Alkaline Trio – Damnesia – Classic story here. These guys started indie, made a brilliant major label debut a few years ago that did nothing for them, then returned to an indie. They make consistently great RECORDS, which is truly a lost art in the days of the downloadable single. Don’t expect a breakout year, just expect a fantastic live show and a solid new album. (Catch them live on 7/16 at Slims and 7/17 at Bottom of the Hill).
Blondie – Panic of Girls – It’s so fashionable for bands these days to “Return to their roots” and many do so with little success. Blondie has made a record here that sounds like it came out in 1980, but recorded with better technology. What more could you ask for? This is a true return to form, although it’s not like they ever really strayed too far to begin with.
Eleanor Friedberger – Last Summer – Female half of The Fiery Furnaces goes solo and it’s fantastic.
Incubus – If Not Now, When? – I have always been a fan of this band. They continually push the boundaries of mainstream rock, that is until now. This song says to me, we are bored and need a radio hit. Now I have to admit, I have not heard the entire record, but I have faith, and hope that it’s more aggressive than this sleeper. Don’t take my word for it, check it out for yourself and leave a comment below.
Sepultura – Red River Blue – Pioneering Thrash Metal band from Brazil return with an album that makes Metallica sound like Matchbox 20. Even if you hate metal, check out this video of the drummer going berserk during a recent show at San Francisco’s Regency Ballroom.
Sublime with Rome – The first album since the original Sublime disbanded in 1996 after Bradley Nowell’s death. Was this album necessary, probably not. What does it sound like? A really good Sublime cover band.
Tesla – Twisted Wires & The Acoustic Sessions – One of the few “Hair Metal” bands with any sort of substance. These road dogs are still making decent records. Long live the “Modern Day Cowboy”.
Yes – Fly From Here – Progressive rock fans rejoice! Yes return with their first studio album in 10 years. Although there is no Jon Anderson, you do get some tasty jams from legends Chris Squire and Steve Howe.
George Thorogood and the Destroyers – 2120 South Michigan Ave – A salute to Chess Records artists with special guests Buddy Guy and Charlie Musselwhite.
REM – Life’s Rich Pageant (25th Anniversary Edition) The classic 1986 album remastered; 2 discs; the second CD contains the previously unreleased “Athens Demos”.
Megadeth – Peace Sells … But Who’s Buying? (25th Anniversary Edition) – Jesus, has it really been a quarter of a century? I had to sneak this album into my house as my parents thought I worshiped the devil because I loved this band so much. Anyway, the classic 1986 metal masterpiece is remastered on 2 CDs. There is also a Deluxe 5 Disc + 3 LP Box Set (which someone needs to send to me for a full on Megadeth tribute post I am working on, hint hint Capital Records).
Which releases are you looking most forward to? (and did you love Megadeth as a teenager as much as I did?) Please leave a comment below.
