Art Work: Tom Miro
New York Daily News
Hundreds of hot new sounds
Jim Farber
Saturday, August 30th, 2003
Comebacks and followups, debuts and swan songs — this fall’s music has ’em all.
As the season commonly filled with the most releases, fall tends to feature music’s most dramatic story lines.
Will artists who made big splashes with their first albums fall on their faces the second time around? The question has to haunt contenders like Alicia Keys, Dido, Nelly Furtado, Nickelback and the Strokes.
Will musicians who’ve been out of the limelight for long periods be able to buff up their faded brand? That query has to concern gone-missing stars like Sarah McLachlan, Gloria Estefan and Courtney Love.
Then there are those well-known names embarking on their first solo flights, such as ‘N Sync’s JC Chasez, Eminem protege Obie Trice and the so-called American Idols Clay Aiken and Ruben Studdard.
Every fall also harvests the usual round of names primed to feed the labels’ fourth-quarter reports. This year those include Pink, Missy Elliott, Britney Spears, Outkast, Kid Rock and Blink 182.
Two more big shots — Jay-Z and DMX — have provided extra incentive to buy their latest CDs. Both are threatening to quit.
Of course, in today’s MP3-ravaged music industry, no one’s album can be called a sure thing.
For a list of those CDs most likely to excite monetary or creative interest during this coming apple-picking season, read on, but bear in mind release dates are subject to change:
September 2
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club “Take Them On, On Your Own”: The third album by one of Britain’s most aggressive bands.
Linda Eder “Storybook”: A new CD from one of the few Broadway stars who maintains a contemporary pop career.
Shaun William Ryder “Amateur Night in the Big Top”: Finally, a solo album from the long-lost leader of the late bands Happy Mondays and Black Grape.
Alejandro Sanz, “No Es Lo Mismo”: A new CD from one of the few stars from Spain to establish a strong U.S. fan base.
Speedealer “Bleed”: The group formerly known as REO Speedealer churns out more trailer-park rock.
Various Artists “Light of Day: A Tribute to Bruce Springsteen”: True, Springsteen has probably inspired more album salutes than anyone beyond Dylan (or John Hiatt). But which other one features Elvis Costello, Dion, Pete Yorn and Graham Parker? This one also benefits the Kristen Ann Carr Fund and the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation.
Jeff Buckley “Live at the Sin-E”: Columbia has already released classic Buckley recordings from the New York club Sin-E (where the singer got his start). But this is an expanded version of those 1994 tapes, sprawled over two CDs, with a bonus DVD tacked on.
The Byrds “Sweetheart of the Rodeo”: A greatly elaborated, double CD version of the 1968 album that gave birth to country rock.
September 9
Andrew W.K. “The Wolf”: The Detroit rocker’s previous album promised to revive the enjoyable, if lunkheaded, legacy of Gary Glitter, but it succeeded only in amusing condescending critics. Will his second effort connect with actual record buyers?
Frank Black and the Catholics “Show Me Your Tears”: The latest solo work from the ex-Pixie.
David Byrne “Lead Us Not Into Temptation”: Not an official solo album but a soundtrack to the movie “Young Adam.”
June Carter Cash “Wildwood Flower”: The final recording by the country legend (and wife of Johnny Cash) who died this year at age 73. Features guest spots from Cash, their daughter Carlene Carter, and Marty Stuart.
Steve Earle “Just an American Boy – The Audio Documentary”: A double live CD from the classic roots rocker. It accompanies a film about his troubled life and prolific writing career.
John Mayer “Heavier Things”: The second set from the most commercially successful of the new young male singer-songwriters. Will this make him the Jackson Browne of his generation?
My Morning Jacket “It Still Moves”: The debut CD from an arty country rock act that sounds like a blend of Buffalo Springfield and Sonic Youth.
North Mississippi Allstars “Polaris”: The hardest rocking album yet from the modern South’s answer to the Allman Brothers.
Sinead O’Connor “She Who Dwells in the Secret Place of the Most High Shall Abide Under the Shadow of the Almighty”: For what this dotty singer claims will be her final album, she has come up with a title that doubles as a Sermon on the Mount. The two-CD set stresses cover songs and live outtakes.
Petey Pablo “Still Writing in My Diary: 2nd Entry”: As its name implies, this is the sophomore record from the only hit rapper to represent North Carolina.
Seal “Seal IV”: The fourth release from the smooth-voiced singer, produced, as always, by Trevor Horn.
Spiritualized “Amazing Grace”: The latest from the U.K.’s spaciest band. Those who long for early Pink Floyd, take note.
Various Artists “Martin Scorsese Presents the Blues”: A collection of albums drawn from the filmmaker’s massive documentary series on blues music. Separate disks feature Eric Clapton, Son House, Robert Johnson, Keb Mo, Taj Mahal, the Allman Brothers, B.B. King, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Muddy Waters and more.
September 16
Erykah Badu “Worldwide Underground”: This EP from the queen of “Baduism” has been delayed so often, you’d think it would be a full CD by now. Still, the abbreviated recording manages to work in cameos from Queen Latifah, Angie Stone, Bahamadia and Lenny Kravitz.
David Bowie “Reality”: At 56, Bowie isn’t ready for the rest home just yet. Only one year after his last release, the legendary rocker returns with a solid new one. It again pairs him with his old producer, Tony Visconti.
DMX “The Grand Champ”: He says he’s sick of the music biz. So this buff Yonkers rapper will put out his final CD this week.
Drag On “Hell and Back”: Another one from the mainstay of rap’s Ruff Ryder crew.
Aretha Franklin “So Damn Happy”: She hasn’t had a hit in eons, but with heavy backing from L.A. Reid, this could turn things around.
Shelby Lynne “Identity Crisis”: The latest from the volatile country singer.
A Perfect Circle “Thirteenth Step”: A second album from this Tool offshoot, adding former Smashing Pumpkins guitarist James Iha and a fresh bassist (Jeordie White, late of Marilyn Manson’s band).
Bubba Sparxxx “Deliverance”: A far more substantial and serious album from the portly white rural rapper than his previous one.
Joss Stone “The Soul Sessions”: The debut from a much-hyped 16-year-old who wishes she was born in the ’60s. Produced by “Clean Up Woman” Betty Wright. Features a cover of a White Stripes song.
Obie Trice “Cheers”: The first Eminem protege to cut an album since 50 Cent. Expectations are sky high.
Carnie Wilson “For the First Time”: A solo debut from the ex-Wilson Phillips singer and daughter of Brian Wilson. Also, her first since she lost her flab.
Bob Dylan: Reissues of 15 Dylan classics, with great sonic upgrades. They range from his freewheelin’ days to vital recent material.
September 23
Bangles “Doll Revolution”: The L.A. harmony group’s first album of newmaterial since its late-’80s bust-up.
Big Tymers “Big Money Heavy Weights”: The latest from the New Orleans’ rap team.
Blondie “The Curse of Blondie”: The last album by Debbie Harry and Co. was a smash, but didn’t lead to a comeback. Maybe this time Blondie will get the full revival it deserves.
Bottle Rockets “Blue Sky”: A new record from roots rock’s smartest satirists.
Elvis Costello “North”: This collection of hard-to-classify grand ballads reunites the prolific writer with the Brodsky Quartet.
Gloria Estefan “Unwrapped”: The Miami diva’s first pop album in five years features guest duets with Stevie Wonder and Chrissie Hynde.
Cee-Lo “The Soul Machine”: The second CD from one of the South’s most musical and witty hip-hop stars.
Emmylou Harris “Stumble Into Grace”: The godmother of alt-country returns with her first release since the brilliant “Red Dirt Girl.”
Chris Knight “The Jealous Kind”: Another one from alt-country’s most promising upstart. Produced, in part, by Dan Baird, formerly of the Georgia Satellites.
The Innocence Mission “Befriended”: The latest from the Pennsylvania-based folk-rock group fronted by Karen Peris, one of music’s most wondrous singers.
Limp Bizkit “Results May Vary”: It’s been delayed, scrapped, rerecorded, and only last week finally gained a title. If it actually comes out, Fred Durst’s latest will feature production by Rick Rubin and guest contributions from the likes of Snoop Dogg and Weezer.
Dave Matthews “Some Devil”: This is Matthews’ first solo record, but his last effort with his band sounded a lot like a one-man job.
Matmos “The Civil War”: A sure-to-be-weird set from this avant-electro duo.
Mojave 3 “Spoon and Rafter”: A fresh CD from one of rock’s most contemplative bands.
Murphy Lee “Murphy’s Law”: The first solo effort from the next breakout star from Nelly’s St. Lunatics.
Nickelback “The Long Road”: The Alice in Chains knockoff follows up its 5 million-selling breakthrough CD.
112 “Hot & Wet”: More formulaic oversinging from Sean Combs’ crooning crew.
Offspring: Another one from the snickering So-Cal punks. Not yet named.
OutKast “Speakerboxxx/The Love Below”: A double CD comprising solo albums from OutKast chiefs, Big Boi and Andre 3000.
Peaches “Fatherf——”: The latest from an utterly insane sounding female rock-rapper who recently collaborated with the king of rock dementia, Iggy Pop.
South “With the Tides”: An arty leap ahead for the second album from Britain’s adventurous prog/dance/electro/rock band.
Stagga Lee “Game of Breath”: Thedebut from a white rapper produced by an ex-leader of C&C Music Factory.
Billy Bob Thornton “The Edge of the World”: The second country release from the actor.
Rufus Wainwright “Want”: The singer-songwriter expands the theatrical sound he explored on his debut and matches it to lyrics that look at love from all sides now.
Television “Marquee Moon” and “Adventure”: The great New York guitar band remasters its two classic ’70s albums, with bonus tracks.
September 30
Babyface “Love Story”: More odes from the king of R&B schmaltz.
Dido “Life for Rent”: The most successful of the trip-hop singers releases the chaser to her mega-platinum debut. Also her first since her celebrated duet with Eminem (“Stan”).
Enigma “Voyager”: World beat music for people who wish it were elevator music.
Avril Lavigne “My World”: A possibly redundant live album from a 17-year-old with one major tour behind her and a single studio album.
Loon “Loon”: Sean Combs’ rap protege. Features guests Missy Elliott, Trina and Kelis.
Lyle Lovett “My Baby Don’t Tolerate”: The first from the wry Texas singer-songwriter on the rootsy Lost Highway label.
Bette Midler “Rosemary for Remembrance”: A tribute CD to Rosemary Clooney that reunites Midler with her classic producer, Barry Manilow. (Mister D: Of course, we Betteheads have now found out that the title has changed)
Sting “Sacred Love”: A ballad-heavy collection from the self-proclaimed king of pain.
Various Artists “Livin’ Lovin’ Losin'”: A tribute to classic country singing group the Louvin Brothers, courtesy of Johnny Cash, Vince Gill, Linda Ronstadt and others.
October 7
Belle & Sebastian “Step Into My Office”: The latest from Scotland’s most precious band.
The Clipse “Hell Have No Fury”: One of the Neptunes’ pet rap projects.
Rickie Lee Jones “Evening of My Best Day”: The jazz-R&B singer’s first album of original material in six years.
Kelis “Tasty”: The hippest R&B singer of the moment releases her first for the Neptunes’ label.
Ludacris “Chicken & Beer”: The wild-eyed emcee raps about his favorite foods and drinks.
Joe Strummer & the Mescaleros “Streetcore”: The late ex-Clash singer’s final release.
Cassandra Wilson “Glamoured”: The latest grouping of covers from jazz’s most popular interpretive singer.
October 14
Clay Aiken “Clay Aiken”: The debut from the starry eyed, theatrically minded “American Idol” runner-up.
Wanda Jackson “Heart Trouble”: A contemporary of Elvis Presley, and the first woman of rockabilly, puts out a new record with help from admirers like Dave Alvin and Elvis Costello.
Kid Rock: The third major-label work from rock-rap’s party king. Not yet titled.
Jonny Lang “Long Time Coming”: The young blues guitarist tries to grow up.
Nas “The Lost Tapes Vol. 2”: A collection of rarities and castoffs from hip-hop’s best writer.
Raphael Saadiq “All the Hits at the House of Blues”: A live CD featuring a reunion of his old group, Toni! Tony! Tone!
Barbra Streisand “The Movie Album”: Babs sings her favorite songs from movies she didn’t star in.
Various Artists “Just Because I’m a Woman”: An all-star tribute to Dolly Parton featuring Norah Jones, Shania Twain and Emmylou Harris.
Luther Vandross “Live”: A concert album from the ailing R&B singer.
October 21
Barenaked Ladies “Everything to Everyone”: The latest from the popular Canadian jokesters.
Mandy Moore “Coverage”: Includes the teen star’s take on mellow ’70s hits from Cat Stevens, Elton John and Todd Rundgren. What, no Bread?
Van Morrison “What’s Wrong With This Picture”: Morrison’s first for the jazzy Blue Note label.
Rod Stewart “The Great American Songbook Vol. 2”: A sequel to Stewart’s surprise hit collection of standards.
The Strokes: The second, as-yet-untitled album from New York’s great punk-rock hope.
October 28
JC Chasez “Schizophrenic”: A solo debut from the second most popular ‘N Syncer (after Justin Timberlake).
Dream “Reality”: Sean Combs’ girl group rebounds.
Wyclef Jean “Preacher’s Son”: The ex-Fugees’ leader’s tribute to his late father, featuring guests the Edge and Timbaland.
Courtney Love “America’s Sweetheart”: The hellion returns with songs produced by Pink’s right-hand woman, Linda Perry. Will anyone still care?
Robi Rosa “Mad Love”: The man best known by Anglos as the co-writer of Ricky Martin’s biggest hits releases another album of his own.
November 4
Blaque “Torch”: The R&B girl group hedges its bets, using producers from hip hop’s Missy Elliott to rock’s ubiquitous Linda Perry.
G Unit “G Unit”: The rap posse — which includes 50 Cent — releases its first CD.
Josh Groban: Return of the man hellbent on bringing back the era of the crooner.
Sarah McLachlan: The sensitive singer-songwriter’s first in four years. As yet untitled.
P.O.D. “Payable on Death”: The most credible band in the Christian metal world follows up a massive hit.
Iggy Pop “Skull Rings”: Features the original punk’s reunion with his old band the Stooges (on four cuts).
November 11
Ron Isley: The silkiest singer in R&B releases a solo album covering the standards. Title pending.
Korn: The most psychologically tormented of the “nu metal” rockers returns with an album still to be named.
Pink “Try This”: The followup to her last smash, with production once again from Linda Perry, who oversaw Pink’s rock-‘n’-roll makeover.
Ruben Studdard “Soulful”: The debut from the full-figured “American Idol” champ.
Tears For Fears “Everyone Loves a Happy Ending”: The synth duo’s first album in 14 years.
November 18
Blink 182 “Blink 182”: Punk pop’s jokiest band chases a hit.
Jay-Z “The Black Album”: Purportedly the rapper’s final work.
Alicia Keys: The Grammys’ favorite girl of 2001 tries to match her huge debut. No title yet.
N.E.R.D. “Fly or Die”: The second album from the Neptunes’ side band.
Britney Spears: Can teen pop’s biggest female grow up? First, she needs a title.
Usher “Confessions”: The teen R&B star with the hardest abs in pop goes for another smash.
November 25
Nelly Furtado: The second album from the “Fly Like a Bird” girl. Title to be decided.
