May 30, 2008

Summer ushers in landmark music releases

By Paul Freeman / Entertainment Writer

CAROLE KING - "TAPESTRY: LEGACY EDITION"
Looking back at the best-selling albums in pop history, not all retain their emotional impact. "Tapestry," however, plays just as powerfully as it did in 1971. With a wealth of Brill Building hits behind her, King created a masterpiece with these dozen timeless tunes, including "You've Got a Friend" and "It's Too Late." She might well be the finest songwriter of the modern pop era. A second disc, with live renditions, is included.

LOVE - "FOREVER CHANGES"
Mysterious lyrics, intricate arrangements and lead singer Arthur Lee's urgent vibrato helped make Love one of the most innovative psychedelic folk-rock bands. Rhino's two-disc release includes previously unheard material from this landmark album.

MIDNIGHT OIL - "DIESEL AND DUST: LEGACY EDITION"
On its 20th anniversary, this Australian classic is presented as a remastered CD and must-have DVD. The songs remain as strikingly relevant as ever.

THE SUBMARINES - "HONEYSUCKLE WEEKS"
Brighten your summer with this sunshine-filled pop-rock. Delightful, romantic couple John Dragonetti and Blake Hazard bring their positive energy and instantly appealing songs from "Honeysuckle Weeks" to Cafe Du Nord in San Francisco on June 6.

LASZLO GARDONY - "DIG DEEP"
The Hungarian-born contemporary jazz pianist/composer uses unusual meters and flirts with rock, gospel and funk elements. The result is exhilarating.

BEN WOLFE - "NO STRANGERS HERE"
The jazz bassist/composer/bandleader manages to sizzle while remaining extremely cool. He has backed such luminaries as Wynton Marsalis and Diana Krall. His own album displays elegance, both in the playing and the arrangements.

COLLIN HERRING - "PAST LIFE CRASHING"
Each song on the album is an indivdual folk-rock-alt country gem. Steel guitar, organ and psychedelic swirls enhance the moods. Hard-hitting, honest lyrics add depth.

SCARLETT JOHANSSON - "ANYWHERE I LAY ME HEAD"
Don't ever mock actresses-turned-singers again. Johansson has the guts to tackle 11 Tom Waits tunes and comes away triumphant. On this richly atmospheric album, her vocals create a Nico-like sense of subdued drama, revealing unimagined nuances to Waits' work.

JANIVA MAGNESS - "WHAT LOVE WILL DO"
The electrifying blues rocker celebrates her dynamic Alligator label debut with a performance at San Francisco's Biscuit & Blues on June 18. Her richly emotional voice packs quite a wallop.

MARILYN MAZUR - "ELIXIR"
The daring percussionist Mazur is joined by equally adventurous saxophonist/flutist Jan Garbarek on "Elixir." For those open to brave and bold explorations, this album will take you on fascinating rhythmic and melodic journeys.

FAYSSOUX - "EARLY"
Formerly a backup for Emmylou Harris, Fayssoux McLean demonstrates rare and heart-grabbing skills as singer and songwriter. Such celebrated friends as Emmylou, Ricky Skaggs and the Whites appear on the album. Fayssoux's voice is both gentle and intensely moving. The material, whether original or her own, connects with listeners on a profound level.

G.G. ELVIS & THE TCP BAND - "BACK FROM THE DEAD"
A studded tongue-in-cheek tribute to the King from a band of punks (including members of Bad Samaritans, NOFX and Aggression). The accompanying DVD adds to the misfit merriment. "Devil in Disguise" has never been so demonic.

BRYAN ADAMS - "11"
Though Adams has never been a critics' darling, he has been remarkably consistent in delivering potent ballads and infectious rockers. You'll find both on the new album. A highlight is "I Thought I'd Seen Everything," (which he co-wrote with Mutt Lange, creative force behind Shania Twain).

SONNY LANDRETH - "FROM THE REACH"
The slide guitar great, who recently played San Jose, is joined on his ninth album by such illustrious pals as Eric Clapton, Mark Knopfler, Jimmy Buffet, Vince Gill, Eric Johnson and Robben Ford. Landreth wrote numbers tailored to each musician's distinctive talents and the results impress.

OTIS TAYLOR - "RECAPTURE THE BANJO"
The bluesman explores African roots, in the process, shedding new light on the banjo. If your conception of the instrument relies on "Foggy Mountain Breakdown," prepare for eye-opening surprises here. Experience Taylor's vibrant playing live at Yoshi's in Oakland tonight.

FLIGHT OF THE CONCHORDS - "FLIGHT OF THE CONCHORDS"
If you enjoyed the wonderfully quirky New Zealand duo's HBO series, you'll love this batch of 15 fun ditties. Who can resist such clever compositions as "The Most Beautiful Girl [In the Room]"? Hilarious lyrics are complemented by polished, diverse musical backdrops.

MELISSA ERRICO - "LULLABIES & WILDFLOWERS"
Tony-nominated actress Melissa Errico serves up a collection of sweet, comforting tunes. On such classics as "Hushabye" and "Someone to Watch Over Me," her lovely voice will please parents and wee ones.

GEFF WESTEN - "VIDIOTS TUNE IN"
Geff Westen makes catchy power punk pop that's terrifically tuneful. "Better Get Started" kicks off the nonstop, zesty fun.

LEANNE WEATHERLY - "GO AND FIND"
The Hollister native displays a sophisticated jazz/pop/R&B voice that brims with poise and passion. An outstanding songwriter as well, she scores here with standards and originals. Weatherly and her trio play Amilia's Cafe in Santa Clara, June 6 and 7.

THE CHAPIN SISTERS - "LAKE BOTTOM LP"
The three women's thrilling voices entwine in complex and exquisite harmonies. The reflective, bittersweet songs linger long after the final track ends.

"ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE" DVD SET
There have been many documentaries on popular music's history. But none comes close to offering the scope or insights of Tony Palmer's 17-part, British TV series. Presented here in a superb, 5-disc set, it spans music hall, blues, country, jazz, folk, rock and more.

"POT CULTURE: THE A-Z GUIDE TO STONER LANGUAGE & LIFE" BOOK
This volume, as entertaining as it is educational, includes facts, quotes, photos and interviews from such music faves as Melissa Etheridge, Bob Marley, Willie Nelson, Fall Out Boy, Maroon 5, Redman, Bo Bice and Rob Thomas.