Adele

Credit: AP

Last week we gave a preview of Adele’s new album, now we can give you more details.  “21” will come out Feb. 22. The name reflects that age the now 22-year old Adele was when she wrote the bulk of the album. Fans of the two-time Grammy winner will recall that her Sony debut was titled “19.” We’re sensing a theme.

Adele recorded the new set in Malibu and London, working with producers and songwriters Rick Rubin, Paul Epworth, Ryan Tedder Dan Wilson and Fraser T. Smith.

As we reported here, first single, “Rolling in the Deep,” was influenced by Adele’s new-found love for Wanda Jackson. The video, directed by Sam Brown, will debut in December.

Shirley Manson in the iconic video for "Stupid Girl."

Garbage has reunited and is recording its first album since 2005’s “Bleed Like Me.”

Lead singer Shirley Manson confirmed the news to during a talk at the University of the West of Scotland, reports Heartland Scotland. That makes sense since Manson is a wee lass. “I’m working on a record right now with the band. We’ve recorded quite a lot, but it’s difficult to quantify.” She also added that they band would like to tour, but “we’re just winging it right now.”  The quartet also includes producer Butch Vig.

Cee-Lo

Could Susan Boyle knock Taylor Swift off her throne with a Christmas album?  Boyle tops this week of new releases that also include’s Cee Lo’s first solo album in years and a star-studded set to the very deserving Loretta Lynn.

Anita Baker, “21st Century Love” (Blue Note): Smooth singer is joined by some expected guests, like Four Play, and some unexpected, hello Snoop Dogg!

Susan Boyle, “The Gift” (Syco Music/Sony BMG): She couldn’t perform Lou Reed’s “Perfect Day” on “America’s Got Talent, “ but Reed can’t stop her from performing it on this, her first holiday set...if you consider Crowded House’s “Don’t Dream It’s Over” a Christmas song. Seriously, the rest of the repertoire is more familiar seasonal fare, such as “Do You Hear What I Hear.”

Cee Lo Green, “The Lady Killer” (Elektra/Atlantic): Following first single, “F*** You” (or “Forget You” depending upon where you heard it), the rest of Green’s first solo album since 2004 follows the trajectory of a love, in all its forms. It never sounded so good.




Quincy Jones, “Q: Soul Bossa Nostra” (Qwest/Interscope): Artists such as Akon, Ludacris, Mary J. Blige, Usher and Jamie Foxx pay tribute to the legendary producer by remaking songs from his voluminous catalog. First single is Akon’s interpretation of the Brothers Johnson 1997 tune, “Strawberry Letter 23.”

Kid Cudi, “Man on the Moon II: The Legend of Mr. Rager” (G.O.O.D Music/ Universal Motown): Mary J. Blige and Kanye West join  the troubled Cudi on his sophomore slate. The set is off to a slow slate: first single “Revofev,” didn’t chart, but “Erase Me” debuted at No. 22 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Dave Matthews Band, “Live in New York City” (RCA): Guess what? It’s a live album from Dave Matthews from his July 17, 2010 concert at Citi Field. Doesn’t anyone who wants a DMB live recording just tape it on the spot?

Reba McEntire, “All the Women I Am” (Valory Music Group): Country superstar releases her 34th album, which includes the hit “Turn on the Radio.” That tune is McEntire’s 59th Top 10, more than any other country female.

Various Artists, “Coal Miner’s Daughter: A Tribute to Loretta Lynn” (Columbia Nashville): Artists must have been lining up around the block to pay homage to one of the most seminal country singers ever. Among the artists on the set are Faith Hill, Carrie Underwood, Kid Rock, Sheryl Crow, Miranda Lambert, Alan Jackson, Martina McBride and others.

Justin Bieber

Credit: Dan Steinberg/AP

Justin Bieber shows off his sporty side on this video from “Never Say Never,” which premiered during the World Series Saturday night--hence the Rangers and Giants footage.  We also like how Bieber is wearing merch from both team. We spot a future politician.

The acoustic tune will be featured on Bieber’s “Unplugged Acoustic” set, out Nov. 23.  The original of the song was featured on the “Karate Kid” soundtrack. "Unplugged" includes nine acoustic versions from "My World" and "My World 2.0," as well as a new song, "Pray."

What do you think of Sporty B?

Taylor Swift

Credit: Richard Drew/AP

We won’t get the official numbers until Wednesday, but sources are saying that Taylor Swift’s  third album, “Speak Now,” will definitely surpass the million mark in its first week of release.

That means it will be the best seller, for sure, since Lil Wayne’s “Tha Carter III” sold  1,006,000 in its first week in June 2008, according to Billboard,  it could also possibly be bigger than 50 Cent’s “The Massacre,” which moved 1,141,000 units in March 2005. She could also set the mark for the best-selling first week for a country artist. Garth Brooks' "Double Live" current holds the record at 1,085,000.

Hits Daily Double suggests that Swift’s album will set another record in terms of total percentage of overall sales:  “Speak Now” will account for as much as 18% of all sales for the week.  The previous record belongs to NSYNC, whose “No Strings Attached”  accounted for 15.3% of total sales. To put things into perspective, “No Strings Attached” sold 2.4 million copies in its first week.

In all likelihood, as album sales continue to decline, “Speak Now” will be the last album to go into seven figures. The only possible  set coming up that could also sell more than 1 million the first week is Lady Gaga’s new album, slated for the first quarter, 2011.

Mariah Carey

Credit: Matt Sayles/AP

Taylor Swift can rest easy. While there are some lovely offerings out Nov. 2, no new release will snare the top spot. Having said that,  country stars Brad Paisley and Jason Aldean lead the charge, while veterans Elvis Costello and Neil Diamond also bring new albums.

Jason Aldean, “My Kinda Party” (Broken Bow): The ACM’s top new male vocalist, best known for such hits as “She’s Country” and “Hicktown,” returns with his latest set that includes a duet with Kelly Clarkson.

Black Dub, “Black Dub” (Jive): Eclectic quartet led by producer/artist Daniel Lanois springs all over the rock landscape with touches of soul and dub. Foursome also includes Trixie Whitley, the daughter of the late musician, Chris Whitley.

Mariah Carey, ”Merry Christmas II You” (Island Def Jam): While Carey takes care of her impending baby bundle, she delivers another gift for her lambs: her second Christmas album features four originals alongsidemore traditional fare such as “The First Noel,” “Little Drummer Boy” and “O Come All Ye Faithful.”

Elvis Costello, “National Ransom” (Concord/Hear Music): Costello recorded this 16-tune album in Los Angeles and Nashville with producer T Bone Burnett.  Both The Imposters and The Sugarcanes back up Costello here, while guests include Vince Gill and Leon Russell.

Neil Diamond, “Dreams” (Columbia): A great songwriter turns to his favorite songwriters for a collection of Diamond’s favorite tunes. Making the cut are The Beatles’ “Blackbird,” Leon Russell’s “A Song for You,” The Eagles’ “Desperado,”  and several others.

Brian Eno, “Small Craft on a Milk Sea” (Warp): The latest from the ambient music genius comes in a multitude of configurations, but the focus is on music created by Eno with collaborators Jon Hopkins and Leo Abrahams. The inspiration was film scores.

Good Charlotte, “Cardiology” (Capitol): Ten years after its debut, Good Charlotte--otherwise known as the Madden Bros., return with their first album in a few years and their debut disc for Capitol.

Huey Lewis and the News, “Soulsville” (W.O.W.): Lewis and his band release their first album in nine years as they look back at 14 classic songs from the Stax Records’ vault first made famous by the likes of Otis Redding, Sam & Dave and Isaac Hayes.

Matt and Kim, “Sidewalks” (Fader): Hipster duo known for their energetic live show releases its third set of dance punk.

Paul McCartney & Wings, "Band on the Run"  (Hear Music)  Wings' 1973 masterwork gets the deluxe reissue treatment complete with new tracks and a DVD. A must for McCartney fans.

N.E.R.D., “Nothing” (Interscope): Pharrell Williams, Chad Hugo and Shae Haley release their fourth effort, which gets its groove on and draws inspiration from such acts as The Doors and America.
 

Brad Paisley, “Hits Alive” (Arista Nashville): Talent country superstar’s new two-disc set features studio versions of many of this biggest hits, while disc two captures his live performances of three of the songs on disc one, as well as a number of other hits that take flight in a concert setting.

Taylor Swift

Credit: Richard Drew/AP

Will she or won’t she hit the million mark? That’s the only question remaining regarding Taylor Swift’s entry at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 next week. 

The country queen’s “Speak Now”  is on target to sell between 975,000 and 1 million, according to Hits Daily Double.  Her nearest competitor is the current No. 1, Sugarland’s “The Incredible Machine,” which will sell one/tenth of “Speak Now.” That has to be the highest disparity between No. 1 and No. 2 that we’ve ever seen.

This week’s No. 2, Kings of Leon’s “Come Around Sundown,” slips to No. 3, while this week’s No. 3, Elton John and Leon Russell’s “ The Union” slides to No. 7.

For the first time in a long time, there are likely to be only two debuts in the top 10, as Michael Buble’s “Hollywood: The Deluxe EP” should come in at No. 10, although The Band Perry could surge and knock him to No. 11.

The rest of the Top 10 includes Lil Wayne’s “I Am Not a Human Being” continues doing well a few weeks after release, lodging at No. 4, while this year’s top seller so far, Eminem’s “Recovery,” hangs in there at No. 5.



 

Meredith Veira dressed as Lady Gaga for Halloween on the "Today" show, Oct. 29

Credit: AP Photo

Is it really any surprise to find Tay-Tay at the top of the leader board this week? Has there been any other story than can the country-crossover pop princess be the first artist to hit the million mark since 2008? Well, we found a few others, Taylor Swift's reign begins anew as we predict the album become the top seller of the year, surpassing Eminem's "Recovery." 

1. Taylor Swift (last week, No. 4): A beautifully orchestrated marketing campaign, a strong album, an artist who is still gaining fans = the first album to potentially sell 1 million in one week in years AND most likely, the very last.

2. Lady Gaga (not ranked):  She becomes the first artist to register 1 billion views on YouTube beating Justin Bieber and his band of Beliebers to the record. Who knew all her Little Monsters had opposable thumbs and internet connections.

3. Michael Jackson (not ranked):  The gloved one tops Forbes Richest Dead Celebrity list with grosses (perfect word)  of $275 million.As the cynical saying goes, “Death is a good career move.”

4. Madonna (not ranked):  The material girl is opening Hard Candy Fitness, a chain of gyms around the world, starting with Mexico City  in November. Really? Strike a pose.

5. Garth Brooks (not ranked): Who else can get the all the entire political machinery from Nashville mayor to the two U.S. senators to come out for a press conference to announce a concert for flood relief?  He’s the ultimate Tennessee Titan via Oklahoma

6. Take That (not ranked): British boy band’s first tour in 15 years crashes U.K. ticketing sites with Ticketmaster calling the demand twice as high as it was for Michael Jackson’s “This is It” tour.  There’s a good Robbie Williams joke in there somewhere, I just don’t have it.

7. U2 (not ranked): The Irish boys make plans to return to Nashville for the first time in 29 years to play Vanderbilt Stadium.  By the time the 360 tour wraps next year, Billboard predicts it will be the highest grossing tour of all time. Maybe by then it will have broken even.

8. The Foo Fighters (not ranked): The group’s seventh album, not out until next year, is already building a huge buzz because it reunites Dave Grohl and Krist Novoselic for the first time since they cut Nirvana’s last song in 1993 and pairs the two with “Nevermind” producer Butch Vig.  This little nugget of good news fits perfectly into my heart-shaped box.

9. CitiGroup (not ranked): As the trial between Citi Group and EMI owner Terra Firma heats up, the New York judge deals Terra Firma a horrific blow by disallowing Terra Firma to seek $6.4 billion in damages based on a speculative theory of lost profits. Will the four major label companies be reduced to three within six months? Some of us actually remember when there were six.

10. Technology (not ranked):  Sony stops making the Walkman and Panasonic quits manufacturing the Technics turntable.  My 10-year old self just died a little  inside.

Music Power Rankings appear every Friday.

Last week's list

Adele

Credit: Columbia

The last we heard from Adele, she was carting around two well-deserved Grammys for her wins for best new artist and best female pop vocal performance.

That was nearly two years ago and the “Chasing Pavements” singer has been fairly quiet since then, but Hitfix got a sneak listen to four songs from her forthcoming album at a very intimate, invite-only performance by the British singer at Los Angeles’ Largo Theater.

With a red-velvet backdrop and surrounded by antique lamps, an admittedly nervous Adele previewed four songs from her second still-untitled album that comes out in February.

 First single, “Rolling in the Deep,” goes to radio in mid-November and will coincide with an appearance on “Ellen.”  The melodic and beat-heavy thumper showcases a side of Adele not heard on “19,” one influenced by her exposure to Wanda Jackson, the pioneering country and rockabilly star. “I really got into her,” Adele said, admitting a little obsession with the singer.

Like “Rolling,” the other three songs dealt with heartache. Adele’s lyrics are like an open wound, still smarting and raw, delivered in her pure soprano that cuts through any clutter and soars above the notes.

On ballad “Someone Like You,” she sings about a past love who has found someone else. She’s trying to be happy for him, but is blinded by her inability to move on as she tries to find someone like him over and over again. “I’m shaking,” she said after performing the song accompanied only by a pianist. “I get upset whenever I sing it.”

Adele recorded much of the album in Malibu and recalled how Lady Antebellum’s “Need You Now” saturated the airwaves as she was in the studio. “ I really got into it,” she said, adding that she’s thinking of going to Nashville for some writing sessions.  We’re holding our breath for an “Adele in Nashville” album (yes, all references to “Dusty in Memphis” are intentional).  While  the torchy “Don’t You Remember” recalls Lady A, the song is vintage Adele as she admits to  “A fickle heart, a bitterness, a wandering eye and a heaviness in my head,” but she begs her ex, “dont u remember the reason you loved me before?”

Adele collaborated with hitmaker OneRepublic’s Ryan Tedder on two tracks including “Turning Tables,” a ballad about a fighting couple. “I won’t let you close enough to hurt me,” Adele sang, eyes closed, fingers fluttering.

She closed with “Pavements” and “Hometown Glory,” which the now 22-year old wrote when she was 16.  The small crowd wanted more, but she begged off. “My voice has been dormant for months, it’s pissed off at me” for putting if back to work, she said.  Her voluminous voice sounded perfect to us in this very welcome return.

Lady Antebellum

In Lady Antebellum’s soulful ballad, “Hello World,”  lead singer Charles Kelley details  a world that so many of us exist in, but aren’t really a part of. We’re so busy checking our cell phones, frustrated at the traffic jam and stressed about work that we’re not paying attention to the beauty that is around us.  And we’re in some kind of psychic pain because of it.

But then something comes along, it can be a giggling child, a beautiful rainbow or a gorgeous sunset that gently tugs you back to the present and a state of gratitude.  In this case, it’s an adorable little girl, enjoying an ice cream cone in the backseat of an SUV, waving to people in other cars like we all did when we were small. Flash to the front seat and her parents are bickering.

The trio, using the always popular trope of  performing on a rain-slicked, dark street in the middle of the city, adopts the proper somber tone as events take a tragic turn.

We’re not going to give away the ending, but it’s a bit heavy handed. However, be sure to watch until the ending for the twist.  Plus, we’re feeling a bit bad for the dad, who gets carted away here and forgotten about.