GrooveOut Shorts The Bubbly Black Girl Sheds Her Chameleon Skin, Broadway Scene Stealers, Mika, Macy Gray, Hilary Duff, Amy Winehouse, Ultra Naté, Ryland Angel, Joan Armatrading, Dr. Dog, Paula Abdul, Tracy Young, The Alan Parsons Project PLUS WEB ONLY SHORTS By Nancy Ford and Andrea Rodricks
Various Artists New Arrivals, Volume 1 New Arrivals, Volume 2 The visually delicate yet heavily talented Rachael Sage, who played the 2005's Houston GLBT Pride Festival, performs on Vol. 1 and conceived Vol. 2. She and other like-minded artists, like Melissa Ferrick, Ellis, and Girlyman, have waved their fees, with all proceeds to hurricane relief and hunger projects. Good music for good causes. From MPress Records (www.mpressrecords.com). — Preview: Nancy Ford
Original Cast Recording The Bubbly Black Girl Sheds Her Chameleon Skin Gender, race, and relationships are explored in this pop musical by Kirsten Childs, with LaChanze, last year's Best Actress Tony winner for The Color Purple, brilliantly leading the cast. "Sticks and Stones" and "Granny's Advice" make me want to see the whole show instead of just hearing it on CD. From Playwrights Horizons and Ghostlight Records (www.ghostlightrecords.com). — Review: N.F.
Various Artists Broadway Scene Stealers — The Women Broadway Scene Stealers — The Men These two discs focus on songs that were not runaway hits from their respective shows but perhaps should have been. Includes yummies like Dorothy Loudon's "Little Girls" from Annie, Paul Wallace's "All I Need Is the Girl" from Gypsy, Barbra Streisand's "Miss Marmelstein" from I Can Get It For You Wholesale, and many more. From Playbill Records (www.playbillrecords.com). — Preview: N.F.
Mika Life in Cartoon Motion This London-based singing/songwriting Lebanese émigré hit big with "Grace Kelly," the kicky first cut on his debut CD. Mika describes himself as "Beck via Queen and Elton John with a touch of Rufus W." But it's Scissor Sisters who pop out, especially with "Big Girl (You Are Beautiful)." From Universal Republic (www.universalrepublicrecords.com). — Review: N.F.
Macy Gray Big Her remarkably unusual voice and fashion sense made her a huge success and distinguished her from her musical peers. Big is nothing like Gray's previous albums. This dynamic new recording features a variety of styles with a bit of hip-hop and rock. Along with guest performances by many notable artists, the soul diva's unique sound and soulful charms prevail. From Will.i.am Music/Geffen Records (www.geffen.com). — Review: Andrea Rodricks Hilary Duff Dignity Like this CD's promotional material says, "Dignity isn't for sale. It comes from within." Stop laughing — she's serious. This former Houstonian and Lizzie McGuire star is listed as co-executive producer for her third release, an apt platform to distinguish her from her paparazzi-magnet contemporaries. From Hollywood Records (www.hollywoodrecords.com). — Preview: N.F. Amy Winehouse Back to Black Bluesy and ballsy, this "Ronette from Hell," as the Village Voice calls her, pays tribute to girl groups of the '50s and '60s — but with a dark, dark twist. "Back to Black" and "Some Unholy War" stand out. From Universal Republic Records (www.universalrepublicrecords.com). — Review: N.F.
