The Night Tripper Meets A Black Key

Nonesuch is taking pre-orders for the new Dr. John album, Locked Down, which comes out April 3 on CD. The vinyl version is scheduled for release on Record Store Day, April 21.

If you order in advance, you'll receive a nice print of the good doctor with Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys. Why is Auerbach on the poster? He produced the album.

As a huge Dr. John fan, I'm really looking forward to hearing Locked Down. Auerbach is an inspired choice to helm the effort, and I think the recent popularity of The Black Keys can't help but bring some new attention to Dr. John (Mac Rebbenack), who was recently inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame yet remains shamefully under appreciated.

With his unique blend of rock, New Orleans R&B, and swamp funk, Dr. John is a master mixologist. No one sounds like The Night Tripper. His Gris Gris album is a classic that is as fresh today as it was when it came out in 1968.

It will be interesting to see if Auerbach takes Dr. John to a rougher indie rock and blues sound that has distinguished his own music.

The new album was recorded at Auerbach's Nashville studio, Easy Eye Sound, and, yes, he adds his mighty guitar to the effort.

I can't wait. This is going to be goooood.

For more, visit www.nonesuch.com.

Springsteen, Others Announce Releases

Bruce Springsteen announced this week that he will release Wrecking Ball on March 16.

Featuring 11 new songs, his 17th studio album looks to hit on today’s social and political themes. It is produced by Ron Aniello with Springsteen and executive producer Jon Landau.

Wrecking Ball is one of the most anticipated albums coming out this year, but there are several other first-quarter releases worth noting:


Craig Finn from The Hold Steady releases his solo album, Clear Heart Full Eyes, on Jan. 24.

Kathleen Edwards releases her fourth album, Voyageur, on Jan. 24. It has been a while since we’ve heard from Edwards, but she’s back in a big way with the new album and upcoming tour. Justin Vernon (Bon Iver) co-produced the album.

Leonard Cohen delivers Old Ideas on Jan. 31. It received four-and-a-half stars from Rolling Stone.

Imperial Teen, a favorite with its boy-girl vocals, comes out with Feel The Sound on Jan. 31.

Sleigh Bells’ Reign of Terror hits the streets Feb. 21.

The Decemberists will release We All Raise Our Voices To The Air (Live Songs 04.11-08.11) on March 13.

The Shins finally return with Port Of Morrow on March 20.

PJ 20 Vinyl News

When Pearl Jam 20 came out in September, I was disappointed, crushed even, there wasn't a vinyl release. It was totally unlike the band not to have a vinyl version of a new album. Pearl Jam has always been good about releasing their material on LP and creating fantastic packages.

Finally, it looks like my wishes are being granted, and we will see PJ20 on beautiful vinyl.

Amazon has begun taking pre-orders for the three-LP package, which the Web site says will be released Dec. 13. Amazon's price is $54.89 as of today.

Pearl Jam's own Ten Club quickly sold out of copies.

Leonard Cohen Announces New Album

Leonard Cohen has announced that his much-anticipated album Old Ideas will hit the streets Jan. 31, 2012.
It's the master's first studio album in about seven years.

Consisting of 10 new songs, Old Ideas poetically addresses some of the most profound questions of human existence -- spirituality, love, sexuality, loss and death, according to the announcement.

The album is on Cohen's long-time label, Columbia. It will be released on 180-gram vinyl. There's also a collector's package that includes the vinyl plus a lithograph limited to 5,500. The price is $63.99.

Here's the tracklist:

Going Home
Amen
Show Me The Place
The Darkness
Anyhow
Crazy To Love You
Come Healing
Banjo
Lullaby
Different Sides

Black Friday Preview

I hope everyone is ready for Black Friday. It's a great day to get to your indie record store and pick up some special releases.

Here's a list from the good folks at Record Store Day.

I have my eye on the Ryan Adams, Black Keys, and Craig Finn singles.

Kate Bush's new album, 50 Words For Snow, was supposed to come out around the beginning of the week, but her Web site reports that there were some short delays. Hopefully, it will be out to pick up on Black Friday.

Old Song of the Year

Twenty years after Bonnie Raitt recorded “I Can’t Make You Love Me,” the song is proving its timelessness.

The song has been out in force this year, with Bon Iver releasing it as the B-side of the “Calgary” single. Adele covered the song at the iTunes Festival London 2011, and it's available on iTunes. And, jazz artist Jacqui Naylor includes the number on her latest album, Lucky Girl. All are very good versions.

Written by Mike Reid and Allen Shamblin, the song is still a killer. I think it's the line, "Turn down these voices inside me head."

Black Keys Black Friday News

The Black Keys are proving to be the right antidote for the graying weather.

In an earlier post, we noted that the new album, El Camino, comes out Dec. 6.

But vinyl fans can get their hands on a special 12-inch of the single "Lonely Boy" on Nov. 25. The single release is part of Record Store Day's "Back to Black" Friday. The limited-edition single will be at participating indie music retailers. Both the lead track and the B-side, "Run Right Back," are featured El Camino.

Until then, check out the "Lonely Boy" video. The man's got some moves...