A Who's Who of greats as well as a genre-defying outfit fusing world music and New Orleans jazz are featured on essential new audio releases available now.
Title: Where Will The Animals Sleep — Songs for Kids and Other Living Things (Cleopatra Records)
You might like if you enjoy: William Shatner, They Might Be Giants
Tell me more: Even at 93, William Shatner continues to surprise. Seven decades into his extraordinary and singularly remarkable career, the acclaimed actor, director, writer and recording artist has just released his first ever children's album Where Will The Animals Sleep — Songs for Kids and Other Living Things. Working with Dan Miller (guitarist of They Might Be Giants) and novelist Rob Sharenow, Shatner brings the world alive via a collection of colorful and whimsical songs where he uses his signature baritone spoken word style to educate and entertain youngsters about some unique corners of the animal kingdom. The first track, "Elephants and Termites," is delivered against a Eastern European musical soundscape where children learn about the critical role that termites play in the lives of elephants. The rockabilly romp "Oh My Honeyguide" is a fascinating tale of how select species of birds guide people in areas of Africa and Asia to honey. Other songs take a comedic and smart look at the relationship between "Aphids and Ants," rhinos and oxpeckers ("The Rhino's Guard"), people and insects ("Why Do We Bug You") and other corners of the natural world. My favorite selection is the title track ("Where Would The Animals Sleep"), a luxurious Americana-wrapped song that is simultaneously a poignant plea for children to understand that all animals need a home in the world. Across the album Miller's expert touch as a multi-instrumentalist and backing singer provides the perfect soundscape to enhance Shatner's strong voice as storyteller and advocate for the creatures celebrated on the disc. The colorful physical packaging is perfect for listeners of all ages, and includes a fully illustrated 28-page booklet complete with all the lyrics for the 13 selections. Information: cleorecs.com.
Title: Here To Eternity (Fuzze-Flex Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Collective Soul, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Live
Tell me more: One of the truly great American rock bands to emerge in the 1990s, Collective Soul has scored a slew of memorable hits including "Shine," "December," "Where The River Flows," "The World I Know" and "Run." Now the band fronted by brothers Ed Roland (lead vocals, guitar, keyboards) and Dean Roland (rhythm guitar) is back with the outstanding 20-track Here To Eternity. The lead-off track "Mother's Love" is an infectious and melodic hard rocker showcasing Collective Soul's brilliant knack at crafting great verses and choruses that fit together perfectly. Other tracks capture that same undeniable approach, each showcasing the rock quintet's magic. The anthemic "Bluer Than So Blue" (enhanced by Jesse Triplett's amazing lead guitar work), power pop-tinged "Let It Flow," bewitching Americana romance-themed "Not the Same," rockabilly foray "Matter of Fact" and gorgeous piano-anchored "Be the One" are among the early gems on the disc. The introspective modern rocker "Keep It On Track," euphoric "Who Loves," sweeping Baroque rocker "Bring On The Day," dreamy "Words Away," enchanting "I Know You. You Know Me" and heart breaking closer "Over and Out" are just as impressive on the album's final run. A particularly profound original on the album is "Bob Dylan (Where Are You Today)," an acoustic track recorded live whose emotional pull is likely magnified by the strife stretching around the globe: "Bob Dylan, where are you today / They preach that war is all around / No strength in leaders can be found/ Well I can't say / I'm a man that just prays." Information: collectivesoul.com.
Title: Selling What You Want To Buy (Kool Kat Musik)
You might like if you enjoy: The Cars, Big Star, Teenage Fanclub, Blur
Tell me more: The Embryos are back with Selling What You Want To Buy, an album that celebrates stellar song craft, musical diversity and the unbridled power of great rock and roll. The bewitching opener "The Embryos Live" is both sumptuous and rocking, and would have been right at home on The Cars' 1978 debut. The Embryos turn on a dime to perform the breezy Americana-tinged "Fortunes," before immersing the listener with shimmering power pop courtesy of the wonderful "Frozen City." Other standouts on the album include the Britpop-mining "Little Demon," shimmering alt country nugget "Desiree," Southern rock-styled "Sweater in the Heather," melodically rich "Somehow She Knew" and dreamy Neo-psychedelic "Onandonandon." The Chicago-based band spent two years working on the completion of Selling What You Want To Buy including songwriting, recording and mixing, and the work of the Embryos shines across the top-tier disc. Information:
Artist: Nation Beat
Title: Archaic Humans (Ropeadope)
You might like if you enjoy: Dr. John, Ozomatli, world music
Tell me more: Set for release on Friday, May 31, Nation Beat's album Archaic Humans is both a daring and inviting collection of songs fusing New Orleans brass, Brazilian Forró and Latin funk together into a delightful sonic stew. Nation Beat was formed by Scott Kettner (drums, percussion) to incorporate his background in jazz and hybrid drumming and fusing those musical styles into his travel explorations throughout Brazil. The diversity of styles on Archaic Humans is reflected in the uptempo hip-hop single "Give A Little" (featuring Christylez Bacon on beatbox & rhymes), the breezy gem "Always Spring With You" (featuring Melanie Scholtz on lead vocals), the rapid fire instrumental "Forró le Fonque," lovely "Mo Forró," aptly-pegged "Race Car" and evocative jazz foray "Inútil Paisagem." Information: nationbeat.com.
Robert Kinsler
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