The Friday Refrain: A bit of what's new in music...
From the picture above, I hope you can surmise the reason why the Refrain was absent last Friday. While back again this week, it's in only in a very shortened version of its usual self because I'm still on the learning curve of balancing life and work.
Just a short overview of the big names out this week: dreamy pop foursome One Direction released Four. TV On The Radio is back with Seeds. Nickelback released No Fixed Address. And Buzzcocks are out with The Way. That feels way too short. It is the holiday season coming up, which I think is why this week was so loaded with rereleases, box sets and live albums. So let's take a looksee at what came out for all those things I usually don't mention...
Live Albums
Depeche Mode, Live in Berlin
Kristin Chenowith, Coming Home
The Rolling Stones, From The Vault: L.A. Forum (Live in 1975)
Boxed Sets
Captain Beefheart, Sun Zoom Spark: 1970 to 1972
William Onyeabor, William Onyeabor
Bruce Springsteen, The Album Collection Vol. 1 1973 - 1984
Wilco, Alpha Mike Foxtrot: Rare Tracks 1994 - 2014
Greatest Hits
David Bowie, Nothing Has Changed
Trisha Yearwood, Prizefighter: Hit After Hit
Wilco, What's Your 20
Tributes, Compilations and Rereleases
The Art of McCartney, Various Artists
Ty Segall, $ingle$ 2
Fugazi, First Demo
Brian Eno, The Drop; Neroli; Nerve Net; The Shutov Assembly
Robert Wyatt, Different Every Time
Who knows, maybe I just helped someone round out their gift list for the season when they harkened to the fact that there is a new Captain Beefheart boxed set; or maybe it was the loved one of a huge Kristin Chenoweth fan who is excited to wrap up her new live album. If none of those tickle your fancy, I would suggest randomly picking an album off The List and giving it a go. Me, I'm trying that Piano and Theremin album as soon as I have time. Here's hoping that next week I can return with some off the wall recommendations and a little more insight. Happy Listening and may you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!