POSTED 24 MAY 2001
"The Januaries"
The Januaries
Our price: $13.99 | You save: $2.98
...on sale here.
Although the Januaries' self-titled album came out last fall, there
are few CDs that could break in this summer better. Lead by
chanteuse Debbie Diamond, the band embraces Burt Bacharach-pop and
makes no apologies for its high camp value. But unlike music that
sacrifices substance for a snicker, these are songs that beg a push
of the "repeat" button, due mostly to the infusion of very modern
arrangements, and Diamond's deceptively subtle, nuanced vocals. Fans
of everything from Belle & Sebastian to Arling & Cameron to
the "Austin Powers" soundtrack will love this disc. Highly
recommended.
See more of my recent favorites
...on sale here.
NEW AND NOTABLE
"God Bless the Go-Go's"
Go-Go's
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...on sale here.
It took the Go-Go's 17 years to kiss and make up, and now that they
are all friends again (and in their 40s), it's great to see that
they've lost none of the feisty girl power that made them stars in
the first place. "God Bless the Go-Go's" returns to the group's
punk-rooted pop of the early '80s, remodeled for next-generation
ears. Green Day's Billie Joe Armstrong penned a track for them, and
with a large handful of radio-ready tunes that are still a welcome
kick in the shins, it's as if the Go-Go's never left the building.
"Gotta Tell You [EXTRA TRACKS]"
Samantha Mumba
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...on sale here.
Watch out, Christina and Britney; Ireland's Samantha Mumba is hot
on your trail. The single "Gotta Tell You" from her debut soared to
the top of the U.K. charts in summer 2000, and with it now
re-released in the U.S., Americans are discovering this young
woman's considerable talents. She doesn't deviate from the magical
pop-R&B formula that has worked for the ambitious blondes before
her, but Mumba clearly demonstrates a command of her vocals and
material that more mature singers possess.
"Timbre [EXPLICIT LYRICS]"
Sophie B. Hawkins
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...on sale here.
Speaking of re-released albums, Sophie B. Hawkins is getting a
second shot with "Timbre." Admirers of Vonda Shepard, Sarah
McLachlan, and similar female soloists should pay attention to this
record. Its often somber, folk-inflected melodies are easy on the
ears, and Hawkins scores high marks in lyrical aptitude.
Furthermore, her fondness for inventive use of strings and
percussion keeps the album fresh yet timeless.
"Popstars"
Eden's Crush
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...on sale here.
You saw them sing, dance, scratch, and claw their way out of an
enormous pool of hopefuls; now, you can hear them perform their way
into superstardom. Check out Eden's Crush, the female version of
O-Town, whose travails and triumphs come to fruition on their first
release, "Popstars."
"Films for Radio"
Over the Rhine
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...on sale here.
On their seventh record, Over the Rhine flesh out their otherwise
spare alt-pop with orchestral synths, reinventing their sound to
something akin to the album's title, "Films for Radio." The
consummate indie band found its footing with the legendary label IRS
(which supported the careers of R.E.M., Squeeze, and Fine Young
Cannibals), and with this major-label release, you'll have to decide
if the expanded sound is progress or pandering.
POP SOUNDTRACK
"Moulin Rouge [SOUNDTRACK]"
Moulin Rouge
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...on sale here.
"Lady Marmalade," the Patti Labelle-remake single from the "Moulin
Rouge" soundtrack, is absolutely on fire, and with good reason. When
you get Christina Aguilera, Pink, Mya, and Lil' Kim performing on a
track produced by Missy Elliott, the result couldn't be anything
less than red hot. Elsewhere, the movie's stars, Nicole Kidman and
Ewan McGregor, fare well with the songs they perform, and additional
tracks by David Bowie, Beck, and U2's Bono make this an easy
contender for one of the year's best soundtrack compilations.
PRE-ORDER TODAY
"Poses"
Rufus Wainwright
Our price: $16.99 | You save: $1.98
...on sale here.
Pop music's neo-baroque balladeer releases his sophomore CD.
"Irresistible"
Jessica Simpson
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...on sale here.
Jessica Simpson is also releasing her second full-length album. Will
she be able to beat out the rest of the honey-haired, tummy-baring
set?
"What I Learned About Ego, Opinion, Art & Commerce"
Goo Goo Dolls
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...on sale here.
They went from a struggling, little-known alt-rock band to megastars
with $100 haircuts on "Dizzy Up the Girl." The Goo Goo Dolls'
follow-up, "What I Learned About Ego, Opinion, Art & Commerce,"
will show what fame has (or hasn't) brought to their music.
"time* sex* love*"
Mary Chapin Carpenter
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...on sale here.
The ever-explorative Mary Chapin Carpenter offers another folk-pop
release for her large cult following to devour.
FREE DIGITAL DOWNLOAD
Download Madonna's latest single, the midtempo "What It Feels Like
for a Girl," from her smash success, "Music."
...on sale here.
All Pop downloads
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Posted 26 APRIL 2001...
"Von Otter Meets Costello: For The Stars"
Anne Sofie Von Otter
...on sale here.
It would have been hard to imagine that the punk-rooted guy who wrote
"Pump It Up" and "Radio, Radio" would years later collaborate with
Burt Bacharach, and now, mezzo-soprano Anne Sofie Von Otter. But
looking back on Elvis Costello's career, which has woven through
country, soul, and jazz with aplomb, it seems as if this consummate
musician can tackle anything deftly. On "For the Stars," he and Von
Otter collaborate on a range of covers from Tom Waits to Abba; Von
Otter proves to be a natural at classy, jazz-based phrasing, and
Costello flavors her pristine voice with his appealing world-weary
strain.
"All for You" Janet Jackson
...on sale here.
Four years after the release of "The Velvet Rope," Janet Jackson
doubles up on that album's sex appeal for "All for You." Produced by
longtime collaborators Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, the disc offers
pop-dance tracks that positively stomp--harkening back to the
industrial intensity of "Rhythm Nation 1814"--as well as prurient
ballads appropriate for adult ears only. Looks like Ms. Jackson's
getting a little nasty herself.
"Lost Songs"
David Gray
...on sale here.
David Gray received the ultimate endorsement from Dave Matthews by
being the first artist signed to his ATO label, and the success of his
album, "White Ladder," was almost guaranteed by reputation alone. But
before that, the folk singer didn't have it so easy, and he expressed
his frustrations in the previously unreleased tracks found on "Lost
Songs," recorded after the release of 1996's "Sell Sell Sell." This
collection strips away the delicate electronica that made "White
Ladder" distinctive, but the songs are just as engaging. His
Van-Morrisonesque voice and plaintive lyrical approach make this album
a must-have for any fan.
"Tropical Brainstorm"
Kirsty MacColl
...on sale here.
Before Kirsty MacColl's untimely death last year, she left us with
"Tropical Brainstorm," a wonderful display of the singer's rich,
articulate pop sensibilities. This album's vibrant Latin flourishes
buck any bandwagoning; MacColl could have made this album with or
against the grain of any trends and remained completely relevant. Not
a typical pop album, "Tropical Brainstorm" is the end to a precious
legacy cut all too tragically short.
"Ally McBeal: For Once In My Life... [SOUNDTRACK]"
Various Artists
...on sale here.
The third soundtrack from the "Ally McBeal" series again highlights
Vonda Shepard's soulful, country-inflected take on a number of covers,
and introduces newcomer Anastacia, a fiery Chaka Khan
sound-alike. Tina Turner, Al Green, and Barry White step up and
contribute the album's best non-Vonda tracks, and the show's guest
star, Robert Downey Jr., tries out his chops behind the mic on three
songs, including a duet with Sting.
PRE-ORDER TODAY
"God Bless The Go-Go's"
The Go-Go's
...on sale here.
We got the beat (back)! The '80s most celebrated new-wave girl group
reunites and returns with its first full studio release in 17 years.
"Popstars"
Eden's Crush
...on sale here.
You saw them sing, dance, scratch, and claw their way out of an
enormous pool of hopefuls, now you can hear them perform their way
into superstardom. Check out Eden's Crush, the female version of
O-Town, whose travails and triumphs come to fruition on their first
release, "Popstars."
EDITOR'S CHOICE
"Exciter"
Depeche Mode
...on sale here.
To call Depeche Mode's "Exciter" a stunning return to form would not
be an exaggeration. The band's suffered a lot of hardship in the last
few years, mostly as a result of primary singer David Gahan's battle
with drug addiction and depression. But Gahan's recovered, and the
band hasn't sounded this strong since 1987's "Music for the Masses."
"Exciter" demonstrates that the DM have been doing their homework. The
album is flush with a very contemporary and intricate network of
synthesized melody and rhythm, but also features dark and compelling
guitar work reminiscent of the blues-influenced single "Personal
Jesus." This is techno-pop at its absolute best, and you can pre-order
your copy today.
DIGITAL DOWNLOAD
Barenaked Ladies
...on sale here.
The endlessly chipper, lovable dork-rock of the Barenaked Ladies seems
an unlikely candidate for a remix project, but a fellow Canadian,
India-born Chin Injeti, takes on the task. Having worked with artists
such as the Fugees, Ziggy Marley, and the Roots, Injeti utilizes his
skills as a producer and multi-instrumentalist to turn the Ladies'
single "Pinch Me" into something entirely funky.
Download the "Pinch Me" remix and the Ladies' latest single "Too
Little too Late."
...on sale here.
...on sale here.
All Pop downloads
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FEED YOUR MUSICAL APPETITE
The newest titles, the hottest bands, our favorite discoveries--let
our expert editors e-mail you the best of the music world with
Delivers. Choose your favorite genres to begin receiving more e-mail
recommendations.
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...on sale here.
Also, check out the New & Future Releases page to view titles by
release date, catch the latest digital downloads, investigate the
coolest new reissues, and more.
...on sale here.
"Whole New You"
Shawn Colvin
...on sale here.
After winning two Grammys for the lilting single "Sunny Came Home"
from her 1996 release, "A Few Small Repairs," Shawn Colvin has been
keeping busy. She released "Holiday Songs and Lullabies," a children's
holiday disc, and has contributed backing vocals for other artists'
albums. But it took almost four and a half years for her to release
"Repairs"'s proper follow-up, "Whole New You." The presence of the
folk singer's long-time collaborator, John Leventhal, is more audible
than before, as Colvin allows his largely expanded production values
to give her songs a pop sheen that should appeal to the widest of
mainstream audiences.
"Renaissance"
Lionel Richie
...on sale here.
Those fond of Lionel Richie's 1983 release, "Can't Slow Down," will
find reason to rejoice in "Renaissance." The album truly is a renewal
of Richie's brightest inspiration, averting schmaltzy ballads in favor
of glistening dance tracks, Latin rhythms, and truly romantic love
songs of genuine substance. While some singers of his generation have
been known to cheaply capitalize on recent trends, Richie commands
them into a sound that is entirely his own.
"Drops Of Jupiter"
Train
...on sale here.
"Meet Virginia," Train's single from their self-titled release,
combined the simplest of melodies with irresistible jangle rock,
making it an instant hit, and the band an overnight household
name. Their follow-up, "Drops of Jupiter," confidently fleshes out
Train's impressive musicianship with an expanse of orchestrated
strings and understated synth effects, and the results are
fantastic. Lead singer Patrick Monahan relies on creative vocal
phrasing and his band members' bodacious backing harmonies to amplify
the emotional impact of his songs. By doing so, he invites the
listener to sing along on every track.
"In Concert [LIVE]"
Rockapella
...on sale here.
Familiar as the house band for the PBS children's show "Where in the
World Is Carmen Sandiego?" a-cappella quintet Rockapella continues to
delight with their stylized, snappy brand of tight harmonies mixed
with rock, jazz, and R&B. This latest was recorded at a concert last
December in Santa Barbara and includes a generous lineup displaying
Rockapella's versatility and crowd-working charisma.
"Catch-All"
Swag (Pop)
...on sale here.
Swag is an all-star lineup of power-pop legends and critically
acclaimed alt-countrymen, and their album, "Catch-All," is the
lovechild borne of heralded live performances that seamlessly blend
all of their backgrounds. Including Ken Coomer (Wilco), Jerry Dale
McFadden (Sixpence None the Richer), Robert Reynolds (the Mavericks),
and Tom Petersson (Cheap Trick), Swag deliver an irrepressible
pop-minded energy that clearly conveys each musician's recognizable
style, yet melds those styles into something new: a sum easily
contended as larger than its parts.
PRE-ORDER TODAY
"All for You"
Janet Jackson
...on sale here.
"Now That's What I Call Music! 6"
Britney Spears, et al
...on sale here.
"Trouble In Shangri-La"
Stevie Nicks
...on sale here.
"The Very Best Of Michael McDonald"
Michael McDonald
...on sale here.
IN MEMORIAM
"Greatest Hits"
The Mamas & The Papas
...on sale here.
John Phillips, leader of the Mamas & the Papas, passed away at the age
of 65 on March 18, leaving behind a collection of classics integral to
'60s pop history. Not only did Phillips write the Mamas & the Papas's
most famous tunes, "California Dreamin'" and "Monday, Monday," he also
shaped '60s rock behind the scenes, writing songs for two of the
biggest West Coast bands of his day, the Beach Boys and the Grateful
Dead, as well as organizing the Monterey Pop Festival.
INTERVIEW
Don't be surprised if you found yourself completely charmed by the
mysterious, inquisitive, bald blue men performing with Moby during
this year's Grammy Awards. The Blue Man Group is a performance art
troupe that combines melodic, percussive instrumentation with
extremely clever skit humor. At the end of 1999, the group, whose
shows are wildly popular in New York, Chicago, and Las Vegas, released
a studio album, "Audio," highlighting their unique musicality.
...on sale here.
I had the pleasure of chatting with the cobalt-colored chaps a while
back, and discovered they are just as delightful in person as they are
on stage.
...browse here.
CLASSIC HITS ON SALE
...on sale here.
Have some holes in your CD collection? Now is a great time to fill
them with hundreds of titles priced at only $8.99. Check out tons of
pop artists such as Elton John, Everything But the Girl, Chris Isaak,
and k.d. lang, or explore some great pop music from your favorite
decade.
Also, check out the New & Future Releases page to view titles by
release date, catch the latest digital downloads, investigate the coolest
new reissues, and more.
...on sale here.