New releases: June 20, 2006

First of all, in honor of this being the June 20 list, I would like to say happy birthday to my dad. He likes the Kingston Trio. A lot. Not really my cup of tea, but he has a passion for that band, and I can get behind having a passion for music. My dad taught me by example that it's OK to be a crazed, drooling devotee of something (most of those lessons were during college football season ...) as long as that thing is worthy of your devotion. So rock on to your Kingston Trio, paps, and happy birthday.

Speaking of devotion, I'm about at the drooling point in anticipation of the Roman Candle CD coming out Tuesday. The times I've seen them at Merlefest (their home turf) has me more and more convinced that these crazy kids are going places. I hate to take the easy way out and put focus on the lead singer, but damn, Skip Metheny just has star power you can see from 200 miles away. Not asshat Ryan-Adams-esque star pretensions (though I love Ryan despite his asshatishness), but just the talent and the energy and the sparkle to get your attention no matter what. How many Merlefest bands have I missed because I meant to stop by Roman Candle's show for two songs and then couldn't tear myself away? Many. Recordings-wise, there's not much out there from these guys -- some EPs here and there, a do-it-yourself release from 2002. So I'd imagine I'm not the only one eager to snap up "The Wee Hours Revue" to give my fandom a solid foundation.

New releases for Tuesday, June 20, 2006:
Keane -- Under the Iron Sea (Interscope)
Frank Black -- Fast Man Raider Man (Back Porch)
Pixies front man works out his Americana yayas for a second disc.
Roman Candle -- The Wee Hours Revue (V2/Ada)
HW.org review coming soon.
Sara Hickman -- Motherlode (Mesa/Bluemoon)
After a few children's albums, Hickman now puts a 2-CD focus on motherhood.
various artists -- Austin City Limits Music Festival: 2005 (Image)
The annual compilation of songs from last fall's fest. This one features John Prine, Rachael Yamagata, Steve Earle, the Black Crowes and all the indie rock faves.

Happy Father's Day to all the dads reading this -- including HW dads Sean and (just this week!) James.