on the horizon: fall 2010

School is back in session (at least here in Austin). The summer heat is starting to dissipate (not here in Austin).  College football starts on Saturday. Fall is on the way. I can’t remember the last time I looked forward to the fall season this much. Perhaps it’s because after surviving my first Texas summer I’ve begun to fantasize about things like opening my windows at night and wearing shirts with sleeves or perhaps it’s because this fall promises a music bounty like no other.  There are so many fantastic new albums, books, and films coming out in the next three months it might honestly make Christmas feel anti-climactic. Take a look at what’s on the horizon….

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• September 13 – Robert Plant’s new album Band of Joy

This will be a great way to kick off the fall music season. Since seeing his tour in July I’ve really been looking forward to the release of this album. While you’re waiting for it though, I recommend reading this interview with Robert in The Independent

• September 27 – Eric Clapton’s new album Clapton

Clapton’s 19th studio album features tons of guest performers, and a surprisingly jazzy turn for ol’ Slowhand. It’s already getting tons of advance praise from the critics so I’m really looking forward to this one.  Here’s another little something to tide you over: Clapton’s recent interview with Mojo magazine.

• September 27 – Jimmy Page’s pictoral autobiography

Page’s first book is going to cost a pretty £445. But if you can actually afford to own this bad boy, might I also suggest a certain blog that would love a donation….

• September 28 – Neil Young’s new album Le Noise

Neil Young’s new album will be released in a multi-pronged technical assault. I didn’t figure Young for one to be riding the wave of the iPhone app craze but then again, the minute you think you have this famously independent genius figured for anything you’re probably wrong. Read about the album release plan in Rolling Stone’s article.

• October 19 – Bob Dylan releases The Original Mono Recordings and The Whitmark Demos

The endlessly rich vault of unreleased Dylan material is offering up another set of gems. The Whitmark Demos is the 9th installment of The Bootleg Series and features 47 songs recorded between 1962 and ’64 for Dylan’s first music publishers – 15 of which have never been officially released. Needless to say, I’m really freaking pumped for this. The Original Mono Recordings is Dylan’s first eight studio albums restored to their original mono mixes. I’m really looking forward to hearing the differences, The Beatles recent release of some of their great albums in mono were really interesting to hear and contrast to the publicly released stereo versions. So, needless to say I’m also pretty freaking pumped for this. There are a variety of presale packages available through Dylan’s site ranging from the plebian $32.99 to the yeah-right-someday-when-I-have-a-real-job $339.99 package.

• October 26 – Keith Richards’ autobiography Life

One of the most highly anticipated books of the year, Richards’ long awaited autobiography is hitting shelves on October 26. Co-written with author James Fox, Life reportedly gives up the inside scoop on the Pirate King of Rock & Roll’s early life through his music career and his notorious addictions. I truly cannot wait to get my hands on this.

• November 16 – Bruce Springsteen releases ‘The Promise: The Darkness on the Edge of Town Story’

The Boss will give us a mid-November boost with ‘The Promise’ box set, a collection of film footage, audio tracks, personal notes, lyric sheets, and photos from the recording of Springsteen’s epic Darkness on the Edge of Town album. The package will be available in both stripped down and Deluxe versions so that everyone has the chance to get an inside look at Springsteen’s creative process.

• November 22 – John Lennon documentary LENNONNYC

Rounding out our calendar of amazing is the American Masters documentary focusing on John Lennon’s life in New York. This fall will mark both what would have been Lennon’s 70th birthday (October 9th) and the 30th anniversary of his death (December 8th). It will certainly be a bittersweet season of remembrance.

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So, with all of this on the horizon, and the Austin City Limits Music Festival in October the fall season is looking pre-tty sweet. And, since my posts are printable now I hope that I’ve saved a few of you the trouble of typing up a Christmas Wishlist…. Mom & Dad, are you reading this?

My favorite summer-into-fall transition song: “Ramble On” – Led Zeppelin