Each month I review my favorite new CD's of the past 30 days. It doesn't matter if it's on a major label, independent label, or no label at all. I just have to have it so I can listen to it! If you are a record label or musician and would like your new release considered for review, send it to me: Chad Bowar, Suite 101.com Pop Music Editor, PO Box 1723, Rapid City, SD 57709. Here are this month's best new CDs, in no particular order:
Sting--Brand New Day I've been a Police and Sting fan for about 20 years now, and haven't been disappointed yet. Sting's latest CD continues that streak. Brand New Day is his most eclectic effort to date. You'll hear jazz, pop, world music, and even a little country flavor. Sting is getting older and mellower, and his music is getting a little mellower, too. One thing that hasn't changed are the solid hooks and cryptic lyrics we've come to expect. One thing I found interesting is the title track and first single "Brand New Day" is the last song on the CD. Usually the singles are at the beginning. But when you've reached Sting's level, you can put them wherever you damn well please.
Brand New Day was recorded mostly in Italy, and features guest artists Stevie Wonder and James Taylor. Sting says the album focuses a lot on love and romance. "I think you can be robbed of everything in this life: your home, your money, your self-respect. Yet if you have love, if you have a relationship, then it doesn't matter...'Love conquers all' is the message I'm trying to give out. I actually believe it. I'm not just being romantic."
Sting fans will definitely want to pick up a copy of Brand New Day. For more information, visit http://sting.compaq.com
Soundtrack--More Music From Austin Powers, The Spy Who Shagged Me
The first soundtrack from Austin Powers was so successful, they released a second one to coincide with the release of the movie on video. This soundtrack is worth the purchase price just because there is a new single from the Bangles, "Get The Girl." But there are also several songs from the "swinging sixties" that have been featured in the film. Classic hits such as "I'm A Believer" (The Monkees), "Magic Carpet Ride" (Steppenwolf), "Time Of The Season" (The Zombies), and "Let's Get It On" (Marvin Gaye) are joined by newer additions They Might Be Giants, Lords of Acid and George Clinton. There is also a remix of the Madonna smash hit "Beautiful Stranger".
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