I appreciate P!nk's feisty nature. Don't fret; motherhood has not dimmed the flame on this firecracker. The Truth About Love continues her theme of love-to-hate-you hits like "So What." "How Come You're Not Here" stands out with its rock vibe and the distorted vocals on the verses. Nate Ruess duets on "Just Give Me a Reason," which offers the first break in the set's pace. Other highlights here are the retro-flavored title cut as well as the strings on the ballad "The Great Escape."
And yes, P!nk was the sole highlight of this year's dreadful MTV Video Music Awards, where she performed the lead single, "Blow Me (One Last Kiss)," with bits of "Get the Party Started" in the mix. P!nk's concert at The United Center, 1901 W. Madison St., on Saturday, March 9, quickly sold out. Let's hope more Chicago dates will be added.
All newcomers who think they can rock should step aside and hail Heart. The respected sister act from Seattle returns with Fanatic. Ann Wilson reminds us what a vocal powerhouse she is, especially on the standout "Mashallah." The set opens with the title track and "Dear Old America," which have the same gusto as old-school favorites "Barracuda" and "Crazy on You." "Skin and Bones" has a drum beat and guitar licks that revisit the classic rock era perfectly. The band is not stuck in the good ol' days; "Million Miles" has a modernized punch to it. Sarah McLachlan guests on the mid-tempo, string-heavy "Walkin' Good." "Rock Deep (Vancouver)" might be the best offering to radio, as its rhythm and groove will get nestle in the listener's head. Fanatic is out now through Sony Legacy.
On top of being nominated again for induction into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Heart penned its memoir, Kicking and Dreaming: A Story of Heart, Soul and Rock and Roll, with rock biographer Charles R. Cross. Need more Heart? Look up the blazing "Black on Black II" from 1993's Desire Walks On.
Out artist Mika returns to The Vic Theatre, 3145 N. Sheffield Ave., on Thursday, Oct. 18. His latest, Origin of Love, boasts pairings with dance-music impresarios like Benny Benassi and Pharrell Williams. Mika continues to show off his vocal range, further drawing comparisons to Freddie Mercury. The double-clap on "Lola" and the beats on "Stardust" will liken the "Grace Kelly" crooner to Scissor Sisters. "Popular Song" borrows its melody from the similarly-titled number from the smash musical Wicked. The title cut's must-see storyline video follows a couple that cannot bear to be separated. Origin of Love is due out Tuesday, Oct. 16, stateside.
Kristine W.'s New and Number Ones follows the same formula as 2010's Straight up with a Twist, by combining new material with reworked classics from her catalog and covers. But this time, the "Fly Again" diva is not favoring jazz or lounge music. She is center stage during the peak hours of the night with this dance floor-ready collection. Because I am so fond of the original, I still am trying to digest the new, overpowering versions of "Love Come Home."
The statuesque siren belted out the chorus on the original when it was released by Our Tribe featuring Franke Pharaoh nearly 20 years ago. Surely, her transformation of Chaka Khan's power ballad, "Through the Fire," will bring her to the top of the club charts again. "One More Try," "Land of the Living," "Lovin' You" and the hook from "Don't Wanna Think" get a facelift here, too. The often-reissued "Feel What You Want" now has elements of her gem "Sweet Mercy Me" mixed into it. The album has remixes by clubland staples like Bimbo Jones, Subgroover and Soul Seekerz. New and Number Ones is the ideal companion for the treadmill.
French electronic act Justice is coming to Congress Theater, 2135 N. Milwaukee Ave., on Wed., Oct. 24. The infectious title track from Audio, Video, Disco has elements recalling the hook from ABBA's "S.O.S." The recent video "Bad Lands" looks like it could be the best remake of the futuristic film Rollerball yet.
Adam Ant is touring the United States with a stop on Saturday, Oct. 13, at Cubby Bear, 1059 W. Addison St. His sound stood out because his rhythm section had an extra kick with two drummers. Best known on this side of the Atlantic for his hit "Goody Two Shoes," Ant made comebacks with "Room at the Top" in 1990 and "Wonderful" from his last album of new material in 1995. "Strip" remains one of my favorites from the New Wave era. Stand & Deliver: The Autobiography came out in 2006.
In case you missed her recent show at City Winery Chicago, Amy Cook's latest, Summer Skin, is currently available. The out singer-songwriter has a loveable, expressive voice that won me over with 2006's The Sky Observer's Guide. On Summer Skin, Cook shines brightest surfing at the crescent of a melody's wave, as heard on "Changing" and "Break Your Fall." She certainly can handle the more uptempo numbers "Waiting 4 the World 2 End" and "Sun Setting Backwards," yet beam on the beautifully stripped-down title track. It is easy to fall under Cook's spell on the heartwarming "Hello, Bunny" that superbly blends folk with country, rock and pop. Patty Griffin and Robert Plant guest on "Airplane Driver" and Meshell Ndegeocello plays bass throughout Summer Skin.
