Is it hot enough out there for you? Probably so as it definitely is for me. What else is hot is this week’s batch of new releases. We have over 30 for you so hopefully you can find something to listen to over this fine weekend. I have one I’m eager to spin and it is first in the list. Let me know what you want to hear this week and if we missed anything. Thanks for stopping by and I hope you all have a fantastic weekend!!
ZZ Top – Raw: That Little Ol’ Band From Texas Soundtrack – (Tower Top Tours / Shelter Music Group / BMG): The ZZ Top documentary was awesome. One of the best I’ve seen in a long while. I think it stopped way too early and would’ve been more informational if it would have continued on until more recent times rather than stop at their MTV Peak. Regardless, they are finally getting around to a soundtrack for the album so get ready to crank this baby out!
And then all the rest…
Jack White – Entering Heaven Alive – (Third Man)
Orianthi – Live from Hollywood – (Frontiers Records)
Anthrax – XL – (Megaforce Records)
James Bay – Leap – (Mercury Records / Republic Records / UMG): James Bay is back and it has been awhile as it has been 4 years since his last one. He is a fantastic guitarists and his music leans between folk, pop, rock, Americana and whatever else he feels like playing. I am excited to get some new tunes.
Journey – Freedom – (Freedom JN / BMG): Speaking of being gone awhile, Journey hasn’t had a new album in 11 years…that’s right…11 years. It is about time. Can’t wait to hear Neal rip on guitar and Arnel sing his heart out (man what a voice he has). Even Dean Castronovo sings on one song so this should be a good listen. Can’t wait to hear it.
Shinedown – Planet Zero – (Atlantic Recording Corp): My one big listen this week (and purchase) is Shinedown’s new one ‘Planet Zero’. This is the band’s 7th album in almost 20 years, so not too bad. They keep pushing themselves and trying new things and I can’t wait to hear what they bring to the table this time around.
Imagine Dragons – Mercury – Acts 1 & 2 – (KidinaKorner / Interscope Records)
Black Stone Cherry – Live From the Royal Albert Hall… Y’all – (Mascot Label Group)
Coheed & Cambria – Vaxis II: A Window of the Waking Mind – (Roadrunner Records / Elektra Records)
Lit – Tastes Like Gold – (Round Hill Records): It has been 5 years since their last album and it was more tinged towards country than the pop punk they usually do. This time they are going back to their original sound…thank goodness. Here’s hoping for a return to form.
Iconic – Second Skin – (Frontiers Records): Another Frontiers Supergroup which is actually getting kind of ridiculous…but is one is featuring Nathan James (Inglorious), Michael Sweet (Stryper), Joel Hoesktra (Whitesnake), Marco Mendoza (ex-Journey, Whitesnake), Tommy Aldridge (Whitesnake). It was co-produced by Michael Sweet and Alessandro Del Vecchio (Hardline, Revolution Saints). Hard to argue with a line-up like that. And the fact Michael Sweet isn’t even singing is a huge surprise. Nathan is a beast on vocals so this should be good.
Kiss – Off the Sounboard: Donington 1996 – (Universal Music / Simstan Music): We are now on the third edition of the Off the Soundboard Series and that is two for this year. Rumor has it one more will be coming. This one is Reunion Era Kiss so I am excited about this one as the original 4 are back!!
Carrie Underwood – Denim & Rhinestones – (Capitol Records Nashville / UMG)
Crobot – Feel This – (Mascot Label Group): Crobot is now on the fourth full length album and this Pennsylvania hard rock/funk rock band knows how to bring it. If you like it heavy and a little funky, five these guys a chance. I’m glad I did.
The Fixx – Every Five Seconds – (JARC Ltd): It has been 10 years since their last studio album. I guess one thing lead to another and they didn’t have time. But thankfully Cy Curnin and team are back. I don’t know what to expect, but I am eager to give it a try.
Def Leppard – Diamond Star Halos – (Bludgeon Riffola Limited / Mercury Records): There have been no new Def Leppard studio albums since I started this blog which is way way too long. I am excited about this one, but truly aren’t expecting a lot if I’m being honest. That didn’t stop me from ordering it…on vinyl exclusive from Target…on cassette and two different Japanese Edition CDs. I think that is every format. Yes, I have a problem…deal with it!!
Mark Tremonti – Mark Tremonti Sings Frank Sinatra – (JMM / Slow Down Sounds): The guitarist of Creed, Alter Bridge and lead singer of Tremonti goes soft with Frank Sinatra…or does he? I don’t know as I haven’t heard it yet as I want to take it all in at once. Here’s to hoping it is something cool.
2 Loud 2 Old Music 