New music from Death Cab for Cutie; Remembering 9-11 with John Vanderslice; The madcap music of Shel Silverstein; Country rebels The Highwaymen; A 1963 live recording by Sam Cooke; Jazz guitar master Lenny Breau; A gorgeous George Harrison cover tune by Cowboy Junkies.
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Death Cab for Cutie, Sam Cooke, John Vanderslice
Soul Meets Body
This is the major label debut for one of rock's most fiercely independent bands and a follow up to Transatlanticism, one of our picks for the best releases of 2003.
Exodus Damage
John Vanderslice is a San Francisco producer and songwriter. He's known for subtle but distinct sonic experiments that blend lo-fi rock with electronica. Vanderslice's latest CD explores the terrorist attacks of 2001, the war in Iraq, suicide, star-obsession and other political and cultural issues.
A Front Row Seat to Hear Ole Johnny Sing
Most people think of Shel Silverstein as a children's author of whimsical poetry. But he was also a singer and songwriter who wrote hits like "A Boy Named Sue" for Johnny Cash. This is a collection of Silverstein's more popular tunes.
The Devil's Right Hand
The Highwaymen were a country super group with Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson and Kris Kristofferson. The group formed in 1985 and released four albums in a ten-year span. This re-release of a 1995 CD contains bonus materials. (This song is not available for individual play because of label restrictions.)
Bring It on Home to Me
Sam Cooke recorded this remarkable live performance at the Harlem Square Club in North Miami, Florida in January of 1963. Less than a year later he was dead. Cooke was shot by a hotel manager who claimed Cooke had raped a guest staying there. Cooke was just 33 years old. This recording has been reissued several times, but this latest version from RCA Legacy sounds better than any previous release. (This song is not available for individual play because of label restrictions.)
I'll Remember April
Lenny Breau was a little-known but gifted jazz guitarist who started recording professionally in the 1960s. He was known as an outstanding improviser who could play just as well on either acoustic or electric guitars. Breau had a problem with drugs which kept him from a regular recording or touring schedule. He was murdered in 1984. The case has never been solved.
Isn't It a Pity
On their latest CD, the Cowboy Junkies offer a collection of mostly cover tunes by artists like John Lennon, U2, Bob Dylan and George Harrison with this gorgeous take on his song "Isn't It A Pity."