Only a few weeks into 2007, an ambitious new CD from Spanish-Danish vocalist Christina Rosenvinge is an early pick for one of the most seductive albums of the year. A simply shimmering collection of 10 sparse songs that transcend her past pop success as half of the Latin hit-makers Alex y Christine, Continental 62 is mature, caressing, dangerous, and hypnotic, casting angels and demons in both English and Spanish with a vocal range slowly swirling in the smoke of Nico, Marlene Dietrich, Diamanda Galas, Nick Cave, and Francoise Hardy. Recorded in Madrid and polished in New York City with Tim Foljahn of Two Dollar Guitar and Lee Ronaldo and Steve Shelley of Sonic Youth, the new CD is her third release on Shelley's own Smells Like Records imprint. Rosenvinge's soft wail cascades over Spanish guitar and her frail piano work, inviting the listener into her private, redemptive waltz. Highly recommended.
Continuum Publishing has announced the next six albums to be featured in the brainy and obsessive "33 1/3" series. Due in early March, The Minutemen's Double Nickels on the Dime, Captain Beefheart's Trout Mask Replica, Steely Dan's Aja, and Nine Inch Nails' Pretty Hate Machine get the pocket-sized, academic-thesis-worthy treatment. Two interesting choices are also promised: Kate Schatz' collection of short stories, each one based on a song from PJ Harvey's Rid of Me, and Carl Wilson's obsession with Celine Dion's Let's Talk About Love.
Reel Big Fish and Zolof the Rock & Roll Destroyer are teaming up for a special split CD next month of crazy covers. The ReIgnition Records release features three tracks by each band, with Reel Big Fish taking on Madonna's "Dress You Up," the Human League's "Don't You Want Me," and the Paul McCartney/Michael Jackson hit, "Say Say Say." Zolof picks The Smiths' "Ask," Fishbone's "Lyin' Ass Bitch," and a childhood favorite in "It's So Hard," from the soundtrack to Walt Disney's Pete's Dragon.
Speaking of split efforts, later this month American Laundromat Records is releasing the second in its seven-inch-vinyl split-single series, this time featuring two Boston-based acts: John Strohm of the Blake Babies and the Lemonheads, and Dylan in the Movies.
Radiohead guitarist Jonny Greenwood has placed another feather in his résumé cap, as he joins DJ Spooky and Don Letts as the curator of his own CD of personally selected vintage reggae tracks from the vast vaults of Trojan Records. The Sanctuary Records release, Johnny Greenwood Is the Controller, is due in early March with 17 tracks from Lee Perry, Desmond Decker, King Tubby, and more.
Television Alert:
The Tonight Show with Jay Leno hosts Los Lonely Boys on Thursday, Lil Jon on Monday, and The All American Rejects on Tuesday; The Late Show with David Letterman presents the return of America with special guest Ryan Adams on Tuesday; Late Night with Conan O'Brien boasts The Black Keys on Thursday overnight and Gym Class Heroes on Friday overnight; The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson gets chummy with LL Cool J this evening overnight; Jimmy Kimmel Live welcomes Gran Bel Fisher on Thursday overnight and My Chemical Romance on Tuesday overnight; Austin City Limits' musical guests this weekend are James Blunt and James McMurtry; and Saturday Night Live's musical guest this weekend is The Shins.
New Releases Coming Tuesday, January 16:
... and like the winds, young grasshopper, are subject to change.
America - Here & Now (Burgundy) the return of Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell, with production by hipsters Adam Schlesinger and James Iha
The Autumn Defense - The Autumn Defense (Broadmoor) new from Wilco members John Stirrat and Pat Sansone, on Stirrat's artist-controlled label
The Clash - Up Close & Personal (Hurricane International) DVD documentary with interview and commentary by studio and tour insiders Don Letts, artist Ray Lowrie, keyboardist Mickey Gallagher, and DJ Barry "Scratchy" Myers
Daddy's Little Girls - original motion picture soundtrack (Atlantic) with Brian McKnight, Yolanda Adams, and Beyonce, this Tyler Perry project features "Family First" by the Houston Family, the first-ever recording together by Dionne Warwick and Whitney & Cissy Houston
The Green Pajamas - The Night Races Into Anna (Hidden Agenda) 20-song collection of nine years of outtakes, alternative versions, and rare compilation tracks
Guru Guru - Shake Well and Wah Wah (Inside Out/SPV) expanded reissues from 1993 and 1995
The Holmes Brothers - State of Grace (Alligator) highly anticipated roots-gospel harmonies dripping with soul, putting a glorious shine on songs by Lyle Lovett, Hank Williams, and George Jones, featuring Cheap Trick's "I Want You To Want Me," Nick Lowe's "(What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love, & Understanding?" and Creedence Clearwater Revival's "Bad Moon Rising"
The Honeydogs - Amygadala (CC Entertainment) dynamite rootsy, sunny-sweet, jangle-pop return, featuring guests Aimee Mann and Semisonic's Dan Wilson,
Hootenanny - The Best of (Shout Factory) three-DVD set of the short-lived ABC television series from 1963, offering a traveling folk jamboree with Judy Collins, Johnny Cash, The Carter Family, rare, early footage of Carly Simon and John Phillips before they were famous, and out-of-place comedians Bill Cosby and Woody Allen
Nigel Kennedy - Blue Note Sessions (Blue Note) new side step from the classically trained violinist featuring original compositions and covers of Horace Silver's "Song for My Father" and Kenny Burrell's "Midnight Blue," with guests Ron Carter, Jack DeJohnette, Joe Lovano, and Lucky Peterson
The Kinks - In Performance (Hurricane International) featuring a 72-page biography and discography, this live DVD collects rare television appearances and concert footage
Locksley - Don't Make Me Wait (Feature Records) debut album of peppy, nervous, infectious punk-pop channeling The Undertones
Modest Mouse - "Dashboard" (Epic) the first single from the upcoming We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank album, featuring new member Johnny Marr of The Smiths
Coco Montoya - Dirty Deal (Alligator) featuring a cover of Johnny Copeland's "It's My Own Tears"
Refrigerator - Bottle of Make Up (Shrimper) living-room recordings with pianist Franklin Bruno of The Mountain Goats
Diana Ross - I Love You (Manhattan) new covers collection with wild possibilities, as the diva reinterprets Queen's "Crazy Little Thing Called Love," the Beatles' "I Will," and Harry Nilsson's "Remember"
The Skids - The Saints are Coming! The Best of The Skids (Virgin) import-only collection featuring 21 tracks culled from the band's four albums
Slamer - Nowhereland (Locomotive) new from Mike Slamer of City Boy and Terry Brock of Strangeways
Tivol - Early Teeth (Holy Mountain) unworldly acid wails featuring cover artwork by Rob Fisk of the Free Porcupine Society
Charles Tolliver - Big Band with Love (Blue Note) debut album from the trumpeter who's been behind the scenes as a Blue Note session player for 20 years
The Zodiacs - Gone (Holy Mountain) featuring members of Wooden Hand, Vanishing Voice, and Hush Arbors
