Tag: CDs

Requiem for the Enslaved by Carlos Simon Jr.

- Callen Leave a comment

“Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave, I am the hope and dream of a slave.” – Maya Angelou

I’m always on the hunt for unique and diverse additions to our music CD collection, especially for less mainstream genres of music. Recently I had the privelege to order Requiem for the Enslaved for our classical music section. Here’s how the creators describe it:

American composer Carlos Simon presents a multi-genre work, Requiem for the Enslaved. This work is a musical tribute to commemorate the stories of 272 enslaved men, women and children sold in 1838 by Georgetown University. Described as a “rap opera,” Carlos infuses his original compositions with African American spirituals and familiar Catholic liturgical melodies. Requiem for the Enslaved explores the sacred and historical, and honors the lives of those bought and sold.

Carlos Simon says: “Since being hired as an Assistant Professor, I have grown to love the Georgetown University community and culture. In learning of the university’s involvement in slavery, I am deeply grateful for the collective efforts taken to understand and attempt to reconcile its tainted past. Now as a member of the Georgetown University community, I wish to join in the journey of expanding the discussion.”

For similar items like this, try Dreams of a new day : songs by black composers with Will Liverman OR Songs of our native daughters with Rhiannon Giddens.

New CDs for September

- Bill Leave a comment

Jason Aldean — They Don’t Know

A decade into his career, Jason Aldean has scaled the highest level of country superstardom, including being named the 2016 ACM Entertainer of the Year. Now he releases his sixth studio album, which includes Lights Come On.

 

Bon Iver — 22, A Million

Bon Iver releases their first new album in five years. Justin Vernon embraces the use of electronics by using a sampler-base synthesizer for this new project.

 

 

Casting Crowns — The Very Next Thing

The Grammy winning band releases a collection of intimate songs as well as upbeat, fresh sounding tracks with impactful lyrics centered around identifying and acting on what’s right next to you. Includes Oh My Soul, a song Mark Hall wrote in response to his journey through a cancer diagnosis

 

Idina Menzel — Idina

Tony Award winner Idina Menzel, the voice behind Frozen’s massive hit song Let It Go, releases her fifth studio album. Her latest includes the single I See You.
Of Mice and Men — Cold World

After a lot of hype, anticipation, and a two and a half year wait, Of Mice & Men return with a brand new album. They deliver thirteen aggressive rock anthems that will satisfy their ever growing fan base.

 

Regina Spektor — Remember Us to Life

Singer-songwriter Regina Spektor is back with her first new album since 2012’s What We Saw from the Cheap Seats. The first single, Bleeding Heart, has already been featured in NPR’s All Songs Considered.

New CDs for August

- Bill Leave a comment

Known for their record-breaking tracks and undeniable energy, Florida Georgia Line releases their highly anticipated third studio album. It uncovers pieces of their lineage along with an evolved creativity. Includes the hit single H.O.L.Y.

 

 

From the bombastic opening riff of Feel Invincible to the memorable album finale The Resistance, it is clear that Skillet has created an album that lets their music speak loudest, while delivering some of their most personal songs.

 

 

Along with the 2015 radio hit Passenger, the latest album from Trapt features their most ambitious single to date with Human (Like the Rest of Us).

 

 

One of the most popular music series is back with a brand new installment that includes hits from Justin Timberlake, Meghan Trainor, Nick Jonas and many more.

 

 

Featuring a collection of tracks as diverse as each member of the villainous crew, the soundtrack to Suicide Squad features new and classic tracks from Panic! At The Disco, Skrillex, Creedence Clearwater Revival, and Lil Wayne.

New CDs for April

- Bill Leave a comment

The Lumineers — CleopatraThe Lumineers return with the follow-up to their platinum selling debut. Their second album is the natural continuation of the sound that audiences all over the world fell in love with. Includes the single Ophelia.

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Santana — Santana IV

Features sixteen all-new tracks written and produced by the band that burst with the same unparalleled energy and superlative musicianship that made Santana a pioneering force in world music, and a household name across the globe.

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Weezer — White Album

Weezer’s self-titled tenth studio album. The first track from the highly anticipated album, Thank God for Girls, has charted across multiple genres and is currently sitting in the top ten on alternative radio.

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cheaptrickCheap Trick — Bang, Zoom, Crazy…Hello

As they are inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Cheap Trick continue their reign as the top progenitors of power-pop with their seventeenth studio album.

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Andrew Bird has always been highly respected and has held a captive audience with his storytelling prowess, but it’s with his new album that he has made a breakthrough record.

 

New CDs for November

- Bill Leave a comment

Sarah Bareilles — What’s Inside: Songs from a Waitress

With her fourth full-length album, Sara Bareilles offers up a taste of the music that she has created for an upcoming Broadway musical, which is based on the 2007 film. Included is the single She Used to Be Mine.

 

 

 

Justin Bieber — Purpose

The highly anticipated album features Justin Bieber’s recent hit singles, What Do You Mean and Where Are U Now, and draws influence from an array of genres and collaborations. The iconic album chronicles Justin’s personal and artistic growth as he solidifies his place among the biggest stars of the time.

 

 

Kurt Cobain — Montage of Heck

Along with serving as an aural complement to the acclaimed documentary about the late Nirvana lead singer, this collection allows a rare and unfiltered glimpse into Kurt Cobain’s creative progression.

 

 

 

Enya — Dark Sky Island

Enya’s latest album is inspired by lyricist Roman Ryan’s work on a series of poetry books themed around islands, specifically the island of Sark’s decision to be designated as a dark sky island.

 

 

 

Kirk Franklin — Losing My Religion

On his eleventh album, Kirk Franklin once again establishes himself as the frontrunner in Gospel music. The thirteen song project explores timely themes and classic sentiments, while offering renewed testimony to Franklin’s status as a Grammy-winning songwriter and producer.

 

 

 

Ellie Goulding — Delirium

Ellie Goulding’s bold and brilliant new album represents an almighty step change, shaping a new narrative for the next stage in this remarkable singer’s journey. It also includes the single On My Mind.

 

 

 

 

Ceelo Green — Heart Blanche

Atlantic recording artist CeeLo Green’s eagerly awaited new studio album which is the superstar’s first full-length release in nearly five years. Singer/songwriter, producer, performer, TV personality, fashion icon, entrepreneur, and so much more, CeeLo Green is among the most creative and unique artists of this or any era.

 

 

 

 

Hunter Hayes — The 21 Project

Four-time Grammy nominee Hunter Hayes releases a unique and special collection. Each disc on the three CD set includes seven songs, each one performed differently-acoustic, studio, and live. It gives fans a special look into his creative mind.

 

 

 

 

Tim McGraw — Damn Country Music
In a year that has seen him performing at the Academy Awards and named as one of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People, Tim McGraw releases a brand new album. Included is the new hit single Top of the World.

 
One Direction — Made in the A.M.

One of the world’s biggest pop bands returns with their highly anticipated fifth album, their first since the departure of Zayn Malik. The album features Drag Me Down, which has quickly become one of their biggest singles to date.

 

 

 

Trans-Siberian Orchestra — Letters from the Labyrinth

The latest album from Trans-Siberian Orchestra, the first since 2009’s Night Castle, is being released just as the band heads out for their highly anticipated Ghost of Christmas Eve winter tour.

New CDs for October

- Bill Leave a comment

5 Seconds of Summer — Sounds Good Feels Good

5 Seconds of Summer release the highly anticipated follow-up to their chart-topping debut album, which has sold over three million copies worldwide. Included is the new single She’s Kinda Hot.

 

 

Ryan Adams — 1989

Acclaimed singer-songwriter Ryan Adams has made headlines with his track-by-track re-recording of Taylor Swift’s hit fifth album.

 
Toby Keith — 35 MPH Town

Two years after the release of Drinks After Work, country superstar Toby Keith is back with a brand new album. Along with the title track, it includes the hit single Drunk Americans.

 
Demi Lovato — Confident

Demi Lovato has no plans of cooling down as she swings into the fall season with her highly anticipated fifth studio album. The first single, Cool for the Summer, was an MTV VMA nominee for Song of the Summer.

 
MercyMe — MercyMe, it’s Christmas!

Ten years after releasing The Christmas Sessions, MercyMe returns with a new holiday collection that features reinterpretations of classic Christmas songs as well as original songs.
Pentatonix — Pentatonix

Grammy and Dove Award winner Chris Tomlin rings in the holiday season with a mix of festive Christmas classics and original songs. There are also special guest performances from All Sons & Daughters, Lauren Daigle, Kristyn Getty, and more.
Chris Tomlin — Adore: Christmas Sounds of Worship

Grammy and Dove Award winner Chris Tomlin rings in the holiday season with a mix of festive Christmas classics and original songs. There are also special guest performances from All Sons & Daughters, Lauren Daigle, Kristyn Getty, and more.

 

 

Carrie Underwood — Storyteller

Country superstar Carrie Underwood is back with her fifth album, her first since 2012’s chart-topping Blown Away. It includes her latest hit single Smoke Break.

 

 

 

New CDs for September

- Bill Leave a comment

Big Daddy Weave — Beautiful Offerings

Big Daddy Weave follows up the success of Love Come to Life, which featured four number one hits, with their highly anticipated new album. Included on the album is the single My Story.
Building 429 — Unashamed

Building 429 returns with a healthy offering of anthemic songs that their fans have come to love. The first single, Impossible, has already made a strong impression on the radio.
Gary Clark Jr. — The Story of Sonny Boy Slim

Gary Clark Jr., who Rolling Stone dubbed ‘The King of the Summer Festivals,’ brings his captivating mix of R&B and blues to the studio with a new album that also puts his dazzling guitar skills on display.
Colton Dixon — Calm Before the Storm

Colton Dixon releases an album full of remixed and acoustic versions of fan favorites from his career including his biggest songs You Are; Never Gone; and More of You.
Lana Del Rey — Honeymoon

The fourth album from Lana Del Rey takes on a more orchestral approach than her previous albums. Fans have already had a taste with the singles Honeymoon and High By the Beach.
Jewel — Picking Up the Pieces

Singer-songwriter Jewel creates the musical bookend to her multiplatinum-selling debut, Pieces of You. The album’s release coincides with the release of her memoir and it also includes an incredible duet with Dolly Parton.
Shinedown — Threat to Survival

Shinedown is back with their fifth studio album, their first new release in three years. The first single, Cut the Cord, has already reached the top of the rock radio chart.
Silversun Pickups — Better Nature

Three years after their last studio album, Neck of the Woods, Silversun Pickups return with their fifth full-length release. Produced by Jacknife Lee, the album includes the tracks Connection; Cradle (Better Nature); and Nightlight.
Various Artists — WOW Hits 2016

Straight from the radio comes this two-disc collection featuring some of the biggest artists and hits in contemporary Christian music. Included are hits from Chris Tomlin, Mandisa, TobyMac, Casting Crowns, and more.
Yo-Yo Ma & Kathryn Stott — Songs from the Arc of Life

Longtime friends, cellist Yo-Yo Ma and pianist Kathryn Stott, create a unique classical music experience with their new recording. It includes pieces they have frequently performed but never recorded, as well as a handful of discoveries.

St. Punktrick’s Day

- Bill 1 Comment

We’ve gotten a taste of springtime.  That’s when mother nature melts away winter’s desolation to reveal your pets’ nasty lawn-offerings,  and the creepy crawlies that have been festering in wait come alive.

PUNKS!  Lots of them!  This many in a month can not be a coincidence!   Artistic relevance optional…

1) Blink 182’s drummer has a promising solo effort with various hip-hop artists
Travis Barker – Give the Drummer Some

2) Dropkick Murphys let their Boston-baked punk effort loose for proper staggering just days before custodians mop up half-digested Guiness stout at your local corporate Irish-themed pub.
Dropkick Murphys – Going Out in Style

3) Garage rock dressed like the Ramones for hipsters:
The Strokes – Angles

4) I guess?
Avril Lavigne – Goodbye Lullaby

5) As if it wasn’t destined for multiplatinum status, Billie Joe and Co. have impishly included  half of a swear word on the cover for maximum fifth-grade shock value.  Here’s crossing fingers that he tilts at the windmills of perceived authority and administers a remedial civics lesson over someone else’s obligatory three chords.  I find that in his matured efforts he uses this hands-free specialization to focus his efforts on gesticulating, standing on speakers, and wearing eyeliner.

It worked on me 16 years ago, and he’ll do it for your high-schoolers today.  Wait, that means they’re old enough to be my….. and that makes me……..  AWW MAN!!!!

Green Day – Awesome as F**K

6 and 7) I’m not familiar, but hey, let’s milk this for all we’ve got…

Rise Against – Endgame
Yellowcard – When You’re Through Thinking, Say Yes

8)  Their lead singer just got divorced from the gal in #4.   My money is on lyrical combinations of  life’s unfairness, pain, and unrequited love.

SUM 41 – Screaming Bloody

Country Road Take me Home

- Bill Leave a comment

It’s a lovely time of year to take a scenic drive through our bedroom communities’ rustic backroads while watching the leaves turn.  Here are a few major names in the Country genre (and a couple Folk) churning out albums in September and October.

Lock in those holds on your copy at Davenport Public Library.

L-R: Kenny Chesney – Hemingway’s Whiskey
Sugarland – The Incredible Machine
Darius Rucker – Charleston, SC 1966
Toby Keith – Bullets in the Gun
Taylor Swift – Speak Now
Neil Young – Le Noise
Zac Brown Band – You Get What You Give

Summer Spins Pt. I

- Bill Leave a comment

Of course the record labels all want artists in their stables to be the big summer hit on every car stereo.   I can’t speak to which ones they’ll crow about,  but these are a few new titles we’re getting of interest.

April

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Tinted Windows – Tinted Windows I don’t know what to make from this Frankenstein band composed of various rock pop acts from the last 30 years.  I’m curious to find out what happens when  you mix in the drummer from Cheap Trick, the guitar player from Smashing Pumpkins, the bass player from Fountains of Wayne and the singer from Hanson….that’s what I said…Hanson.

Beck – One Foot in the Grave This is a re-release of Beck’s second album from 1994, prior to Mellow Gold and the hit track, Loser.  Apparently a more acoustic feel, and, included in the re-release are 13 previously unreleased tracks.

May
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Crystal Method – Divided by Night Looking forward to this one. Everything they turn out has a few bassy floor busters on it that take the drudgery out of house chores or risk giving you a speeding ticket

Yusuf Islam – Roadsinger The politically-embattled artist formerly known as Cat Stevens comes out of musical hiding for the first time in decades.  Lets hope it works out better for him than it did for Guns and Roses.

June
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Moby — Wait for Me Multiinstrumentalist and electronic pioneer Moby is sure to have a disc worth at least one spin of your time.  It’s hard to predict what old gospel blues refrains he’ll sample in to a layered composition.  If his past works are any indication, it will be painstakingly crafted, sell millions, and possibly take home Grammys.

Dave Matthews Band – Big Whiskey and the Groogrux King I’m not a fan at all of this world/funk/acoustic outfit, but there is no denying that this dude’s ensemble sells out stadiums…fast  This album dedicated to saxophone player LeRoi Moore who  passed away last year.

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Brad Paisley — American Saturday Night A contemporary artist with a traditional country sound,  cuts off this forthcoming album are sure to feature this frontman’s signature fast-picking guitar licks.

Black Eyed Peas – E.N.D. Reunited after Fergie and Will.i.am’s solo work, this fifth studio album will be supplemented by opening for U2 on the road

Green Day – 21st Century Breakdown Their adolescent punk anthems of my teenage years have given way to more political tones and concept albums recently.  According to one review I’ve read, this is a rock opera that follows a couple living in the American Dystopia.  I’m thinking little ditties about Jack and Diane, who are all in all just Bricks in the Wall.  One guarantor of success is Butch Vig (Nirvana – Nevermind, Smashing Pumpkins –  Siamese Dream) behind the mixing console.  Now if only I could find a way to fight the feeling to apply for AARP every time I see a tween in the library with a Green Day shirt.

Be a frequent checker of our Forthcoming CD’s section of the website.  You can get your copy reserved before they even hit our shelf.