In the Distant Past, during a time of Vastly Superior Wage Earning, I would go into Barnes & Noble, Best Buy, and Borders on the weekends and walk out with four or five new cd's. The following Monday at work would then be New Music Monday for my friends in the office, wherein I would bore them with news of my latest music purchases.
I can't afford to do that anymore. Also, I don't work in an office. The two are related, but that isn't important. What is important is that due an infusion of birthday cash, I was able to go on a mini-spree at B&N today. Below is a list of the cd's I purchased. Really, I should probably wait to post this until I have actually listened to all the cd's, but bugger that for a lark!
Conjure One - Extraordinary Ways
I really love Conjure One's eponymously titled first cd. It is a gorgeous blend of vocals and electronica, with guest appearances by Poe, Sinead O'Connor, and couple of singers I'd never heard of before. For the last five years I have hoped for a follow-up album from Rhys Fulber, and Extraordinary Ways is it. Of course, EW actually came out in 2005, meaning I've unwittingly denied myself satisfaction for two extra years.
As with the first album, Poe does vocal duties on several tracks on EW, appearing under the pseudonym "Jane".
When in Rome - When in Rome
Quintessential 80's One Hit Wonder. Yes, I bought this album just for The Promise.
Once - Music From the Motion Picture
I bought this one sound unheard, based simply on the recommendation of a good friend of mine. The movie is supposed to be a very sweet love story that utilizes the songs in key plot points. Unlike other movies, the songs are actually performed by stars Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova.
Alison Krauss - A Hundred Miles or More: A Collection
It could be Alison Krauss Reads the Phone Book, and I'd still buy it. This cd, however, allows me to own a copy of Whiskey Lullaby without actually having to own a Brad Paisley album. Yay!
KT Tunstall's Acoustic Extravaganza
I love KT's debut album Eye to the Telescope, so picking this one up seemed like the natural thing to do. That it comes with a bonus dvd only sweetened the deal. I just hope neither cd nor dvd actually suck.
Daft Punk - Homework
I've always regretted the lack of Daft Punk in my life, and with this purchase I have corrected that minor error. If you remember the video of the guy in the dog mask walking around the city at night, then you remember Da Funk.
Afro Celt Sound System - Volume 1: Sound Magic
An incredible fusion of African and Celtic musical influences, this trip-hop group has been a favorite of mine since I purchased their Vol. 3: Further in Time album back in 2001. Originally I had bought the cd for the Peter Gabriel-voice track When You're Falling, but I soon fell in love with the entire album.