Books could (and eventually will) be filled with reasons why this man is the man of the moment. But this is a magazine with limited space, so suffice it to say that any publican or pundit would be hardpressed to name another figure in America—or anywhere for that matter—who, in one transformative moment, took this tragically off-course country from being the most despised nation on the planet into being The One Most Likely To…
Scottish cold-case detective DI Pirie is presented with a 25-year-old missing-person case. This relatively simple case quickly turns into a “way leads into way” nest of mysteries. Set against the British coal miners’ strike of 1984, this richly plotted and superbly written tale involves misdirected and conflicting loyalties, the abuse of power, and an examination of what family really means. Expect to be lost as soon as you begin to read. Out author Val McDermid has done it again— A Darker Domain (HarperCollins) is a masterpiece. Wonder how she does it? Ask her—she’ll be at Murder by the Book (2342 Bissonnet, 713/524-8597) on Wednesday, February 11, at 6:30 p.m. — Review: Angel Curtis
If someone close to you asked you to do something important, would you? Would you give up your dreams to fulfill a wish, or would you give lip-service to a promise and do what you want in the end, knowing that a corpse can’t make you follow through?
This recording is literally the last word from the three women who collectively comprise Saffire. Its 16 basic blues tracks reflect the three-bar wisdom and wit the women’s trio has absorbed from its 25 years of women’s festivals, roadhouses, and cheap motels. Alligator Records (allig.com). — Review: Nancy Ford
Gentle and melodic, this collection of alt electronica soothes and simultaneously energizes; think Coldplay with a twist of Erasure and Pet Shop Boys. Especially pleasing are “Dancing in a Minefield” and “The Dark in You.” Available February 17. Tommy Boy (plushgun.com). — Review: Nancy Ford
Parsons aficionados will look upon this expanded restoration of six individual albums from the producer/performer’s catalogue as a late Christmas gift. Contains APP’s chief hit, “Don’t Answer Me,” from 1984. Arista/Legacy (sonybmg.com). — Preview: Nancy Ford
The legendary Atlanta-based DJ proves his abilities once again with this collection of ivory-inspired beats, including his own “Exordium” and “Manumission.” Benefits the Florida-based Care Resource, an HIV/AIDS services organization. Centaur Entertainment (centaurmusic.com). — Preview: Nancy Ford
We recognized this comic actress from her small, supporting television and film roles, but who knew the depth of her hilarious depravity? Searing original songs like “My Little Fibroid,” a tribute to her benign uterine growth, stand out. PS Classics (psclassics.com) — Review: Nancy Ford
The newly out Broadway/cabaret diva captures “love songs for grown-ups” by Cole Porter, Stevie Nicks, Harold Arlen, Joni Mitchell, and others, making them her own in this lush collection. Her rendition of the title song may make you say, “Beyoncé who?” Telarc International (telarc.com). — Review: Nancy Ford
Almost every year after the Grammy Award nominations are announced, it’s not uncommon to find this writer shaking his head in disbelief and disillusionment. This year is no exception. The exclusion of TV on The Radio’s acclaimed Dear Science (DGC/Interscope) is one example of a slight by out-of-touch NARAS (National Association of Recording Arts and Sciences) voters, who think Ne-Yo’s Year of the Gentleman is more deserving of an “Album of the Year” Grammy nomination. Needless to say, not all of the Grammy noms missed the mark.
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