Playlist

So even with all the hype -- and there's been gobs of it -- and incessant radio airplay for "California Gurls" and "Teenage Dream," Katy Perry's cotton candy-scented second studio CD, Teenage Dream, sold a disappointing 192,222 copies during its first week in stores, according to Nielsen SoundScan.

That's a pretty paltry number when you think about it, even by today's low CD sales standards. Eminem's Recovery moved 741,000 copies its first week at retail. Drake's Thank Me Later sold 462,989 during its inaugural week. Even Sade, the jazz-R&B chanteuse who doesn't have a smidgen of Perry's pop culture pizazz, came in with 501,000 copies sold of her Soldier of Love disc, according to Nielsen SoundScan.

What does this mean for Perry? It probably means that she's mainly a singles artist. Her record label can't be happy that she can generate excitement for individual songs, not full albums. Cotton candy-scented or otherwise.

Photo: The CD cover of Katy Perry's Teenage Dream (AP Photo/Capitol Records).

It may surprise you to know that, even though Katy Perry's "California Gurls" has been dominating radio waves all summer, the album that boasts the single was only just released last Tuesday.

It arrived at our office with much fanfare, as fellow staffers and I quickly discovered that the Teenage Dream album is cotton candy scented. We're not just talking scratch-and-sniff... this thing exudes a sugary scent that is less like actual cotton candy and more like a candy coated friend of Strawberry Shortcake. Not that that's a bad thing. (However, the disc is at least two feet away from me as I'm writing this and I can still smell it. I'm not sure whether I want it in my car or not.) It's definitely an interesting way to get fans to buy the actual album instead of downloading it online.

But smells aside, the album is a solid effort, even if it isn't outstanding. Teenage Dream, Perry's second album (but really, her third) has more of the same fun and fancy-free pop perfection we've come to expect from her. Lead singles "Teenage Dream" and "California Gurls" have served us well as the party songs of the summer and they set a standard that the rest of the album struggles to maintain.

"Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)" rocks an 80s vibe and a chant-along chorus, but it's not exactly my cup of tea.And the album's fourth track, "Firework," is an example of Perry's stellar vocals. But after that, the album alternates between boring (with the exception of the sexually charged "Peacock") and bizarre (the intergalactic love song, "E.T."). It isn't until the last two tracks, "Hummingbird Heartbeat" and "Not Like The Movies," that you come around to more of what the first few tracks promised: Perry's unusual voice belting out some stand-out pop songs.

The disc also offers two remixes of its most popular singles. The "California Gurls" remix combines a lot of 8-bit video game noises (which I love) with a weird and deeper version of Perry's voice (which I didn't love). The "Teenage Dream" remix excels, taking the lovesick nostalgia of the original and making it fit for the clubs.

If you're a fan of Katy Perry (and if your car needs a new cotton candy-scented air freshener), pick up the disc -but only if you haven't already purchased "Teenage Dream" and "California Gurls" in single form.

For our official CD coverage, read Mario Tarradell's weekly Musically Speaking column.

If Vampire Weekend's album Contra was perfect for summer vacation, consider Ra Ra Riot's The Orchard a soundtrack for the back-to-school autumn days.

The Orchard, the second full album from the Syracuse indie rock band, elevates Ra Ra Riot's sunny pop songs with soaring orchestral arrangements that straddle the line between complex and carefree.

The Vampire Weekend comparisons are appropriate, considering VW keyboardist/guitarist/vocalist Rostam Batmanglij helped write, produce and mix "Do You Remember," a song in the last half of the album.

However, the real standout tracks on The Orchard rest in the middle of the disc. "Too Dramatic" is memorably frenetic, while "Shadowcasting" combines Gabriel Duquette's drumming and Wes Miles' vocals to upbeat excellence. Not to be outdone, cellist Alexandra Lawn writes and sings "You And I Know," a song of heartbreak that sounds like it could be a cut on the next indie-filled soundtrack from the Twilight Saga.

If you're already a fan of Ra Ra Riot, The Orchard may seem like more of the same. But for newcomers, it's a perfect place to start.

Download a free copy of "Boy" from The Orchard at RaRaRiot.com. Listen to the entire album for a limited time on NPR's First Listen. Order the album from Barsuk Records, Amazon or on iTunes. The tour stops in Dallas Oct. 28 at the Granada Theater.

For our main new releases coverage, read music critic Mario Tarradell's weekly column.

As summer winds to a close, it's time to look back at the season's soundtrack. Here are my picks (in no particular order) for the catchiest songs of the summer:

"California Girls" by Katy Perry: The very definition of summer song. It makes me want to have a pool party or do a little dance. Or both.
"Bulletproof" by La Roux: We're going to see a lot of computer-generated, techno music in the upcoming future; La Roux shows us how it should be done.
"Baby" by Justin Bieber: As much as I hate to admit it, the little squirt's music is catchy.
"Alejandro" by Lady Gaga: Strange as the music video may be, you can't help but sing along after awhile.
"Take It Off" by Ke$ha: What can I say? It's a guilty pleasure. You need some trashy music to bust your speakers every now and again.

What do you think? What were your favorite songs of this summer -- or any other summer?

First off, if you weren't planning on seeing Scott Pilgrim vs. the World...plan on it. Not only is it an all-around great movie, but it has one of the most killer soundtracks I've heard in a while (it's probably because Beck, whom I love, was a big contributor.)

The soundtrack features almost all high-energy rock songs, though there are a few more lyrical and melodic tracks such as "Ramona". Some of the best tracks are the title "We are Sex Bob-omb", "Garbage Truck", "Threshold (8 Bit)" and, my personal favorite, "Black Sheep".

Here's a taste that will ka-pow your socks off:

Here's what we're listening to in our spare time. Because we can be fans, too. (Can't even say that enough!) Let us know what you're listening to. We'll give it a play and maybe start a discussion. Right here.

I'm listening to Naturally 7 (right), who open for Michael Buble at AAC on Sunday. The group began its rise by winning an a capella competition in their hometown of New York City. They decided after that to "sing as instruments" and so it went. Check out their version of Phil Collins' "In the Air Tonight," sung while riding a Paris subway. The album I heard, VocalPlay, hasn't been released in the U.S. yet, but has been released in Canada and parts of Europe.

Dallasnews.com editor-producer Samantha Urban is listening to the hotness: the latest Twilight soundtrack. The Twilight Saga: Eclipse -- The Motion Picture Soundtrack contains more of the indie rock for which it's come to be known. Highlights are all over the disc, so help yourself. And music critic Mario Tarradell celebrates a return with Traffic from ABC.

Christian heavy rock band Red is ready to reveal its video for "Ordinary World," the group's cover of Duran Duran's pop staple. Click on www.redmusiconline.com and you'll not only see the clip, but you can also watch behind the scenes footage. It's an awesome video, full of bold yet thoughtful imagery and symbolism to match the band's faithful, inspired performance.

Red's version of "Ordinary World" comes from 2009's Innocence & Instinct, the Nashville foursome's auspicious sophomore effort, which showcases a more streamlined, textured sound without losing any of the intensity.

Check it out.

Photo: Red, from left to right, is Randy Armstrong, Michael Barnes, Joe Rickard and Anthony Armstrong. (Provident Label Group).

Here we are again, giving you a taste of what we're listening to in our spare time. After all, we are first and foremost fans of music just like you.

What's been in our changers lately? For me it's Diana Ross' long underrated 1977 album Baby It's Me and for dallasnews.com music editor-producer Samantha Urban it's Phoenix's lauded, steady-selling disc Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix.

So, you've already worn out your CD of the Twilight: Eclipse soundtrack? Yes, we know it just came out in late May. Still. We feel your pain, that hollow feeling of needing new music by which to bite (or be bitten). So, just in time to celebrate Eclipse's theatrical release next Wednesday (Tuesday at midnight, but who's counting?), here's a list of my favorite vampire (or just creepy, vampire-thought-inspiring) tunes, along with links to snippets so you can hear for yourself. What have I missed?

"Bloodletting (The Vampire Song)," 1990, Concrete Blonde

"Love Song for a Vampire" (from Bram Stoker's Dracula, directed by Francis Ford Coppola and starring Gary Oldman), 1992, Annie Lennox

"Moon Over Bourbon Street," (inspired by Anne Rice's The Vampire Chronicles books), 1985, Sting

"Dracula's Wedding," (this is the PG-13 version), 2003, OutKast featuring Kelis

"Night of the Vampire," 1980, Roky Erickson

"My Time (Has Come)," 2006, The Twilight Singers

Buffy the Vampire Slayer soundtrack, Once More, With Feeling, from the legendary (wonderfully bad, horribly wonderful) 2002 all-musical episode of the show

"Bad Things" (theme from True Blood), 2005 (the song came out before the show), Jace Everett

"Bones," Little Big Town, 2008

"The Batman Theme," 1989, from the Batman score by Danny Elfman

Every week, barring last week because your dear music editor was on vacation, we'll give you a taste of what we're listening to in our spare time. Because, like you, we are first and foremost fans of music.

So, "come along and ride on a fantastic voyage." This week, Music Critic Mario Tarradell is listening to Mishka and dallasnews.com music editor-producer Samantha Urban is listening to OK Go. I'm listening to Al Green.

Moenia
En Eléctrico (OCESA-Sei Track)
Mexico's long running electronic pop band consisting of vocalist Alfonso Pichardo, synthesizer wizard Alejandro Ortega Midi and keyboardist Jorge Soto puts a fresh spin on 14 career tunes recorded live in the group's native country. To sweeten the refashioning of these tracks, the Moenia guys invited singer Maria José (formerly of Kabah), Paco Huidobro of Fobia, producer Armando Avila, and Juan Carlos Lozano, Moenia's original lead singer and co-founder. The results are understated magic. Those familiar with Moenia know that the outfit banks on melodies just as heavily as synthesizers. So gems such as "Dejame Entrar," "No Importa Que El Sol Se Muera," "Manto Estelar" and "En Que Momento?" are just as alluring as you remember them. For those now discovering them, this is a good primer.

Jill Scott
Experience: Jill Scott (Hidden Beach)
Not only does this 2-CD set plant fans square back in some not-as-old-as-you-think, "living-my-life-like-it's-golden" days, but it's reminiscent of a time when R&B was freshened and revived by Scott and a slew of others. This set, which was released hot on the heels of debut CD Who Is Jill Scott? Words and Sounds, Vol. 1, the dynamic singer showed her range, with one disc filled with live versions of her quickly beloved songs. The remix of "He Loves Me (Lyzel in E Flat)," still arguably one of the greatest odes to a single man ever recorded, was transcendent. "Gimme" -- not to mention "Gettin' In the Way" -- shows off the singer's sassy, sexy, ready-to-box side. You can feel her desire when she says, "If you want the funk, honey, Mama's gonna give you what you want, honey," and that scream (!) held just the right amount of time. Not just content to be a poet, our Jill can get grimy with the best of them.

Foxy Shazam
Foxy Shazam (Sire)
Foxy Shazam, the Cincinnati rock band known for must-see concerts, released their third studio album in April. You may already know one of their singles. "Unstoppable," the get-you-pumped jam, was featured during the Super Bowl broadcast earlier this year. Foxy Shazam sounds like an updated version of Queen, with vocalist Eric Sean Nally taking on the usually-inimitable and quirky sound of Freddie Mercury. The album changes tone at breakneck speed with the "We Will Rock You" essence of "Unstoppable" competing with "Oh Lord," a song that invites favorable comparisons to Queen's "Don't Stop Me Now." The group establishes its own identity with tunes like "Wanna-Be Angel" and "Connect."

You can't fake bluegrass. It's a genre of music for accomplished pickers, high lonesome singers and plenty of musical camaraderie. Posers need not apply.

The Grascals keep proving they're the real deal. The Nashville-based band blends three-part harmonies and stellar instrumentation - banjo, mandola, guitars, upright bass and fiddle - with originals and covers that experiment with contemporary elements while keeping to the rich traditions.

Take, for instance, the group's fourth album, The Famous Lefty Flynn's. It's yet another accomplished piece of work, from the sprightly cover of the Monkees' "Last Train to Clarksville" to the chugging instrumental "Blue Rock Slide" and the inspirational CD closer, "Give Me Jesus." Great stuff, folks.

The Grascals have a new member, by the way. Banjo player Kristin Scott Benson is part of the fold now. She'll join the other five members Friday night at Fort Worth's McDavid Studio, 301 E. Fifth St., for a concert beginning at 8 p.m. Tickets are only $20. For more information, visit the McDavid Studio website.

Photo: Bluegrassers the Grascals, from left to right: Danny Roberts, Terry Eldredge, Jeremy Abshire, Kristin Scott Benson, Terry Smith and Jamie Johnson (Keoni K).

Goldfrapp
Head First (Mute)
Alison Goldfrapp and Will Gregory, known as British electronic music duo Goldfrapp, spring back into infectious synthesized dance-pop after the ethereally subdued effort that was 2008's Seventh Tree. This is where they belong. Head First is an intoxicating, frothy trip through '80s-inspired club music that pulsates under your skin. Try to shake the swirling, cascading allure of "Rocket," "Dreaming" and "I Wanna Life." It's futile. Goldfrapp's high-pitched wail works in tandem with the programmed melodies and rhythms, not to mention the sprinkled guitar, bass, violin and drums instrumentation. Head First creates an exhilarating ambiance. Dive in.

Kurupt
Streetlights (Penagon Entertainment)
Kurupt still talks a good game, as evidenced by his latest release. His world view is a little myopic, but it doesn't matter: What he talks about is his world, and you'd be wise to listen as he's telling the stories of the people that inhabit it. He's the only rapper with an ego and props big enough to have an over three-minute intro -- what he calls a "moment of truth." With guests Snoop Dogg and Xzibit behind the mic and guest producers that include Lil Jon and Pete Rock, Kurupt further cements his rep for gold verses on some of hip-hop's greatest hits. This is a bunch of classic-sounding West Coast rap -- and the only beef here seems to be with a certain type of woman.

Kate Nash
My Best Friend Is You (Fiction)
Kate Nash could have easily followed up her 2007 debut Made of Bricks with more of the same cheeky indie-pop that made her a MySpace success story and invited comparisons to peer rocker Lily Allen. Instead, Nash looked to the past for her follow-up, My Best Friend Is You, and infused the new album with '60s girl group sounds, string arrangements and good old fashioned ranting. The album's first single "Do Wah Doo" embodies the flippant fun of the album, while "Don't You Want To Share The Guilt?" starts soft and sweet but grows increasingly frantic as Nash shouts over the orchestral swell. Her signature accent still intact, Nash is as brash and bold as ever as she blends smart, snarky observations with irresistibly catchy melodies.

The Living Sisters' debut CD, Love to Live (Vanguard Records), is a sweet, vintage pop affair with an indie flair. The Sisters - Inara George of The Bird and the Bee, singer-songwriter Eleni Mandell and Becky Stark of Lavender Diamond - deliver pure harmonious joy on cuts such as "How Are You Doing?" "This Mountain Has Skies," "Double Knots" and a cover of "(You Don't Know) How Glad I Am." Their voices intertwine effortlessly, almost innately - as if they really are siblings. Turn this CD on and smile.

Photo: The CD cover of Love to Live (Vanguard Records).

Fans of Arcade Fire, Gorillaz, Hot Chip, Devo, MGMT, LCD Soundsystem, Peter Gabriel and David Byrne, you're not alone in your anticipation. According to metacritic.com, 2010 discs from those artists and many others are among the most awaited this year. Metacritic Features Editor Jason Dietz rounds em up here.

I must say, I am anxious to hear the new Devo, which will be the band's first studio album since 1990. Feel free to tell us what your most sought-after new disc of 2010 is. We can all compare notes.

Photo: Arcade Fire in a 2004 photo (Hilary Leftick).

It is probably the most anticipated album of 2010. Yes, I'm talking about Sade's upcoming studio effort, Soldier of Love, which arrives Feb. 9 on Epic Records. It has been 10 excruciatingly long years since the last Sade CD, Lovers Rock. That last album featured the simmering track "Somebody Already Broke My Heart" along with many other nocturnal gems. Sade's music is always tailor made for nighttime romance. Anyway, amazon.com has the video for "Soldier of Love." Of course I checked it out. So seductive, both visually and musically. But then again, it's Sade. Remember, Feb. 9. Soldier of Love. Sade.

You know those annoying people who burst into song at any moment, often with choreographed moves and the occasional flurry of jazz hands? I'm one of them. And I'm obviously not alone, given the tremendous popularity of Fox's Glee, a show that so perfectly sums up the whole glee-club, show-choir thing that I nearly cry at least once every time I watch it.

If you've got people like me on your shopping list -- and you do, you just may not know it; start humming "Don't Stop Believing' " or "Somebody to Love" and see what happens -- make them deliriously happy by giving them the Glee soundtracks, two volumes (the first came out in November, the second last week) of 34 songs. There's everything from Charlie Chaplin to rap to Broadway (LOTS of Broadway) to glam rock here. There's a version of "Sweet Caroline" that'll have you wondering if you underestimated Neil Diamond, and a "My Life Would Suck Without You" that Kelly Clarkson would be proud to sing along to.

It's Gleeky perfection in two little disks. Oh, the joys of singing in unison, dancing under the lights, feeling that amazing moment when you know the audience is with you, making those cheerleaders jealous of you just for once ... oops ... could someone get me a tissue, please?

So while on the phone with Daryl Hall, the most vocal half of enduring pop-R&B duo Hall & Oates, I asked him if there was a song or album that he thought should have been more widely heard and wasn't. He didn't hesitate, immediately answering 1978's Along the Red Ledge album. Although it did produce the Top 20 pop hit, "It's a Laugh," and eventually sold 500,000 copies, Ledge didn't exactly burn up the charts. So Hall has this to say:

"Along the Red Ledge sort of fell between the cracks because of what was going on in the late '70s. We put a lot of effort into it. It was a very musical album, adventurous. It was a unique way of crossing the great divide of music in 1978 -- rock, disco, punk, God knows what. It was a great musical record and when it came out people just kind of went...OK."

Check out my story on Hall, which should run in GuideDaily Tuesday.

Photo: The Along the Red Ledge album cover (RCA Records).

"This is no ordinary love." And she rides again. Sade, known for taking years and years off between albums after ruling adult contemporary and R&B radio for much of the 80s, will release a new album in February, 10 years after the last one.

The waiting will be the easy part, as fans of the band have gotten used to it. Lovers Rock was a triumphant comeback and the remixes of "By Your Side" were all great additions to the singer's catalog.

Here's what AP reported:

LOS ANGELES -- Sade is making music again.
The soulful English group fronted by 50-year-old singer Sade Adu will release a new album Feb. 8, according to Epic Records. Soldier of Love will be the group's first studio album since 2000's Lovers Rock. All five of Sade's studio albums have landed in the Top 10 on the Billboard Top 200, selling more than 50 million copies worldwide.
Soldier of Love was recorded in England and produced by the band and longtime collaborator Mike Pela.

As I listened yesterday to the 2-CD, 36-tracks Celebration, the new Madonna career retrospective, I found myself skipping back to cuts from her 1983 self-titled debut album. I'm talking about "Lucky Star," "Holiday," "Everybody" and "Burning Up." Yes, "Borderline" is on there, too. But I always thought that song lacked the vibrancy that permeates the rest of the album. "Lucky Star," "Holiday" and "Everybody" are effervescent examples of dance-pop with personality. Then we have "Burning Up," perhaps the best slice of high-energy dance from Madonna Louise Ciccone. The bouncy rhythm, the pulsating synthesizer line and Madonna's pouty-sexy lyrics about female domination all created an irresistible tune.

OK, what's your favorite Madonna song and why?

Photo: The Celebration CD cover (Warner Bros. Records)

The first single from the "companion piece" album to the posthumous documentary, "This Is It," which will be released Oct. 28, was "unveiled" at midnight. Titled "This Is it," the song's just what you'd expect from a comeback record, a return to the Michael that we all knew with Michael's soft voice counting us in to the music. It's a piano-based ballad with tinges of gospel that's all about falling in love. It soars, but it's grounded when it needs to be. And it's earnest, which makes it vintage when-pop-stars-ruled-the-world Michael Jackson.

"And it feels as though I've known you since a thousand years. And you tell me that you've seen my face before."

I can hear it becoming an anthem. Can you?

(Photo of Michael Jackson in rehearsal for the "This Is It" tour taken by Kevin Mazur for AEG.)

If it's Tuesday, it must be time for me to pick some CDs. Here goes:

Ledisi, Turn Me Loose -- One listen and you're hooked. She's real, real and real ...
Terence Blanchard, Choices -- Smooth everything. Yes, sir.
Modest Mouse, No One's First and You're Next -- I bought the first album by the title alone. They always surprise me. Let's see if they do it again.
George Duke, From Me to You/Reach for It -- He's a bandleader, keyboardist and songwriter. And his career has been going strong since he and a singer by the name of Al Jarreau formed a band together in the late 1960s. Can you dig it?
Sticky Fingaz, A Day in the Life -- Let's see what Blade has to say. Hands up for a reunion of Onyx!
Beyonce, Above and Beyonce: Video Collection & Dance Mixes -- As with Destiny's Child before she went solo, remixes earn high marks.
Kings of Leon, Only by Night (Import) -- Yeah ...
Various artists, The History of Rhythm and Blues 1942-1952 --
Moby, Play/Play; The B Sides -- Two-disc set features recordings by Ella Fitzgerald, Dinah Washington and Big Joe Williams. I don't know if you or anyone can go wrong.

For other choices, try Mario Tarradell's weekly music column.

Well, here we go again. Every week, there's some CDs that I wish I had. Good thing there's a place to buy CDs right around any corner:

Michael Jackson, Moonwalking (DVD) -- Why not add to the collection? I remember when the debate around the school was Michael Jackson or Prince.
Bombay Bicycle Club, I Had the Blues but I Shook Them Loose -- You know you want to.
Kings of Leon, The Interview Sessions -- Yeah, much has been made of the clan's fighting tendencies. But have you heard them? Loooove them.
Various artists, Bandslam Original Soundtrack -- You know I like candy, right? And a sing-along with Vanessa Hutchens is just the icing.
Mr. Groove Band, Rocket 88: Tribute to Ike Turner -- Whatever anyone thinks of Ike Turner, this is a guy who helped shape a real sound with real musicians and real singers. Listen to this and find out.
Joe Budden, Mood Muzik, Vol. 1 -- I know it's a reissue, but why not? Huh?

As the music-buying public knows, every Tuesday is the time for new CDs to be released. You've heard the songs online (probably) by now, but Tuesday is when you can feel the physical CD in your hands, try to make out the small type in the liner notes and make jokes about the thank-you note. Here's a list of ones that I'd love to buy:

Z-Ro, My Favorite Mixtape -- Have you heard this guy? He's another rapper from Houston that may have no choice but to break nationally. My favorite song from Crack, his last album that was released this past Sept., is "Call My Phone." A close second is "Baby Girl."

Ashley Tisdale, Guilty Pleasure -- The title is my explanation.

Fabolous, Loso's Way -- Why not? He's got a good sense of humor. You don't find that often bleeding through a rapper's lyrics.

Kristinia DeBarge, Exposed -- If she can capture an ounce of the charm her aunt and uncles displayed in DeBarge, then I want to be a witness.

Michael Jackson, The Collection -- Now that Thriller is about to surpass The Eagles on album sales to take its place again as the best-selling album of all time, go ahead and complete your collection with Collection's five-disc set. I've got HIStory, but this one is more comprehensive.

Among the thrills of going to a concert is leaving with one song whose words and melody won't get out of your head. It's usually a new song, and being among the first to hear it is one of the thrills of live performance. I got to hear two on Friday night, July 17, and can't stop thinking about either. The incomparable Gretchen Peters, who headlined that night at Uncle Calvin's Coffeehouse, played a new song titled "Mother," which she wrote for a CD tribute to the activist, Mary Harris "Mother" Jones. Despite enormous personal tragedy (she lost her husband and their four children in a yellow fever epidemic and later lost her shop, her home and all her possessions in the Great Chicago Fire), Mother Jones rallied American miners and championed workers' rights like no one ever had. "You were the Madonna of the mines/our Lady of the Picket Lines," Peters sang, to terrific accompaniment by Barry Walsh, her keyboardist, accordion player and fiancé. I'm often skeptical of warm-up acts, so I was pleasantly surprised to hear John Fullbright, whose hometown is Okemah, Okla., the same as Woody Guthrie. The parallels don't stop there. Fullbright looks a lot like Woody, sounds a lot like Woody, and from early indications, writes a lot like Woody. His song "The High Road" is a tale of an extraordinary love. Jack and Suzy are young lovers but share a bond so strong and enduring that it underscores the power of Fullbright's lyrics, which state, "Living comes natural to many/love comes naturally to few ... you take the high road to freedom/And I'll take the low road to you." It was a gift getting to hear such a magical young talent perform. I hope we have many more such chances in the future. Woody would be proud: He could not have a better clone.

Photo: Gretchen Peters

But I'm sure most of you Michael Jackson fans knew that already. I picked up the special CD with DVD set this weekend, and seeing his groundbreaking performance of "Billie Jean" on the Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever" television special made me very happy. So I'm sharing the happiness with you.

It's as if the last eight years never happened. At least that's what it sounds like when listening to Maxwell's new CD, BLACKsummer's Night, which was released on July 7. Maxwell seems to be resistant to all of the trappings that have befallen R&B music while he was away.

Perhaps I'm feeling overly sentimental, but his music still evokes the image of candles in a dark room, you know ... One quibble: The music - at once funky and soothing - sometimes overshadows the lyrics. Not that that's too much of a problem. With Maxwell, it's all about how the music makes you feel, not what you get out of the sometimes vague and poetic lyrics prone to metaphor. Though sometimes what you get is, well, for lack of a better word, freedom.

But, really ... who cares about any of that now that Maxwell is back for what we know are at least two more albums?

Obvious influences: Randy Crawford
Download this: "Cold" and the obvious first single, "Pretty Wings."

I am a child of the 90s, and I must say the name Aqua brings back embarrassing, yet fond memories of being a Barbie Girl. However, I never thought Aqua was ever going to resurface in my life other than out of nostalgia, but boy was I really wrong.

Aqua is back: Back to the 80s actually, which is the title of their new single. The song is full of cheesy lyrics and rhymes like, "When Eminem was just a snack, and Michael Jackson's skin was black..." The lyrics are just the start though. The video, released today, is full of neon lights, smoke machines, and lots and lots of glitter. Click play now.

Today we have a story on local hip-hop duo DMG$ (a.k.a. Damaged Goods) possibly leaving the States for Europe, where they see better chances on making it.

It's a little sad to hear that they want to take their brilliance elsewhere. I got a copy of their CD Hello World when it came out in early March, and I recommend picking it up if you haven't yet. It's like listening to your favorite party mix, but this one you can actually rap along to and you'll want to with its fun and real lyrics. The album, produced with the help of England's Xrabit, reminds me of Mike Monday's Songs Without Words (especially DMG$'s track "Are We Friends") and a little bit of Black Eyed Peas.

If you're 21 or older, catch DMG$ live at 8 tonight at The Lounge in Deep Ellum (2810 Elm St.). Dallas booking operation Parade of Flesh presents the guys plus a couple of other acts performing.

I'm sure you've been hearing the rumors of Whitney Houston's comeback album for some time now. Rumors no more. Here you go:

NEW YORK (AP) -- The date for Whitney Houston's comeback has been set.
Arista Records says her long-awaited album will be released Sept. 1. Houston hasn't released a CD in seven years.

So far, there's no word on a title for the album.

The 45-year-old superstar is one of the best-selling artists of all-time, but in recent years, she's been defined more by drug problems, marital woes and erratic behavior than by her Grammy-winning voice.

But lately, Houston has appeared to return to her pop princess form. She wowed the crowd when she performed at her mentor Clive Davis' pre-Grammy party in February.

(Photo of Whit presenting at this year's Grammys by Mark J. Terrill/The Associated Press)

I hadn't heard of Dallas native Becky Middleton until her debut CD was sent my way a couple of weeks ago. But she's not new to the scene. She has been singing and playing piano for such bands as the Jeff Berry Band, and Tim Ward Band over the last five years.

So much of her first solo venture, No Trouble, reminds me of Jewel's 1998 Spirit, but it's not fair to peg Ms. Middleton to just that. Becky is a true talent who can take on almost any genre, be it folk ("You Never Speak"), country ("There's No You (Austin)" and "You're a Stone"), rock, soul or blues ("Lost My Heart"). And she proves all that on this album. She's a singer-songwriter who understands the power of soft, clean, innocent and emotional melodies and lyrics. And her range is worthy of applause. Seriously, you should hear me try to sing along in the car - there's no reaching those high notes for me, but oh how I try because that's just how much her music overpowers me.

I'd have to say my favorite track on the 11-song disc is the catchy "Abilene, Tx," especially when the full band kicks in. I could easily see that song extended past its 3 minutes, 20 seconds and not mind one bit. I just wander around, with my feet on the ground ...

Dallas musician Carter Albrecht was accidentally shot and killed by his neighbor, who thought he was a burglar, on Sept. 3, 2007. The 34-year-old guitarist and keyboardist was best known for his work with Dallas rock band Sorta, as well as Edie Brickell & New Bohemians.

Seventy-five percent of Jesus Is Alive ... And Living In London was complete when Albrecht was killed. But according to CBS 11's story, the musician's father, Ken Albrecht, couldn't let it remain unfinished. With the help of New Bohemians' Edie Brickell and "some of the best producers and musicians in Los Angeles," the CD's background music was completed and released today. All proceeds from sales will go to the Carter Albrecht Music Foundation.

Tonight at 6pm there will be a CD listening party at Bryan Street Tavern (4315 Bryan St., Dallas), and check out the official CD release concert at the Granada Theater at 8 pm tomorrow, May 27.

A couple week's ago I asked about how you prefer to buy your music, and most preferred CDs or vinyl records because of the accompanying artwork and liner notes. So, here's a follow-up question that anyone can answer: What is your favorite album cover? Think about the use of text, images, artistic style, message and emotion.

See which covers our Twitter followers like the most below (Images included!). Then tell us about which album cover is your favorite.

Has anyone heard Martina's newest CD yet? The album was released today and music critic Mario Tarradell gives it a "B".

"It's that radio-friendly combination of '70s-era pop peppered with a little rock 'n' roll and a smidgen of country," he writes.

What do you think, does that sound right? Let us know what you think of this album or any others released today, which include discs from Papa Roach, the Decemberists, Indigo Girls, Blue October, Yanni and others.

AUSTIN - Jeffrey Steele knows how to sell a song. It's no wonder so many of his compositions turn into huge hits for mainstream country artists. In concert Saturday night at the Ranch, accompanied by his four-man band, Steele delivered 45 minutes of scorching country-rock with more than a few nods to R&B and blues. As a performer he's full-throttle from the first note. He sang with grit, honesty and gusto, letting his soulful wail carry him on a set of songs the crowd knew such as "Help Somebody" (a hit for Van Zant), "I'm Tryin'" (Trace Adkins), "What Hurts the Most" (Rascal Flatts) and "My Town" (Montgomery Gentry). His originals were even better, particularly the hilarious "Drunk Girl" and the Cajun-spiced corker "Something In the Water." This guy's almost too good for Nashville. He belongs in Texas.

Photo: Steele in a concert shot from 2008 (Anthony Scarlati).

Music critic Mario Tarradell gave Willie Nelson's latest disc a "B+" in his review today. He says, "For die-hard Willie fans, this collection is a must."

Well, do you die-hard Willie fans agree?

You might also be interested to know that according to the legend's Web site, his On the Road Again tour is making only one Texas stop -- in Amarillo on April 23.

In today's review, music critic Mario Tarradell says Kelly Clarkson's All I Ever Wanted is "perfectly catchy and radio-ready, a commercial gold mine waiting to cash in," and I kinda agree. I've only heard her song "My Life Would Suck Without You," and it is catchy, fun and totally Kelly. It's hard to believe that it's already been eight years since American Idol discovered her.

Check out the full review and tell us what you think below. I'm a Kelly fan. Any others out there? Does this disc live up to what yo expect from her?

This CD cover is way zen, no? Music critic Mario Tarradell says you may need to spend more time than planned with this disc to truly appreciate it. From his review of U2's No Line on the Horizon:

"By now U2 has perfected the merger of arena rock with electronics, moodiness with melody, and ambience with earnestness. No Line on the Horizon, the Irish band's first studio release since 2004's Grammy-winning How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb, screams all of U2's modern hallmarks."

Read the whole review here.

Mario gave the disc a "B" grade. You agree with that? What do you think of the new album?

For those who want to celebrate Black History Month in authentic style, New York-based Putumayo World Music has the soundtrack for the next 26 days. The nifty record label's catalog of Black History Month compilation CDs includes: The new African Reggae, released on January 27; Acoustic Africa from 2006; African Playground from 2003; African Groove, also from 2003; African Party from 2008; African Dreamland, also from 2008; and Africa from 1999. For these titles and more, visit Putumayo's website. You can order the discs from there, too.

Photo: African Reggae CD cover courtesy of cduniverse.com.

Let's get right to it. Fans of Burleson's favorite American Idol Kelly Clarkson should read the gist of this press release sent today from her record label:

Pop rock sensation Kelly Clarkson and AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets are teaming up to bring fans her highly anticipated new video. AT&T will present a sneak peek of the video during a commercial break of American Idol on Wednesday, Jan. 28 (7-8 p.m. central) on FOX. Following the preview, AT&T will make the full video available to watch online and via AT&T Mobility phones and AT&T U-verseSM TV.

Kelly Clarkson's newest 19 Recordings/RCA single, "My Life Would Suck Without You," debuted earlier this month. The song was the No. 1 most added at Top 40 and Hot AC and currently holds the No. 1 position at iTunes. Wednesday night's commercial break sneak peek on FOX will be the first time fans will have a glimpse of the video.

After the preview airs, AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets will offer exclusive access to the full-length video for 24 hours:
* AT&T Mobility customers can get a link to watch it on their mobile phones by texting KELLY to 8008.
* AT&T U-verse customers can access the video for free through the U-verse TV Video On Demand (VOD) library.
* All fans can watch it online at www.att.net.

Photo: Kelly at Grand Prairie's Nokia Theatre in late 2007 (Rex C. Curry/Special to DMN).

After a disappointing and perhaps misguided 2006 self-titled debut CD on RCA Records, former American Idol runner-up Katharine McPhee has signed a contract with Verve Records, reports billboard.com. She's currently recording the Verve disc, which should be out before the end of 2009. McPhee, who's also done a little acting in 2008's The House Bunny, sold a relatively paltry 375,000 copies of that first effort, according to Nielsen SoundScan. Let's see what she can do the second time around.

Any Kat McPhee supporters out there?

Photo: Kat on the press line at the 2008 Carousel of Hope 30th Anniversary Ball in Beverly Hills (Dan Steinberg).

Fans of progressive, arty pop group the Alan Parsons Project now have six more reissued CDs with bonus tracks and nifty liner notes. Parsons and Eric Woolfson (APP's noted lead singer) personally oversaw the restoration of Pyramid (1978), Eve (1979), The Turn of a Friendly Card (1980), Ammonia Avenue (1984), Stereotomy (1986) and Gaudi (1987). Those have just been released. They were also involved in the reissuing of I Robot (1977) and Eye In the Sky (1982), which hit stores in March 2007.

I just got my copies, so you can bet I'll be listening to them. I've been a fan for a long time. Any APP admirers out there?

Photo: Back to 1980 with a...friendly card (Courtesy of www.cduniverse.com).

Former American Idol finalist Elliott Yamin is finishing up his sophomore studio album, which is due in stores May 5 on Hickory Records. The still untitled disc follows 2007's gold-selling Elliott Yamin and its platinum-selling hit single, "Wait for You." Working with the curly-headed singer on the new CD are producers Jermaine Dupri, Josh Abraham and the duo Stargate. His debut project scored on both the pop (No. 3) and R&B (No. 2) Billboard magazine charts.

Photo: Elliott on the mike (Jeff Christensen).

No joke, folks. In 2008, 1.88 million vinyl records were sold. That's up from 988,000 in 2007. See this story. The resurgence seems to be all about rallying against the sterility and compression of CDs and especially MP3 files. Plus, it's so cool to dig the artwork of a vinyl album. Hey, even amazon.com is now selling vinyl. Check out this video about the subject.

Who has vinyl out there, both old and new? Tell us!

Photo: The vinyl vindication (courtesy of Google).

Isaac Hayes left this world way too soon. So in his memory, and in his honor, the resuscitated Stax Records will reissue his 1971 epic classic Black Moses Feb. 24. The album will be completely remastered and restored, even with the fold-out package forming a cross-shaped image of the artist. Also coming out that same day on Stax is Juicy Fruit (Disco Freak), Hayes' 1976 disco opus that has never been on CD before. Cool stuff, folks. Yesterday's R&B should still be remembered and revered today.

Photo: The mighty Black Moses (courtesy of Wikipedia).

On Pearl Harbor Day early last month, I found myself stuck in Abilene, Texas: My 12-year-old had a tennis tournament. Tennis parents know all too well that such marathons often end late, and when they do, you're exhausted, not to mention how the kid feels! So my boy and I were cruising the lonely streets of Abilene, late on a Saturday night. Turned out to be one of the best drives I've ever had. As the little guy snoozed in the back, my mind drifted to the sounds of Abilene's National Public Radio affiliate, which was playing music. But not just any music. Unlike the sheer gar-bage heard on commercial radio these days, this was good music. Passionate, beautifully written acoustic music by artists whose names you have yet to hear but will (I hope). And this one song comes on ... and it's the kind of song that drives you crazy when you hear it because you have to hear more -- is there an album? Where can I buy it? What other songs has this amazing artist done? Who is this person anyway?

Photo: Lindsay Katt, whose debut album is a keeper

So red-hot Taylor Swift remains at No. 1 with Fearless, selling 90,000 copies during a slow post-holidays sales week, according to Nielsen SoundScan. The 19-year-old singing and songwriting wunderkind is perhaps the most popular artist du jour next to Lil Wayne.

And now about Bruce. His 16th studio album, Working On a Dream, arrives in stores Jan. 27. The disc, produced by Brendan O'Brien, was essentially recorded soon after he finished 2007's Magic. So the Boss is in prolific mode. I'm looking forward to the CD. Are you?

Photo: Working On a Dream cover courtesy of Wikipedia.

Woo-hoo! The ever prolific Prince plans on releasing three albums this year without any help from a major label. Read the billboard.com story here. Gotta love Prince Rogers Nelson. Like Willie Nelson, he does things his way and on his time. And on his dime, too, for that matter. Cool.

By the way, my fave Prince album remains 1991's Diamonds and Pearls. Not a bad song on there. What's your favorite Prince album?

Photo: His name is Prince (Picasa 2.7).

For those who like to gobble up statistics about the numbers game aspect of the music industry, here's an Associated Press story about 2008 tallies. CD sales are down again and digital downloads sales continue to skyrocket. So what else is new? Anyway, happy reading!

This shouldn't surprise anybody. Rapper Lil Wayne sold the most CDs in 2008, according to Nielsen SoundScan. His Tha Carter III moved 2.8 million copies. Coming in at No. 2 is Coldplay with 2.14 million copies sold of Viva La Vida. At No. 3 we have Taylor Swift. Her Fearless CD sold 2.11 million. Rounding out the Top 5 are Kid Rock selling 2 million copies of Rock N Roll Jesus and AC/DC moving 1.9 million of its huge comeback, Black Ice.

Photo: Coldplay's Viva La Vida CD had to settle for No. 2 (Courtesy of Capitol Records).

Attention Blue October fans: The Austin rockers are getting ready to release Approaching Normal, its fifth album, March 24 on Universal. It was recorded at Texas icon Willie Nelson's Pedernales Studios. Also, the October guys want to go global with the disc. They specifically want to conquer Europe. As for the upcoming record, expect a "dramatic-slash-theatrical" affair, according to Blue bassist Matt Noveskey. Read the billboard.com story for more details.

Photo: The Blue boys (Jeremy Cowart).

Seal Henry Samuel took a detour from his original brand of R&B-laced pop-dance on Soul, his disc of a dozen cover tunes with, well, a soulful bent. Now let me say that some of the record is a bit safe sounding. That's no doubt thanks to David Foster's production, which always tends toward the subdued side. "Stand By Me" and "People Get Ready" are just too subdued. But, baby, when Seal sings Deniece Williams' "Free" we all just float. Also good are his takes on "Knock On Wood" and "If You Don't Know Me By Now." The latter fits his relaxed, slightly sultry pipes well, even if he doesn't give it the fire that Teddy Pendergrass originally did. Or even Mick Hucknall did later. It's a listening pleasure, regardless. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to play "Free" again. Aaahhhh.......

Photo: That soulful CD cover (Courtesy of Wikipedia).

A new U2 CD is always an event. So March 3 comes No Line On the Horizon, the group's 12th studio album. Produced by Steve Lillywhite, Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois -- all of whom have helmed records for the band before -- the set still doesn't have an available track list. But it was recorded in Dublin, Fez and New York. Horizon is the follow-up to 2004's How to Dismantle An Atomic Bomb. Read the full billboard.com story here.

Photo: Bono speaking at the Women's Conference Oct. 22, 2008 in Long Beach, California (Chris Pizzello).

Not that we believe in numerology or anything. And not that numbers have anything cosmic to say. But...Neil Young recorded the tunes on Sugar Mountain Live At Canterbury House 1968 Nov. 9 and 10, 1968. So about 40 years ago. Well, hmm, the long-awaited album debuted at No. 40 on Billboard's pop albums chart this week. Weird.

Photo: The Sugar Mountain Live CD cover courtesy of cduniverse.com.

I know I'm a tad late on this. Blame it on a slew of Christmas CDs. Anyway, let's forget for a moment Beyoncé's Sasha Fierce nonsense. It's too foolish to entertain. But in such a green-centric world now, the Houston diva wasted so much plastic on a second CD with only five songs. Her two-disc I Am...Sasha Fierce project has only 11 songs total. But the five on the Sasha side contain two terrible tracks ("Diva" and "Video Phone"), a couple of decent ones ("Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)" and "Sweet Dreams") and only one truly good cut ("Radio"). For this Ms. B demanded a second compact disc?

Photo: Whatever her name is... (Courtesy of Columbia Records).

It may be the Heaven's Gate of the music industry. Axl Rose's vanity project, Chinese Democracy, disguised as a Guns N' Roses album even though he's the only original member left, has sold 318,000 copies in two weeks, according to Nielsen SoundScan. That is, without a doubt, a commercial bomb. Especially for such a mega-selling, well-known rock entity. Especially for a CD that cost in the millions to make. Especially for a CD that took 17 years to see the bright lights of retail. Especially for a disc that grabbed so much media attention. Many say that selling it exclusively at Best Buy was the problem. That box store isn't as savvy about selling CDs as, say, Wal-Mart and Target. I don't think the vendor mattered. I just think Axl burned his bridges -- all of them -- with those that matter most, the fans.

Any thoughts?

Photo: The Chinese Democracy dud (Courtesy of Geffen Records).

Latin group Los Primos de Durango, gaining momentum in both Mexico and the United States, will sign autographs and help promote their new CD, Con Fuego En Tu Piel: 100% Duranguense Light, Wednesday at 6 p.m. at Discoteca Leo, 1710 S. 1st St., Garland. For more information, call the store at 972-840-9592‎.

Photo: CD cover of Con Fuego En Tu Piel courtesy of cduniverse.com.

The attraction is instant. Aterciopelados, Colombia's veteran Latin rock duo of Andrea Echeverri and Hector Buitrago, immediately draw in the listener to their fine new CD, Rio. That title track, the first cut, is an infectious plea for ecological clarity, particularly in the river waters. The rest of the CD is quintessential Aterciopelados, which means it's a hodge-podge of rock, funk, pop, hip-hop, electronica and even a little waltz thrown in food good measure. Standouts include "Dia Paranormal," a percussive, salsa-jazz-rock fusion that laments the commercialization of nature; "Vals," a gorgeous waltz with a melancholy lilt; the mid-tempo "Tomate," a quirky little story set to a slow shuffle beat; and "Aguita," which closes the disc praising the purity of water. For more on Aterciopelados, check out their website, or that of their cool label, Nacional Records.

Photo: Rio cover courtesy of cduniverse.com.

I've never put too much stock in the American Music Awards. After all, it's a popularity contest. But I'm so happy to hear that Christian rockers Third Day finally got their first AMA last night. The Atlanta-based band, nominated twice before for an AMA, won in the contemporary inspirational category. If there's a time this group deserves the honors, it's now. Revelation, produced by rock knob-turner Howard Benson, is lead singer Mac Powell and company's best CD ever. It's an effort loaded with passion, pathos and plenty of melodic rock verve. I recommend it to anybody, whether you like contemporary Christian music or not.

Are there any AMA winners that you're happy about? Let us know.

Photo: Third Day's Mac Powell performing at Superpages.com Center Oct. 2 (Jason Janik/Special to DMN).

Madonna reinvents herself with each album, but never changes her name or adopts an alter ego for the sake of record sales and publicity. If she did, she'd be convincing.

Houston's Beyoncé, calling herself Sasha Fierce, is the latest singer to adopt an alter ego for "creative freedom." She joins previous personality changers Garth Brooks (who was Chris Gaines), David Bowie (Ziggy Stardust, Aladdin Sane, Thin White Duke), Hank Williams (Luke the Drifter), Paul McCartney (the Fireman) and David Johansen (Buster Poindexter).

Most of the time it's just a vanity exercise aimed at getting more attention. Check out my column Thursday in www.guidelive.com and in the print GuideDaily section.

How do you feel about artistic alter egos? Love em or loathe them? Let us know!

Photo: Miss Beyoncé? Or...uh...Miss Fierce? (Jim Cooper)

Even after just one listen, country singer Craig Morgan's just-released CD, That's Why, reveals much-needed stylistic improvements to his sound. In general there's a more sophisticated sonic ambiance here, a necessary change from his hokey, ho-hum last two discs, 2005's My Kind of Livin' and 2006's Little Bit of Life. The Tennessee native is singing with more passion, especially on the single "Love Remembers" and the title cut, "That's Why." On barn-burners such as "Sticks" and the clever "Planet Her" he's likable and full of gusto. Obviously Mr. Morgan's graduation to a major label (BNA Records) after four years with Nashville independent Broken Bow Records agreed with him.

Photo: Cover of That's Why courtesy of cduniverse.com.

Listening to any Eva Cassidy CD is a bittersweet experience. How sad that such a talented vocalist able to seamlessly interpret blues, country, pop, jazz, gospel and folk died so young. She was only 33 when melanoma took her life in 1996. Somewhere, the eighth CD released posthumously, is lovely ("Coat of Many Colors," "My Love Is Like a Red Red Rose"), bluesy ("Ain't Doin' Too Bad") and jazzy ("Summertime"). Two rare originals, "Early One Morning" and "Somewhere," show us that she was more than just a singer for others' songs. If you aren't familiar with the late Ms. Cassidy's music, or even her beautiful paintings, check out her website, www.evacassidy.org. I don't think you'll be sorry you made the trip.

Photo: Somewhere cover courtesy of cduniverse.com.

Toby Keith might not want to hear this, since he's carved a reputation as a testosterone country king with a penchant for honky-tonk women. But he can really sing a country ballad, as he does on "Lost You Anyway" and "Hurt a Lot Worse When You Go," two stellar tracks from his new CD, That Don't Make Me a Bad Guy, released on his label Show Dog Nashville. What's more, the man belts the blues with gusto. "Missing Me Some You" drips with genuine soul. Nothing wrong with the remainder of the disc. He goes back to the tropics on "Cabo San Lucas," and then waxes about his female friends on "Creole Woman," "I Got It For You Girl" and "God Love Her." But again, yet another ballad, the single "She Never Cried In Front of Me," has power and pathos. His robust voice connects with heavy emotions. Big Bad Toby sure has the R&B heart for deeper, slower songs.

Photo: That Don't Make Me a Bad Guy cover courtesy of cduniverse.com.

Chicago electronic pop-rock band White Tie Affair -- a quintet consisting of Sean P (guitar programming), Chris Wallace (vocals), Tim McLaughlin (drums), Ryan Cook (bass) and Ryan Hollywood (keyboard, guitar) -- cruise on into House of Blues Wednesday. The young group is touring behind its fun, energetic and hooky debut CD, Walk This Way. They are definitely part of a new wave of synthesized pop-rock acts that seem to be influenced by the sonic elements of '80s synth-pop-rock. To underscore White Tie Affair's youthful, hip audience, the guys recently performed on an episode of MTV's The Hills. The HOB gig Wednesday is part of a package bill that also includes Metro Station, Tyga and Cash Cash.

Check out my story on Metro Station Wednesday on www.guidelive.com.

Photo: The guys from White Tie Affair (Epic Records/Sony).

Not that we need any proof, but if you're looking for evidence of soul singer extraordinaire Maysa's love of R&B for grownups, then click on over to "I Need a Man," one of the tracks on her sumptuous new CD, Metamorphosis, released on Shanachie Records. This isn't a sexual manifesto, like it would be in the hands of any other contemporary R&B diva. Nope. Maysa needs a man who's "strong in mind, body and soul." She sings the mid-tempo track with authority and sensuality. That's the tone of the Baltimore native's entire disc, her seventh solo effort outside of acid jazz ensemble Incognito, for which she has served as off-and-on lead vocalist. One more song on Metamorphosis deserves mention here: "A Conversation With the Universe," a percussive, funk-fortified jam featuring label mates Global Noize.

Photo: Metamorphosis cover courtesy of cduniverse.com.

Ann Hampton Callaway, the Chicago-born singer-songwriter whose stunning voice can ably command jazz, pop standards, big band, blues and soul music, talks up her upcoming CD, At Last, which will be released in February. She has this to say about it:

It's possibly the best record I've made to date. People keep telling me that I keep getting more open and more powerful as a singer. That's the best news a singer could hear. The rest of my life I want to keep growing, like a good wine. It naturally grows and has a richer and deeper bouquet. It's an album of love songs for grownups. I found the love of my life in the last two years. There are two original songs, great American classics, "At Last" and "Over the Rainbow," "What Is This Thing Called Love," a Cole Porter song, "On My Way to You," an Alan and Marilyn Bergman song. It's my pledge to love and romance and desire. It's a celebration of love.

For more on my interview with Ms. Callaway, check www.guidelive.com and GuideDaily Nov. 6 (or maybe a day or two sooner).

Photo: Ms. Callaway (Bill Westmoreland).

Ryan Adams & the Cardinals, Cardinology (Lost Highway) - The country rocker (emphasis on rock) releases a studio album with his band, the Cardinals.
The Cure, 4:13 Dream (Geffen) - The legendary goth rock band fronted by the much-imitated Robert Smith cranks out 13 songs in its inimitable style.
Celine Dion, My Love: Ultimate Essential Collection (Sony) - Love songs, the Canadian songstress' specialty, in a 26-song compilation.
Toby Keith, That Don't Make Me a Bad Guy (Show Dog Nashville) - The prolific country honcho releases his fourth studio album in as many years.
John Legend, Evolver (Columbia) - Love and relationships get explored on the soul singer-pianist's third studio album co-produced by Kanye West.

I was poking around on Napster just now and got giddy when I found Nightmare Revisited, released just a few weeks ago. Yep, it's the soundtrack to Tim Burton's deliciously melancholy movie Nightmare Before Christmas, but the tracks are covered by a slew of rock acts like Korn, Flyleaf, our own Polyphonic Spree, Marilyn Manson, Rodrigo y Gabriela, Amy Lee, Rise Against, All American Rejects and more. Get a listen of the tracks here and buy the album here.

Right, right, right. I know. But word is that the CD will be released Nov. 23 at Best Buy. I, personally, will believe it when I physically see and touch a wrapped, square plastic case in a store that says Chinese Democracy and Guns N' Roses on the front of it. Read more here.

As Thor reported back in December '07:

Axl Rose is supposedly putting the final touches on Guns N' Roses' Chinese Democracy. Then again, we've been hearing that same story since roughly 1998.

You can already hear the song "Chinese Democracy" online here.

Jet off to Italy, Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, France, Mexico, Spain and Puerto Rico ... all with the click of your CD player. The enchanting, cosmopolitan A Night In series of 10 discs explore the music of the aforementioned countries. Each CD is packed with 15 songs, packaged in an environmentally safe way and priced at less than $15. Hey, that's a pretty cheap worldly trip. I'll be writing more about these cool musical souvenirs later. But for now, I wanted to give them a quick plug.

Photo: A Night in Italy cover courtesy of cduniverse.com.

Among the many CDs in stores today, here's a few highlights:
Calle 13, Los de Atrás Vienen Conmigo (Sony BMG Norte) - Third album from Puerto Rico's lauded hip-hop duo of Residente and Visitante.
Brett Dennen, Hope for the Hopeless (Dualtone) - Rolling Stone hails the California folk-pop singer-songwriter as one of 2008's artists to watch.
Waylon Jennings, Waylon Forever (Vagrant) - The late country legend's final recordings backed by son Shooter Jennings and his band, the .357's.
Labelle, Back to Now (Verve) - The return of Patti LaBelle, Nona Hendryx and Sarah Dash on a supercool, vocal powerhouse album that sounds old yet new.
Mary Mary, The Sound (Columbia) - Gospel-R&B duo offers up a dozen tunes, one of which features rapper David Banner as a guest.
Craig Morgan, That's Why (BNA) - The feel-good country singer unveils his debut for a major label, the home of Kenny Chesney, after years with strong independent imprint Broken Bow.
Hank Williams III, Damn Right, Rebel Proud (Curb) - The controversial country-rocker, son of Hank Williams Jr., releases his fourth studio album.
Lee Ann Womack, Call Me Crazy (MCA Nashville) - Another stunning traditional country album from Texas' peerless vocalist produced by the renowned Tony Brown.
Photo: Craig Morgan CD cover courtesy of cduniverse.com

I love me some Girl Talk, and here's why: You could hear bits of everything from Arrested Development to Boston to James Taylor to Slim Thug to Elton John to Styx to the Beach Boys to Rick Astley to Rihanna to KRS-One to Jay-Z to Britney Spears — all in the same track. Gregg Gillis (a.k.a. Girl Talk) is a hyper, master mixer — don't think for a second that because he samples Kenny Loggins and Carole King that there's a chill moment in his music.

You can hear for yourself on Girl Talk's Myspace, and you can read up on him in Thor's interview here. Get details on his show tomorrow night at Palladium Ballroom here.

(Photo by Andrew Strasser: Project name = Girl Talk, real name = Gregg Gillis)

So country superstar Tim McGraw has officially disowned his recently released third singles compilation, Greatest Hits Vol. 3. It's a bold move, and we'll let him explain in a statement delivered via his Nashville publicist:

"I am saddened and disappointed that my label chose to put out another hits album instead of new music. I've only had one studio album since my last hits package. It has to be just as confusing to the fans as it is to me. I had no involvement in the creation or presentation of this record. Sure I love the songs and I don't want to take anything away from all the creative people who were a part of making those records. But the whole concept is an embarrassment to me as an artist. In the spirit of an election year, I would simply say to my fans 'I'm Tim McGraw and I don't approve their message.'"

Photo: The disavowed Greatest Hits Vol. 3 cover courtesy of cduniverse.com.

Massachusetts singer Sonya Kitchell made her name as a precocious 17-year-old shrouded in hoopla for her Starbucks-released debut CD. Now, at 19, she's living up to the hype. Her dusky alto keeps getting richer --- on her new CD, This Storm, she could pass for jazz singer thrice her age, a fact not lost on Herbie Hancock, who's recorded and toured with her. And she's matured as a writer with smart tunes about political apathy ("Borderline") and personal uncertainty ("Soldier's Lament"). Produced by Malcolm Burn (Emmylou Harris, Daniel Lanois), This Storm proves Ms. Kitchell can sing anything she wants, from jazz to folk to gospel-soul dirges

In addition to new releases from Kenny Chesney and Lucinda Williams, here are a few other CDs in stores today:

Buena Vista Social Club, Buena Vista Social Club at Carnegie Hall (Nonesuch) - Stunning two-disc souvenir of the acclaimed collective of Cuban musicians' performance at Carnegie Hall on July 1, 1998.
Billy Currington , Little Bit of Everything (Mercury Nashville) - Third record by the Georgia newcomer banks on the success of the 2005 platinum Doin' Something Right.
Keane, Perfect Symmetry (Interscope ) - Third album from English piano rock band features a new set of songs written by the trio.
Ray LaMontagne , Gossip In the Grain (RCA) - Folk-pop-rock singer and songwriter from New Hampshire hopes to capitalize on his 2006 breakthrough, Till the Sun Turns Black.
Little Big Town, A Place to Land (Capitol Nashville) - Country-pop band's wonderful 2007 CD gets reissued with new cover art and four extra songs, including three fresh studio tracks.

Photo: Cover of Little Big Town's revamped A Place to Land (courtesy of cduniverse.com).

Tulsa's Eldredge Jackson, an R&B-spiced smooth jazz saxophonist, brings elegence, sultriness and plenty of melody to Listening Pleasure, his new CD produced by fellow jazz man Wayman Tisdale. The 13-track disc features cool originals from Mr. Jackson, such as the seductive "Git Wit It" and the rhythmic title tune, as well as suave covers of Lionel Richie's "Hello" and Michael Jackson's "Rock With You," a Rod Temperton (of Heatwave fame) composition. Catch some sax from Eldredge Jackson Saturday night at Dallas' Brooklyn Jazz Cafe.

Photo: Eldredge "Sax Man" Jackson (Kelly Kerr).

J-Hud's self-titled debut CD enters Billboard's pop albums chart at No. 2 with a healthy 217,000 copies sold its first week in stores, according to Nielsen SoundScan. It's a good album, save for a few quibbles. Read my review of it here. Of course, as expected, rapper T.I.'s Paper Trail bows at the summit with a whopping 568,000 copies sold. At No. 3 is Robin Thicke with Something Else. That one moved 137,000 copies. Oh, and fear not Metallica fans, Death Magnetic is still in the Top 5. In fact, it's exactly No. 5 with 86,000 copies sold.

Photo: Jennifer Hudson in a photo from last month (Jim Cooper).