Music

GrooveOut Shorts: August 2007

Coles Whalen, Marc Almond, Nebulai, The Dead Betties, Junior Senior, Enrique Iglesias, Rhianna, Bon Jovi, The Pirate Queen, ZibraZibra.

ColesColes Whalen
Nothing Is too Much
This L.A. folk-rocker girl played Chances before the Pride Parade, to the great appreciation of her new Houston fans. This disc’s quick six cuts span a number of emotions, from the plaintiff “Call on Me'” to the hard-driving “Honeyed Out.” Most enjoyable. Iconic Records (www.iconicrocks.com).
Review: Nancy Ford

Marc Almond
Stardom Road
This flowery new collection is mostly covers from the gay artist responsible for the cult hit “Tainted Love.” Each tune is an independent creation, but somehow Almond has woven them into a tapestry where one complements the next. Melodic and intriguing. Sanctuary Records Group (www.marcalmond.co.uk).
Review: N.F.

NebulaiNebulai
Wear My Hands Out
Folk/funk/soul queer artist busts out nicely with this busy set of tunes influenced by his global musical studies. The scratchy LP-reproduction on a couple of the tracks is quirkily nostalgic, as are the lilting back harmonies. Worth a listen. Re-Perkussionz of Sovereign Art (www.nebulai.com).
Review: N.F.

The Dead Betties
Nightmare Sequence
Discordant anger is the hallmark of true alt artistry, and this offering doesn’t veer from that course. Its “Destination I Do” with its taunting “Do your little dance of the wedding bells” lyrics is likely to be played at every gay Goth wedding reception for years to come. Now available digitally online; national release is September 4. Cordless Recordings (www.cordless.com).
Review: N.F.

JrSrJunior Senior

Hey Hey My My Yo Yo
You’ve probably heard this Danish duo’s “Itch U Can’t Skratch” on a Logo promo. And that’s probably enough. The B-52’s Cindy Wilson and Kate Pierson guest; otherwise, way too light and fluffy. Rolling Stone loves them, though. Available Aug. 14 from Rykodisc (www.myspace.com/juniorsenior).
Review: N.F. 
 
Enrique Iglesias
Insomniac
This new disc from Julio’s boy is likely to receive plenty of gay attention following Enrique’s recent romantic serenade to a male fan at a London club. All are invitingly listenable cuts with the exception of the annoying “The Ping Pong Song.” Interscope Records (www.enriqueiglesias.com).
Review: N.F.

Rhianna

RhiannaGood Girl Gone Bad
The exquisitely beautiful CoverGirl model is as pleasing to the ear as she is to the eye. The refreshingly   acoustic title track is a fresh approach to the genre; Jay-Z guests on a more traditional hip-hop take. Def Jam Records (www.defjam.com).
Review: N.F.

Bon Jovi
Lost Highway
Jon calls their 10th studio album “a Bon Jovi record influenced by Nashville,” and the cozy coupling with LeAnn Rimes on “Till We Ain’t Strangers Anymore” proves it. Oddly, several tunes outscore the designated first single, “Make a Memory.” Island Records (www.islandrecords.com).
Review: N.F.

PirateQueenOriginal Cast Recording
The Pirate Queen
No, this is not Johnny Depp’s greatest hits. With tunes titled “Woman,” “Boys’ll Be Boys,” and “Woman to Woman,” this lilting musical tale of legendary Irish Chieftain Grace O’Malley is obsessed with gender. But who isn’t. Masterworks Broadway (www.thepiratequeen.com).
Review: Tim Brookover

ZibraZibra
777
Assuming the guise of quantum-leaping kraut-poppers and singing in Finnish, German, and English, the band combines pop, techno, metal, and hip-hop. They have a loyal gay fanbase and played 2006’s Pride Fest in Minneapolis. See them in Houston, Aug. 17, at Super Happy Fun Land. From Royal, Etc. Records (www.royaletc.com).
Preview: Suzie Lynde

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