This Week in Music

Here are the new releases of the week:

British soul singer Joss Stone released The Soul Sessions Volume 2. On this album of covers, you can appreciate the depth of her voice and rich range.

Here is a live studio session of the Broken Bells song “High Road”:

Country trio Gloriana released their sophomore album, Thousand Miles Left Behind. If you are a fan of artists like Lady Antebellum, you will like them too as they have a similar sound.

Here is the video from song "(Kissed You) Goodnight":

Heavy metal group Testament released their 10th studio album, Dark Roots of Earth. Since the 1980’s, this thrash metal band is still going strong in the company of bands like Metallica and Megadeth.

Rapper Rick Ross released God Forgives I Don’t. It was originally slated for release in 2011 but was pushed back until now.

In concert news:

Broadway in Bryant Park has three more Thursday’s of free musical lunch time entertainment this summer.

In other outdoor fun, comedian Stephen Colbert will host a music festival on Aug. 10 at NYC’s Intrepid featuring groups like fun. and Flaming Lips.

In reality TV singing competition news:

Cristina Aguilera’s team on The Voice will be gaining Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong as a mentor in the upcoming season.

American Idol will not include Toby Keith. He declined a request to be judge for the new season. They are still trying to fill the slots left empty by Steven Tyler and J Lo.

In other news:

Zac Brown Band is number one on the Billboard 200 chart, although music sales are low this week.

Jay Z is in now in the video game business. He is executive producer for NBA 2K13.

Rapper Snoop Dogg transforms from a Dogg to a Lion with his entry into the world of reggae.

MTV’s Video Music Awards are coming up on Sept. 6. Selena Gomez received her first nomination, for best female video.

Among other nominees, Rihanna and Drake have scored the most.

Alicia Keys also announced that she will be debuting new music at the ceremony.

Sounds like a good night in music, so mark your calendars.