Hey Gang

Every Tuesday is CD release day in the music biz, and while some Tuesday’s are better than others for releases, today is one of the better CD release days of the year. Here are a few released today that I’ve been looking forward to:

R.E.M., “Accelerate” — R.E.M.’s first two proper albums, “Murmur” (1983) and “Reckoning” (1984) are two of my favorite albums ever, with their mix of Byrdsian vocal harmonies, Southern poetry and pop hooks ushering in the “underground” (later known as “indie rock”) movement. Ever since, though, the band’s albums have been hit or miss for me as they became a radio-friendly arena act. Suppoesedly ”Accelerate” is seen as a return to form. I hope so.

Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, “Dig!!! Lazarus Dig!!!” — I love just about everything Nick Cave has done going back to his days in Australian post-punk outfit Birthday Party. Cave is an author and a screenwriter as well as a brilliant songwriter, and with the Bad Seeds the singer has created a moody, beautiful pop canon. If you haven’t checked out Nick Cave yet, visit youtube.com and search for “Straight to You,” one of the most gorgeous love songs ever written.

George Strait, “Troubador” — Most contemporary country to me sounds like ’80s era light rock or adult contemporary, but for over 25 years this Texan has put out one great album after another, mixing Texas swing, ballads and old school honky tonk fleshed out with twin fiddle and pedal steel, instruments you don’t hear much of on contemporary radio anymore (that’s another blog for another time, though). George is one of the greats in the history of the genre, along with Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Hank Williams Sr. and George Jones.

I’m off to Zia Records to score these albums…

Until next time

 Chris

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