Features:
Hookmaster
Nas seeks out hip-hop supremacy with his double CD Street’s Disciple.
Heart and Soca
Rupee hopes to follow in the footsteps of fellow soca sensation Kevin Lyttle when he releases his U.S.-debut CD, 1 on 1.
Revolution Rock
Clash co-founder Mick Jones talks about the 25th-anniversary boxed set of London Calling—and the rediscovered Vanilla Tapes.
Johnny Cash’s Treasures on the Block
For three days in September, Sotheby’s hosts what may be history’s finest country-music estate sale.
Swing Shift
A sleek, sonically enhanced jazz venue opens in the Time Warner Center complex.
Le Tigre Burns Bright—and Blows Up
There aren’t too many breakout opportunities for a thirtysomething radical-feminist electro-punk trio, but for New York’s Le Tigre, this could be the year.
Pretty Pop for Now PeopleThis fall, there’s a sunburst of albums bright with melodic pop.
What are you looking forward to this fall?
Ask a record-store clerk
Josh Madell, Other Music
Taste Music that’s made with heart, from experimental folk to top-of-the-charts hip-hop.
Looking Forward To Interpol’s second record, Antics, is just great; still dark and moody, but the songs are even catchier. Devendra Banhart has another brilliant album of tripped-out folk. And the Albert Ayler boxed set coming out on Revenant Records is just unbelievable. It’s so exciting that after 30 years with this music locked in the vaults, fans can get nine CDs of unreleased stuff from a true jazz legend.
Wish List I heard there was a finished soundtrack to a forthcoming Jet Li epic by the great local group Jane that was scrapped for “political reasons.” Whatever that means … I wanna hear the music!
Best Of The Rest
SeptemberAnita Baker, My Everything
The jazz chanteuse’s first studio album in ten years. Blue Note; September 7.
John Cale, HoboSapiens
Thirteen new songs from the former Velvet Underground co-conspirator. Or; September 7.
The Black Keys, Rubber Factory
The third album from one of the most buzzed-about indie acts of the year. Epitaph; September 7.
Dizzee Rascal, Showtime
England’s rapper-on-the-rise returns with a hotly anticipated sophomore release. XL; September 14.
Peter Cincotti, On the Moon
The jazz wunderkind returns with original material and covers. Concord; September 14.
Joni Mitchell, Dreamland
Career retrospective from the fussy folkie. Warner Bros.; September 14.
Bloc Party,Bloc Party Debut
Yet another band joins the crowded post-post-punk scene. Dim Mak; September 14.
The Prodigy, Always Outnumbered, Never Outgunned
A comeback album from the rave stalwarts, minus spiky-haired lead singer Keith Flint. Maverick/XL; September 14.
Elvis Costello, The Delivery Man
The singer-songwriter’s latest rock album, not to be confused with his recent ventures into classical music. Lost Highway; September 21.
Queen Latifah, The Dana Owens Album
The former queen of hip-hop attempts to become cabaret royalty with this album of standards. Flavor Unit; September 28.
Afrika Bambaataa, Dark Matter Moving at the Speed of Light
Technofied comeback album from the hip-hop icon who introduced Kraftwerk to the Bronx. Tommy Boy; September 28.
Interpol, Antics
The second album from New York’s moodiest rockers. If their file-sharing popularity is any indication, Interpol could storm the pop charts. Matador; September 28.
Brian Wilson, Smile
The Beach Boys’ lost album gets rerecorded for its official release. Nonesuch; September 28.
Blues Explosion, Damage
The maestros of retro rock return with their seventh rock album. Sanctuary; September 28.
OctoberDe La Soul, The Grind Date
With guest spots from MF Doom and Ghostface Killah. Sanctuary; October 5.
R.E.M., Around the Sun
The alt-rock pioneers deliver a politically charged new album. Warner Bros.; October 5.
Raphael Saadiq, Raphael Saadiq as Ray Ray
The former Tony Toni Tone R&B singer’s second solo album.Pookie; October 5.
Kenny Wayne Shepherd, The Place You’re In
The blues crooner tries his hand at rock. Warner Bros.; October 5.
Nikka Costa, Can’tNeverdidnothin’
The Marc Ronson–produced soul girl’s second album. Virgin; October 5.
Fatboy Slim, Palookaville
More ecstatic big beat from U.K. D.J./producer Norman Cook. Astralwerks; October 5.
Tom Waits, Real Gone
The king of rasp performs funk, blues, and world music, sans piano. Anti; October 5.
Duran Duran, Astronaut
The five original members of the eighties pop band reunite for their first studio album in 21 years. Epic; October 12.
Moving Units, Dangerous Dreams
Los Angeles’s answer to bands like the Rapture and Stellastarr delivers its debut. RX/Palm; October 12.
Mos Def, The New Danger
Tough, confrontational new album from hip-hop’s renaissance man. Geffen; October 12.
Elliott Smith, From a Basement on the Hill
A posthumous recording of original songs by the moody singer-songwriter. Anti; October 19.
NovemberJa Rule, R.U.L.E.
Another offering from 50 Cent’s growly rival. The Inc; November 9.
Handsome Boy Modeling School, White People
Hip-hop collective led by B-boy genius Prince Paul releases yet another hip-hopera. Atlantic; November 9.
Ashanti, TBD
More hymns to monogamy from the R&B princess. The Inc; November 16.
Black Eyed Peas, Monkey Business
The tripped-out hip-hop group’s follow-up to their 2003 hit, Elephunk. A&M; November 16.