Posted January 8, 2008
By RDaniels

(2 comments for this entry. Click here to make your comment.)

Radiohead “In Rainbows” TBD Records

Radiohead first issued “In Rainbows” as an Internet-only release on Oct. 10. The record was downloadable on Radiohead’s Web site, for a certain amount of time, for whatever fans wanted to pay for it. The innovative strategy generated plenty of media attention. A “discbox” followed on Dec. 3, containing another disc, two records, artwork and lyric books. On Jan. 1, Radiohead’s latest effort was finally given a proper CD release. Recorded over the course of two years, “In Rainbows” features a mix of low-key sounds and Thom Yorke’s ghostly melodies. “Jigsaw Falling Into Place” and “Bodysnatchers” display smooth, up-tempo grooves paired with a more aggressive tone than the rest of the record. On “Nude, ” high-pitched vocals from Yorke float above instrumental melancholy. “In Rainbows” is the band’s first CD since it parted ways with their record label, EMI. After releasing six albums with EMI, Radiohead has moved on to navigate the music business on their own terms. The 10 tracks on “In Rainbows” will surely please the most discerning alt-rock fans.

Natasha Bedingfield “Pocketful of Sunshine” Epic Records

British pop singer Natasha Bedingfield will release her second U.S. album on Jan. 22, titled “Pocketful of Sunshine”. The disc will feature five songs from her British release, “N.B.”, along with nine new tracks. The first single of the album is “Love Like This”, a cheerful tune featuring up-and-coming reggae artist Sean Kingston. Other collaborations on the record include a track supported by Maroon 5 frontman Adam Levine, entitled “Say It Again.” This track was featured on her British album “N.B.” and will be one of five songs moved to the U.S. equivalent. “Pocketful of Sunshine” should supply listeners with a healthy dose of positive pop, mixed with some R&B sounds. Bedingfield is most well known for upbeat pop hits like “Unwritten” and “These Words,” both released on her 2004 debut, “Unwritten”.

Willie Nelson “Moment of Forever” Lost Highway Records

Willie Nelson’s latest release, “Moment Of Forever,” available Jan. 29, features an interesting collaboration and some noteworthy cover songs. This disc offers a pairing of Nelson and country star Kenny Chesney on a few tracks. The seemingly unlikely duo collaborate on tracks like “Worry B Gone” and “I’m Alive”, which Chesney co-wrote. (Chesney also helped produce the record.) The match-up should bring a nice mix of old-school and contemporary elements. Other notable tracks include Nelson versions of “Gravedigger” by the Dave Matthews Band and Bob Dylan’s “Gotta Serve Somebody.”