Stuff that stocking with music CDs
By John Benson
The holiday shopping season has arrived, meaning once again you have to figure out the perfect gift for family, friends and co-workers. For those of you who are lazy but not willing to go the gift-certificate route, a new CD or music DVD is a great choice. Here’s a list of some new releases that may help your holiday gift-giving search go a little bit more smoothly this year:
COMEDY
ÓÅò Flight of the Conchords, “I Told You I Was Freaky,” CD (Sub Pop)
Perhaps an acquired taste, New Zealand comedy duo Flight of the Conchords — best-known for their cult HBO sitcom — are back with their second studio album, “I Told You I Was Freaky.” Whereas the twosome’s self-titled affair was more folk based, this new 13-track album, which includes three songs from the television show, finds the oddball act taking on rap (“Hurt Feelings”), reggae (“You Don’t Have to be a Prostitute”) and soul (“I Told You I Was Freaky”). The results are mixed with the serpentine wordplay going over the top, not to mention the band’s banal songwriting. Still, it’s a joke CD, and if “Flight of the Conchords” the series cracks you and your friends up, then “I Told You I Was Freaky” will invariably do more of the same.
COUNTRY
ÓÅò Rosanne Cash, “The List,” CD (Manhattan)
Country-music fans who are still mourning the 2003 death of country-music icon Johnny Cash may have some interest in his daughter Rosanne’s new CD “The List,” a covers album with a slew of high-profile guests. The album’s title dates back to when Rosanne was 18 years old and her father gave her a list of 100 essential country songs. To pay homage to her legendary dad, the 54-year-old country singer has recorded a dozen of the tracks, with guests Bruce Springsteen (“Sea of Heartbreak”), Elvis Costello (“Heartaches by the Number”), Jeff Tweedy (“Long Black Veil”) and Rufus Wainwright (“Silver Wings”) providing some assistance. Standouts include “Motherless Children,” which Eric Clapton recorded in the ‘70s, as well as Bob Dylan’s “Girl From the North Country.” While decidedly not a Johnny Cash album, “The List” does provide fans a special connection to the Man in Black.
ÓÅò Alan Jackson, “Songs of Love and Heartache,” CD (Sony)
Country superstar Alan Jackson has officially sold his soul to Cracker Barrel, which is stocking the 40-piece “The Alan Jackson Collection” at its stores this holiday season. While an autographed rocking chair may be more expensive than you were thinking, and a Jackson candle or coffee mug seems, well, boring, don’t fret. The collection also includes special 12-track CD “Songs of Love and Heartache,” which features hit songs “Here in the Real World,” “Livin’ On Love” and “Remember When,” along with previously unreleased tunes “That’s What I’d Be Like Without You” and “Nothing Sure Looked Good On You.” Then again, maybe a gift certificate to Cracker Barrel would suffice.
ÓÅò George Jones, “A Collection of My Best Recollection,” CD (Universal)
Country-music legend George Jones has released yet another greatest-hits affair. Along with the Texas native’s signature songs “He Stopped Lovin’ Her Today,” “White Lightning” and “Finally Friday,” the 12-track set features unreleased songs “I Don’t Want To Know” and “I’m A Long Gone Daddy.” Actually, the latter tracks fit right into today’s polished Nashville sound, which makes one wonder how long it will be before Jones makes a comeback into the mainstream. For now, Jones will let his r sum do the talking with “A Collection of My Best Recollection” offering the best of something old and something new.
ÓÅò The Kentucky Headhunters, “Live/Agora Ballroom – Cleveland, Ohio,” CD (Mercury)
If you’re a fan of The Kentucky Headhunters, then odds are you were rocking to the country band’s music at the height of its “Pickin’ on Nashville” fame in the late ’80s and early ’90s. To mark this special period, the band has recently released “Live/Agora Ballroom — Cleveland, Ohio,” which was recorded in 1990 at the legendary Rock Hall City venue. In addition to capturing the band’s southern-rock aesthetic, the 16-track affair features popular singles “Oh Lonesome Me” and “Dumas Walker,” as well as rocking covers of Robert Johnson’s “Crossroads” and Norman Greenbaum’s “Spirit in the Sky.” Add in the fact it was recorded in our backyard, “Live/Agora Ballroom — Cleveland, Ohio” is a special treat.
FOLK
ÓÅò Various Artists, “Amchitka,” CD (Greenpeace)
Bet you didn’t know the dawn of environmental organization Greenpeace came with a soundtrack. Actually, it’s a 1970 concert, which is documented in the recent double-disc “Amchitka” album that features Joni Mitchell (“Big Yellow Taxi/Bony Maroni” and “Woodstock”), James Taylor (“Fire and Rain,” “Sweet Baby James” and “Something in the Way She Moves”) and Phil Ochs (“I Ain’t Marching Anymore” and “Changes”) performing at an Alaskan U.S. nuclear bomb test site. Aside from the excellent sound quality, this set truly represents the hippie movement’s finest hours.
HOLIDAY
ÓÅò David Archuleta, “Christmas From the Heart,” CD (Jive)
As a seventh season “American Idol” runner-up, David Archuleta has gone on to pop fame with his self-titled debut effort selling more than 700,000 copies. Now the Utah native is hoping to keep his name out there during the holiday season with his yuletide album “Christmas From the Heart.” Fans of the pop artist will enjoy his original tune “Melodies of Christmas,” as well as standards “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” and “Silent Night.” The tenor really shows off his talents with a tender version of “Ava Maria,” which he performs in Latin. For fans with a “Crush” on Archuleta, “Christmas From the Heart” is invariably a must-have.
ÓÅò David Arkenstone, “Christmas Lounge,” CD (Green Hill)
So, if you’re in the market for a generic holiday CD to play as background music for any party or gathering, new-age musician David Arkenstone’s “Christmas Lounge” is the answer. The 12-track album features nondescript versions of all the seasonal favorites, including “Deck the Halls,” “O Come All Ye Faithful” and “Jingle Bells.” The funny thing is the CD is billed as “music you might hear in the lobbies and lounges of chic, boutique hotels around the world,” which is code for new age. NOTE: CD doesn’t include the cool, red sectional sofa found on its cover.
ÓÅò Bob Dylan, “Christmas in the Heart,” CD (Sony)
If there was one specialized album missing from Bob Dylan’s vast catalog, the Christmas CD was it. That’s all changed now with the American folk icon releasing “Christmas in the Heart,” which features seasonal favorites such as “Silver Bells” and “The First Noel” that instantly fall into the classic vein. However, Dylan does his best to stir up the chestnuts roasting on an open fire with the ethnic sounding “Must be Santa,” which comes across like a rowdy beer polka. The accordion doesn’t hurt either. By the time you get to “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and “O Come All Ye Faithful,” Dylan has done it again, reinterpreting our past for future generations to enjoy.
ÓÅò Halford III, “Winter Songs,” CD (Metal God)
Every year it seems as though a heavy-metal legend or hard-rock band from the past will venture into seasonal-music territory to release what amounts to a novelty Christmas CD. In 2009 that designation belongs to Judas Priest’s Rob Halford, whose latest solo effort, “Halford III,” features a few new songs along with a few holiday standards pureed into hard-rock heaven. Unlike previous Christmas releases from the likes of say Twisted Sister or Queensryche, Halford successfully walks a line as a Santa hell-bent for leather without being overly jolly. Standout tracks include “We Three Kings,” “Oh Come O Come Emanuel” and “Come All Ye Faithful.” More importantly, this album will probably blow the mind of the heavy-metal fan on your shopping list.
ÓÅò REO Speedwagon, “Not So Silent Night,” CD (Sony Legacy)
In case you were going through your REO Speedwagon albums, eight-tracks and CDs recently and realized your favorite ‘70s and ‘80s arena-rock band never recorded a Christmas release, worry no more. The “Time For Me To Fly” band has finally addressed its mistletoe deficiency with the brand-new “Not So Silent Night” effort, which includes a festive version of “Winter Wonderland,” the solemn “Little Drummer Boy” and the idealistic “Happy Xmas [War is Over].” For music fans whose tastes are centered around mainstream classic rock, this 13-track effort speaks for itself. For current rock-music listeners, it’s time for us to fly.
ÓÅò Eban Schletter, “Cosmic Christmas,” CD (Oglio Records)
You know that one friend or family member who is always listening to weird music (we all have that person in our life). Well, here’s a CD that will literally blow their mind. Eban Schletter’s “Cosmic Christmas” takes Christmas on a psychedelic trip — compliments of eccentric interpretations of seasonal favorites and a Theremin — that sounds as though it went through Oz. Charlie Brown wouldn’t recognize the spacey “Christmas Time is Here,” and the trippy “Silent Night” feels like an oddball dream sequence featuring swirling musical jewelry boxes and keyboard special effects. Though Hollywood musician Schletter attempts to create a loose narrative about the golden rule, etc., “Cosmic Christmas” feels more like the soundtrack to Tim Burton’s next freaky seasonal movie.
JAZZ
ÓÅò Medeski Martin & Wood, “The Radiolarian Series,” CD/DVD (Indirecto Records)
Experimental jazz act Medeski Martin & Wood has upped its creative ante with its new “The Radiolarian Series” box set release, which includes three albums that were each written separately during three different touring legs of its “Viva la Evolution” last year. The result is a ton of new music that finds the trio exploring its unique soundscapes and on-the-fly improvisation chops. While the majority of tracks are interesting experiments, the reality is the box set boasts a plethora of material — 29 songs, a full-length DVD, a concert disc, a remix CD, a double vinyl album — that invariably is best-suited for truly diehard Medeski Martin & Wood fans.
KIDS
ÓÅò Los Lobos, “Los Lobos Goes Disney,” CD (Disney Sound)
Sure, “Los Lobos Goes Disney” isn’t a holiday album, but for cool family members or friends who have toddlers or preschoolers of their own, this 13-track album is a perfect excuse to rock the minivan with some of the most recognizable tunes from Disney’s vast movie soundtracks. The “La Bamba” cover band spreads its Mexican culture (featuring native instruments such as hidalguera, requinto, jarocho, jarana, guitarron and more) on instantly recognizable songs such as “Heigh-Ho” (“Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs”), “The Bare Necessities” (“The Jungle Book”) and “Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah” (“Song of the South”). Surprise tracks include “I Will Go Sailing No More” from “Toy Story” and an instrumental medley of “When You Wish Upon a Star” and “It’s a Small World.” Look, it’s either buy a stuffed animal or toy the kids will grow out of in 10 minutes or look hip for picking out this unique CD.
MARCHING BAND
ÓÅò Ohio State University Marching Band, “The Buckeye Way: Official Music of the Ohio State Buckeyes,” CD (Banshee Music)
When it comes to the holidays and Ohio State University fans, a BCS bowl win is always the first choice. This is followed by Buckeyes’ clothing and merchandise. However, this year there’s a special musical treat for the scarlet and gray faithful. The Ohio State University Marching Band recently released “The Buckeye Way: Official Music of the Ohio State Buckeyes,” which features 11 new, original songs that are currently getting played at The Shoe during football games. This includes “Buckeye Land,” “The Buckeye Way” and “Ohio, On & On.”
METAL
ÓÅò Various Artists, “Saw VI,” Soundtrack CD (Trustkill)
This soundtrack from a tired movie franchise may seem more like a Halloween gift, but the truth is if you’re buying a gift for a metalhead, you can’t go wrong with the 18-track black ’n’ blue barrage. Included on the tendon-ripping, bone-snapping CD are brand-new and unreleased songs from Hatebreed, Lacuna Coil, Suicide Silence, Shadows Fall, Converge, It Dies Today, Kittie and Every Time I Die. There are also tunes from Northeast Ohio’s Mushroomhead and Chimaira. Think of it this way, if you don’t get a hard-core loving friend or family member an appropriate gift, Jigsaw could seek justice at your expense. And you do not want to be in — let alone have to watch — “Saw VII.”
MISC
ÓÅò The Beatles Box of Vision
Now that The Beatles’ catalog has finally been re-mastered and released on CD, what do you give the Fab Four fan who has everything? You can surprise your “Sgt. Peppers” follower with The Beatles Box of Vision, which is being billed as a companion piece to the Beatles recently released CDs. This imaginative gift is built to store The Beatles CDs in a linen-covered box, with silver embossed Beatles logos and faux Beatles LP spines. In addition, it includes an LP-sized book containing all of the Beatles U.K. and U.S. album artwork (completely restored and collected together for the very first time), another book that provides a side-by-side comparison of the U.K. and U.S. albums and a third book that is the actual storage system for the CDs. While it’s somewhat costly at roughly $90, you bet this unique gift will leave the recipient in “goo goo g’joob” happiness.
POP
ÓÅò Katy Perry, “Unplugged,” CD/DVD (Capitol)
While fans of Katy Perry desperately wait for the pop singer to release her highly anticipated sophomore effort next year, the California native is throwing her faithful a bone with a CD/DVD release of her MTV “Unplugged” performance from earlier this year. What stands out about the stripped-down affair is the keen pop songwriting heard on her hits “I Kissed a Girl,” “Waking Up In Vegas” and “Thinking of You.” Though the live set includes a surprise, if not obscure, cover of Fountains of Wayne song “Hackensack,” which actually does very little in showing off Perry’s talents, it’s the unreleased (and catchy) song “Brick by Brick” that actually bodes well for her next project.
ROCK
ÓÅò Foo Fighters, “Greatest Hits,” CD (RCA)
What’s amazing about the Foo Fighters’ debut best-of set is the number of hit singles the act has released over the past 15 years. From “Monkey Wrench” and “My Hero” to “Big Me” and “The Pretender,” Dave Grohl and his Foo Fighters have invariably become the modern-day version of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Though “Greatest Hits” includes new single “Wheels,” the true keeper is everybody’s favorite Foo Fighters track, “Everlong.” In fact, Grohl has added an acoustic version of the ‘90s tune to round out the album. Even more mind-blowing regarding the Foo Fighters’ success is the fact Grohl successfully overcame any baggage or pressures associated with being Nirvana’s ex-drummer.
ÓÅò The Fray, “The Fray Deluxe Edition,” CD (Epic)
Even though The Fray’s self-titled sophomore album came out earlier this year, this won’t stop the popular alternative act from releasing a deluxe double-disc version of the CD just in time to cash in on holiday sales. Despite the calculated move, fans of The Fray will be happy with the bonus CD, which features live versions of hit singles “Never Say Never” and “You Found Me” recorded with the London Quartet, as well as a concert recording of the title track from its 2005 CD “How to Save A Life.” To be fair, the casual fan of The Fray could probably do without “The Fray Deluxe Edition.” That said, diehards who feel this Denver-based act helped saved their life will more than likely enjoy the extra material and deeper look inside what makes The Fray tick.
ÓÅò M ∂tley Cr ºe, “Greatest Hits,” CD (Motley Records)
You have to give the guys in M ∂tley Cr ºe credit for their tenacity. Despite the fact the ‘80s hard-rock band hasn’t truly released a hit single going on 20 years, Tommy Lee, Vince Neil and company recently put out their fourth best-of set in just over a decade. Sure, the logical question is, how many times can you beat a dead horse? But that’s apparently best answered by the group’s loyal, if not myopic, fan base who made their 2005 double-disc career retrospective, “Red, White & Crue,” platinum. Now the “Wild Side” band is back with, you guessed it, a greatest-hits album aptly titled “Greatest Hits,” with its only new additions being the title track of its 2008 album “Saints of Los Angeles” and “The Animal [remix].” Just as Pamela Anderson is looking tired these days, so is M ∂tley Cr ºe and its catalog.
ÓÅò Paul McCartney, “Good Evening New York City,” CD/DVD (Universal)
There’s a strong case to be made that Paul McCartney has released more than his fair share of concert CDs in the past. That said, it appears as though his latest double disc/DVD “Good Evening New York City” may be the definitive McCartney live concert. Recorded earlier this year at the Big Apple’s brand-new Citi Field, the 33-track affair features everything one would expect from the Fab Four singer-bassist and more. While his solo material (“Jet,” “Band on the Run” and “Live and Let Die” is still enjoyable, at this stage in the game it’s The Beatles’ material that offers the most pleasure. Standout tracks include “I’m Down,” “Helter Skelter” and “Paperback Writer;” however, it’s “A Day in the Life” segued into “Give Peace A Chance” that truly makes “Good Evening New York City” something special.
ÓÅò R.E.M., “Live at the Olympia,” CD/DVD (Warner Bros. Records)
Two years after it released its debut concert effort, “R.E.M. Live,” the Athens, Ga., band has returned with a special double-disc live set that not only gives diehard fans plenty of nuggets from its past but also provides insight into the alternative group’s songwriting process. Overall, “Live at the Olympia” offers 39 tracks recorded over five nights at Ireland’s Olympia Theatre. However, the results are often mixed, with “Disguise,” an early version of what would become its 2008 album “Accelerate” lead single “Supernatural Superserious,” coming across punchless and drab. Standout tracks include the unreleased anthem “Staring Down the Barrel of the Middle Distance,” the tuneful “Cuyahoga” and the rocking “Drive.” To be honest, R.E.M.’s strongest suit has always been the recording studio over the concert stage, with “Live at the Olympia” confirming that opinion.
ÓÅò The Rolling Stones, “Get Yer Ya-Ya’s Out!,” Deluxe Box Set CD/DVD (ABKCO)
As expected, the 40th anniversary release of The Rolling Stones’ “Get Yer Ya-Ya’s Out!” features previously unreleased Jagger/Richards gems such as “Prodigal Son,” “You Gotta Move” and “Under My Thumb.” But the real treasures found in this box set — there’s a reason why this Madison Square Garden show is commonly recognized as the beginning of the arena rock era — are the amazing opening sets by B.B. King (“Everyday I Have the Blues” and “Please Accept My Love”) and Ike & Tina Turner (“Gimme Some Loving,” “Son of a Preacher Man” and “Proud Mary”). Make no mistake, the “Get Yer Ya-Ya’s Out!” box set is best for the early Stones fan looking to once again experience its ‘60s blues roots.
ÓÅò Tina Turner, “Tina Live,” CD/DVD (Manhattan)
Even though she was semi-retired, Tina Turner proved her star power by returning to the concert stage last year at the age of 68 for her “50th Anniversary Concert Tour,” which boasted sold-out dates across the world. Now comes the obligatory concert CD/DVD “Tina Live,” which features 26 of her best songs and popular covers. Though her hits “What’s Love Got To Do With It” and “Private Dancer” are decent, it’s her cover of Rolling Stones hits “Jumping Jack Flash” and “It’s Only Rock ’n’ Roll” that truly capture her energy and power. Also, Turner shows off her soul side for a sultry version of Al Green’s “Let’s Stay Together.” Considering Turner is nearing the end of her career, fans will want to have this career concert retrospective.
SOUL
ÓÅò Otis Redding, “Otis Redding: The Best See & Hear,” CD/DVD (Shout! Factory)
Granted, four decades after his death there are only so many ways to sell Otis Redding’s legendary catalog; however, the double-disc “Otis Redding: The Best See & Hear” has plenty to offer both the casual and serious fan. Aside from Redding’s biggest hits, such as “[Sittin’ on] The Dock of the Bay” and “Try a Little Tenderness,” there’s the 12-track DVD, which is directed by famed filmmaker D.A. Pennebaker (“Don’t Look Back” and “Monterey Pop”). Included in the footage are nine Redding performances from 1967, with “Shake” and his memorable Rolling Stones cover “[I Can’t Get No] Satisfaction” being the best. Overall, this 1989 Rock Hall inductee’s set is something special.
ÓÅò Rod Stewart, “Soulbook,” CD (J Records)
With apparently nothing better to do, ‘70s rocker Rod Stewart continues to assault every musical genre with impunity. First, Rod the Bod tickled baby boomers with his big-band albums, and now comes his first foray into soul classics. The truth is, Stewart’s raspy voice works really well within the format with high-profile friends such as Mary J. Blige (“You Make Me Feel Brand New”), Jennifer Hudson (“Let it Be Me”), Smokey Robinson (“Tracks of my Tears”) and Stevie Wonder (“My Cherie Amour”) lending a hand. You can bet that anyone who enjoyed Stewart’s “Great American Songbook” series or Michael McDonald’s Motown-based album won’t care about the gratuitous sellout aspect. In a related note, let’s hope Stewart stays away from ‘80s hip-hop, ‘90s country and ‘00s emo.