This season’s best CD cover: Meatloaf “Bat Out Of Hell 3: The Beast Is Loose” Oct. 31
You know him as Eddie from The Rocky Horror Picture Show and “Man Boobs” Bob from Fight Club; you may even know his album, “Bat Out Of Hell”…but did you know that he just made it a trilogy? I’m still surprised that there was a second one, but crazier things have happened. This one’s early previews have more of a rock feel that the original “Bat Out Of Hell” album, but don’t let that fool you – the Meat-man’s penchant for balladry will definitely make it a great sing-along album. -Brian Lynch
Modest Mouse “We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank” Dec. 19
This album is Modest Mouse’s first studio effort since 2004’s Good News for People Who Love Bad News. On this album, Modest Mouse recruited the legendary guitarist from The Smiths, Johnny Marr, to help write songs. Marr will be touring with the band to promote the album, according to the Rolling Stone. Also, Modest Mouse’s original drummer Jeremiah Green has returned to work on this album. Isaac Brock revealed in the recent Rolling Stone interview that one track will be marking Modest Mouse’s first steps into hip-hop. The track is titled “Bump Dat Trick (On a Glistening Sea of Tranquility),” and will feature Busta Rhymes, and beat-boxing from Marr. – Kevin Schneider
The Shins “Wincing the Night Away” Jan. 07
“Wincing the Night Away” will be The Shins third studio album and the widely anticipated follow-up to 2003’s “Chutes Too Narrow.” The album was originally set for this summer, then got moved to October, and now finally to January. Front man James Mercer has said to Billboard Magazine that the extended time has paid off, and that the band is “stretching” themselves on this album and experimenting with new styles. The album will feature ten songs, as well as a short introduction track. Song titles will include “The Phantom Limb”, “Red Rabbits”, “Sea Legs”, “Spelling Lessons”, “Spilled Needles”, and “A Comet Appears”. – Kevin Schneider
The Who “Endless Wire” Oct. 31
“Endless Wire” is The Who’s first studio album since “It’s Hard,” released in 1982. With Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey as the only remaining members of The Who, they have recruited Pino Palladino to fill in for John Entwistle (bass guitar), and Ringo Starr’s son Zak Starkey to fill in for Keith Moon (drums). A mini opera entitled “The Glass Household” which is based on Pete Townshend’s novella “The Boy Who Heard Music” forms the foundation of the album. – Kevin Schneider
The Beatles “Love” Fall
The Beatles, or rather their producer Sir George Martin, are releasing a new record entitled “Love”. It is partly in collaboration with the Las Vegas show Cirque du Soleil, and consists of many Beatles hits, remixed and often rearranged with other Beatles songs. From the way Entertainment Weekly explains, it is unclear whether the purpose of this album is promotional for The Beatles or for Cirque du Soleil, but if one is looking for the best Beatles music it will not be found in “Love.” It seems like an attempt for public exposure in hopes of boosted sales. – Mike Putnam
Incubus “Light Grenades” Nov. 28
The Southern California based band, Incubus, is set to release a new album after their recent hiatus. Throughout their career they have earned the right to be recognized and categorized as Incubus, and not just another band. The band members, some approaching their thirties, are taking this record with sweet time. The album’s release date is nearly two years since their last release, but the band is using that to their advantage. According to Rolling Stone, Incubus is trying to compose two albums worth of songs and creating an album out of the best material. I think we can expect some quality to come from it. – Mike Putnam
Yusuf Islam “An Other Cup” Nov. 14
November marks the 40 year anniversary of Cat Stevens’ first album and his return to pop music after 28 years. After converting to Islam in the late 70’s, Stevens changed his name to Yusuf Islam and quit the music industry for good. However, he has publicly chosen to return in part to help promote understanding between the West and Islam.Whether you are simply an old Cat Stevens fan, or searching for a more unique sound in today’s music, Yusuf Islam’s return should be a surprising treat. – Christopher Simmons
Jay-Z “Kingdom Come” Nov. 21
Three years ago Jay-Z was in retirement. Okay, maybe not; his last album, “The Black Album”, was a huge success, spawning mash-up homages as well as hit songs made from Black Album samples. But even going out on top wasn’t good enough for Jay – hence, “Kingdom Come.” His hustler’s spirit and sick-beyond-words flow are coming back from beyond the realms of hip-hop retirement to show today’s MC’s how it’s done. Helping him out, according to Entertainment Weekly, are producers Dr. Dre, Kanye, Timbaland, and Chris Martin from Coldplay. Keep your head up, get that dirt off ya shoulder, and get ready for a new hip-hop classic. – Brian Lynch
Snoop Dogg “Tha Blue Carpet Treatment” Nov. 21
The legend, Snoop Dogg, is set to release his new album entitled “Tha Blue Carpet Treatment”. It is one of the most highly anticipated new albums of the year, or so says SnoopDogg.com. Snoop Dogg is definitely going to be keeping it real, and displaying his West Side style. He’s been representing “tha hood” since ’92. Snoop Dogg will be showing his original gansta sound, so be sure to spend the $20+ on this mass produced CD. – Skip Russell
Maroon 5 “It Won’t be Soon Before Long” Nov. 14
Maroon 5, who received a Grammy Award for Best New Artist in 2005, ten years after the band’s birth. Maroon 5 is still in its baby steps to true musical recognition. Since their last album released, they have constantly been on tour, with big names such as Michelle Branch, the Counting Crows, and John Mayer. This upcoming album has not had publicity so far and so far it only has a tentative name of “It Won’t Be Soon Before Long.” As the release date approaches, there will definitely be growing anticipation for die-hard fans and good music lovers as well. – Lily Norton
Jet “Shine On” Oct. 3
That’s right, your favorite iPod-hawking Aussie rock heroes are back with a vengeance – boldly claiming in Rolling Stone that this album is “at least five times better” than their debut, “Get Born.” Time will tell if they’re just being cocky, but the new single “Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is” leans more to the direction of it being a damn good album. It’s been out for a little while, but it will be worth talking about for quite some time. – Brian Lynch
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