New Album Releases – Week of April 5

Spinning the Digital Disc: New Album Releases
Tuesday, April 6:
Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings – “I Learned The Hard Way” – Retro-soul, in the tradition of mid to late ’60s and early ’70s Motown, Stax, and the Philly sound.
Jakob Dylan – “Women and Country” – Country and spare roots ballads on love and life in tough times. Neko Case helps out.
Murder By Death – “Good Morning, Magpie” – from NUVO’s Scott Shoger’s review: “The band moves easily between genres and textures, from the mariachi horns of ‘On the Dark Streets Below’ (echoes of ‘Ring of Fire’) to the cello and singing saw duet on ‘Good Morning, Magpie,’ the hellish cabaret of ‘You Don’t Miss Twice’ to the rumbling, metallic drone anchoring ‘White Noise.’” (read full review)
Jeff Healey Band – “Last Call” – Final album from late blind guitarist; jazzy and some swing.
David Byrne & Fatboy Slim – “Here Lies Love” – Odd little pairing of two pretty big names, plus Tori Amos, Steve Earle make appearances.
Peter Wolf – “Midnight Souvenirs” – J. Geils Band frontman with an album that does him proud. R&B and rock done well. Merle Haggard sings a duet.
Bodeans – “Mr. Sad Clown” – Roots harmony rock and roll, recorded in Austin, with Kurt Nuemann and Sammy Llanas on all the instruments for most of the record, though a couple tracks have horns added. No big surprises; sturdy Bodeans music.
April 13:
Natalie Merchant – “Leave Your Sleep”
Trampled By Turtles – “Palomino”
April 20
Shelby Lynne – “Tears, Lies, And Alibis”
Willie Nelson – “Country Music”
Rusty Bladen – “Homegrown Treasures”
April 27
Melissa Etheridge – “Fearless Love”
Mary Chapin Carpenter – “The Ages Of Miracles”
Peter Frampton – “Thank You Mr Churchill”