BLACK SABBATH – EARTH: THE LEGENDARY LOST TAPES
With Ozzy Osbourne‘s recent death, those seeking more of his music can find a rare gem this week: Earth: The Legendary Lost Tapes. Recorded in Birmingham during 1969, four guys barely out of their teenage years rocked out, and showed off what the world would soon see when then changed their name from Earth to Black Sabbath. The blues-driven sound showcases the musicianship already bubbling up on previously unheard tracks, demos, and alternate takes.
Big Bear • Connect: @blacksabbath
NINE INCH NAILS – “AS ALIVE AS YOU NEED ME TO BE”
Five years might have passed since the last time Nine Inch Nails released new music, but “As Alive As You Need Me To Be,” closes a loop back to the industrial electronica 90s. It’s buzzy, bouncy, and Trent Reznor‘s sharp vocals cut across like knives in a robotic echo chamber.
Stream • Interscope • Connect: @ninofficial
ROGER WATERS – THIS IS NOT A DRILL: LIVE FROM PRAGUE
Roger Waters isn’t someone who thinks small or one dimensional. His 2022-2023 tour was complex and theatrical, and now it’s getting the cinematic treatment. The tour will be in movie theaters and the mix of Pink Floyd classics and solo songs will be out Aug.1. The 4-LP set features the entire concert originally recorded during the O2 Arena in the Czech Republic with a booklet of pictures from the in-the-round stage show.
Stream • Columbia • Connect: @rogerwaters
VARIOUS ARTISTS – I SHALL BE RELEASED: COVERS OF BOB DYLAN 1963-1970
Bob Dylan is one of the most covered musicians in the world, and the new compilation, I Shall Be Released: Covers of Bob Dylan 1963-1970, showcases the varied interpretations. Folk, ska, hard rocking, and fully pop – it’s a delightful mix that only goes to show that Dylan’s music is skillfully written. The album features everyone from The Byrds to Cher to The Association to Johnny Cash.
Cherry Red Records • Connect: @cherryredrecords
