Various artists - “Matrix Reloaded” (Maverick)
Maverick Records was tasked with putting together this two-disc soundtrack for one of the most highly anticipated sequels of all time. Disc one houses new cuts from Rob Zombie, Marilyn Manson and Deftones, and features the first single, P.O.D.’s “Sleeping Awake”; the song and its music video are both streaming at the soundtrack’s official website. Disc two holds the film’s instrumental score.
Maverick Records was tasked with putting together this two-disc soundtrack for one of the most highly anticipated sequels of all time. Disc one houses new cuts from Rob Zombie, Marilyn Manson and Deftones, and features the first single, P.O.D.’s “Sleeping Awake”; the song and its music video are both streaming at the soundtrack’s official website. Disc two holds the film’s instrumental score.
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Jack Johnson - “On and On” (Universal)
This native of Hawaii made surf films before quietly selling more than a million copies of his 2001 debut album, “Brushfire Fairytales,” which indie label Enjoy first issued before Universal picked it up in 2002. His sophomore effort features more of the acoustic guitar-driven rock that fans flocked to on the first album. A streaming video of the lead single, “The Horizon Has Been Defeated,” is streaming at Johnson’s website. Johnson is scheduled to perform on “The Late Show with David Letterman” on May 15 and on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” on June 3. He’ll be on the road this summer with Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals.
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Andrea Bocelli - “Puccini: Tosca” (Decca)
Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli and Italian soprano Fiorenza Cedolins tackle Puccini’s opera “Tosca” on this double album, which features all three acts and holds a total of 29 tracks. Three of the album’s cuts and a video documentary that captures the recording process are streaming at Decca’s website.
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Anthrax - “We’ve Come for You All” (Sanctuary)
The latest album from this New York-based veteran metal act is the follow-up to 1998’s “Volume 8: The Threat Is Real.” The new set features guest appearances from The Who’s Roger Daltrey and Pantera’s Dimebag Darrell. Its first single, “Safe Home,” is streaming at the band’s website.
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Ozma - “Spending Time on the Borderline” (Kung Fu)
On its latest effort--produced by Chris Fudurich (Finch, Matthew Sweet)--this power-pop quintet incorporates a small orchestra and horn section, as well as piano collaborations with Shedley, bassist for the Sub Pop band Arlo. The video for the album track “Bad Dogs” is available for download via the group’s website. The Pasadena, Calif.-based group, which has supported Weezer on two tours, will be on this summer’s Vans Warped Tour.
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John Hiatt - “Beneath This Gruff Exterior” (New West)
Hiatt’s 18th album was recorded live in the studio, and is his first to be credited to “John Hiatt and the Goners,” which refers to his longtime band. Guitarist Sonny Landreth, bassist Dave Ranson and drummer Kenneth Blevins reunited with singer-guitarist Hiatt for the first time in almost a decade on Hiatt’s previous album, “The Tiki Bar is Open,” which hit stores in 2001. Hiatt tours with the Robert Cray Band this summer.
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