New CDs in stores today include the anticipated sixth release from an alt-country icon, a solo project from the former frontman of the avant-garde ’90s rock band Soul Coughing, and the latest CD from a group of rap-rockers who never seem to stay out of the spotlight.
Ryan Adams & the Cardinals, “Cold Roses” (Lost Highway): The title track from this two-disc offering highlights weeping, roadhouse guitars paired with playful, down- tempo pacing and Adams’ scratchy delivery. The recipe sometimes conjures live Grateful Dead recordings, other times Chris Isaak’s sweet neo-rockabilly. Other cuts include folky ballads and tempered country-rock narratives.
Mike Doughty, “Haughty Melodic” (ATO): This eclectic release is the first full-length album from Doughty since Soul Coughing split five years ago. The album was produced by Dan Wilson of Semisonic and features a guest appearance by Dave Matthews. That’s about all fans need to know to decipher how this CD sounds: Soul Coughing’s poetic rock fused with Matthews’ peppy world beat and Semisonic’s good-natured storytelling.
Limp Bizkit, “The Unquestionable Truth, Pt. 1” (Geffen): Sulk-meister Fred Durst’s recent projects include playing a satanic criminal on the NBC miniseries “Revelations,” planning an all-Durst, all-the- time reality TV show, and pursuing a lawsuit against people he claims illegally downloaded a three-minute sex tape (starring him) from his computer and posted it on the Web. Oh yeah, his band also has a new album.
– Elana Ashanti Jefferson
