|
|
New Releases For The Week Of April 06, 2008
Edited by Jonathan Cohen
|
A Lot To 'Love'
Leona Lewis has definitely got the "X Factor." The U.K.-born singer, who was discovered on the British talent show of that name in 2006 and went on to break numerous chart records in her homeland the following year, is well on her way to proving her music has lost nothing in translation on U.S. shores.
"Bleeding Love," the first single from Lewis' album "Spirit" (due this week on Syco/J), vaulted to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 two weeks ago, making her only the third U.K. solo female to have a No. 1 hit with her first single. The song's 8-1 jump came amid an 82% spike in digital sales following her March 17 performance on "The Oprah Winfrey Show."
Lewis says she's thrilled to be introducing herself to American audiences. "A lot of ["Spirit"] was recorded here-the majority of it, actually," she says. "So it's amazing that I get the chance to now share it here."
She adds, "I'm not taking anything for granted. This opportunity is extraordinary and I know a lot of people would love to have the chance I've got. I'm working the hardest I can and just want to keep going."
|
|
Grown And 'Sexy'
Having added another crossover hit to his belt, Ray J declares he's ready to move beyond the playoffs. "I tend to start off good and make it to the playoffs," he says ahead of this week's release of his fourth album, "All I Feel" (Knockout Entertainment/DEJA34/Koch). "But I want to reach the championship level and get that ring. I want to drop at least two hits off each album."
It's been three years since Ray J surprised many with the success of "One Wish." In fact, one radio person quipped beforehand that "Ray J couldn't buy a hit." However, "One Wish" charged to No. 3 on Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and No. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Repeating that trajectory, Ray J is riding high again. "Sexy Can I," featuring Yung Berg, has already hit the top 5 on the Hot 100. On the set, Ray J reunited with producer Rodney Jerkins, the guiding force behind "One Wish," and longtime colleague Detail. In addition to Yung Berg (also part of the Koch family through the former's deal with Epic), the guest lineup features Snoop Dogg, the Game and Lil Wayne.
"I just went back into studio and wrote about my life and how I feel at this point," Ray J says. "I wanted to do a feel-good springtime/summer jam that would have everybody up. I'd also worked with Yung Berg before and knew his 'Sexy Lady' single did well. I thought he would enhance the magic and help us connect again with this sexy movement."
|
|
'Angels' In America
After parting ways with P.O.D. four years ago, original guitarist Marcos Curiel has reunited with the San Diego-based rock act for "When Angels & Serpents Dance," due this week via INO/Columbia.
The band's first set since 2006's "Testify" also features guest appearances from the Marley Sisters, Suicidal Tendencies singer Mike Muir and Helmet guitarist Page Hamilton. The song "Kaliforn-Eye-A," which features vocals from Muir, allowed P.O.D. to collaborate with an "iconic punk rock figure that played an influence on us as a band," Curiel says. "It's a more upbeat song about where we came from."
Curiel exited P.O.D. following 2001's "Satellite" (Atlantic), which has moved 3.2 million units in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan. Feelings shifted into a more positive direction after friendly phone conversations between Curiel and P.O.D. drummer Wuv Bernardo. "Next thing I know, [Wuv] tells me the guitar player who replaced me was bowing out and maybe we should start jamming," Curiel recalls.
As a chief musical contributor to "When Angels & Serpents Dance," Curiel describes the new album as being "very personal to me," pointing to acoustic cut "Tell Me Why," which is "basically out anti-war song." Another track, "The End of the World," is "a song I came up with while watching the news," the guitarist explains. "I'm a dad with a four-year-old son, and I was like, "Man, the future looks bleak all of the time.'"
|
|
 |
Additional titles hitting stores this week include:
A new album from Kim Deal's on-again, off-again band the Breeders, "Mountain Battles" (4AD).
A retail release for Nine Inch Nails' "Ghosts I-IV" (RED), which was first made available digitally last month.
The latest album from Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, "Dig, Lazarus, Dig!" (Anti-).
The sophomore album from Minnesota indie rock act Tapes 'N Tapes, "Walk It Off" (XL Recordings).
The debut Sub Pop EP from hotly tipped Seattle band Fleet Foxes, "Sun Giant," and the label's debut full-length from U.K. outfit Foals, "Antidote."
Country up-and-comer James Otto's "Sunset Man" (Warner Bros.).
U.K. rock combo the Duke Spirit's "Neptune" (Artist First).
Dancehall veteran Elephant Man's "Let's Get Physical" (Bad Boy).
|
After two consecutive albums dominated by mid-tempo fare, R.E.M. gets back to its stripped-down, fast-paced rock roots on "Accelerate," due this week via Warner Bros.
More...
|
|
It makes sense for Moby to be the one to introduce the era of licensing repentance. Nearly 10 years ago, he was the poster boy for the industry's newest revenue stream.
More...
|
|
The Black Keys have been a model of consistency throughout their first four albums, relying on little more than Dan Auerbach's deep, bluesy vocals and searing guitar licks atop Patrick Carney's thunderous drumming to build an enthusiastic fan base.
More...
|
|
Mark Kozelek's unique interpretive bent (AC/DC, John Denver, Modest Mouse) has been an integral part of his work with Red House Painters, Sun Kil Moon and as a solo artist.
More...
|
|
Trina is notorious for her provocative, sex-filled lyrics, but it seems her mainstream fan base likes her best when she's engaging in less dirty talk and more personal chit chat.
More...
|
|
Contact Us 
