New Releases, Aug. 5: Trapt, Randy Newman, Conor Oberst

Plus: The Faint, The Airborne Toxic Event, more

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Trapt "Only Through the Pain" (Eleven Seven)

These platinum-certified rockers return with their third release, "Only Through the Pain," which follows 2005’s "Someone in Control." Trapt, which hails from Los Gatos, CA, will support the album by taking part in the inaugural Crue Fest (think Ozzfest, only with Motley Crue, not Ozzy, as the ringleader). Crue Fest is currently delighting rock fans at amphitheaters across the country, and will continue to do so through an Aug. 31 date in Burgettstown, PA.

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Randy Newman
"Harps and Angels"
(Nonesuch)

After making fans wait for nearly a decade, the acclaimed singer-songwriter finally returns with a studio album featuring (mostly) new material. His last batch of new songs came with 1999's "Bad Love."

The 10-track "Harps and Angels," produced by Mitchell Froom and Lenny Waronker, features seven new songs and three updates of already released tunes.

Newman is best known for a pair of novelty hits, 1978's "Short People" and 1983's "I Love L.A.," as well as for his soundtrack work on such films as "Toy Story" and "A Bug's Life."

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Conor Oberst
"Conor Oberst"
(Merge)

The Bright Eyes frontman is back with his first solo album in 12 years. This eponymous set, Oberst's fourth solo disc overall, follows 1996's "Soundtrack to My Movies," which the singer released on cassette while still a teenager.

"Conor Oberst" was recorded in Mexico City with members of the singer's Mystic Valley Band. That backing crew--guitarists Taylor Hollingsworth and Nik Freitas, bassist Macey Taylor, keyboardist/trumpeter Nate Walcott and drummer Jason Boesel--is currently helping Oberst support his new album on the road. The ongoing tour is split into two legs in North America. The first one winds up in mid-August. Then, after a European run, Oberst will return for more North American dates in September.

The singer's primary concern, Bright Eyes, released its sixth studio set, "Cassadaga," last April. That album features guest contributions from Gillian Welch, Janet Weiss (formerly of Sleater-Kinney) and Ben Kweller.

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The Faint
"Fasciinatiion"
(Blank.Wav)

The indie-rock troupe is ready to deliver its first new studio album in four years. "Fasciinatiion," the group's sixth overall studio set, features the single "The Geeks Were Right."

The Faint's previous release was 2004's "Wet From Birth," which has sold 117,000 copies in the US, according to Nielsen SoundScan. "Fasciinatiion" is the debut offering from the newly minted blank.wav recording label.

The Omaha, NE-bred group is currently supporting "Fasciinatiion" on the road. The 22-city tour is set to run through the latter half of August, and includes swings along both the East and West coasts.

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The Airborne Toxic Event
"The Airborne Toxic Event"
(Shout)

The heavily championed Los Angeles indie-rock act will attempt to live up to the buzz with the release of its full-length eponymous debut. The set features the single "Sometime Around Midnight," which has already received significant airplay from modern rock radio stations across the country. The group, led by singer/guitarist Mikel Jollett, has drawn comparisons to such indie-rock champs as Arcade Fire and Modest Mouse.

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More new releases:
Keith Anderson, "C'mon" (RCA)
The Laurie Berkner Band, "Rocketship Run" (Razor & Tie)
Lewis Black, "Anticipation" (Comedy Central)
Blue October, "The Answers" (Adrenaline)
Brazilian Girls, "New York City" (Verve)
Carla Bruni, "Comme Si de Rien N'Etait" (Downtown)
Hawthorne Heights, "Fragile Future" (Victory)
Jamey Johnson, "That Lonesome Song" (Mercury Nashville)
Lloyd, "Lessons in Love" (RCA)
Heidi Newfield, "What am I Waiting For" (Curb)
OceanLab, "Sirens of the Sea" (Ultra)
Elvis Presley, "Complete '68 Comeback Special: 40th Anniversary Edition" (RCA)
Amy Ray, "Didn't It Feel Kinder" (Daemon)

Soundtracks and scores:
"Marguerite" (Warner Bros.)