Yes, Kanye West’s new record arrives today – see the article on this section’s cover – but other new CDs in stores today come from one of our greatest songwriters, the next indie band breaking through the mainstream bubble, and a man widely regarded as one of the most important electric guitarists in history.
Bob Dylan, “No Direction Home: The Soundtrack (The Bootleg Series Vol. 7)” (Columbia). This is more than just the latest release in Dylan’s bootleg collection. It’s the soundtrack to the Martin Scorsese-directed documentary of the same name. Most of the material from this two-disc chronological effort is taken from 1959-66, including a take on “When I Got Troubles,” which is supposedly the first song Dylan ever put to tape.
Death Cab for Cutie, “Plans” (Atlantic). Death Cab’s major-label debut – and more. This is the post-Postal Service record. Death Cab vocalist Ben Gibbard moonlighted with electronic indie-pop outfit Postal Service, and the melodic singalong material broke in a big way, making this Death Cab effort even more anticipated.
Eric Clapton, “Back Home” (Warner Bros.). Clapton is done with his homage to blues innovator Robert Johnson – “Me and Mr. Johnson” and the CD/DVD “Sessions For Robert J” – and has returned with this happy record of mostly original songs. Clapton works with a blend of classy musicians, old and new: John Mayer on guitars, Steve Winwood on synths and Billy Preston on keyboards.
– Ricardo Baca
