Yes, it is… but not for any of those reasons portrayed in stop-motion claymation.
No, this is the time when artists and musicians tend to release a lot of great new stuff.
Magenta (the real one), Bella Morte, Voltaire, Ego Likeness, and ZOMBINA AND THE SKELETONES have all released new albums this month.
I have been hooked on Voltaire’s “To the Bottom of the Sea” for weeks. I think he probably wouldn’t appreciate being compared to other artists, so let me just say that it reminds me a lot of what would happen if Squirrel Nut Zippers and Weird Al had a demon-posessed love child who sounded remarkably a lot like Voltaire. It is a bit more serious and thought-provoking in parts than expected, broken up by huge doses of his usual hilarity. This CD is definitely my pick of the season, unless I find something better.
Ego Likeness has released 300 and only 300 limited edition CDs of their newest cut, regular issue editions following. I, for one, prefer the idea of having a hand-signed one of 300 CD, and anxiously await mine. With it being Ego Likeness, I know I will love it – and I think you will too.
Magenta has just this week released their long-long-long-awaited CD as a digital download. The physical CD will be available later this year, but if you don’t mind digital and want to be among the first to hear it – you can hear it free (and.or buy it) here.
Zombina and The Skeletones – well, there has never been a Zombina album I have not been ecstatic and unbelievably thrilled to hear. Their music is more fun than waxing the stairs at the old folks’ home, with equal amounts of guilt, and yet only half the risk. Their latest album, much like all their other albums, is a ‘must have’ for this gift-getting season.
I have not yet heard enough of the Bella Morte CD, “Beautiful Death”, for me to give my opinion on it. I can say that I have been a fan for a very long time. Right now, they are offering all 6 of their CDs for $70– which comes up to $11.67 a piece, or two CDs free – however you choose to look at it. Whether you love or only like the new CD, it is still one hell of a deal, and well-worth the price if only for the other CDs included.
More music stuff soon.