theSTART, ‘Ciao, Baby’
Due Tuesday on Metropolis
If Garbage and No Doubt procreated, their offspring would sound like theSTART. The line “shakin’ like it’s 1984” pretty much says it all: They’re doing the time warp … again.
Download: “Just a Fantasy”
Chris Cornell, ‘Carry On’
Due Tuesday on Interscope
The ex-Soundgarden/Audioslave singer is less singer/songwriter-y and more in rock mode than on his previous solo release.
Download: “Arms Around Your Love”
Stroke 9, ‘The Last of the
International Playboys’
Due Tuesday on Rock Ridge Music
Just in time for summer comes this feel-good pop-rock troupe. With myriad summer references and one official summer song (“Feel the Summer”), there’s no denying “Playboys” disposability or perfect product/season placement.
Download: “7 Year Itch”
White Stripes, ‘Icky Thump’
Due June 19 on Warner Bros.
A slight return to White Stripes circa “White Blood Cells,” “Icky Thump” proves there’s no pulling up lame for this duo. We’re guessing Jack White must compose music in his sleep, assuming he gets any.
Download: “Conquest”
Crowded House, ‘Time on Earth’
Due July 10 on ATO
Without Tim Finn and drummer Paul Hester — who committed suicide in 2005 — Crowded House carries on with “Time on Earth,” a warm, jangly collection that goes to show not all (although most) reunion albums suck.
Download: “Silent House”
