Now that we’ve gotten Chinese Democracy out of the way, it’s time to get ready to disappointed by other long-awaited albums from still-popular artists. And look, it’s D’Angelo! Billboardis reporting that the follow up to 2000’s Voodoo, James River, will be released this summer with an all-star array of sidekicks and collaborators along for the ride.

The list starts with Prince (who seems to have enough on his plate, right?), and also includes Cee-Lo, Raphael Saadiq, Roy Hargrove, and (somewhat befuddlingly) Mark Ronson. While what I really want to hear is that D’Angelo spent the last eight years in a basement somewhere watching the entire recorded run of Soul Train and trading cassettes through the mail with ?uestlove, that’s obviously not the case. So we’ll just hope for the best.

We should probably note an album titled James River from D’Angelo was on Capitol’s release schedule for late 2007. And that the singer released a politically themed press release today:

To Commemorate Martin Luther King Jr. ’s day and on the eve of the
inauguration of Barack Obama soul icon D’Angelo releases of the
following statement “Barack Obama is one of the most progressive and
dynamic leaders in the world,” commented D’Angelo. “I believe that
even in the face of domestic and global adversity, he will bring about
important change. “ 2009 promises to be a banner year for multi-Grammy
award winning artist D’Angelo. He is currently putting the finishing
touches on his highly anticipated new musical excursion and gearing up
for a Spring tour across the US. For a taste of undeniable D’Angelo
perfection, check out his buzz single, “I Found My Smile Again,”
available right now on iTunes. The song is a newly inspired version
of the similarly titled track from his 2008 compilation album, “The
Best So Far” (Virgin Records America). His upcoming CD – one of next
year’s most anticipated – is slated for a Summer release via RCA Music
Group and J Records and will include collaborations with noted
producer-songwriter Raphael Saadiq, producer Mark Ronson and the
brilliant trumpeter Roy Hargrove. The songs they have recorded are
infused with rhythmic and melodic magic that won’t disappoint
listeners. That is just the beginning, as D’Angelo is also expected
to create pure alchemy with the legendary Prince, as well as the
eclectic and always engaging Cee-Lo Green of Gnarls Barkley.
Additionally, in response to inquiries from global fans, D’Angelo is
gearing up for a new tour. According to his manager, Lindsay Guion,
D’Angelo will resume stage performances this spring with some European
dates and subsequent US performances. These engagements promise to be
sizzling standing room only, sold out affairs. Cities and dates will
soon be announced. For more information and to preview new music,
visit D’Angelo at www.myspace.com/dangelo.

Someone needs to slow down on the metaphors there!

D’Angelo Plots Prince Collab, Spring Tour [Billboard]