Welcome to Buzzworthy's "The Week In Pop," where we round up new album releases, talk show musical guests and TV performances by your favorite pop stars and more (so you don't have to).
This week rules so hard with a slew of genre-spanning gems. Let's just call Tuesday "something for everyone" day. Scottish singer-songwriter Emeli Sande sees the U.S. release of her debut album while Swedish sensations The Hives unleash album number five. Japandroids drop an all-killer, no-filler sophomore album, plus there's rap from Curren$y and a touch of country via Kelly Hogan. Also, Godmother of Punk Patti Smith and The Beach Boys make welcome returns to form. On TV, peep the CMT Awards Wednesday with performances by Carrie Underwood, The Band Perry and more. The week ends with the Tony Awards, where Nick Jonas and Sheryl Crow are among the presenters.
NEW ALBUM RELEASES
Tuesday, June 5
+ Emeli Sande, Our Version Of Events: The debut album from the Scottish singer-songwriter has been out overseas since February, but the 14-track set is out stateside on Tuesday. Check out the chart-topping, R&B-tinged singles "Heaven" and "Next To Me."
+ The Hives, Lex Hives: Right from the opening gallop and rallying call of "Come On!" The Hives' fourth album rollicks with anthemic, scream-along choruses and arena-worthy frenetic riffs. Also check out the wallop of "Patrolling Days" and "My Time Is Coming." We challenge you to not throw down air guitar windmills, hand claps and pogo about while grooving to this set.
+ Curren$y, The Stoned Immaculate: Spitta has been blowing up forevs on his own with his prolific output of weed-loving, chillaxing jams. Now with his first proper studio album and major label debut, he's expanded his collabos outside of his Jet Life crew. Check out "Capitol" with 2 Chainz, "Jet Life" with Wiz Khalifa and Big K.R.I.T., and "Chasin Paper" with Pharrell Williams.
Check out more new album releases and upcoming TV appearances and performances after the jump.
+ Japandroids, Celebration Rock: With the crackling firework sounds that pepper "The Nights Of Wine and Roses," the "Oh yeah! All right!" shouts of "Evil's Sway," the ass-kicky stomp of the spoke-sung "For The Love Of Ivy" and the endorphin rush of "Adrenaline Nightshift," the set is indeed aptly titled. The duo crafts a 40-minute front-to-back blast of fiery hooks and melodies, and it is awesome.
+ Patti Smith, Banga: Banga houses a variety of genres and inspirations, from the Amy Winehouse-dedicated ballad "This Is The Girl" to the country-kissed "Nine," a birthday gift for Johnny Depp. There's also the earthquake-inspired "Fuji-San" and the literature-inspired punky title track. Simply put, at 65-years old, Patti Smith is testament that relevant, vital rock 'n' roll is not solely a young man's game.
+ Kelly Hogan, I Like To Keep Myself In Pain: You may know her as the soul sister backup for Jakob Dylan or Neko Case, but she's also a shining talent on her own. Among her famous fans are M. Ward ("Daddy's Little Girl"), Andrew Bird ("We Can't Have Nice Things"), Robyn Hitchcock (title track) and Stephin Merritt ("Plant White Roses"), who penned songs for her to gorgeously interpret on this set.
+ The Beach Boys, That's Why God Made The Radio: Over the course of 50 storied years The Beach Boys have existed, their timeless music has endured -- despite lawsuits, tragedies and genius Brian Wilson's health issues. They reunite for a 29th album, their first since 1992. Check out the pensive, nostalgic "From There To Back Again," which features their hallmark harmonies.
+ Shonen Knife, Pop Tune: The all-female Japanese trio are 30 years into their careers (with numerous lineup changes) and are on a 30-date U.S. tour. Their new album traverses their sweet power-pop-punk trademark sound that inspired J-pop/J-rock (and K-pop) makers who followed. "Pop Tune" is classic Shonen Knife with its sunny words of wisdom: "Since you're already here, think of happy things!"
+ Bobby Brown, The Masterpiece: This may be Bobby Brown's first solo album in 14 years, but he hasn't been inactive musically speaking -- he is currently on tour with his "boy" band, New Edition. The Masterpiece features "Don't Let Me Die," which was written as a tribute to his former wife, the late Whitney Houston.
TV APPEARANCES AND PERFORMANCES
Monday, June 4
"VH1's Big Morning Buzz" -- Gavin DeGraw
"Anderson Cooper" -- Adam Levine
"Late Show With David Letterman" -- Silversun Pickups
"Jimmy Kimmel Live" -- fun.
"Chelsea Lately" -- Mary J. Blige
"Conan" -- Neon Trees
"Live With Kelly" -- Gavin DeGraw
Tuesday, June 5
"Late Show With David Letterman" -- Alan Jackson
"Jimmy Kimmel Live" -- Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros
"Adele Live In London With Matt Lauer" -- NBC special with Adele
Wednesday, June 6 on MTV
"MTV's Hip Hop POV" -- Episode 8 premieres!
Wednesday, June 6
"Late Show With David Letterman" -- Jimmy Cliff
"Jimmy Kimmel Live" -- K'naan
CMT Music Awards -- Featuring performances by Willie Nelson, Carrie Underwood, Lady Antebellum, Zac Brown Band, The Band Perry, Scotty McCreery and more.
Thursday, June 7, on MTV
"America's Best Dance Crew" -- The dancers take on week 9!
Thursday, June 7
"Late Show With David Letterman" -- The Temper Trap
"Jimmy Kimmel Live" -- Dead Sara
"Duets" -- Week 3, featuring Kelly Clarkson, John Legend, Robin Thicke and Jennifer Nettles
"VH1's Rock Docs" -- "Yo, The Story of Yo! MTV Raps" featuring interviews with Tupac Shakur, Questlove, Rakim, Big Boi and more.
Friday, June 8
"Today Show" -- Chris Brown
Sunday, June 9
2012 Tony Awards -- Presenters include Nick Jonas and Sheryl Crow.
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