New music: William Shatner, Collective Soul, The Embryos, Nation Beat

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. 

Artist: William Shatner

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.

Artist: Collective Soul

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.

Artist: The Embryos

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: 

KoolKatMusik.com.

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

William Shatner unveils new single & lyric video from his first ever Children’s album 'Where Will The Animals Sleep? - Songs For Kids And Other Living Things!'

Check out the newly-released lyric video for the first track from William Shatner's forthcoming children's album set for release on May 17. It's fun!...Robert Kinsler

Beloved Hollywood Icon WILLIAM SHATNER Unveils New Single & Lyric Video From His First Ever Children’s Album Where Will The Animals Sleep? - Songs For Kids And Other Living Things!

Los Angeles, CA – One of the greatest storytellers of his generation, a scion of the stage, master of the musical performance and fearless artistic innovator is facing his toughest audience yet - kids! William Shatner, beloved Star Trek actor and real-life space traveler, proudly presents his newest musical project, an ingenious, infectious and thoroughly entertaining album, Where Will The Animals Sleep? - Songs For Kids And Other Living Things! This 13-song project unites the talents of Shatner with longtime guitarist for They Might Be Giants, Dan Miller, and award-winning YA novelist Robert Sharenow, who together create a menagerie of characters drawn from the animal kingdom who sing and dance and share their stories on this whimsical and educational release. Mr. Shatner declares, “This is a children’s album but I think children of all ages will be intrigued and entranced at the songs that are on this album!”

So come along on a wondrous journey through the natural world with William Shatner as your guide and narrator through the sticky sweet adventures of the honey bee, to the majesty of bird migrations, to the hidden world of the Coral Sea, and the secret communication between mushrooms and trees. For a preview of what’s to come, check out the album’s first single “Elephants And Termites,” a hilarious and captivating look at the unique symbiotic relationship between the large, itchy elephants and the tiny termites whose nests provide the perfect scratching post. The song, as well as the album, is sure to inspire and cultivate a love for creatures of all kinds, shape and size!

Stream/download the single: https://orcd.co/williamshatner_elephantsandtermites

The single is being released in conjunction with a lyric video that brings the album’s artwork to cartoonish life!

Watch the lyric video: https://youtu.be/rglmyscCYkA

Where Will The Animals Sleep? - Songs For Kids And Other Living Things will be available on all formats including CD and vinyl starting May 17. Order your copy today!

Order the CD/VINYL: https://cleorecs.com/store/?s=william+shatner+where+will+the+animals+sleep&post_type=product

Pre-order/pre-save the digital: https://orcd.co/williamshatner_wherewilltheanimalssleep

TRACK LIST
1. Elephants And Termites
2. Oh My Honeyguide
3. 7000 Miles On A Non-Stop Flight
4. Barnacle Bill The Sailor
5. Chomp, Chomp, Chomp
6. Mushrooms Talk To Trees
7. Where Would The Animals Sleep?
8. Aphids And Ants
9. I'm A Coral See In The Coral Sea
10. The Rhino's Guard
11. Why Do We Bug You
12. Secret Agent Whale
13. Birdsong Symphony

New Music: Albums shine a light on diverse sounds

Several outstanding reissues and a terrific new album are worth exploring this week.

Artist: The Go-Go's

Title: God Bless The Go-Go's (Eagle Records)

You might like if you enjoy: The Go-Go's, Belinda Carlisle

Tell me more: God Bless the Go-Go's, the Los Angeles' quintet's 2001 reunion album has just been released as a must-own deluxe edition. Celebrated in connection with its 20th anniversary, God Bless the Go-Go's has been reissued on CD, vinyl and digital formats via Eagle Records. This is the first time the original album version of the album is available on LP (pressed on 140-gram, blue colored vinyl). The deluxe CD and digital versions feature new cover art and both include two bonus tracks. The album fully captures the power and magic of the Go-Go's' groundbreaking 1981 debut Beauty and the Beat. The driving "Unforgiven" (featuring guest Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day), "Stuck In My Car" and "Automatic Rainy Day" display a flair for melody and power pop without abandoning the group's punk roots. Equally potent are the tuneful mid-tempo confessionals "Apology," "Vision of Nowness" and "Insincere" as well as the shimmering ballad "Here You Are." The two winning bonus tracks – the straightforward rocker "I Think I Need Sleep" and melodic "King of Confusion" – definitely make this collection worth adding to your collection. Here is one fan happy to hear that singer Belinda Carlisle, lead guitarist Charlotte Caffey, singer-guitarist Jane Wiedlin, bassist Kathy Valentine and drummer Gina Schock are set to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's class of 2021 on Oct. 30. Information: gogos.com.

Artist: The Palace Guard

Title: All Night Long: An Anthology, 1965-1967 (Omnivore Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: The Animals, 1960s rock, the Kingsmen

Tell me more: The explosive sound of '60s garage rock is captured across the outstanding new compilation All Night Long: An Anthology, 1965-1967 featuring the Palace Guard. Although poor management ultimately dimmed The Palace Guard's prospects for widespread acclaim, the Hawthorne, CA-based troupe did have enough regional success in Southern California to record enough great material to fill a disc. There are rousing rockers – notably the opener "All Night Long" along with "Falling Sugar," "Oh Blue (The Way I Feel Tonight)," "Saturday's Child" and "Party Lights" – which collectively capture the spirit of the era. Just as impressive are the wistful mid-tempo rock cuts showcasing the band's wonderful vocals ("Playgirl," "A Girl You Can Depend On," "If You Need Me" and more). The psychedelia-styled "Greed" is another true gem on the set. The Palace Guard featured brothers Don, John and David Beaudoin, their roommate Mike Conley, drummer Emitt Rhodes (who subsequently enjoyed success with Merry Go Round and a solo career), bass guitarist Rick Moser and lead guitarist Chuck McClung; Terry Rae replaced Rhodes in 1966 while Teddy Rooney replaced Moser in early 1967. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.

Artist: Weezer

Title: Van Weezer (Atlantic / Crush)

You might like if you enjoy: Weezer, 1970s and '80s hard rock

Tell me more: Weezer explores their adolescent influences along with an appreciation of the electric guitar on their fifteenth album Van Weezer which has its obvious roots in the band's early love affair with melodic hard rock of the 1970s and '80s. Weezer (singer-songwriter-guitarist Rivers Cuomo, guitarist Brian Bell, drummer Pat Wilson and bassist Scott Shriner) conjures up the days of Van Halen, Ozzy Osbourne and Whitesnake to deliver a batch of instantly-likable tracks. Take "Blue Dream" – which sonically echoes Osbourne's 1980 classic "Crazy Train" – Weezer blend their signature melodic sheen with plenty of guitar-anchored hard rock attack. "The End of the Game" with its hammering guitar intro and in-the-pocket crunchy verses evokes hits by Whitesnake and 38 Special. Even while cranking up the guitars the band's melodic sense rules the day; the head-banging "1 More Hit" is bolstered by a vocals-heavy chorus and a wicked mid-song heavy metal break while "I Need Some of That" is equally strong with an undeniable chorus and tuneful guitar lines. Elsewhere, Weezer's own distinctive style is showcased on several of the disc's best cuts; "All the Good Ones" recalls the sound of their 2005 favorite "Beverly Hills" while "Sheila Can Do It" mirrors Weezer's mid-90s power pop-meets-indie rock approach. Always eager to surprise, Weezer closes with the gentle acoustic ballad "Precious Metal Girl." Information: Weezer.com.

Artists: Steve Goodman

Title: It Sure Looked Good on Paper: The Steve Goodman Demos (Omnivore Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: Steve Goodman, John Denver, Don McLean

Tell me more: Blessed with a terrific voice and equally impressive talents as a top-tier songwriter and acoustic guitar player, Steve Goodman sadly lost his battle with leukemia at the age of 36 in 1984 – before the Chicago native could be acknowledged beyond the small and dedicated group of artists and fans who recognized his greatness during his lifetime. Los Angeles' Omnivore Recordings has gone a long way over the past several years to reintroduce Goodman to a wider audience of discerning followers; the newly-issued It Sure Looked Good on Paper: The Steve Goodman Demos is packed with 20 previously-unissued recordings that include both solo acoustic and band demos. The range and depth of the material is truly impressive; an uptempo run through his beloved original "City Of New Orleans," winning Gram Parsons-flavored decree "Eight Ball Blues," romantic "Would You Like To Learn To Dance" and "Yellow Coat," countrified standout "You Never Even Call Me By My Name" co-written with John Prine (and a 1975 hit for David Allan Coe), melancholic "Song For David" and lovely closer "The Water Is Wide." The collection features restoration and mastering by Grammy Award-winning engineer Michael Graves, who has again teamed up with Grammy-winning producer Cheryl Pawelski (who compiled this 20-track collection) to add another important chapter in celebrating the work of Goodman's legacy. Available via audio CD and gatefold double LP, the release features new liner notes by Lee Zimmerman and photos from the Goodman family archive. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com. 

Artist: John Linnell

Title: State Songs (Craft Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: They Might Be Giants, Fountains of Wayne

Tell me more: An expanded digital edition of John Linnell's 1999 cult classic State Songs has just been released via Craft Recordings. One half of groundbreaking outfit They Might Be Giants (along with John Flansburgh), Linnell introduced "State Songs" via a five-song EP issued in 1994; five years late a full-length album was released on audio CD by Zoë/Rounder Records. More than two decades after its creation, "State Songs" remains a fun and fascinating listen with a vast array of far-flung instruments, wide-ranging musical styles and smart lyrics fused together into something special. The instrumental carousel-flavored "Illinois," power-pop gem "The Songs of the Fifty States," sly "West Virginia," buoyant "South Carolina,"glorious "Montana" and Americana art damage cut "Pennsylvania" are among the early standouts on the timeless collection. Just as inviting are the genre-defying "Utah," lovely "Arkansas," swirling "Maine" and the catchy bonus track "Louisiana" (the latter initially released as a B-side on the 1999 vinyl single of "Montana" - a collectible die-cut record in the shape of the USA). For those who love "State Songs" the additional good news is that Linnell is readying his next solo release, "Roman Songs"; that forthcoming EP is reportedly made up of songs written entirely in Latin. Information: CraftRecordings.com.

Robert Kinsler