We are moving through the year quite fast I believe as it is already the end of July. And it was a hot one, both temperature and purchases. Now, I do have a handful of vinyl, but as prices skyrocket, I am focusing on the albums that mean something to me or from bands that mean something to me so the purchases have slowed. CDs are cheaper and a lot easier to obtain so I seem to be buying way more of those these days. With minor exceptions, I have been laser focused on what I’m buying. Let’s go through the vinyl first. First up is the new album from Shinedown called ‘Planet Zero’. I have all their albums on vinyl as I am a big fan so why not get the new one…
Then it I picked up a couple holy grail type albums. First was one from Kiss that had only been issued for their very limited exclusive Kissteria box set. I didn’t think I’d every own one. Thanksfully, they re-issued it on vinyl and I snagged a copy. Not their best compilation, but one that was lacking in my vinyl collection so couldn’t be happier…My list of missing vinyl is now smaller.
Matt Nathanson – Boston Accent – (Acrobat Records): I love Matt Nathanson, no not in that way, in a musical way. His music moves me, his lyrics are painted pictures and the stories he tells are so relatable. He’s completely and utterly brilliant. I have this one on order although the vinyl won’t be here for months, my CD and the digital download will be here today. I’m ready to spend a lot of time with this one.
Beyonce – Renaissance – (Parkwood Entertainment / Columbia Records)
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!
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)
