One thing's for sure, when Christmas approaches, the music labels love to hit you with cheesy hits packages and holiday albums by artists who seem to think that the world needs another overly earnest version of "Silent Night". It can lead even the most patient person to scream, "Calgon, take me away!" With that in mind, we here at The Shit are more than happy to assist you in navigating these troubled waters. So, without further adieu, here is The Shit List Winter 2010 Record Round-Up.
Nine Inch Nails - Pretty Hate Machine (NOV 22)
Trent Reznor is a polarizing figure in rock. Some think he hasn't made a good record in a decade while others worship his every musical move. Both sides can certainly agree that Nine Inch Nails' debut effort, Pretty Hate Machine, is a monumental record that was somehow allowed to go out-of-print some years back.
Not only will this situation be rectified on November 22 with the re-issue of this great album, it will come in the form of a spiffed up remastered version. Hey, wasn't this album re-issued in 2005? Yes, as a matter of fact it was, but that re-issue is also out-of-print. This new re-issue was not only done with Reznor's consent, but also his full involvement, right down to overseeing the re-imagination of the original cover art with longtime NIN art director Rob Sheridan.
If you really wanna hear this thing in all its grandeur, though, pick up the 2-album vinyl version (released on December 7th). Plus, there's no better way to enjoy the artwork...bigger is better, bitches!
Bruce Springsteen - The Promise (NOV 16)
This isn't a new Bruce record, but, rather, a collection of songs recorded between Born To Run and Darkness On The Edge Of Town that never got to see the light of day...until now.
For huge fans of the Boss, this album gives huge insight into the genius of an artist at the top of his game. Even for fair-weather fans, there's a lot to like here. I mean, let's face it, they just don't make 'em like this anymore. Thus, to have this chance to look back at a legend-in-the-making is truly something special.
And for those who really wanna dig deep into Bruce's musical past, there is the DELUXE The Promise: The Darkness On The Edge Of Town Story 3CD/3DVD package that will take you on one helluva trip, yo. In addition to an extensive documentary on the making of the album (worth the price of admission alone), it features the legendary (and widely bootlegged) Houston '78 concert, showing Bruce and the band to be firing on all cylinders. A must for any rock fan.
The Plain White T's - Wonders Of The Younger (DEC 7)
Hey, what's a holiday season without new music from the band that made "The Bean" world famous via the video for their Top 40 hit, "1, 2, 3, 4"? That's right, Lombard, Illinois' very own Plain White T's are back with their new album and fuck if these dudes don't know their way around a hook or ten. If you dig "Hey There Delilah", you'll find a whole lot to like on this record. For anyone who doesn't yet consider singer/guitarist Tom Higgenson one of the best songwriters on the planet, check this one out.
Trust us know, believe us later.
Norah Jones - ...Featuring Norah Jones (NOV 16)
Okay, okay, we know, Norah Jones' star has lost some of its shimmer since "Don't Know Why" put her on the map in 2002. Of course, her success was the result of a very brief but rewarding collaboration with songwriter Jesse Harris.
So, the idea of a Norah Jones album full of great collaborations should be a slam dunk, right? Thankfully, yes.
If nothing else, this album proves that Jones is a wonderful and willing accomplice who has collaborated with the likes of the Foo Fighters, Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, and others to great effect. A decade's worth of such collaborations are gathered on this record and shine new light on Norah Jones' true gift as part of a larger ensemble. Our favorite moment, of course, is the stunning version of "Blue Bayou" Jones performs with M. Ward, which kinda makes us wish Ward would collaborate further with Jones instead of that Zooey character.
BUT DON'T BLOW ALL YOUR CASH ON THESE RECORDS...save some for the new album by a band that some people love, and others don't know they love until they hear one of their songs and go "Oh, dude, I LOVE this tune!!!" That's right, I'm talkin' about CAKE, baby!
January 11 sees the release of their first album since 2004. The new album is called Showroom Of Compassion and it rocks like nobody's business.