June New Album Releases

We're almost halfway through the year. Key releases this month are Coldplay, the Fratellis and Weezer. Early June looks more interesting than later in the month.

June 2/3
Weezer - Weezer (The Red Album). Weezer puts out their sixth album, their third eponymous one following their debut (nickenamed The Blue Album), and their third album from 2001 (known as The Green Album). I haven't heard anything from the album yet.

Alphabeat - This is Alphabeat. We've already heard "Fascination" and "10,000 Nights" from the Danish band, here comes the LP.

Zutons - You Can Do Anything. The upbeat British rock band releases its third album, featuring current single "Always Right Behind You."

Alanis Morissette - Flavors of Entanglement (June 10, U.S.). Alanis releases her 7th album (4th since her breakthrough Jagged Little Pill). She hasn't had a hit in years--will she now?

Ashanti - The Declaration. Remember in 2002 when Ashanti was the hot new thing? Poor girl's had a hard time living up to massive hit "Foolish" and her Ja Rule collaborations. This fourth album is Ja Rule-free and features first single "The Way that I Love You." Not be be confused with Paula Abdul's 1989 hit "The Way that You Love Me."

Radiohead - The Best Of. Having parted ways with EMI, their formal label collects the biggest hits from their six albums on this 16-track greatest hits. It's Bends and OK Computer heavy, but every album contributes at least one track and all the major hits are here.

Chris Brown - Exclusive, The Forever Edition. Just 7 months out and Exclusive is already getting a re-release with new single "Forever." I'm getting a bit annoyed with the whole re-release thing. After "Kiss Kiss" and "With You" were none of the other original songs on the album good enough to be singles?

Rihanna - Good Girl Gone Bad Reloaded. Here's another re-release, only slightly less annoying because it has been about a year since it came out, but we've gotten whole new albums from Rihanna every year since 2005 until now--so why no new disc? Probably because Good Girl Gone Bad actually became a massive hit, so she needs some time before a new album, and this is a stopgap. Features #1 hit "Take a Bow" and Maroon 5 collaboration "If I Never See Your Face Again."

June 9-12
Coldplay – Viva La Vida Or Death & All His Friends [Thurs 12th]. Three albums in and they're one of the world's biggest bands. Despite the pretentious title--named after a Frida Kahlo painting--and cover art--a painting of the French Revolution by Eugène Delacroix, Coldplay had hinted that this album would be a more stripped down and experimental affair than their previous U2-inspired works. Brian Eno is on board as producer this time, and the album has already landed separate top 10 hits in the UK ("Violet Hill") and the U.S. ("Viva la Vida").

Fratellis – Here We Stand. The Scottish rock band who brought us hits like "Chelsea Dagger" and "Baby Fratelli" from their first album Costello Music offer their second album. First single "Mistress Mabel" doesn't sound like they've changed much.

My Morning Jacket - Evil Urges. The southern indie rockers release their fifth disc.

N.E.R.D. - Seeing Sounds. Not taking a break after Madonna's disc, the Neptunes fire up their old band for a third album, reportedly quite experimental.

June 16/17
Missy Elliott – FANomenal. Missy Elliott's 7th album, featuring first single "Ching-a-Ling."

Feeder - Silent Cry. The Welsh band's 6th album.

June 23/24
Motley Crue - Saints of Los Angeles. Motley Crue are back, releasing their 9th album and first since 2000.

TBD
Beck - Modern Guilt. Beck's 10th album is supposed to come out sometime this month.