| 2.14.2007
Lily Allen
Alright, Still
Having already spoiled the Brits with her wicked ska-laden rhythms and boarding school dropout rhymes, this web 2.0 MySpace junkie turned TRL pop queen has already made quite a name for herself in the states without having yet released an album. On Tuesday, Jan. 30, Alright, Still gets its long overdue U.S. release, so quit rearranging your top 24, get on the L train to Union Square and purchase this shit ’cause you’ll wanna know every last lyric when they’re spinning “LDN” and “Smile” down in the East Village boybars on Saturday night. (EMI Records)—Ryan Doyle
Anaïs Mitchell
The Brightness
Much like most of Righteous Babe’s roster, 25-year-old Vermont singer/songwriter Mitchell has a lot on her mind. Her midnight-traveling songs work well as three-minute road maps dotted with tears, and though the arrangements on The Brightness are slim to none, her songwriting reaches far beyond the usual coffee house folkies. Truth be told, I wouldn’t dare perform after this girl on open mic night. (Righteous Babe)—RD
The Bird and the Bee
The Bird and the Bee
“Cute” might be the best word to describe the electro twee pop duo The Bird and the Bee, but this isn’t just for fey, paisley-clad boys.Charming jazz chords and memorable melodies make this an impressive debut. Highlights include club smash “Fucking Boyfriend,” and “I’m a Broken Heart,” a beautiful mash-up of Richard Carpenters’ compositional technique and Stereolab’s cool aesthetic. (Blue Note Records)—RD
Diana Ross
I Love You
With Dreamgirls in theaters and an American Idol gig coming up, the time is ripe for a Ross revival. Unfortunately, with an age-coarsened voice and a selection of redundant covers (a synthed-out “More Today Than Yesterday” is particularly out of place), this album isn’t any help. It’s always nice to have a new Ross album, but this isn’t nearly as entertaining as her 30-year-old solo debut. (EMI)—Mark Peikert
Fujiya & Miyagi
Transparent Things
David Bowie once said, “Tomorrow belongs to those who can hear it coming.” These minimalist krautrock-lovin’ Blokes’ debut (no, they’re not Japanese) recall that same philosophy adding their own brand of synthetic rhythms, whispered vocals and a disco funk. Highlights include “Ankle Injuries” and instrumental “Cassettesingle,” a non-stop dance party for the autobahn. (Deaf Dumb & Blind Recordings)—RD
Kristen Hersh
Learn to Sing Like a Star
If Liz Phair hadn’t become obsessed with pop fame, her albums might sound like Hersh’s ninth solo release. The prolific ex-Throwing Muses frontwoman pens brilliant adult-contemporary indie rock with little effort. Though her no-frills songwriting rarely strays from her grunge roots, Hersh’s guitar chops never sounded better and her almost raspy voice exudes a confidence lacking in her contemporaries. (Yep Roc Records)—RD
Mew
Frengers
Months after their major label debut, Frengers collects stunning rerecorded versions of this Danish outfit’s first two independent releases. “Am I Wry? No” is catchy power-pop with a Masters in music and the forlorn love track “Symmetry” manages to make the monster ballad genre cool. “You will always be the belle of the ball,” they coo. “At least to me.” Sadness never —RD
8-bit Operators
The Music of Kraftwerk
This tribute album of Kraftwerk gems reworked on re-tooled lo-bit gaming technology teeters between novelty and genius. Nullsleeps’s “The Model” rivals the brilliance of the original while Glomag’s take on “Pocket Calculator” embraces the forgotten video game soundtracks of the ’80s. The nerd-alert factor is off the charts, but, for those who prefer Atari to Xbox, Kraftwerk will get your joysticks rock hard. (Astralwerks)—RD
Justin Hayford
It All Belongs to You
Hayford has dug through yellowing sheet music again to come up with an album of Cole Porter rarities. No unearthed long lost masterpieces, though—these tracks mostly sound like disposable music-as-wallpaper. Still, there’s fun to be had in hearing songs that disappeared decades ago. (LML Music)—MP
Paul & Price
Sounds Like Sex 2
Paul & Price write gorgeously textured background music fit for an late-night cocktail party. While Sounds Like Sex is perfect as the soundtrack to the hours after midnight, the songs are far from sounding “like sex.” These lounge-y down-tempo, almost drug-induced, instrumentals (think Air’s Moon Safari minus the sci-fi) resemble more the slow curl of smoke from a cigarette after sex. Which is just as appealing. (redCola Records)—RD
Spring Awakening
Various Artists
The cast album for the hit Broadway musical will no doubt do double service as a must-have for fans of the show, and an incentive for hold-outs to go and see it. Packed with teen angst and sexuality, the songs come across well, and the young cast all sound as desperate and confused as required. One of the most necessary cast albums of the last few years. (Decca)—MP
A New Groove
Various Artists
Putumayo’s popular Groove series continues with this installment, on which they’ve assembled unknown and diverse artists from around the world. Highlights include Kid Loco’s mellow take on Thievery Corporation’s “Until the Morning,” a trip-hop anthem that never lasts long enough and The Cat Empire’s “The Lost Song,” which combines a striking combination of smooth reggae influence and Cuban son style horns. (Putumayo World Music)—RD
Om: Chilled
Various Artists
Perfect for soothing, soulful background sounds at a fabulous dinner party or an intimate night, Om Records has collected some great laid-back grooves. All but two tracks are exclusive to this collection, so if that’s your thing, this is the disc to get. It is definitely background music though—try to pay attention to it will bore you to tears. (Om Records)—Martyn Dunn
Ono
Yes, I'm a Witch
The best of Yoko Ono gets an update here, with the help of contemporary indie acts. Most of them ditch Ono’s avant-garde instrumentation for warmer arrangements, successfully pinpointing each song’s sensitive undercurrent. “Toyboat” will make you find the original and the beautifully orchestrated “Nobody Sees Me Like You Do” is up to par with even her late husband’s best material. (Astralwerks)—RD
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