Pictured: Melody Gardot's is back with My One and Only Thrill on Verve Forecast.
Many have come out as fans of the Logo reality show RuPaul's Drag Race, including Vanessa Williams and Morningwood's Chantal Claret. This competition not only launched young hopefuls into reality stardom, but it also served as a platform for RuPaul to get new music out. Material from his latest, Champion, has its roots in the breakout show. "Cover Girl" found its way into every episode and "Lady Boy" is inspired by contestant Ongina. A slimmed down Chi Chi LaRue heads to the other side of the camera and stars in the video for "Jealous of My Boogie." RuPaul's longtime friend Lady Bunny cameos on the priceless "Throw Ya Hands Up." The predominantly upbeat and undefeatable Champion is out now.
DJ and producer Larry Tee co-wrote RuPaul's anthem "Supermodel ( You Better Work ) ." Now Tee is releasing his first artist album, Club Badd. As a DJ, he issued the genre defining compilation The Electroclash Mix in 2003. Club Badd's single, "Licky," is catchy as hell as guest Princess Superstar repeats, "L-I-licky-C-K-licky-Y, L-licky-I-C-licky-K-Y" over a hard-driving beat. Here, Tee also updates Internet sensation Kelly's "Shoes" and Amanda Lepore's "My Pussy." Even gossip queen Perez Hilton branches out into music with the limp novelty "My Penis." Even with a lengthy guest list, Tee lets his personality beam in neon lights above all others on Club Badd.
She has lent her voice to worthy causes; now Mekole Wells is going to be running to benefit AIDS Foundation of Chicago. This year, the out cabaret crooner is training to run a half-marathon. To help get more pledges and raise awareness for her effort, Wells is hosting a fundraiser at Mary's Attic, 5400 N. Clark, on Wed., June 17, at 7:30 p.m. Joining Wells on stage for the event are Rhe Washington, January Valdez and Marvin Tate. Expect Wells to sing her own catalog and cover greats like Phyllis Hyman, but she will use her music as a tool to deliver a meaningful, uplifting message.
After performing at South by Southwest, multi-instrumentalist Anna Laube returns with her refreshing sophomore effort, Pool All the Love * Pool All the Knowledge. Laube's carefree spirit shines brightly throughout the set. Her harmonica playing is a welcomed addition on "Kihei Blues." "I Left My Heart in San Francisco" is not a remake of Tony Bennett's signature, having a folk meets jazz flavor. "More Than Friends" has Laube delving deeper into blues and jazz, but hanging on to her folk roots. As she sings "Blue Angel," it seems impossible not to be enamored by her. Laube sites Bob Dylan and Lucinda Williams as influences, which carries over onto "I Found Love" and "Om Namah Shivaya ( Ulysses ) ." Expect the video to the catchy "Hippie Boyfriend" to appear on the promising Laube's myspace page soon. Pool All the Love * Pool All the Knowledge is available now.
IAMX's Chris Corner is the alternative-music scene's answer to Cabaret's Master of Ceremonies. On Kingdom of Welcome Addiction, Berlin-based IAMX's third outing, Corner exposes his vulnerable side, as heard on "I Am Terrified." Fear not, he remains an over-the-top theatrical showman on the title track and "An I for an I." The duet with Imogen Heap "My Secret Friend" is quite an eerie union. Although Corner was in the trip-hop pioneering group the Sneaker Pimps, he matures into welcoming piano and drums, as opposed to a keyboard and drum kit, on "The Stupid, the Proud" and "Running." After sold-out tours stateside, IAMX returns to Chicago with a performance at Subterranean, 2011 W. North, on Saturday, June 6. Kingdom of Welcome Addiction is out now via Metropolis Records.
I barely had time to wipe the sweat from my brow caused by Melody Gardot's steamy 2008 debut, Worrisome Heart. She is back with My One and Only Thrill on Verve Forecast. Here, Gardot returns to play the role of the temptress. The young jazz singer uses her voice as an instrument on "Who Will Comfort Me" as a salute to Sarah Vaughn. Gardot's vocal timing is impeccable, adding a healthy dose of sultriness on "Your Heart Is As Black As Night." On the set's sole cover, "Over the Rainbow," she fuses bossa nova with soft jazz. But her breathless whisper perfectly suits "Deep within the Corners of My Mind." The new material and arrangements utilize the elements that made "Worrisome Heart" so hot. Gardot will have many, including Michael Buble and Il Divo, tugging at their collars.
Identical twin sisters Alejandra and Claudia Deheza of School of Seven Bells recall Imogen Heap and Sarah McLachlan harmonizing flawlessly. The sisters also play guitar and keyboards, with Benjamin Curtis from Secret Machines making School of Seven Bells a trio. Last month, the New York based group opened for Black Moth Super Rainbow at Bottom Lounge with an upbeat set. Highlighting the night were the ethereal "Half Asleep" and the finale "Sempiternal/Amaranth." Opening for Tori Amos or Heap would be a much-needed window of opportunity for the talented School of Seven Bells. The EP Face to Face on High Places and the full-length Alpinisms are out now.
The first compilation in the Just Dance series boasts big names and today's sought after remixers. Rihanna's "Disturbia," Ne-Yo's "Mad," the Killers' "Human" and Mariah Carey's "Touch My Body" have been reworked for a seamless inclusion here. International stars Utada, Duffy and Annet Artani, along with Victoria Secret model Alina, keep the mix rolling. On Guru Josh Project's "Infinity," the signature saxophone lines seem to be lifted from "Flashdance ( What a Feeling ) ." This does not prevent this vocal mix from being the set's strongest moment. Just Dance is out now, just in time for summer.
In case anybody is wondering, Boy George has been released from jail after a four-month term for false imprisonment.
