New releases: April 25, 2006

This week's new releases list is kind of like my husband's signature (and ever-changing) stew recipe. It grabs stuff from all over -- fridge, pantry, garden, neighbors, convenience store -- and blends it all together into something surprisingly tasty. We've got a classical album, country, bluegrass, indie rock, folk-punk-psychadelic-whatever, and rock interpreting folk. Whatever you're feeling like this week, you're covered.

New releases for Tuesday, April 25, 2006:The Waybacks -- From The Pasture to the Future (Compass)
Edgar Meyer -- Edgar Meyer (Sony)
The bass virtuoso who has worked with the likes of Bela Fleck, Mark O'Connor, Mike Marshall and Sam Bush takes some solo time on an album you'll find under "Classical," not folk. The CD features 14 songs Meyer composed hisownself, and he also stretched his instrumental boundaries, playing not just bass, but also mandolin, guitar, piano and even banjo.
k.d. lang -- Reintarnation (Rhino/Warner)
A retrospective of hits and rarities from her career's first 10 years -- you know, back when she was country and people were still trying to figure out if she was a girl or a boy.
Mark Knopfler and Emmylou Harris -- All the Roadrunning (Warner Bros.)
These sneaky little monkeys have been working on a duets record ... for seven years! The early buzz is that this CD will be worth the wait.
Danielle Howle -- Thank You, Mark (Valley Entertainment)
Robyn Hitchcock -- This Is The BBC (Hux)
A collection of his well-regarded BBC radio recordings from the late 1990s.
Bruce Springsteen -- We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions (Sony)
The Boss performs songs associated with Pete Seeger. I'm not even going to get into it here because I know Sean will be all over this one. Go on, ask him.

And now for the Best Band Name Ever of the Week. I present to you Propagandhi, Canadians* who describe themselves as "progressive thrash rock." They thrash, and they have causes. Like not eating meat or being otherwise bad to animals. And not making war. And being nice to people, too. A thrash band with an unabashed heart of gold. Love it! Their new release this week is "Potemkin City Limits" on their own G7 Welcome Committee label. Rarrrrr (meat is murder)!

* I'd just like to point out that Canada is now 2 for 3 in the Best Band Name Ever of the Week awards. Man up, rest of the world, eh?**

** That was just a cheap shot, I realize. Very assy.*** Sorry, Canada.

*** But I tease because I love. Most times.