From left: Sophie B. Hawkins, k.d. lang, Joan Armatrading
Surely anybody who has been to the bars or clubs lately has heard some of the songs by the band Scissor Sisters. This New York outfit is putting the fun back into rock 'n' roll with over-the-top videos, catchy pop songs and a Frankie Goes to Hollywood-influenced cover of Pink Floyd's 'Comfortably Numb'. The lead singer Jake Shears sounds like a mix of a young Elton John and the Bee Gees, while the other lead vocalist Ana Matronic is clearly inspired by Stevie Nicks. They are both all smiles too. Who else makes songs about the transgendered prostitutes who work along New York City's West Side Highway, like they do on their song 'Filthy/Gorgeous'? The Scissor Sisters' self-titled debut is already a top 10 smash in the U.K. and came out finally the end of July on Universal Records stateside.
Still longing for more Dido? The British singer-songwriter appears on the title track on Faithless's latest CD No Roots. She has appeared on their other three albums, fair is fair, since Faithless is her older brother Rollo's band and he helped co-write and produce her albums No Angel and Life for Rent. As another highlight, Faithless also incorporates Nina Simone's classic soul bearing voice on their upbeat song 'I Want More Part 2' on No Roots.
Lara Fabian, the powerhouse vocalist behind the 2000 pop and club hit 'I Will Love Again', returns with her new song 'Last Goodbye' from her new album Wonderful Life, which is due out domestically in September, according to her Web site. Lara also appears in the movie DeLovely, singing 'So In Love' as a duet with Greek hunk Mario Frangoulis. While it may seem like Lara was out of the spotlight, she released an album in French in her native Canada as well as a live CD since her explosive crossover.
Keep an eye out for k.d. lang's new CD Hymns from the 49th Parallel on Nonesuch Records. She will be covering hits written by other Canadians like Joni Mitchell and Neil Young. Great themes have been key with her projects, just think back to her albums Drag, Invincible Summer, and A Wonderful World. Even Cher has been quoted as saying, when she wants to listen to a great vocalist, she plays k.d. lang.
Earthy singer-songwriter Sophie B. Hawkins is reuniting with Chris Isaak, as she will be opening for Chris during his summer tour, making stops here in Chicago. Sophie made a cameo on the Chris Isaak Show, where they fought for the affection of the same woman. Expect this to be a hot concert, particularly since Sophie's latest album Wilderness is the sultriest yet.
Even though Pride weekend is a few weeks behind us, people are still in a frothy lather over the song from the Crobar float. Although they were toward the end of the parade—right in front of those hot rugby players the Chicago Dragons—those of us who were still there and remember this much recall Crobar pumping out a hot vocal house jam on repeat. It was Mr. Pink Presents the Program 'Love and Affection,' a cover of Joan Armatrading's hit from the '70s. The bass line and refrain are absolutely infectious. Sadly, the single is out of print, but you might be able to find the song on some circuit compilations. With the proper release, this song could easily be a summer club anthem and circuit party highlight.
And if you have nothing nice to say ... don't post it on George Michael's message board at his official Web site georgemichael.com . His big comeback CD Patience was greeted with a lukewarm reception and mostly favorable reviews, but this crooner decided to close down his message board on his Web site since his fans were being overly critical of George, his music, his sales, his promotion and even his appearance. In his message on his forum, George wrote, 'there are plenty of places to read people slagging each other off, but I wasn't trying to create one in opening the Forum. ... I'm afraid I want nothing to do with the bitching that has evolved.' Not bad for the person who recently received an award for being the most played artist on British radio in the last 20 years from the BBC.
— Additional reporting by Tony Peregrin
