Britney has two. Christina has one. Now P!nk finally has one, too. The outspoken pop star has issued her first career-spanning collection with Greatest Hits…So Far!!! This retrospective features the goodies "There You Go," "Get the Party Started" and "U + Ur Hand." The mandatory newly added recordings are the celebratory chart-topper "Raise Your Glass" and the sneering "So Fucking Perfect."
The vocal LGBT ally helped re-launch Linda Perry's career as a producer and songwriter. The openly gay former 4 Non Blondes frontwoman was key in P!nk's sophomore breakthrough M!ssundaztood, which has the hits "Just Like a Pill" and "Don't Let Me Get Me."
P!nk's top 10 hit "Most Girls" is sorely missing from this collection. At least the star's collaboration with The Indigo Girls, "Dear Mr. President," is included here. Greatest Hits … So Far!!! definitely sets P!nk apart from her peers, plus it also showcases her bold exploration in different genres.
Shunda K. is one of the latest artists to contribute to the It Gets Better project. The Florida MC's video to "I'm da Best" tells the story of a youth who lacks the support on the homefront when he is taunted and called faggot. Even a ministry bearing hateful signs adds to the kid's woes. He finally finds a sanctuary with K. and Shon B.
The two female rappers, who spit out rhymes at a rapid pace, have not teamed together since Yo! Majesty's "Club Action." K.'s previous pairings include her cameo on Peaches' "Billionaire," appearing on Flore's remake of Gary Numan's signature "Cars" and having Cindy Wonderful of Scream Club guest on the single "Here I Am to Save the World." "I'm da Best" is from the newly released The Most Wanted.
In 2005, Toni Halliday announced that she was disbanding Curve. After a hiatus, she worked with The Killers on the 2006 Christmas-themed track "A Great Big Sled." Halliday is back under the moniker Chatelaine with the album Take a Line for a Walk. Gone is Curve's dance-rock aesthetic. Instead, Halliday gravitates toward gorgeous, dark electronic pop ballads. Fans of Amanda Ghost ("Filthy Mind," "Break My World") will relish in this overdue outing.
"Broken Bones" shows off the battle wounds of a veteran, while "Oh, Daddy" recalls Annie Lennox's rendition of The Lover Speaks' "No More 'I Love You's.'" "Sifting Sands" chirps out a melody worthy of Anne Rice's music box. The fantastic Take a Line for a Walk is out now digitally.
Also ranking among my top albums of 2010 is Selene Vigil Wilk's That Was Then. The onetime frontwoman of 7 Year Bitch shines brightly as the guitars bleed atop pounding drums, as heard on "I Brought the Rain with Me," "Dragon Tail" and "Blue Side." On "Shining Armor" the refrain "what are you waiting for" is absolutely infectious. But the highlight is "Odds End," as she bellows, "this is my home, I live at odds end." That Was Then is not completely riot girl nostalgia. The pace slows down some on "Soak" and Bjork's voice even is evoked on "On a Limb."
Let the others celebrate Sade's recent comeback. I am elated to see Halliday and Vigil Wilk, two strong voices from the '90s alternative music scene, return with such terrific projects. Now, let's add them to my wishlist of Lollapalooza performers.
Never expect the ordinary from Nellie McKay. The quirky singer-songwriter follows up Normal As Blueberry Pie: A Tribute to Doris Day with Home Sweet Mobile Home. Out now via Verge Records, this set ranges from jazz club leanings ("No Equality") to reggae ("Caribbean Times") and folk flavored pop ("Please") to upbeat pop ("Beneath the Underdog"). Yes, that is supposed to be a sheep bahing at the end of "Unknown Reggae." Home Sweet Mobile Home is stamped McKay's beaming personality, which makes this eclectic album cohesive and enticing.
McKay will be at Lincoln Hall, 2424 N. Lincoln on Wed. Jan. 26, and at Space, 1245 Chicago, Evanston, on Thursday, Jan. 27.
"Black & Gold" singer Sam Sparro strikes gold again with the white-hot new number "Pink Cloud." This is a total throwback house track, transporting the listener to the colorful club culture of the early '90s. Don't let this instrumental jam fool you, Sparro's forthcoming full-length album will feature his singing once again. An EP with remixes to "Pink Cloud" and the equally retro "You's a Nasty" can be downloaded for free by registering for the out artist's e-mail list at samsparro.com .
One of my favorite artists, Marcella Detroit, is said to be working with Sparro. I am not sure if their joint efforts will surface on his next album or hers.
On top of Sparro's sophomore outing, several artists are slated to have 2011 releases. This makes me want to whip my hair back and forth. Some include PJ Harvey, Bjork, Ivy, Roxette's Charm School, R.E.M.'s Collapse into Now, George Michael's reissue of Faith, Jody Watley's Chameleon and Duran Duran's All You Need Is Now. Pop divas Britney Spears, Madonna, Lady Gaga, Adele and Christina Aguilera are said to have new material this year as well.
