Billboard (6.6.92)
Sophomore Sets Head Class of June Releases
BY LARRY FLICK
Nearly every genre of music will heat up considerably in June. Leading the pack of acts with new albums this month are sophomores Wilson Phillips, Firehouse, and Deee-Lite, as well as Mariah Carey and the B-52's.
Other artists with key releases are Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Elton John, Lindsey Buckingham, Glen Frey, Steelheart, and Faith No More. Movie soundtracks will also be prominent this month, as sets supporting "Mo' Money," "Boomerang," and "Batman Returns," sport tracks by a glittering array of artists.
On Tuesday (2), Wilson Phillips unveils the follow-up to its 1990 multi-platinum debut with "Shadows And Light" (SKB/ERG). Preceded by the current hit "You Won't See Me Cry," the set reteams the trio with producer/songwriter Glen Ballard. The material takes on a number of serious issues, including child abuse, and Carnie and Wendy Wilson's estrangement from their father, Brian Wilson. The group kicks off a world tour this summer.
Although the push behind Carey's triple-platinum opus, "Emotions," is far from over, Columbia is capitalizing on the singer's recent appearance on MTV's "Unplugged" by issuing a six-song EP from the show. Due out Tuesday (2), the set already boasts a hit single with Carey's cover of the Jackson 5's "I'll Be There."
On June 30, the B-52's will try to duplicate the success of 1989's "Cosmic Thing" with "Good Stuff" (Reprise). Half the album was produced by Nile Rodgers, Don Was handled the other half. This set is the band's first without Cindy Wilson, who left last year. The first single, "Hot Pants," goes to radio shortly.
Epic headbanging act Firehouse will try to make lightning strike twice, as it unleashes its sophomore effort, "Hold Your Fire," June 16. The first single from this follow-up to its platinum 1990 debut will be "Reach To The Sky." Look for the band to tour with Tesla this summer.
Also following a successful debut is Elektra trio Deee-Lite, which is sues "Infinity Within" June 23. The trendsetting dance-music act takes a more political direction this time, tackling such issues as the judicial system, the environment, and voter registration. The first single, "Runaway," is already a club hit, with a top 40 push planned for later this month.
Classic rock denizens will likely note the return of Emerson, Lake & Palmer. On June 9, the trio offers "Black Moon" on PLG's Victory Reccords, its first album in 13 years. The set was produced by Mark Mancina, and will be supported by a U.S. concert tour later this month.
Elton John resurfaces June 23 with "The One" (MCA). The first single will be "Runaway Train," a duet with Eric Clapton, with whom John will tour this summer. Other guests include former Pink Floyd guitarist David Gilmour and Kiki Dee, who last sang with John on their '70s classic "Don't Go Breakin' My Heart."
Former Fleetwood Mac member Buckingham joins the Reprise roster to release his third solo album, "Out Of The Cradle," June 16. The set was co-produced by longtime collaborator Richard Dashut and is bolstered by album-rock radio play already generated by the first emphasis track, "Wrong." A top 40 push behind "Countdown" is planned for early July.
Ex-Eagle Frey ends a lengthy break from recording June 23 with "Strange Weather" (MCA). He is joined by guest musicians Kenny Aronof, Heartbreaker Benmont Tench, and Robbie Kilgore.
MCA pop/metal act Steelheart has teamed with noted producer Tom Werman for "Tangled in Reigns," the follow-up to its gold-selling 1991 debut. The album is in stores June 9, and will be preceded by a single titled "Sticky Side Up."
On June 16, Faith No More issues "Angle Dust" on Slash/Reprise, which was produced by Matt Wallace. The band is on the road with Guns N' Roses, and has been tapped to open GN'R's summer jaunt with Metallica.
Movie soundtracks will provide consumers with an opportunity to get new music by some of the leading urban and alternative acts. The album supporting "Mo' Money" (A&M,June 23) features appearances by Janet Jackson, Luther Vandross, Bell Biv DeVoe, Caron Wheeler, Public Enemy, and MC Lyte.
The set for the film "Boomerang" (Arista, June 23) boasts cuts by Boyz II Men, Johnny Gill, Babyface, Grace Jones, P. M. Dawn, and A Tribe Called Quest.
On June 30, Danny Elfman's "Batman Returns" soundtrack arrives on Warner Bros. Although the musician and composer performs most of the tracks, Siouxsie & the Banshees are featured on one cut, "Face To Face," which is slated as the first single.
Other notable compilations in June include "Red Hot + Dance" (Columbia, June 30), an offshoot of 1989's successful AIDS fund-raiser "Red Hot + Blue." George Michael has contributed three new tracks, including the new single "Too Funky," while Madonna, Seal, Lisa Stansfield, Crystal Waters, and EMF offer previously released material. The album will benefit the Red Hot + Blue foundation.
Also on June 30, Columbia has "'Til Their Eyes Shine," a collection of lullabies sung by Rosanne Cash, Gloria Estefan, Carole King, Dionne Warwick, and Emmylou Harris. All artist royalties will benefit Voiceless Victims, and organization devoted to educating children who are victims of wars, poverty, and abuse.
Contributed by Jerry Burch.