GrooveOut Shorts: November 2007
Garrison Starr, Fuji Minx, Sugarbeach, KT Tunstall, Michael Hensley, Vanessa Carlton, The Pipettes, LeAnn Rimes, Megan McCauley, Reba McEntyre, Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds, James Blunt, Luther Vandross, and more, including WEB-ONLY GrooveOut Shorts.
By Nancy Ford
See more GrooveOut Shorts >>
Reba McEntyre, Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds, James Blunt, Luther Vandross, and comedian Michael Ian Black. WEB-ONLY: Demetra, Brush, Divasonic, Laura Aidanblaise, Abigail Hopkins, MOTU, Foley McKenna Band.
Garrison Starr
The Girl That Killed September
Starr herself boldly states this album represents her “best work.” Fortunately, this lesbian favorite of the women’s/indie festival circuit delivers exactly that with these infectious, piercing tunes. “Unchangeable” and “Spectacle” stand out. Media Creature Music (www.mediacreature.com/gstarr). — Review: Nancy Ford
___________________________
Fuji Minx
Users Cheaters Theatres
There are plenty of tasty cuts on this collection, especially “But No No No.” And if things don’t go well, this SoCal pop band with its driving pop themes and high production value definitely has a future as a No Doubt tribute band. Monkeymiddlefinger (www.fujiminx.com). — Review: N.F.
___________________________
Sugarbeach
I Just Love Girls
Out lesbians Marlee Walchuk and Tully Callendar, favorites of the Canadian Pride fest circuit, pack a number of styles into this EP. Let’s call this collection of original gay love songs “electroni-lesbi-pop,” with “She’s With Me” adding a salsa-rific Latin flare. — Review: N.F.
___________________________
KT Tunstall
Drastic Fantastic
The Scottish rocker soundly follows her multi-plat Eye to the Telescope with this quirky yet satisfying album. Expect “Saving My Face” and/or “Hold On” to rise to the top as hits. Virgin Records (www.kttunstall.com). — Review: N.F.
___________________________
Michael Hensley
Fire Behind Me
Hensley says his musical goal is to infuse the beat of electronica with stronger lyrics and melodies. He succeeds with this fresh collection of originals introduced at Boston’s 2007 Pride Festival. “Take a Hint” is especially fun. Self-produced by Michael Hensley Histen (www.michael-hensley.com). — Review: N.F.
___________________________
will.i.am
Songs About Girls
Black Eyed Pea members sure love to sing about butts. Appropriately, “The Donque,” featuring Snoop Dogg, is the standout in this fun, energetic hip-hop collection. Similarly, “Get Your Money” is destined to become a fave of pole dancers worldwide. Interscope (www.interscope.com). — Review: N.F.
___________________________
Vanessa Carlton
Heroes & Thieves
This young singer/songwriter/pianist wisely hooked up with rock icon Stevie Nicks for the gently orchestrated “The One” on this, her third album. A renaissance- festy feel prevails throughout, especially on “Home” and the title cut. Universal Motown (www.universalrecords.com). — Review: N.F.
___________________________
The Pipettes
We Are the Pipettes
SXSW 2007 attendees loved this Brit trio’s spunky recalling of ’60s-era do-wop girl groups. If Elvis were still making movies, The Pipettes would definitely be singing and swinging in the background. Fun, light fare. Cherry Tree Records (www.thepipettes.com). — Review: N.F.
___________________________
LeAnn Rimes
Family
The li’l gal from Garland is all grown up, and this gorgeous country collection proves it, especially when she kicks ass with the highly functional title track. Rimes penned (or co-penned) all the tunes, including the solid Jon Bon Jovi duet, “ ‘Til We’re Not Strangers Anymore.” Curb Records (www.curb.com). — Review: N.F.
___________________________
Megan McCauley
Better Than Blood
Abusive fathers be forewarned: The little girl you hurt today might grow up tomorrow to write a song called “I’ll Pay You to Shoot Him.” The 19-year-old Ohio native rocks with Lavigne-like fervor (only angrier), especially with “Migraine” and “Tap That.” Wind Up Records (www.winduprecords.com). — Review: N.F.
___________________________
See more GrooveOut Shorts >>
Reba McEntyre, Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds, James Blunt, Luther Vandross, and comedian Michael Ian Black. WEB-ONLY: Demetra, Brush, Divasonic, Laura Aidanblaise, Abigail Hopkins, MOTU, Foley McKenna Band.
Enjoyed this story? For over 30 years, OutSmart has been Houston’s trusted LGBTQ+ media. Support us with a tax-deductible donation through the OutSmart Foundation—every contribution makes a difference.