Weekly US music releases: collaborations with Gorillaz, Ludacris, and Ry Cooder

On March 9, the return of Gorillaz is creating a buzz, plus guest stars and collaborative efforts mark the week's releases from Ludacris to new act Broken Bells. And there's the ultimate reissue from The Runaways.

Gorillaz, Plastic Beach
Five years after Gorillaz's last album, the third release from this alternative hip-hop act has a pop feel. David Albarn, Blur's frontman, with his collaboration of musicians, produced Plastic Beach. The first single from the 16-song collection on Virgin Records is "Stylo," featuring Bobby Womack and Mos Def, which is accompanied by a music video with actor Bruce Willis and the band's animated characters by Jamie Hewlett. Other tracks from the award-winning multi-platinum act include Snoop Dogg and Lou Reed, De La Soul, and the Lebanese National Orchestra for Oriental Arabic Music.
http://www.gorillaz.com

Ludacris, Battle of the Sexes
On the seventh studio album from rapper Ludacris, guests include Ne-Yo, Flo Rida, Ciara, Lil'Kim, and Eve. Released by Disturbing Tha Peace/Def Jam Recordings, the first hit single is "How Low."
www.myspace.com/ludacris

The Chieftains featuring Ry Cooder, San Patricio
A collaboration between producer Ry Cooder ( Buena Vista Social Club) and the Grammy-winning traditional Irish group, The Chieftains, this 19-track album features several guest performances including Linda Ronstadt and Los Tigres del Norte, with narration by actor Liam Neeson. A mash-up of Ireland and Mexico, the title refers to the Spanish name for St. Patrick, telling the story of a battalion of Irish immigrants who deserted the US Army to fight with Mexico during the Mexican-American War (1846-1848). On Fantasy/Concord Records. www.thechieftains.com/

Broken Bells
The self-titled debut album by The Shins' James Mercer and the artist/producer Brian Burton, known as Danger Mouse, who decided to collaborate after meeting at Denmark's Roskilde music festival. The first single of experimental pop music released on Columbia Records is "The High Road."
www.brokenbells.com

The Runaways, Greatest Hits
A 2-CD collection with 42 songs, includes several live tracks, and "Cherry Bomb," the signature song of the 1970's all-girl teenage band, that began Joan Jett's rock career. The anthology is released to capitalize on the upcoming film, The Runaways, starring Twilight's Kristen Stewart and Dakota Fanning.
http://therunaways.com/

RC