Although it has been 20 years since her last solo album, Nona Hendryx magnificently blends current themes into her latest, Mutatis Mutandis. The funky "The Tea Party" tackles self-serving misconceptions, as she proclaims, "They think we're going to paint the White House Black." "Oil in the Water" has a soulful rock vibe to it and focuses on the BP oil spill. On "Ballad of Rush Limbaugh," the "Busting Out" singer croons about the outspoken radio personality: "He feels he's above the law." "Stranger Fruit" is a modernization of Billie Holiday's piece on lynching. Throughout the set, a bassline serves a backbone, most notably heard on "Temple of Heaven" and "Black on Black."
The bisexual beauty appeared on an episode of The L Word as herself. Hendryx reunited with the other members Labelle for the 2008 album Back to Now and a reunion tour. Hendryx has a fundraising campaign through PledgeMusic to help finance her current tour. Sponsors can get perks like updates from the road, video footage, a chance to win an iPad and an opportunity to meet the icon. A portion of the amount raised will benefit the Chicago alternative learning institution Little Black Pearl. Mutatis Mutandis is out now digitally and physical copies will be available July 31 on Righteous Babe Records.
In 2010, I became spellbound by Friend Slash Lover's debut EP, As American As Ones and Zeros. The Los Angeles-based outfit returns in fine form with the new EP, The Grey Area. The exciting spirit of the alternative scene of the late '80s and early '90s is alive and well, as witnessed on "S2PD HMN" and the superb cover of XTC's "Dear God." Songwriter and lead singer Josh Mintz is witty in his observations on the opener "As Seen on TV," as he sings, "Have you seen me on TV every night? I'm the actor playing me all the time." Succumbing to life's rut and missing the more carefree yesteryear are captured on the title track with the poignant lyric, "We all fell into the same hysteria." This echoes the "Reality Bites" feeling from "Where Have I Been All My Life" from the group's debut EP. The stunning closing track, "Carry Your Weight," is worthy of Pink Floyd. The self-released The Grey Area is out now and fuels anticipation for a proper full-length album, or at least a slot at Lollapalooza or Pitchfork.
Michael Jackson's music is being celebrated in The Immortal World Tour by Cirque du Soleil. Here, friends "ease on down the road" in hopes of finding Neverland Ranch. En route, they encounter mysterious individuals and dance to Jackson's treasured classics like "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'" and "Smooth Criminal." Often-overlooked gems like "This Place Hotel" and "Workin' Day and Night" are included in the production. Numbers like "Earth Song" recall what was intended for Jackson's concert run in London during This Is It. The companion soundtrack is available via Epic. The Immortal World Tour by Cirque du Soleil will be at United Center, 1901 W. Madison St., on Friday, July 20 and Saturday, July 21. Starting early next year, the show is expected to have a residency in Las Vegas at Mandalay Bay.
Jackson's 1987 album Bad is being reissued Sept. 18 as Bad 25, with previously unreleased demos and remixes on a bonus disc. A limited edition will feature an additional CD and DVD from the gloved one's performance at Wembley Stadium before Prince Charles and Princess Diana. However, don't expect to find the chart-topper "Dirty Diana" on the set list; Jackson did not want to be disrespectful and sing it in front of the Princess of Wales. But look closely: That is a young Sheryl Crow singing back-up vocals and on the smash duet "I Just Can't Stop Loving You."
Katy Perry's CD Teenage Dream recently tied Bad for spawning five number-one pop singles. Thriller marked Jackson's first solo album to be reissued on its 25th anniversary.
This summer four of the surviving Jackson brothers are hitting the road for The Unity Tour. The Jacksons scored a slew of hits when signed to Motown such as "I Want You Back," "ABC" and "I'll Be There." The brothers' last studio album is 1989's forgettable 2300 Jackson Street. Instead, reach for 1984's Victory, which has the goodies "State of Shock" and "Torture."
Queer Fest America is having a fundraiser for El Rescate Independent Transitional Living for Homeless and HIV/AIDS Youth Sunday, July 22, at Reggie's Rock Club, 2105 S. State St. On the bill are comedians Thomas Bottoms, Marc Peurye, Kate Cullen and Darren Marshall as well as local musicians When Flying Feels Like Falling and Spherical Banana. Headliners Jonny McGovern and Elephant will be appearing and interacting via Skype. McGovern, a veteran of Logo's Big Gay Sketch Comedy Show, keeps his sense of humor in tracks like "Dickmatized," "Blanche Devereaux" and "Soccer Practice." Patty Vaccarella and Lair Scott will host the event. For more information, contact queerfestamerica@gmail.com .
Jay Brannan and eclectic violinist Bitch are touring together again with a stop at Lincoln Hall, 2424 N. Lincoln Ave., on Thursday, July 26. Both of these queer artists made a splash in the 2006 film Shortbus. Brannan's latest, Rob Me Blind, is highlighted by the romantic title track. On Live at Eddie's Attic, he gives Adele's "Someone Like You" and Nicki Minaj's "Super Bass" a folk-driven makeover. Bitch currently is working on a successor to her 2010 album Blasted!, and has begun a documentary on the legendary Canadian folk singer Ferron.
