On his much-anticipated sophomore outing, Electric Grids & Concrete Towers, Dylan Rice delivers timeless pop rock.His rich, melodic voice recalls Morrissey. But unlike the Smiths' frontman, the Chicagoan freely sings about a relationship with a man, albeit a taken man, on the catchy "Homewrecker's Lament." It is easy to fall spellbound to the guitar on "Soon As I Get Back." Wilco bassist John Stirratt guests on "Motel Daughters." Other shining moments include the rocking "Abide by Love," the melodic "Rome" and "Emma Jane." Rice's welcomed return is available digitally now.
She might sing "It's Only Money," but Windy City singer-songwriter Lisa Danielson has her albums on sale. At concerts and through contacting the artist directly at londonrainn@gmail.com, Danielson's most recent Beautiful Inside has been lowered to $7 and her debut E.P. Bits and Pieces is only $4. Having performed at Columbia College's Gender Fusion events earlier this year, Danielson will be at Uncommon Ground, 3800 N. Clark, on Sunday, Dec. 27. Also on the bill are Lupe Carroll and Crystal Bowersox.
Warm Sun by Susan Howard marks the first album geared toward the children of same-sex parents. There already are plenty of books on the matter. Warm Sun features a folky sing-along sound with "Hanging out with My Moms," "Daddy Papa and Me" and "I'm Adopting a Brother." Warm Sun is available now at www.thenextfamily.com and will have a wider release in 2010.
In conjunction with World AIDS Day, Sdia ( AIDS spelled backwards ) has released the song "Going All the Way." Portions of all December sales will go to the charity AVERT to assist the global AIDS crisis. The upbeat '80s-flavored number can be downloaded solely from iTunes.
In 1997 Sinead O'Connor released the EP Gospel Oak. Included here is the beautiful lullaby "This Is to Mother You." This ditty recently has been re-recorded by the Celtic songbird along with Mary J. Blige and newcomer Martha B. to raise awareness on sex trafficking. Proceeds benefit Girls Educational and Mentoring Services. For more information about the cause, please visit gems-girls.org . "This Is to Mother You" is available now as an mp3.
Blige teamed with George Michael on a soulful remake of Stevie Wonder's "As"; however, it took nine years for it to get released stateside.
One of my friends said that she would travel abroad to see Michael's farewell tour again, if her finances allowed it. That's a fair claim.
During his concert series, the troubled singer performed classics he said he would swear off like "Careless Whisper" and "Wake Me up before You Go-Go," to the audience's delight. Combining the jazzy version of "Spinning the Wheel" with its dance remix is one of the show's highlights, as are the refreshing "Flawless ( Go to the City ) " and watching Dita Von Teese burlesque dance on screen during the remake of "Feeling Good."
The double-disc DVD Live from London has favorites from Michael's Wham! days, along with his solo hits and a handful of covers to make for an unforgettable concert experience.
Michael knows he "gotta have faith." The openly gay crooner just released the holiday track "December Song ( I Dreamed of Christmas ) " overseas.
Ever find yourself nestled all snug in your beds, while "Visions of Love" danced in your heads? Those were the days when Mariah Carey still had vocal range. "All I Want for Christmas Is You," from the big-haired diva's 1994 holiday effort, Merry Christmas, has been remixed by Low Sunday. With extra sleigh bells and more of a rhythm track, the new spins of "All I Want for Christmas Is You" are available now exclusively in digital format.
Per remembertheeighties.com, Boy George has joined the caroling with his new rendition of "White Xmas." Also on the digital EP are "Lousy Substitute" and "More Girls Just Like You." This is a perfect precursor to the former Culture Club singer's new material, due out next year.
This holiday season belongs to The Pet Shop Boys. The duo is releasing the EP Christmas. The five-track set includes a remix of the Tchaikovsky sampling "All over the World;" versions of Madness's "My Girl;" a medley of "Domino Dancing" and Coldplay's "Viva la Vida;" and a new take on their seasonal-themed gem "It Doesn't Often Snow at Christmas."
The pair also penned "The Performance of My Life" for Dame Shirley Bassey. Her album The Performance is the Welsh chanteuse's first collection of newly written material in over two decades.
I can tolerate having only a few openly gay artists being nominated for a Grammy, such as The Pet Shop Boys. At least vocal allies like Lady Gaga, P!nk, Beyonce and Kathy Griffin received nods this year. Although I support the first amendment, I cannot support musicians who are gay-bashing in their lyrics, yet receive such a prestigious recognition. Controversial singer Buju Banton's record, Rasta Got Soul, is up for Best Reggae Album.
Banton's "Boom Bye Bye" favors beating up gays, which has lead to a series of stateside concerts being canceled by promoters according to OutNow Magazine. Furthermore, per pinknews.co.uk, Banton denied that he signed the Reggae Compassionate Act, a deal to cease making homophobic music and statements.
For more on Banton and to access the online petition to protest Banton's recent Grammy nomination, visit glaad.org/bujubantonpetition.
