New CD and Music DVD Releases

Fresh spins for the week of September 26

by Staff of CD World

Depeche Mode: Touring The Angel - Live In Milan

"Touring The Angel was probably the most enjoyable, rewarding live show we’ve ever done." - Dave Gahan. Depeche Mode was at its live best for Touring The Angel, one of the most successful and critically acclaimed tours of last year. Now Touring The Angel Live In Milan is available as a single DVD and in a three-disc set featuring a CD of concert highlights, a DVD of the complete 102-minute live performance plus two extra live tracks, and another DVD with a 20-minute documentary, an EPK and the tour’s Anton Corbijn designed stage screens. Touring The Angel Live In Milan is heaven for fans of Depeche Mode.

Janet Jackson: 20 Y.O.

Since the release of her 1986 groundbreaking album, Control, Janet Jackson has done just that by taking control of her career. Her groundbreaking musical style, compelling music videos and show stopping performances have impacted the world, making her an international iconic superstar. Janet's new album 20 Y.O. is the celebration of her 20 years since taking control and shows why she remains a staple in mainstream popular music.

Ludacris: Release Therapy

Rapper Ludacris releases his ambitious new album, "Release Therapy." The Disturbing Tha Peace/Def Jam set will be preceded by the single "Money Maker" at U.S. radio outlets. The track was produced by and features Pharrell Williams. The "Release" portion of the set reveals a more personal side of the rapper. Here, he discourses on such socially conscious subjects as child abuse. The "Therapy" section comprises such cut-loose tracks as "Girls Gone Wild." R. Kelly guests on the track "Woozy." Ludacris tells Billboard he envisions "Release Therapy" as giving listeners "their temporary fix or release for the day." Upcoming plans include bringing in Spike Lee to direct a video for "Runaway Love," and a tour featuring Ludacris' Disturbing Tha Peace roster, which is home to Shawnna, Bobby Valentino, Shareefa and Field Mob.

My Morning Jacket: Okonokos

Following the release of their fourth critically acclaimed full-length album, Z, My Morning Jacket readies to deliver what is surely to become their quintessential body of work - two discs and a concert film. They contain their most dynamic, otherworldly compositions to date, presented in their finest form. Live. Okonokos is a creative concept conceived by Jim James, and it is as much a question as it is an answer. It is an enigma wrapped around a riddle. Okonokos is whatever you want it to be.

Saosin: Saosin

Saosin has built up a huge presence in the scene, as well as online... logging in over 5 million streams on MySpace. The band toured in support of Avenged Sevenfold and toured Europe in support of Coheed & Cambria this past winter. They went into the studio with Howard Benson this past spring to record their self-titled full length debut album.

Alchemist: No Days Off

The Alchemist is back behind the boards spinning gold with No Days Off. The Alchemist got his start in 1993, as one-half of the duo Whooliganz. He laced Cypress Hill, House of Pain, and Funkdoobiest with beats before unleashing his sound on Dilated Peoples’ Platform. In 1999, DJ Muggs from Cypress Hill introduced Al to his good friends Mobb Deep. Al produced two songs for their Murda Muzik album. Impressed by his production skills and street smarts, Mobb Deep took him under their wing, using his beats on all their subsequent albums. With The Alchemist’s profile rising he went on to lay down tracks for some of Hip Hop’s most successful and prominent artists such as Nas, Fat Joe, Jadakiss, Ghostface Killah and Snoop Dogg. The No Days Off crew includes Ras Kass, Prodigy, Xzibit, Tha Dogg Pound, Obie Trice, Kokane, Evidence and more.

Tori Amos: Piano: The Collection (Boxset)

The unique and uncompromising artistry of Tori Amos one of the defining stars of ’90s music laid the groundwork for the female singer-songwriter phenomenon that exploded midway through that decade. Her stunning 1992 debut Little Earthquakes introduced her haunting and emotive voice and captivating lyrical storytelling with an intensity and honesty that was breathtaking. Amos also masterfully brought piano back to the forefront of cutting-edge pop/rock, and over the course of her creatively daring career became one of the most influential artists of her time. Intimate, confessional, poetic, and defiantly independent, Amos’ songs touch on self, family, religion, femininity, pain, and love with a searching spirit that translates powerfully into songcraft. This 6 CD box, spans the depth and breadth of her extraordinary repertoire, spotlighting both album versions and a tapestry of rarities.

Tony Bennett: Duets: American Classic

In celebration of his 80th birthday, Tony Bennett performs 18 of his hits and favorite numbers with famous duet partners including Sting, Bono, Barbra Streisand, Paul McCartney, and Tim McGraw -- all live in the studio with the master.

Black Crowes: Lost Crowes

Formed in Georgia in the mid-’80s by brothers Chris and Rich Robinson, the Black Crowes came of age in L.A. and shot to stardom with their 1990 debut Shake Your Money Maker. Scoring #4 on the Billboard® 200, the disc delivered the hits 'She Talks To Angels' and 'Hard To Handle.' The Crowes’ hard and fast rock sound full of bluesy Stones swagger and echoes of the Faces triumphed, and their second album, The Southern Harmony And Musical Companion (’92), hit #1. Following that, the band entered the studio to make what was to be the album TALL, but the electrifying tracks cut during those sessions have been unreleased until now. This historic new 2-CD set also includes the band sessions, recorded in 1997 when the Crowes convened to track a loose and organic set of rock gems spotlighting their range and maturity.

Richard Cheese & Lounge Against The Machine: Silent Nightclub

America's loudest lounge singer returns with an all-new album of cheesy classics. Richard Cheese and his Lounge Against The Machine band turn rock and rap into Vegas-style lounge tunes. Imagine Sinatra singing a Rush song and you've got Dick. 100,000 Cheese fans can't be wrong. Tracks include "Holiday In Cambodia", "Like A Virgin", "Ice Ice Baby", "Imagine", "Melt With You", and many more.

Al Di Meola: Consequence Of Chaos

On Consequence of Chaos, the legendary guitar hero and composer Al Di Meola delivers a searing, high caliber recording brimming with colorful and complex arrangements. Di Meola’s fifth Telarc album offers a contemporary set of fifteen original, genre-blurring compositions. While Di Meola has sold more than six million records (including three gold albums) and won countless guitar awards in his prolific career, the jazz fusion pioneer has done something even more important in the process: he’s continued to push himself and his music forward.

Die Hunns: You Rot Me

Formed in 2000 by Duane Peters (U.S. Bombs), the Hunns released a single and three full-lengths as Duane Peters And The Hunns and toured with a rotating line up of musicians. In early 2002, Corey Parks (Nashville Pussy) became the permanent bass player and the band was re- christened Die Hunns. In March 2004 they released their fourth full-length "Long Legs" to stellar reviews on Duane's own Disaster Records. Joining them this time is Zander Schloss, multi-talented musician and composer best known as bass player for Circle Jerks and The Weirdos. Zander's influence brought out the vulnerable side of Corey's singing voice and built dark, melodic arrangements reminiscent of 90's power pop mixed with the L.A. punk sound of the 80's.

Enigma: Posteriori

Michael Cretu returns with Enigma's much-anticipated sixth album A Posteriori [which is Latin for what comes after, meaning, perhaps, something gleaned from experience] and also ties into the first two Enigma albums, which made Cretu a worldwide superstar. Yet another fine silver platter filled with Electronic World Music hard to describe but easy to enjoy.

Jerry Garcia: Very Best Of Jerry Garcia

This special two CD collection salutes one of the most legendary figures in all of rock n' roll, beloved Grateful Dead lead guitarist, vocalist and eternal good will ambassador Jerry Garcia. Outside the realm of the Grateful Dead, Jerry pursued a broad array of folk, bluegrass, blues, and roots rock side projects throughout his storied career. His solo albums capture the heart & soul as well as the rich talents of this incomparable music icon. Disc One - studio tracks, Disc Two - live tracks.

George Harrison: Living In The Material World

Remastered reissue of George Harrison's "Living In The Material World" album, originally released in 1973. Contains the #1 Pop single "Give Me Love.". Repackaged with two bonus tracks. Also available in a limitedl edition. Limited Edition CD+DVD comes in a digipack with a 40 page booklet. Deluxe booklet includes lyrics (some handwritten) and many additional photographs from the original session. DVD Content: 4 videos and all visual content is previously unreleased. Features a new video for the 'Living in the Material World' track with footage of the original UK/US LP pressing. 'Give Me Love' performed live in Japan during the 1991 tour (in 5.1 surround sound and stereo). Along with unreleased versions of the songs Miss O'Dell and Sue Me, Sue You Blues.

Alan Jackson: Like Red On A Rose

The standardbearer for country music tradition, Alan Jackson returns with a deeply personal album produced by bluegrass superstar Alison Krauss. Originally intending to do a bluegrass recording, Krauss, Jackson, and a who's-who of acoustic music instead found themselves crafting a country music fan's dream. Like Red on a Rose features one of country's biggest stars in a gorgeously crafted, sophisticated setting that's nearly an anachronism in today's high-gloss Nashville. With guests Lee Ann Womack, Dan Tyminski, Jerry Douglas, Ron Block, and Howard Levy, among others, it's a musicianly album with plenty of mainstream appeal, as witnessed by the fast-rising single, the atmospheric "Like Red on a Rose."

Korn: See You On The Other Side Fanpack

The Korn See You On The Other Side fanpack will be a very special piece consisting of two CD's and one DVD. The first CD will feature the entire See You On The Other Side album chopped and screwed. The second CD and DVD will be a collection of choice live tracks.

Lemonheads: Lemonheads

Evan Dando is getting a bit conspiratorial about the latest incarnation of the legendary pop/punk outfit he formed a full two decades ago, now about to unleash their eighth album on an unsuspecting and defenseless world. And how does this new release the first for The Lemonheads on Vagrant Record compare to, say, Dando’s much-acclaimed solo work of the past few years? Louder, faster, more like Buzzcocks pop-punk and way less introspective. Talk about getting back to your roots. For the Vagrant offering, Dando convened two of his early influences the unholy duo of drummer Bill Stevenson and bassist Karl Alvarez in a remote Rocky Mountain hideaway. And it was there, off and on over eighteen months, that they kicked out the first Lemonheads album in ten years.

John Lennon: U.S. Vs John Lennon

The soundtrack to the documentary, covering the period 1966-1976, telling the story of John Lennon's transformation from beloved musical artist to anti-war activist to iconic inspiration for peace. Includes classic Lennon hits, rare sound bites and previously unreleased material.

Jerry Lee Lewis: Last Man Standing

Twenty-two rock and country legends duet with Jerry Lee Lewis on this incredible package, celebrating The Killer's impact on American music. Among the luminaries igniting these all-new recordings of seminal rock 'n' roll are Eric Clapton, The Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen, Willie Nelson, Toby Keith, Little Richard, Merle Haggard, Neil Young, and more.

Lucero: Rebels Rogues & Sworn Brothers

Their fifth studio album and finest to date; an artistic and commercial step forward for the Memphis band. David Lowery's production brings sharpness and focus to Lucero's sound and "I Can Get Us Out Of Here" is the legitimate radio single that the band has always hinted at. Legendary Memphis session player and recent Cat Power sideman Rick Steff contributes piano and organ throughout, adding a shimmering sonic wrapping to Lucero's hardest rocking and most tuneful album to date. The lead track evokes the spirit of vintage Springsteen while another recalls Wilco's Summerteeth-era into power pop and vintage synthesizers. Other tracks showcase singer Ben Nichols' southern gothic fatalism. It's the single however, that pulls all these elements together into a catchy, visceral rock song.

Dave Matthews Band: Vol. 6-Live Trax 7/7-7/8/2006

Memories of the Dave Matthews Band shows in Fenway Park are certain to burn bright for a long while in the minds of the fortunate fans that were in attendance. Dave Matthews Band was on the top of its game in the historic ballpark performing back-to-back nights of shows exploding with energy. The special 4-CD Fenway Live Trax volume contain every note played during both shows.

Paul McCartney: Ecce Cor Meum

Ecce Cor Meum (Behold My Heart) is the fourth classical based work created by Paul McCartney for EMI Classics. This compelling new work is an Oratorio scored for choir, soprano and orchestra in four movements, each beginning with unaccompanied voices with text combining both English and Latin. The music is full of color and drama and, of course, a wealth of glorious melody for which Paul McCartney is so well known.

Medeski/Martin/Wood: Out Louder

This foursome first recorded together on Scofield's A Go Go (1988), and is a classic. It's a match made not above nor below, but rather in some altogether hipper place: John Medeski + Billy Martin + Chris Wood + guitar guru John Scofield. On their new release Out Louder, they make music not of this world, yet rooted in the earth tones of jazz, funk and blues. Music from the heart, for the mind, and made to shake the earth, not to mention the body.

Mewithoutyou: Brother Sister

With the brilliance of producer Brad Wood (Smashing Pumpkins, Pete Yorn) to challenge their sound even further, mewithoutYou’s third release, Brother, Sister, creates something stirring, something deep and urgent, while still keeping all the passion that generates mewithoutYou’s magnificence.

Stanton Moore: III

The instant you hear one of Moore’s monstrous grooves, stuttering press rolls, or ‘Jalopy’ tomfills, you recognize him. The thirty-one year- old drummer is that funky and, man, we haven’t even started to talk about his sound.' - Modern Drummer 'Maybe nothing or no one is truly original, but I think Stanton Moore comes pretty close.' - Jam Base. Drummer Stanton Moore, founding member of the immensely popular band Galactic makes his TELARC debut with his third solo release aptly titled III. Most recently, Moore appeared on TELARC as part of the avant-funk group Garage A Trois collaborating with Charlie Hunter, Skerik, and Mike Dillon. Moore has also received accolades for his contribution to the GRAMMY-nominated Corrosion of Conformity’s In The Arms of God ( Moore earns his Bonham stripes on this one Rolling Stone) and Irma Thomas’ After The Rain.

Mute Math: Mutemath

Every now and then a band explodes from the grassroots. Thanks to phenomenal Internet exposure that led to soldout shows across the country, Mute Math is just such a story. Playing this summer at Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza and on the Warped Tour has resulted in the group’s major-label debut with a self titled album. An inspired Alt-Rock band from New Orleans, Mute Math melds hip-hop styled beats, moments of beauty and grandeur, big hooks, and vocals that pay homage to classic rock.

Michael Nesmith: Rays

The ex-Monkee and overall fine solo artist returns with a bunch of keyboard-drenched songs with Latin percussion. The overall tone is cool and groovy, led by a wall of synthesized string-sounding chords topped with the jazzy tones of a B3 organ. Occasionally, Mike will pick up his guitar but the piano and keyboards definitely rule here. Synth strings, synth horns, synth bass, even synth drums in some of the songs! The Latin percussion is analog though. Seven of these tracks are instrumentals; five feature Nesmith's loving vocals (occasionally buried or plugged through crazy effects).

Open Season: Soundtrack

The Open Season soundtrack features new songs from the infamous Paul Westerberg as well as music from Talking Heads, Deathray, and a special appearance by Pete Yorn covering Paul’s new 'I Belong'. The former lead-singer of the legendary band The Replacements channels the loose guitar rock sound he helped create in the 80’s adding an unmistakable sound and feel to the film, which is sure to entertain kids and parents alike.

Andy Partridge: Vol. 7-Fuzzy Warbles

2006 release, part of the ongoing Fuzzy Warbles series, which collects demos from XTC leader Andy Partridge’s personal archives. Features early versions of songs recorded during XTC's days with Virgin, including many previously unreleased tracks and also a few alternative demo versions of fan favorites .Each sleeve features a specially designed stamp and all volumes have extensive sleeves note written by Andy. Many of today's bands sight XTC and, in particular, Andy as one of their major influences. 18 tracks including 'Seagulls Screaming Kiss Her Kiss Her', 'Ladybird', 'Thrill Pill', 'Ballet For A Rainy Day' and more.

Andy Partridge: Vol. 8-Fuzzy Warbles

19 tracks including 'Extrovert', 'Another Satellite', 'I Gave My Suitcase Away', 'The Loving', 'Chalkhills & Children' and more.

Samiam: Whatever's Got You Down

Born in 1988 from the legendary Gillman St. punk scene, this band pioneered the pop-punk/rock sound that so many great bands have drawn influence from. This is the long-awaited follow-up to 2000's "Astray" and with it you get a piece of punk's past, present, and future.

Saosin: Saosin

Saosin has built up a huge presence in the scene, as well as online... logging in over 5 million streams on MySpace. The band toured in support of Avenged Sevenfold and toured Europe in support of Coheed & Cambria this past winter. They went into the studio with Howard Benson this past spring to record their self-titled full length debut album. Special limited edition packaging with exclusive artwork and a bonus DVD. DVD contains exclusive making of the album in the studio, behind the scenes footage, videos and more.

Scissor Sisters: Ta-Dah

The Scissor Sisters keep the party going on their sophomore album, "Ta-Dah," a synthesis of three decades worth of pop that alternately references early Prince, Elton John, the Bee Gees and even such rock/funk hybrids as the Rolling Stones' "Miss You." The set is due Sept. 26 via Universal Motown. Beyond first single "I Don't Feel Like Dancin'," appropriately co-written with Elton John, the album is highlighted by the funky "Ooh", the single-in-waiting "Everybody Wants the Same Thing," Ana Matronic's confidently sung "Kiss You Off" and the unabashedly retro "Paul McCartney." Sources say the final track, "Transistor," was added to the album at the last minute. Also available as a limited edition deluxe version containing a second CD with 5 previously unreleased songs and a 12 page double sided fold out poster.

Sparklehorse: Dreamt For Light Years In The Belly of a Mountain

Sparklehorse are set to release their first album in five years, ‘Dreamt for Lightyears in the Belly of a Mountain’. The album follows the band’s much applauded last album 2001’s ‘It’s A Wonderful Life’. As anyone who knows the joys of Sparklehorse, there’s mystery and magic here once again. We are given glimpses of sleeping old bears, hammering hooves, Ophelia in the creek and Christmas bulbs glowing in the night. Mark Linkous remains a man shrouded in enigma and the last five years have bought with it much adventure as well as turmoil.

UFO: Monkey Puzzle

One of the greatest and most-revered hard rock bands in history is back!. The rock legends distinguish themselves not only by contributing several classics to musical history, they also keep their artistic output at a permanently high level and despite all routine always have a fresh wind blowing through their band structure. UFO fills all these criteria.

Ultra Trance: Vol. 6

This series compiles the biggest tunes of the moment mixed to smooth trance perfection. Number six includes the best radio hits and club faves alongside exclusive trance remixes from artists such as Tiesto, Paul Oakenfold, Natasha Bedingfield, and more. Mixed by WKTU New York DJ Johnny Budz.

Wolf Eyes: Human Animal

These songs are rotten with metal, reeds, consciousness-erasing islands of black doom, bass-heavy rippers, late night free terror jams, and pure mayhem. The new double-bass attack is showcased on "Human Animal"/"Rusted Mange" with scraping strings and a full terror-shriek workout. New directions are countered by "Rationed Rot" which revisits the eerie Throbbing Gristle-esque vocal deployment that dates from Wolf Eyes' "Dread" LP. The album also features the band's first cover, the No Fucker's anthem, "Noise Not Music", which closed out a lot of shows on Wolf Eyes' recent European tour.

Ronnie Wood: Anthology: Essential Crossexion

2006 two CD career-spanning collection from one of rock's most recognizable musicians. Disc One features the best of his solo material from 1974-95 while the second disc features tracks by the most well known bands he's been a member of including The Birds, The Faces, The Jeff Beck Group, The Creation and, of course, The Rolling Stones.

Weird Al Yankovic: Straight Outta Lynwood

If Michael Jackson is the King of Pop, then Weird Al Yankovic must be the Court Jester. For the past 25 years, Weird Al has been simultaneously entertaining and annoying millions of music fans around the world.

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