New CDs in stores today are coming from the world’s biggest comedian (and a bunch of his friends), one of indie rock’s most respected songwriters and one of rock’s most introspective frontmen-gone-solo.
Various Artists, “Dave Chappelle’s Block Party” (Geffen) The lineup here is stellar, as it should be. Dave Chappelle, in his latest artistic statement, threw a big party with all of his friends and inspirations – including The Roots, Erykah Badu, Blackstar (including Mos Def and Talib Kweli as solo artists), Common, Jill Scott and Dead Prez – and the result is aural bliss.
Stephin Merritt, “Showtunes” (Nonesuch) Merritt is one of the most respected songwriters in indie rock, and Magnetic Fields is his traditional vehicle for delivery of his music. But “Showtunes” collects some of his work with Chen Shi-Zheng, with whom he recently wrote three theatrical productions. The 26 tracks are collected from “The Orphan of Zhao,” “My Life as a Fairy Tale” and “Peach Blossom Fan,” and they add to both artists’ legacies. While Merritt is best known for his work with Magnetic Fields, Shi-Zheng is lauded for his 19-hour staging of the classic Chinese opera “Peony Pavilion” at the 1999 Lincoln Center Festival.
Donald Fagen, “Morph the Cat” (Reprise) It’s been more than a decade since Steely Dan frontman Fagen was active as a solo artist, but now he’s back with a series of tours and this, his first solo record in more than 13 years. Fagen is all over the place – from his conversation with the ghost of Ray Charles to a romantic bit with an airport security guard – but that’s a clear sign of Fagen’s currently full creative well.
– Ricardo Baca
