I frequently order CD's prior to their release to get them on the day of. Here's the last five I can think of:
Just got Patty Griffin's, "Downtown Church", the day it came out (2 days ago). Initially a bit disappointed as I'm a big fan of her music and this is mostly traditionals with guest artists, so I found the experience of Patty somewhat diluted. I have only given it a few listens, so it may grow on me.
Cowboy Junkies, "Trinity Revisited" - exceeded my expectations! I thought: How could the original be topped? Well, they didn't try to top the original, and that is part of it's success. It is the same material by the same band, with some great guests, done 20 years later in the same church. It is every bit as outstanding a recording as the original, but in entirely different ways. The original was recorded with a single stereo mike, while the recent version used individually miking with state of the art equipment. The video production of the entire set is really top notch as well, both visually and sonically (the CD is better at the latter).
Tom Waits, "Glitter and Doom". Again, I'm a huge fan of Waits and will always get anything new that he puts out. This is a live CD that I would probably only recommend to Waits fans as the SQ and recording/mixing is not great. The spontaneity of his performances and stage banter are very enjoyable though. Just for the performance of one of my favorite spoken pieces of his, Circus, it was worth it to me.
Arvo Part, In Principio. It was not what I expected from the perspective of coming from Te Deum, Silencio, and Alina, all of which are quite distinct from each other, and perhaps more quiet and peaceful (Te Deum comes closest, being a choral piece...but it still more low-key and perhaps gentle). This is quite dramatic and weighty...armagedon-like at times. No it did not disappoint.
Anouar Brahem, "The Astounding Eyes Of Rita". This artist has never disappointed. Each project is a different and unique collaboration with a different trio of musicians...always with similar haunting and beautiful results that are no doubt driven by Brahem. My favorite remains, "Le Pas du Chat Noir"
