Bob Mould, Betty Buckley, Katie Sawicki, Missy Higgins, The Puppini Sisters, Kaki King, The Ones, Ashford & Simpson, Forbidden Broadway, Steven Alvarado, Sheryl Crow, Shauna Burns.
By Nancy Ford, Tim Brookover, and David Goldberg
Bob Mould
District Line
Now that he’s out, this queer Husker Du alum says his work is “much stronger.” This fine new, rockin’ album proves it, regardless of sexuality, especially with “Stupid Now.” You can catch him at Antone’s in Austin on March 20 if you’re up for a road trip. ANTI-Records (www.bobmould.com).
— Review: Nancy Ford
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Betty Buckley
Quintessence
Only months after the long-delayed release of 1967, her first recording, Buckley releases this 12-track, jazz-infused disc. Even though the arrangements don’t always scan (a beboppy “Surrey With a Fringe on Top” is just silly), Buckley’s performance backed by a five-piece combo is a reminder of what master-ful singing sounds like in this lip-synch age. SONY BMG Masterworks Broadway (www.sonybmgmasterworks.com) and Playbill Records (www.playbill.com).
— Review: Tim Brookover
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Katie Sawicki
Time Spent Lost
Traces of Lucinda Williams seep into this finely crafted collection from this queer indie folk artist. Her clear, rich guitar work and lyrical mastery explain why Sawicki’s earlier CD, Black Box, garnered a 2005 Outmusic nomination. Available March 4. Bend Records (www.katiesawicki.com).
— Review: Nancy Ford
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Missy Higgins
On a Clear Night
Calling herself “not-so-straight,” she may be somewhat ambiguous about her sexuality. But Higgins’ music is a straightforward, unabashed delight, especially the peppy, hopeful, “Steer.” Understandably, she won the 2007 ARIA Award (Australia’s Grammy) for Best Female Artist. Reprise Records (www.missyhiggins.com).
— Review: Nancy Ford
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The Puppini Sisters
The Rise and Fall of Ruby Woo
Call them “The Andrews Sisters for the new Millenium.” This sultry trio brings their big-band style to
a new batch of classics, including the Bangles’ “Walk Like an Egyptian” and Beyonce’s “Crazy in Love.” Perfect music to charm your dinner-party guests. Verve Records (www.ververecords.com).
— Review: David Goldberg
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Kaki King
Dreaming of Revenge
King has matured considerably, musically speaking, for this, her sophomore alt-indie album. Sophisticated lyrics compliment her fingers as they fly up and down the frets, especially on “Life Being What It Is,” but King’s true strength likely is found in her instrumentals. Available March 4. Velour Recordings (www.velourmusic.com).
— Review: Nancy Ford
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The Ones
The Ones
The three that make up The Ones skillfully tap into New York City’s downtown nightlife scene to record this debut electronica CD. Includes previously released Top Ten U.K. hits, “Flawless” and “Superstar.” A Touch of Class/Peace Biscuit (www.peacebiscuit.com).
— Preview: Nancy Ford
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Ashford & Simpson
The Warner Bros. Years: Hits, Remixes & Rarities
The title says it all. Nick and Valerie were the undisputed royal couple of ’80s-era R&B, recording for Warner Bros. before eventually achieving major success with Capitol. This double CD includes still-danceable remixes of their early work. Rhino Records (www.rhino.com).
— Preview: Nancy Ford
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Original Cast Album
Forbidden Broadway: Rude Awakening
The only thing we love more than a show tune is a show-tune parody. This CD celebrates the silver anniversary of the master of the Broadway spoof, director Gerard Alessandrini, with ditties from Jersey Goys, The Be-Littled Mermaid, and Even More Miserables. DRG Records (www.drgrecords.com).
— Preview: Nancy Ford
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Steven Alvarado
Let It Go
Alvarado, who released the Parisian-based Radio Dio fave The Howl Sessions in 2005, provides flat-out, acoustic-laced rock ‘n’ roll on his fourth album. Fans of Lucinda Williams and Beth Orton may enjoy this collection, especially “Get This Far” and “Blue.” Mott St. Records (www.stevenalvarado.com).
— Review: Nancy Ford
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Sheryl Crow
Detours
On this rockin’ CD produced by wizard Bill Bottrell, Crow reflects on the environment, her victory over cancer, and even includes Arabic lyrics on “Peace Be Unto Us,” a song decrying the war in Iraq. Clear space on the mantle, Sheryl; here comes another Grammy. Interscope/A&M Records (www.interscope.com).
— Review: Nancy Ford
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Shauna Burns
The Moon and the Fire Circle
If Tori Amos and Evanescence spawned a baby, she would sound like Shauna Burns. Why iTunes labels her lush piano work and natural realm-based lyrics as “rock” is anyone’s guess. Rich, layered, and lovely, especially “Failed You.” Red Rock Music (www.redrockmusiclabel.com).
— Review: Nancy Ford
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