrinkles from front man Jim Ward's strained tenor have been smoothed, particularly on "Erase It Again," where he genuinely channels Bono's knack for making small stories sound huge. Ward's vocal improvement is dramatic, no question, but without Davis, it's hard to imagine Sparta songs sounding so expansive as "Unstitch Your Mouth." Behind Ward's expanding register, Sparta finally seem intent on realizing their destiny as an arena-filling, life-changing band. Once these players' relationships evolve further, their future's as wide as their sound's become.

Butchering The Beatles: A Headbashing Tribute

Featuring the biggest, the baddest, and the heaviest all-star line-up ever assembled to honor the greatest band ever - The Beatles. All-in-all, over 50 internationally known recording artists bring their unique bone-crushing slant to these remarkable songs. Produced by Grammy award-winning producer/guitarist Bob Kulick and ace engineer Brett Chassen, Butchering The Beatles features 12 new, ass-kicking versions of The Beatles’ chart-topping hits including "Hey Jude," "I Feel Fine," and "Day Tripper," plus the more esoteric "Hey Bulldog," barked out by the legendary Alice Cooper and "Tomorrow Never Knows," uniquely interpreted by the iconic Billy Idol, alongside classic concept songs like "Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds" and "Magical Mystery Tour."

Bright Eyes: Noise Floor (Rarities 1998-2005)

A collection of singles, one-offs, unreleased tracks, collaborations, and covers recorded between 1998 and 2005. Variously recorded to cassette four-track, mini-disc, reel-to-reel tape machine, ADAT and computer, these songs trace Bright Eyes' evolution from basement project to band of international repute. Many of these gems previously lost to out-of-print obscurity are hereby resurrected.

Converge: No Heroes

Since breaking out of the hardcore scene with 2001's savage masterpiece Jane Doe, Converge have been the band to watch; pacesetters who've consistently set the next creative level in aggressive music. Their Epitaph debut, You Fail Me was named one of 2004's ten essential releases in Alternative Press. No Heroes is an album that brilliantly combines the textural sonics of You Fail Me with the brutal assault of Jane Doe. Converge are poised to follow in the footsteps of bands like Darkest Hour and Norma Jean.

Cowboy Junkies: Long Journey Home

Recorded and filmed at the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall in England at the end of their 2004 tour, Long Journey Home is one of the strongest performances the Cowboy Junkies have ever put on tape. The album and DVD feature stunning renditions of Junkies classics such as "Sweet Jane" and "Misguided Angel" along with recent favorites like "Notes Falling Slow" and "He Will Call You Baby," plus several inspired cover songs, including a sublime version of Neil Young's "Helpless." Long Journey Home is a testament to why the Cowboy Junkies have remained one of the most original and important bands of the past 20 years. DVD audio options include Stereo and 5.1 Surround Sound.

Damsel: Distressed

This is the collaboration between avant-jazz legend Nels Cline (Wilco, Thurston Moore, The Geraldine Fibbers) and omnipresent beat freak Zach Hill (Hella, The Ladies, Team Sleep). Sitting somewhere between the most abstract freak-outs of Wilco's more recent material and the looser, more minimalist moments of Hella, Damsel exhibits a surprising amount of control over its chaos. The four improvised pieces here run the gamut from serene electro-acoustic ambience to unhinged, cathartic squall. It's not the sound of losing control so much as it is trusting in an intangible force.

Darkel: Darkel

Following the tremendous commercial and critical acclaim of Air's 2004 album Talkie Walkie, instrumentalist JB Dunckel took some time away from the group setting and started writing purely for himself as an experiment. Recorded and mixed entirely at his own studio, these ten songs that make up his first solo album shine through with the sparklingly rich musicality that JB has demonstrated consistently throughout his 10-year tenure with AIR. From the George Harrison-esque 'At The End Of The Sky' to the dubby trip-hop of 'Earth', to the bratty lo-fi pop of 'TV Destroy', these songs are at once sentimental, humorous and philosophical ruminations on love, family and the environment, sung with the same sweetly disarming grace that characterized AIR’s hit single 'Sexy Boy'.

Ben Folds: Supersunnyspeedgraphic

Supersunnyspeedgraphic, the CD is a compilation of 12 tracks from Ben Folds' internet EPs, B-sides, and a bonus track from the "Over The Hedge" soundtrack. All of the tracks are different from the original versions: they've been partially re-recorded or remixed, and all have been remastered.

Miho Hatori: Ecdysis

Ecdysis is the stunning solo debut from Miho Hatori, one half of the trailblazing Cibo Matto. Miho delivers 11 lush, melodic and ethereal songs including the enchanting title track, the tempo-shifting psychedelia of 'Barracuda' and 'A Song For Kids,' a Japanese sing-along pop song that is so catchy you'll forget it’s not in English. Featuring a wide open, adventurous spirit, Ecdysis draws you in deeper and deeper with every listen. Rhythms from Japan, Jamaica, Brazil, Bali, Africa and Arabia rub up against rock, blues and electronic pop to produce an album of global resonance that draws upon the past while leaping fearlessly into the future. "Ecdysis was important for me to make," Hatori says of the album. "When I went home and listened to it the first thing I felt was: ‘Wow, that’s really me!’ I could hear myself in the music."

George Jones / Merle Haggard: Jones Sings Haggard - Haggard Sings Jones

Iconic legends and superstars George Jones and Merle Haggard recorded an album together for the first time in almost 25 years. The old friends and touring buddies went into the studio this summer to pay tribute to each other. Jones recorded five of his favorite Haggard songs and Haggard recorded five of his favorite Jones songs. In addition to harmonizing on each other's songs, they also recorded several duets, including the title song of the album, 'Kicking Out The Footlights...Again', which Haggard penned. Produced by Keith Stegall (Alan Jackson, George Jones) the album contains many of the two music industry legends' most well loved tunes including 'She Thinks I Still Care', 'Silver Wings', 'The Window Up Above' and 'The Way I Am'.

Aimee Mann: One More Drifter In The Snow

Grammy winner and Oscar nominee Aimee's first Christmas album is a collection of holiday classics and two original, beautiful, and bittersweet songs written by Mann and Michael Penn. Reminiscent of classic albums of the 40s and 50s, but without any retro kitsch. Like Frank Sinatra, Johnny Mathis, and Peggy Lee, Aimee Mann captures the emotional beauty of Christmas.

Moby: Go - The Very Best Of Moby

Moby has enjoyed great success - bringing music to a mainstream audience by giving the notoriously anonymous electronic genre an identity and recognizable face. From his 1992 debut, with the massive club hit 'Go,' to the groundbreaking success of the inventive Play, to the critical acclaim of last year’s Hotel, Moby has become an iconic figure in the world of pop music. The Deluxe Edition features an 11-track remix CD personally compiled by Moby including the legendary 'Bodyrock' Olav Basoski remix. The deluxe edition tracks are NOT available on any Moby full-length CD. Many of the remixes on the 2nd disc are hard to find. Several were only released as commercial 12 inch singles or on a compilation, others have only partially been featured within a megamix, and three more tracks have never been released at all!

MXPX: Let's Rock

MXPX has been a pop-punk staple since they released their debut Pokinatcha over a decade ago. Since then, they've released seven full-lengths, a live album, a slew of 7-inches and EPs, and the aptly titled career retrospective, Ten Years And Running. Their third LP, Life In General, was named by Alternative Press as one of the top ten punk albums of 1996. Let's Rock is a 12-song CD of unreleased and rare material stretching back to the 2000 Ever Passing Moment recording sessions. Running the gamut from acoustic demos to fully-polished punk-pop anthems, MXPX have crafted a collection of songs sure to please both hardcore fans and newbies alike.

Ordinary Boys: How To Get Everything You Ever

Third album from this fantastic Britpop band who sound like a cross between the Smiths-influenced Gene and British legends Madness. Features 14 tracks including the singles 'Nine2Five' (with Lady Sovereign) and 'Lonely At The Top'.

Ra: Raw (Live)

Emerging with strength into the rock scene in 2002 after their Republic/Universal debut album, From One, RA went on to sell over 200,000 units. Formed in East Rutherford NJ, RA is nothing short of a culturally diverse force, pulling key influences from India. Pumping out hits like 'Do You Call My Name' and 'Take Me Away' from their second album Duality, reveals the intense passion and depth that is RA. A definite treat for old and new fans alike, RA releases a live album entitled Raw. The album is comprised of previous hits, and one new scorching studio single, 'Don’t Turn Away'.

Brian Setzer: 13

Fans of Setzer's prior work will be blown away by the versatility he demonstrates on this, his 13th album of original material. A kick-ass guitar, bass, and drums rock record featuring unbelievable playing and solid songwriting. All 13 tracks have a unique feel, from southern influenced to classic rock/new wave to almost metal. Includes a guest appearance by Stray Cats drummer Slim Jim Phantom on "Really Rockabilly". Brian has sold over 12 million records throughout his 25-year career and 13 is sure to continue the lucky streak. Look for him on tour in the US beginning in November and continuing into 2007.

Duncan Sheik: Brighter/Later: A Duncan Sheik Anthology

Literate and soulful, singer/songwriter Duncan Sheik became an iconic modern rock star with his charismatic self-titled 1996 debut album. More than simply a "best of," this collection thematically groups hits, favorites, and personal picks into the more energetic set featured on "Brighter" (Disc 1) and mellower, more introspective pieces on "Later" (Disc 2). A longtime Buddhist, Sheik's questing spirit and keen sense of supple pop-rock pleasure strike an inspired zen balance on Anthology.

Skid Row: Revolutions Per Minute

It’s a foregone conclusion that Skid Row will never repeat the success of Slave To The Grind. Sure, you can blame that on Sabo, Hill and Bolan opting to de-Bach themselves, but the fact of the matter is that said album was a moment in the Band’s history, when egos and planets aligned to create an untouchable piece of magic. Look no further that Subhuman Race to see what happens when a band is a band in name only. Skid Row’s last effort, Thickskin, with new voice Johnny Solinger was hit and miss and pretty much did nothing other than offer us a silly punk version of ''I Remember You''. New outing Revolutions Per Minute is better than its predecessor, if not quite up to the Skid Row that gave us ''Piece Of Me', ''Here I Am'', ''Monkey Business'', ''Slave To The Grind'' and ''Quicksand Jesus''.

Smile Empty Soul: Vultures

Although this San Fernando Valley band's sound draws on grunge and new metal, they've been lauded for lyrics and vocals that mean something to the listener. Their reputation for exciting live shows has nurtured a loyal fan base. Look for them on major US tours this fall.

(The Great) Paul Stanley: Live To Win

Only the second solo release ever from iconic KISS frontman Paul Stanley. The voice and songwriting force behind such KISS classics as “Firehouse,” “Black Diamond,” Hard Luck Woman” and “Tears Are Fallin’,” Stanley’s career with KISS spans more than three decades and in excess of 100 million records sold worldwide. Live To Win is his first solo release since the members of KISS issued self-titled solo efforts in September 1978. Live To Win is self-produced by Stanley, who provides lead vocals, guitar and percussion alongside a studio core of guitarist Corky James [Avril Lavigne, The Matrix], drummer Victor Indrizzo [Beck, Macy Gray] and keyboardist Harry Sommerdahl [Carrie Underwood, Lindsay Lohan]. Also performing on the album are former KISS bandmate Bruce Kulick and John 5.

Street Dogs: Fading American Dream

Billy Bragg backed by the Clash; Bob Dylan on Red Bull and Guinness; Bob Marley fronting The Replacements. Boston’s Street Dogs have a pedigree to be proud of; not only do they represent the bastard offspring of The Clash, Bragg, Dylan and Marley’s political voice mated with The Replacements punk-drunk attitude, but they also include in their ranks members of two of Beantown’s modern punk heroes, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones and Dropkick Murphy’s. Their first release for DRT, Back to the World, laid the seeds of punk greatness that Street Dogs are sure to sew this time around. Fading American Dream, which features guest spots from members of both Flogging Molly and The Pogues, is a rousing diatribe on the current state of affairs, both a love letter to the common man and a With Sympathy card to the US political system that has failed him.

Walkmen: Pussy Cats Starring The Walkmen

During John Lennon's separation from Yoko Ono in 1974, he romped around LA with his buddy Harry Nilsson, getting drunk and getting thrown out of nightclubs. In the midst of the party, Lennon, Nilsson, Ringo Starr, Keith Moon, and a rag-tag gang of others headed into the studio with Lennon as producer. The result was Pussy Cats, a fascinating and often misunderstood album featuring a mix of classics and originals rearranged by Nilsson and Lennon to suit the wild mood of those infamous days. In January 2006, after finishing the final mix for their new record, A Hundred Miles Off, The Walkmen decided to recreate Pussy Cats. The limited edition bonus DVD features a 20-minute psychedelic documentary on the making of Pussy Cats.

Lucinda Williams: Car Wheels On A Gravel Road

Recorded over a period of three years, with production duties by Steve Earle and Ray Kennedy, Roy Bittan and Lucinda Williams, and mixed by Rick Rubin and Jim Scott, Car Wheels On A Gravel Road earned Lucinda Williams a Gold Album and the Grammy® Award for Best Contemporary Folk Album. Disc One features a newly remastered version of the album! Three additional songs an alternate version of 'Still I Long For Your Kiss', the blues-drenched studio out-take 'Down The Big Road Blues', and the original unissued version of 'Out Of Touch', both recorded during the first Gurf Morlix produced sessions in Austin, Texas. Disc Two includes a previously unreleased full concert performance from WXPN Live At The World Cafe. Deluxe digipak packaging features lyrics, photos and more.

Zebrahead: Broadcast To The World

It's been two years since we last heard from Zebrahead. Revitalized, road-tightened and eager to redefine its focus, the quintet comes out swinging, delivering a flurry of pummeling rhythms, clench-fisted chords and meaty hooks that connect with each listen. The album has all the electrifying energy of a live Zebrahead show, blending raging tempos and ringing guitar lines into surging, insistent choruses that stick after a single listen. Ben Osmundson says ''This is the first time in 6 years everyone has participated and worked as a team. What we've seen and been though over the last year and half - both individually and as a group. A Lot of that wound up working itself into the music, resulting in our most personal and rocking album to date. We now have a reason we have been looking for to conquer the world the band is a unit of one!"

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