It is the last Friday of the month and even the last day of the month.  There are over 20 albums on the list today including from some old times like Neil Diamond and Bob Dylan up to newcomers like La’Porsha Renae and Jackie Evancho (ok, she isn’t that new, but she is young).  There are also quite a couple 90’s artists back such as Jamiroquai and Ice T’s Body Count.  Only a few I am really interested in hearing right away and they are highlighted in Blue.  I hope there is something on this list that will brighten your day.  Friday new releases are just a great way to end a busy week.

•   Brother Firetribe – Sunbound – (Spinefarm):  Yes, I know this album came out last week, but I had excluded it from the list for some strange reason. I wanted to highlight the release so I added it to this week’s new releases…Brother Firetribe comes to us from the great country of Finland.  They are a hard rock and AOR band and is a 5 piece band.  ‘Sunbound’ is their fourth release and after three previously stellar releases, I am looking forward to more magic from this band.

•   Mastodon – Emperor of Sand – (Reprise Records):  Mastodon is heavy metal band from Atlanta, Georgia where I lived for 45 years prior to moving to Charlotte.  These guys are heavy metal and deliver the heavy to the extremes. They are unlike most bands I listen to and it is nice to change it up a little.  I have followed their career for awhile and can’t wait to give a listen.

•   MercyMe – Lifer – (MercyMe):  In the completely opposite spectrum of Mastodon comes MercyMe a Christian band that will help me get refocused after Mastodon (kidding).  I have been listening to these guys for quite a long time and every album brings me a new favorite song.  Here’s to a new favorite song off this album.

•   Nelly Furtado – The Ride – (Nelstar Music)
•   Jamiroquai – Automaton – (Jamiroquai Ltd)
•   Body Count – Bloodlust – (The Century Family)
•   Demon Hunter – Outlive – (Solid State Records)
•   Arch Enemy – As the Stage Burns! – (Century Media)
•   Jackie Evancho – Two Hearts – (Jackie Evancho & Sony Music)
•   Trace Adkins – Something’s Going On – (Wheelhouse Records)
•   Neil Diamond – 50th Anniversary Collection (3CD Set) – (Neil Diamond)
•   Bob Dylan – Triplicate – (Columbia Records)
•   Phish – St. Louis ’93 (6 CD set) – (JEMP Records)
•   George Winston – Spring Carousel – (Dancing Cat Records)
•   Rodney Crowell – Close Ties – (New West Records)
•   La’Porsha Renae – Already All Ready – (19 Recordings)
•   Goldfrapp – Silver Eye – (Mute)
•   The Mavericks – Brand New Day – (Mono Mundo Records)
•   Aimee Mann – Mental Illness – (Aimee Mann/SuperEgo Records)