New CDs hitting stores today are coming from the biggest rock ‘n’ roll band in the world, a little-known Brazilian singer-songwriter, and one of the most respected folk singers of the last four deades.
The Rolling Stones, “A Bigger Bang” (Virgin) The Stones are a constant. While some are weary of the band’s recent phone-it-in habits – where it records a lackluster album then packs arenas the world over with ever- higher ticket prices – they show no signs of changing. This outing even has 61-year-old Keith Richards howling, “Come on, honey, bare your breasts and make me feel at home” on “This Place Is Empty.”
Seu Jorge, “Cru” (Wrasse) Anyone who saw “The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou” was left with a lasting impression of Jorge, who covered old Bowie songs with an acoustic guitar in a breathy Portuguese hush. The haunting covers brought out new elements of Bowie’s masterful songwriting. This collection is Jorge’s own brash take on his own music, plus a couple of covers, including “Don’t,” a Lieber and Stoller song.
Joan Baez, “Bowery Songs” (Koch) So many of those fine early Dylan bootlegs were made even more intoxicating by Joan Baez’s invaluable contributions. And here she spreads her wings on another live album covering the material of Steve Earle, Woody Guthrie, Natalie Merchant and Dylan.
– Ricardo Baca
