Recollection is the first career-spanning retrospective in kd lang's illustrious 25 years as a recording artist. On this two-disc set, the Canadian songbird croons effortlessly over milestones like "Constant Craving" and a duet with Roy Orbison on "Crying."
Allotting just 22 tracks to cover 12 albums is a challenge, but Recollection makes a noble attempt. Included are the gems "So in Love" from the Cole Porter tribute Red Hot + Blue, "Calling All Angels" with Jane Siberry, a new version of Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah" and the previously unreleased "Beautifully Combined." Among the missing are "Just Keep Me Moving," "Lifted by Love," "Big Boned Gal" and "The Theme of the Valley of the Dolls."
A limited edition is also available with a third disc of music and a bonus DVD of the four-time Grammy winner's videos. Recollection reminds listeners of lang's many achievements and her flawless delivery.
Also smoothly singing her way back into our hearts is Sade with Soldier of Love. Frontwoman Sade Adu's deep, sexy voice was last heard on 2000's Lovers Rock. On the recent chart-topper's title track, the instrumentation is more aggressive, recalling Grace Jones' "Corporate Cannibal" or Massive Attack. On the charming "Morning Bird," Adu's vocals are paired with a sweet, mild reggae flavor. The sound on "Be That Easy" is inspired by Nashville. Sade makes a welcomed return with Soldier of Love, which is out now via Sony.
Speaking of Massive Attack, does the duo suffer from Erasure-itis? Musicians with this condition have the symptom of having their sound not progress much since their prime. This can be benign or malignant.
Massive Attack's Heligoland is the act's first album of new material since 2003's 100th Window. "Paradise Circus" is the highlight here, with the hushed vocals courtesy of Hope Sandoval, formerly of Mazzy Star. Tricky's one-time chanteuse Martina Topley-Bird cameos on "Babel" and "Psyche." "Flat of the Blade" resembles the music from Bjork's 1995 effort, Post. Although Massive Attack's sound has not varied much, it is still enjoyable, especially if the listener wants to take a phonic trip while sporting a pair of headphones.
Ethereal singer-songwriter Dot Allison has toured with Massive Attack, but has yet to be featured on one of the trip-hop outfit's albums. Her first solo bow, Afterglow, is influenced by the Beatles album Rubber Soul. Her 2002 follow-up, We Are Science, finds Allison in New York's late-night electro clubs. She then travels to the Hague for a folk-on-acid vibe on 2007's Exaltation of Larks.
For her latest, Room 7 1/2, she continues with her passion in folk, but embraces a Memphis feel, as heard on "Paved with a Little Pain" and "While She Sleeps." She is quite the enlightened poet on "Fall to Me" and the ode "Jonny Villain." Try not falling under the siren's heavenly spell on "I Wanna Break Your Heart," a duet with the often troubled Pete Doherty. Room 7 1/2 is available now at import shops with a forthcoming domestic release. Now, let's find her a spot on the 2010 Lilith Fair line-up.
On Cover Thy Neighbor, Saint Bernadette reworks material by local musicians based in Connecticut. Meredith Saunders' rich, expressive voice has timeless heartache on "Tell Me Why" and "Used," but is possessed by The Kills' Allison Mosshart on the dark, brooding "Play to Win." Saunders stands strong on "Yellow Envelope," as she sings "I got some secrets I don't want exposed."
Alongside Joe Roberto and Poverty Hash, Saint Bernadette is bringing The Anywhere Celebration Congregation Tour to Chicago's Reggie's Club, 2109 S. State, on Wed., March 10. Cover Thy Neighbor can be purchased at the band's live shows and on independisc.com .
Le Kat's self-released Boudoir Rouge transports her audience to a 1930s Parisian cabaret. The stunning blonde is never short on sex appeal, as she breathlessly purrs on "Coming Home" and "Desire." She brilliantly reinterprets "I Need a Man" by The Eurythmics by stripping the original's arrangements to focus on her plea. The Los Angeles-based artist also adds her own takes on Madonna's often-overlooked top 10 hit "Hanky Panky" and Cole Porter's "Keep Young and Beautiful." The bonus song "Lady in Lavender" is about her role in the cult film Phantasm. Le Kat, born Kathy Lester, has her hand in writing majority of the sassy numbers on Boudoir Rouge. She impressively captures a timeless essence with her robust work.
Dirty Vegas scored a crossover hit, once "Days Go By" was used in a Mitsubishi commercial. Member Paul Harris has another hit on his hands with "I Want You." This track borrows part of its groove and the vocals from "Love Is a Stranger" by The Eurythmics. Harris very cleverly samples the classic's refrain, keeping enough recognizable to salute one of the most groundbreaking '80s acts. Expect "I Want You" to be a sizeable club anthem this spring.
If anybody has noticed, MTV has slightly changed its logo. The capital M keeps the TV inset, however the subtitle Music Television is gone. Even the name of the once-influential channel's annual Video Music Awards has been abbreviated to the VMAs. With shows like The Hills and Jersey Shore, the channel leaves it to the beholder's imagination: does the "M" stand for "mindless" or "meh?"
