Just in time for her gig as American Idol Season 7 Mentor, Alicia reviews Mariah Carey's newest release..
E=MC2
Mariah Carey
Mariah Carey’s new album is out today. You may have heard the first single "Touch My Body" which was released in February. It’s been a few years since she her last release which won 3 Grammy’s and spent 18 months on the charts. I’m not a big fan of her music but from what I have heard it sounds great. Nice R&B sound with kicking beats and her vocals seem pretty tight. Check it out. (Alicia)
This limited edition deluxe version of E=MC2 contains the same CD as the regular version and also comes with special packaging, a foldout poster and a custom iPod skin.
Click here for Standard Edition
Snakes & Arrows Live 2 CD Set [LIVE]
Rush
Never heard Rush live, well here’s your chance. Hear their most popular tracks like "Tom Sawyer," "The Spirit of Radio," and "YYZ". Couldn’t find a listing of which shows these were recorded at, only that they are from their 2007 tour. One thing that is cool about live recordings is getting to hear what the band really sounds like without all the editing. Kind of like you’re right there in the middle of the show. Cool! (Alicia)
Phoenix
Asia
Like the Phoenix rising from the ashes so has this band. Their first new release with the original line up in 25 years. These guys have 15 million in global record sales. I have to say they sound really cool. A little old school style that might take you back.
If you like them or want to check them out they are hosting a 2 hour live webcast from The Turning Stone Resort in Verona, NY tonight 4/15 at 8pm, check their website for more info. I think I might have to tune in.
http://www.originalasia.com/ (Alicia)
Lady Antebellum
Lady Antebellum
They’re a little bit country and a little bit rock n roll. If you don’t like the fiddle and twang of traditional country but you like the hometown story telling part well this might be for you. The rock sound cuts it down a bit. Great vocals and writing. (Alicia)
Just Us Kids
James McMurtry
It’s a little hard to say which genre he falls into, he has a rock sound, a blues sound and well, one of those catch all categories. Hear some of his songs in full on his myspace site or sound bites on Amazon. Oh and if you like him he’s on tour now and will be in Mass and ME in May.
http://www.myspace.com/jamesmcmurtry
5/2 Johnny D’s Sommerville, Mass
5/3 Pearl Street Northampton, Mass
5/4 Criterion Theatre Bar Harbor, Me
Road trip anyone! (Alicia)
Insides Out
Jordan Zevon
Another young singer/songwriter with a pedigree, this time it’s Jordan Zevon, son of the late twisted troubadour Warren Zevon. Based on the Amazon preview snippets, Jordan is not as dark or sardonic as Dad. This is pleasing adult-alt-pop. Amazon says he’s inspired by XTC, Elvis Costello and New Radicals (which is high praise in my book).
Jordan has a deft hand for lyric and melody..
from “This Girl”:
Living on the street of dreams, just got my notice to evict
These days I only see the sunset through my rear view mirror
The objects of my life are further than they once appeared
But there’s this girl… there’s this girl
I heard a little of dad’s buddy Jackson Browne in the album’s closer “Too Late To Be Saved”:
Found my reflection in the pools of disregard
Fed in streams from water rings
Collecting on this bar
Where I’m poring over memories
But they only help remind me
Of a time line mined with should haves
And the fading chance at could be
Jordan's not a strong singer, but enjoyable songs are what makes me push the "repeat" button on the music player.
Listen to some of the tunes here:
http://www.jordanzevon.com/music/index.htm
(Margaux)
Studebaker by Jordan Zevon