GrooveOut Shorts
Susan Howard, Tegan and Sara, Braden-Rapp, Jeffree Star, Whitney Houston, Timbaland, Vanities: A New Musical, Ashley Brown, The Lost Fingers, Katharine McPhee, David Berger Jazz Orchestra, and Ke$ha. Reviews/previews by Nancy Ford
Susan Howard Warm Sun This must-have CD for children with same-sex, single, and interracial parents features diversity-affirming tunes like “Hanging Out With My Moms,” “Daddy, Papa and Me,” “Invincible,” and “I’m Adopting a Brother.” Think of Howard (not “Donna Culver Krebbs” on Dallas) as the female Raffi, but gay(er). The Next Family (thenextfamily.com).
Tegan and Sara Sainthood It’s hard to believe the Canadian indie pop duo, with their spunky little haircuts, has been recording for a full decade. Here, the sixth studio album continues the gay twins’ well-established alt tradition, especially with the driving first single, “Hell,” as well as “Northshore.” Sire Records (teganandsara.com).
Braden-Rapp The Strayhorn Project The music of the Duke Ellington protégé arranger and “A Train” composer is showcased here in fine jazz fashion. Includes lovely versions of the openly gay Strayhorn’s mega-hits, “Satin Doll” and “Daydream.” But the lush “Something to Live For” will make you long for an unfiltered cigarette in a ’40s cocktail lounge. Premium Music Solutions (premiummusicsolutions.com).
Jeffree Star Beauty Killer Who could have guessed that Kelley Osbourne’s pink eye-browed, former makeup artist was also a recording artist-in-waiting? Star’s debut album offers profane yet oddly appealing electronic dance ditties like “Fame & Riches, Rehab Bitches” and “Love Rhymes With F*ck You” (uh, no it doesn’t). Popsicle Records (popsiclerecords.net).
Whitney Houston The Deluxe Anniversary Edition Here we are whisked back to a simpler time when the diva, with her mega-hits like “You Give Good Love,” “Greatest Love of All,” and “Saving All My Love for You,” was the sweetest apple of producer Clive Davis’ eye. Includes a bonus DVD with performances and videos from the ’80s, before the blight. Arista (legacyrecordings.com).
Timbaland Shock Value II The stars come out to sing on the multi-platinum producer’s second multi-artist CD, including Nelly Furtado and SoShy’s duet on “Morning After Dark.” Among others laying down tracks here are Top 40 chartbusters Justin Timberlake, The Fray, Katy Perry, and . . . Miley Cyrus? Poppy and light. Interscope Records (interscope.com).
Original Cast Recording Vanities: A New Musical The oft-produced musical stage mega-hit of the ’70s, chronicling the lives of three Texas gals, gets a 21st-century redo. David Kirshenbaum’s “eclectic pop score” was highly praised by the New York Times following last year’s off-Broadway resurrection. Ghostlight Records (ghostlightrecords.com).
Ashley Brown Speak Low This talented soprano has received considerable acclaim for her portrayal of the title role in the national touring company of Mary Poppins. Here she shines with a collection of fine standards like “My Funny Valentine” and “I’ll Be Seeing You,” but skip the ill-advised “Smile/Make Someone Happy” cha cha medley. Ghostlight Records (ghostlightrecords.com).
The Lost Fingers Lost in the 80s Hits from the ’80s, like “Pump Up the Jam,” “You Shook Me All Night Long,” “You Give Love a Bad Name,” and others, receive a swingy makeover by this whimsical, talented trio who take their name from the tragic, triumphant story of Django Reinhardt. Unfamiliar? Google him. Tandem (tandem.mu).
Katharine McPhee Unbroken The American Idol second-place darling collaborates with ’90s pop flash, Paula Cole, to pen the dramatic yet lyrically pointless title track here. But the first breakout single, “Had It All,” is pleasing and light, just like the new blonde ’do Ms. McPhee now rocks. Verve Forecast (vervemusicgroup.com).
David Berger Jazz Orchestra Sing Me a Love Song Freda Payne and Denzal Sinclaire lend their sophisticated vocal talents to this retro and swingy collection of previously undiscovered tunes by Harry Warren, one of America’s most prolific songwriters, matched with new lyrics by Paul Mendelhall. Such Sweet Thunder Records (davidbergerjazz.com).
Ke$ha Animal We wanted to dislike this debut pop CD by the young story-songstress, given her lyrical sense of entitlement and dopey name. But we couldn’t—it’s too good. Especially fun are the title track, as well “Party at a Rich Dude’s House,” about throwing up in Paris Hilton’s closet. RCA Records (rcarecords.com).
