Stage 1 CDs....
Bad Religion—True North
Epitaph Records
This is what a punk super group sounds like. Bad Religion has continued to go against the grain when it comes to the status quo, and after three decades they’ve proven they still have something to say. Formed in 1979, these punk rock legends have just released their 16th album, True North, and it doesn’t sound like they have aged a bit. Bad Religion knows what their fans want to hear and does not disappoint with their latest effort. It does not appear that the formula behind the band’s music has changed much over the years which only goes to show, “if it’s not broke, don’t fix it”. These guys know what they’re good at do it with near perfection.
The opening cut from the album which also happens to be title track, “True North”, takes off immediately and does not slow down for the next 35 minutes. Front man Greg Graffin aims his intellectual anger at the some of the usual targets such as the government, society, and the church. Graffin and co-songwriter Brett Gurewitz return to their early days with a fast, vulgar two minute blast of anger appropriately titled “F**k You”. Lead guitarist, Brian Baker’s solos are as present as ever, and add that extra punch that always has put Bad Religion over the top.
After 30 years of making albums and touring, Bad Religion proves that age is only a number when it comes to punk rock. Don’t expect anything new and groundbreaking with True North, after three decades Bad Religion fans know exactly what to expect and nobody is complaining. 4/5
David Bowie—the Next Day
ISO, Columbia Records
With his first release in 10 years, David Bowie continues on the success of reuniting with producer Tony Visceni who produced Heathen in 2002 and Reality in 2003, delivers upon the same success. The Next Day earned Bowie his first number-one album in the UK since 1993's Black Tie White Noise, and the fastest-selling album of 2013 to date. Bowie delivers 14 tracks on the LP that will satisfy his famished fans with a familiar sound that drives with a great rock beat. Bowie and producer Visconti worked in secret alongside long-term engineer Mario J. McNulty, recording the album over a two-year period. Where Are We Now is the title track and The Stars are Out Tonight is the second single that has received success including a video release.
Bon Jovi—Because We Can
Island Records
Bon Jovi returns with a solid rock album that is full of the music that has made him famous and a put him back at number one on the music charts. Classic Bon Jovi? There is no wrong in going classic or old school. That is what Bon Jovi fans hunger for—that solid sound he and his band craft to perfection. This album will get your attention and if you are a fan of great rock and roll then you will go away thrilled with excitement.
Taylor Swift—Red
Big Machine Records
Four promotional singles were released in the month leading up to the album release, three of which debuted inside the top ten of the US Billboard Hot 100. The album features collaborations with producers and guest artists such as Gary Lightbody and Ed Sheeran, and sees Swift experimenting with new musical genres.
The album's lead single, "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together", was a worldwide commercial success, topping the global iTunes charts and selling 623,000 copies in the first week, becoming Swift's first ever Billboard Hot 100 chart-topper. The second single, "Begin Again", was released on October 1. "I Knew You Were Trouble" was released as the third official single on November 27, 2012, becoming one of Swift's highest charting singles in both the UK and the US. "22" will be released as the fourth single from the album.
Red has been critically acclaimed by music critics, who praised Swift's versatility as a musician and enjoyed her experiments with new music genres. Red sold 1,208,000 copies in its first week in the US, debuting at number one on the Billboard 200 chart, the second-highest debut for a female artist, behind Oops!... I Did It Again by Britney Spears. It has also spent 16 non-consecutive weeks at number one on Billboard's Country Albums chart as of mid-March, 2013. Red became Swift's first chart-topper in the UK, and also topped the album charts in Australia, Canada, Ireland and New Zealand. The album sold 1.89 million copies in its first three weeks, surpassing One Direction's Up All Night as the second biggest-selling album of the year in the US. As of January 2013, the album has sold over 4 million copies in the US and nearly 5.4 million copies worldwide. No wonder Harry Styles was left in the dust.
Flaming Lips—the Terror
Warner Brothers
The Terror is the thirteenth studio album by experimental rock band The Flaming Lips, to be released the April 1st 2013 worldwide and April 16th in the U.S., on Warner Bros in the U.S. The album is loaded with 9 new songs that will excite Flaming Lips fans with new energy as the band utilizes its musical prowess to the fullest as they re-ignite their fan base with a great new set of music.
Depeche Mode—Delta Machine
Columbia Records
Delta Machine was produced by Ben Hillier and recorded in 2012. Benjamin Boles of Now proclaimed the band "have dropped the best album of their career", stating that the songs "find the band leaping in thrillingly unexpected directions and landing on their feet every time", and noting that the electronic elements evoke "moody German techno more than the bouncy synth-pop we expect from the English trio." Laurence Green of music OMH opined that the album "lays the foundation for some of the band's most material in 15 years", concluding, "In what has always been a frighteningly consistent career, Delta Machine stands there amongst the band's finest work."
Black Veil Brides—Wretched and Divine
Lava/Universal Republic
Black Veil Brides are known for their distinct appearance (black makeup and body paint, tight black studded clothing, and long hair), which was inspired by Kiss' and Mötley Crüe's stage persona, as well as numerous other 1980s glam metal acts. The album reached number 1 on the iTunes Top Albums charts and the lead single, "In the End", reached number 6 on the iTunes Top Rock Songs charts.
The album went on to sell 47,000 units in its first week, opening at number 7 in the Billboard 200, making this their first top ten entry on the chart. "In the End" reached number 39 on the Billboard Rock Charts. They mix Glam metal and a little punk rock into this release.
Kyle Eastwood—Views from here
Rendezvous Records
Alongside the bassist, a classic line-up is completed by saxophonist Graeme Blevins, trumpeter Quentin Collins, pianist Andrew McCormack and drummer Martyn Kaine. The five have played together for several years, forming them into a unit which is loose and funky, with the members comfortable in each other’s company.
Views from here include 11 original songs. McCormack, Eastwood and Kaine make a solid rhythm section, laying down a reliable foundation which supports some inventive soloing – most notably from McCormack whose performance on the snappy Sirocco demonstrates his play.
Collins and Blevins are particularly effective in tandem. Whether playing a melody line in unison and then trading solos on the title track, or interweaving lines at the climax of Collins’ stunning Mistral, they help the quintet deliver the sound and spirit of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers.
The result is Eastwood’s finest album to date, one which has a timeless quality and nothing to pin it to a specific decade as his music captures the soul of jazz with excellent quality and musicianship.
Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds—Push the Sky Away
Bad Seed, Ltd.
Upon Cave's induction into the ARIA Hall of Fame, ARIA Awards committee chairman Ed St John said, “Nick Cave has enjoyed—and continues to enjoy—one of the most extraordinary careers in the annals of popular music. He is an Australian artist like Sidney Nolan is an Australian artist—beyond comparison, beyond genre, beyond dispute."
Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds released their fifteenth studio album, titled “Push the Sky Away.” The album features a more restrained and subdued production style compared to the band’s previous work.
For those expecting the typical garage-rock style will be taken a bit back but not disappointed as he cleverly delivers on using a subtle approach to the record. In other words, give it a few listens and it will grow on you and will be hopelessly attached to these excellent collection of songs.
Tim McGraw—Two Lanes of Freedom
Big Machine Records
Tim McGraw Two Lanes of Freedom is the twelfth studio album by American country music singer Tim McGraw. It was released February 5, 2013 as his first album for Big Machine Records, following 20-year tenure with Curb Records. He co-produced the album with Byron Gallimore, who has produced all of his prior albums. The album includes the singles "Truck Yeah", "One of Those Nights" and "Highway Don't Care" with Taylor Swift. w—Two Lanes of Freedom.
'Two Lanes of Freedom' is an album full of three chords and the truth. Yes, it is a great collection of good tunes about good times. Tim McGraw is a master craftsman who can bring to life the emotional country tale and will leave no one disappointed on Two Lanes of Freedom which includes upbeat songs such as Truck Yeah, Southern Girl, Book of John and Mexicoma. Nashville Was You and Number 37405 are powerful songs which will capture you right away. And for the touching ballads he delivers with Friend of a Friend and Annie I Owe You This Dance.
Justin Timberlake--The 20/20 Experience
RCA Records
Welcome back Justin, it’s been far too long. To be exact, it’s been 7 years since Justin Timberlake released platinum selling record FutureSex/LoveSounds back in 2006. In that time, JT has kept busy by establishing himself as an actor in Hollywood, appearing in over a dozen films. Needless to say, the hype was there when he finally announced he would be releasing a new album. Let me just say that Justin Timberlake has made his triumphant return to the music world loud and clear with his newest soon to be multi-platinum album “the 20/20 Experience”.
Justin definitely had to come back strong after the soaring success of FutureSex/LoveSounds along with his seven year hiatus. So it goes without saying, I was very curious as to whether it would even be possible for him to top himself. JT wasted no time silencing the doubters, having already sold near one million copies in only its first week. The music industry has sorely missed you Justin.
My favorite part about The 20/20 Experience is that you can feel that he has grown and matured not only in age, but as a musician and artist, but at the same time not forgetting his roots of super catchy pop. These songs are just plain enjoyable to listen to, which is a very good thing considering most of the songs exceed seven minutes in length. JT manages to mix tempos and moods at the drop of a hat very well in his newest project. In my opinion, this is what new-age soul should sound like.
This album should please everyone. There is a little something for everyone in The 20/20 Experience, ranging from classic soul to modern hip hop, and catchy dance beats. “Pusher Love Girl” brilliantly compares the high feelings of sex and love to drugs. “Don’t Hold the Wall” is a club hit in the making, with the undeniably fun dance beat, and inspiring lyrics that encourage the listener to acknowledge the title and “dance, don’t hold the wall”. The strongest effort off the album comes from “Suit & Tie” which is just a modern soul instant classic, not to mention a fitting representation of the professionalism and classiness that is Justin Timberlake.
April Releases:
Wire
New Kids on the Block
Brad Paisly
Todd Rundgren
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Queensryche
Rob Zombie
Alan Jackson