A look at new releases for Aug. 18-24
Xavier Rudd, Dark Shades of Blue (Anti)
Australian product Xavier Rudd delivers his second studio issue in as many years with Dark Shades of Blue. Rudd's been on the road, raising his profile by opening for Dave Matthews Band and Ben Harper during the last few years.
But Rudd shouldn't have to ride on their coattails for long. He brings an earthy, rootsy sound, combined with didgeridoo and a Paul Simon deadringer voice to soothe things. Think of him as a grittier Jack Johnson
On Dark Shades, Rudd works with Joe Barresi, whose resumé shows a more extensive history producing heavier rock acts such as Kyuss, Queens of the Stone Age, The Melvins and Powerman 5000. What that collaboration means for Rudd — who treads in a little more relaxing waters — means is anyone's guess.
If I Were Really Rich ...
— Dance Gavin Dance, Dance Gavin Dance (Rise) | A post-hardcore group from Sacramento? OK. You've piqued my interest. Includes a guest spot with Deftones' Chino Moreno.
— David Byrne and Brian Eno, Everything That Happens Will Happen Today (Self-Released) | Former Talking Heads frontman and producer extraordinaire team up for the first time in nearly three decades. Can't get it in stores, gotta grab it here.
Also New This Week …
— The Academy Is ... , Fast Times at Barrington High (Fueled by Ramen/Decaydance/Atlantic)
— Angel, On Earth As it is in Heaven (Lovember)
— Black Stone Cherry, Folklore and Superstition (Roadrunner)
— Joe Bonamassa, Live From Nowhere in Particular (Premier Artists)
— David Byrne, Big Love: Hymnal (Todo Mundo)
— Cadillac Sky, Gravity's Our Enemy (Skaggs Family)
— Glen Campbell, Meet Glen Campbell (Capitol)
— The Cheetah Girls, Cheetah Girls: One World Soundtrack (Walt Disney)
— The Dandy Warhols, Earth to the Dandy Warhols (Beat the World)
— Family Force 5, Dance or Die (Tooth & Nail)
— The Fiery Furnaces, Remember [Limited edition] (Thrill Jockey)
— Donavon Frankenreiter, Pass it Around (Lost Highway)
— Goo Goo Dolls, Greatest Hits, Vol. 2 [CD/DVD] (Warner Bros.)
— GZA, Pro Tools (Babygrande/Think Differently)
— Juliana Hatfield, How to Walk Away (Ye Olde)
— Heavy Heavy Low Low, Turtle Nipple and the Toxic Shock (Ferret)
— The Human Abstract, Midheaven (Hopeless)
— Ice Cube, Raw Footage (Lench Mob)
— Jaguar Love, Take Me to the Sea (Matador)
— George Jones, Burn Your Playhouse Down: The Unreleased Duets (Bandit)
— Chris Knight, Heart of Stone (Red Distribution)
— Lykke Li, Youth Novels (Atlantic)
— Amy MacDonald, This is the Life (Decca)
— Laura Marling, Alas I Cannot Swim (Astralwerks)
— Karina Pasian, First Love (Def Jam)
— John Pizzarelli, With a Song in My Heart (Telarc)
— Ra Ra Riot, The Rhumb Line (Barsuk)
— Shwayze, Shwayze (Suretone/Geffen)
— Todd Snider, Peace Queer (MRI)
— Staind, The Illusion of Progress (Flip/Atlantic/Roadrunner)
— Stereolab, Chemical Chords (4AD)
— Toadies, No Deliverance (Kirtland)
— Loudon Wainwright III, Recovery (Yep Roc)
— The Walkmen, You & Me (Gigantic)
— Brian Wilson, That Lucky Old Sun [Limited edition vinyl reissue] (Capitol)
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