Music

GrooveOut Shorts 2

OK Go, Oh No, the bird and the bee, Lily Allen, Ciara, Catch & Release, Fantasia, and Astrid Williamson

OK Go
Oh No

okgoThe greatest benefit of this deluxe limited edition CD-DVD combo release does not lie in the CD packed with rousing straight-ahead rock songs recorded minimally to emphasize an extemporaneous air. The real advantage lies in the DVD, which holds every video the band has released to date, including the famed treadmill video for “Here It Goes Again” that helped put the band on the map. From Capitol Records (www.capitolrecords.com). — Preview: Eric A.T. Dieckman

the bird and the bee
the bird and the bee

This multi-layered CD’s first break-out single, “F-cking Boyfriend,” took on Madonna herself for the top spot of Billboard magazine’s Club Play chart — and won. An entré like that holds big pop promise for the duo of Inara George and Greg Kurstin. From Blue Note Records (www.bluenote.com). More: www.thebirdandthebee.com. — Preview: Nancy Ford

Lily Allen
Alright, Still
LAllenDubbed “the archetypal singer-songwriter for the iPod generation” by NME, the 21-year-old Allen debuted at #2 with this CD on the U.K. album chart. Girly pop at its poppest, especially the quirkily amusing “Not Big.” From Capitol Records (www.capitolrecords.com). More: www.lilyallenmusic.com. — Review: Nancy Ford

Ciara
The Evolution

Ciara has evolved as a singer, songwriter, producer, and performer. Her sophomore album is a true evolution for the young rising superstar. She wrote or co-wrote every song and co-produced almost every track on the album. Packed with electro beats, many tracks on this album are energetic and seamlessly combine the ever-evolving worlds of dance and music. The song “Get Up” is already a chart and radio hit. Ciara enlisted all-star producers, collaborators, and guest rappers, including Chamillionaire, 50 Cent, and Lil Jon. The album is composed of Miami bass, Atlanta crunk, ballads, and old school songs. From LaFace Records (www.laface.com). — Review: Andrea Rodricks

Original Soundtrack
Catch & Release
catchreleaseWe haven’t yet viewed this new Jennifer Garner joint, but if these yummy cuts are any indication of its appeal, it deserves two big melodic thumbs-up. Tasty treats from Foo Fighters, Gomez, and others. From Legacy/Sony Music Soundtrax (www.legacyrecordings.com, www.sonymusic.com). — Review: Nancy Ford

Fantasia
Fantasia
Following her victory on the third season of American Idol, Fantasia again takes no prisoners with this sophomore CD. It’s produced by the likes of Missy Elliott, Babyface, Swizz Beatz, and others. Dare you not to cry at “I Feel Beautiful.” From J Records (www.jrecords.com). — Review: Nancy Ford

Various Artists
MightyREAL: Showstoppers
MightyRealThis nostalgic collection includes songs released between 1978 and 1986—that ethereal period when disco underwent little more than a name-change and became known as dance. Notable cuts include EP mixes of John Paul Young’s “Love Is in the Air” and Area Code’s “Manhattan Shuffle.” From Centaur Music and Candystorerecords (www.centaurmusic.com, www.candystorerecords.com). —Review: Nancy Ford

Astrid Williamson
Day of the Lone Wolf
If you can get past the melancholy yet melodic first cut, “Siamese,” the balance of this third solo offering from the degreed classical musician is richly satisfying. We’re hearing a little McLachlan with just a dash of Dido, and it’s all good. From One Little Indian Records (www.onelittleindian-us.com). —Review: Nancy Ford
____________________

<< Previous

Comments

Leave a Review or Comment

Back to top button