New CDs hitting stores today come from a jam pioneer who loves recording live CDs in Colorado, an ’80s legend with a new frontman, and a new British band that is quickly making its name as the nu-Queen.
Dave Matthews Band, “Weekend on the Rocks” (RCA) This two-CD, one-DVD compilation was recorded at DMB’s four-night, mid-September stint at Red Rocks. Recorded in stereo and 5.1 sound and plucked from the best songs/performances of the four nights, the collection includes multiple songs the band has never recorded live – including a couple off its latest studio record, “Stand Up.” The CDs kick off with “The Stone,” “American Baby” and “Time of the Season,” and closes with “Halloween,” “Louisiana Bayou” and “Everyday.” “Louisiana Bayou,” which also appears on the DVD, took on new meaning: The fourth night was dedicated to Hurricane Katrina victims, raising $1 million.
INXS, “Switch” (Burnett/Epic) Some were hooked on the “Rock Star: INXS” reality TV show that relaunched INXS with a new singer, Canadian JD Fortune. Others were offended by the band’s cheap way of filling that slot, vacated with the 1997 suicide of singer Michael Hutchence, generally viewed as the heart and soul of the seminal ’80s band. Either way, this is the new INXS’ first full-length.
The Darkness, “One Way Ticket to Hell … and Back” (Atlantic) They blew us all away with their neo-glam and “I Believe in a Thing Called Love.” And now they’re back for more.
– Ricardo Baca
