Fans of the jazz-folk singer/songwriter will love this remaster of Orton’s 1996 landmark album, which kicks off with the sublime “She Cries Your Name”. Also includes rare B-sides and live cuts. Arista/Legacy (sonybmg.com). Review: Nancy Ford
Mould stays true to his roots, too (mostly) with his ninth solo album since his ska band, Husker Du, debuted 30 years ago. Here, “Argos”, he says, was written for his theoretical gay punk rock band. But “I’m Sorry Baby But You Can’t Stand in My Light Anymore” steals the show with its oddly Aerosmith-like harmonies. Anti- (anti.com) – by Nancy Ford
Calling their sound “homogoth,” this indie rock band is deep, dark, and moody. The title tune is kind of fun with its spoken-word backtrack and acoustic switch, but “Safeword” is better. April 14. Toxic Shock Records (balloonsband.com). – by Nancy Ford
For her farewell photo shoot as Miss USA 2008, Crystle Stewart got to pick the stylist who would do her hair. She chose Albert Luiz of Houston.
The out blues rocker makes her guitar beg for mercy beginning with the very first cut, “Feather in a Hurricane.” She grabs hold and never lets go, all the way through to the heartfelt “Candle for the Lonely.” Exceptionally good. SBC Records
(michellemalone.com). – by Nancy Ford
Lennox herself chose the former hits found on this freakin’ perfect collection. Among the “sisters” who join her on the new “Sing” for women and children with AIDS are Dido, Melissa Etheridge, Fergie, k.d. lang, Madonna, Sarah McLachlan, Pink, Bonnie Raitt, Shakira, Joss Stone, KT Tunstall, and others. Arista (arista.com). – by Nancy Ford
If you haven’t gotten enough Vince and Andy from the True Colors tours, indulge yourself with this glorious three-disc set of every hit the Brit pop pair has ever squeezed out, live and otherwise. Contains “Oh L’Amour,” “A Little Respect,” and all the other goodies, plus the DVD, At the BBC 1986. April 7. Rhino (rhino.com). – by Nancy Ford
All I know are gay men!” laughs Miss USA Crystle Stewart (former Miss Fort Bend County and Miss Texas-USA).
“In the pageant world and modeling world, I’m surrounded by them,” she explains. “I’m blessed, because they have the best taste, and they’re very encouraging, very insightful, and very motivating.”
In fact, it was two gay men from Dallas who encouraged
The skinny white gay rapper tells the absolutely hysterical story of seeing Sasha Fierce at her favorite fast food place. And at JCPenney. And at the liquor store. Good thing it’s a funny song; this CD contains 14 different versions of it. Peace Biscuit (cazwell.com). – by Nancy Ford
The young pop star’s second CD takes off like gangbusters with the very first track, “Everybody’s at It,” thanks to unrelenting keyboards. But drag queens and activists alike will buy it mostly for her tongue-in-cheek “F–k You,” a soft-shoey kiss-off to homophobes. Capitol Records (capitolrecords.com). – by Nancy Ford
The best way to keep in touch with what's going on in Houston? Sign up for our newsletter, which is jampacked with features, special invites, discounts, and sneak previews reserved for newsletter members only. .
