Well, now -- it seems the higher powers of music decided to reward us right in time for this week's Tunes for Tuesdays segment. I left the front page of iTunes with a distinct stagger. This just might be the first week where listeners are guaranteed to find an artist that suits their specific music flavour. What a well-timed release date for some of the established titans of the scene and for the new crop of up-and-comers.
The fact that women dominated April 13th as a release date sweetens the deal.
No more gabbing -- let's get the speakers pumping, shall we?
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Albums
People, it is Kaki King. For those making their first introduction with her now, I am certain she will not disappoint. She is a stunning guitarist and pens her own tracks in addition to collaborating with a host of other artists. King is known for her innovative and intricate guitar techniques including hammering, tapping, and so-called "fanning." It's easy to get lost in her dexterity and her undeniable gift. Need proof? Check out her video for Playing with Pink Noise from early in her career. In more recent years, she's allowed her vocals to take a more prominent position on her albums and she's filled out her arrangements with a richer, more complex sound. On Junior, King explores the topic of espionage and living the double life. I do enjoy themed albums, I must admit. And, for interested readers, Ms. King is also an out and proud gay woman. She's even played on a Tegan and Sara album, so, you know -- she's got full cred.
Take grunge 'n' grit, blend it with blues riffs and a whole lot of fuzz, then wrap it up in two Canadian women and the outcome is: The Pack A.D. The duo hails from Vancouver, B.C. and their tracks are brash and full of sass. If listeners are partial to the likes of The White Stripes, The Kills, or The Black Keys, make sure to give this band some time. Becky Black and Maya Miller offer a thick, garage-based sound and round out their albums with unrelenting drum lines. For the first time in ages, a band has managed to duplicate the intensity of their live shows in a CD format -- not a small feat in the least.
She's a folk-based, pop classic with incredible recording credits to her name. After a seven-year hiatus from the studio, Merchant returns with her fifth solo album, a two-disc release filled with her unmistakable charm and her charismatic vocals. She describes her latest album as a "project about childhood" in which she concentrates her efforts on reviving and adapting 19th- and 20th-century American and British poems about children. She's got an ever-present Celtic vibe to her tracks which I tend to gravitate toward (it's in the blood -- half the family comes from down east). And, really, she's collaborated with Billy Bragg, so I must pledge my stereos to her forever.
Oh, what an absolute sweetheart. Sophie Milman offers such delicate, lingering vocals over a background of the smoothest jazz imaginable. She delivers a hushed performance, perfect for late night reflections and private dinners for two. With her third studio album, Milman takes on a classic Duke Ellington number ("Take Love Easy") even while she renders the music of Paul Simon, Bruce Springsteen, and Joni Mitchell into steady jazz fare. For those keeping tabs, Milman is a Russian-born Canadian gal who is lighting music charts at home and abroad on fire.
Put that screen capture device to use because this might be the one time Shakira is captured on Cute, Queer, Canadian. I have to give her credit for her endurance and her consistency when it comes to catchy, rhythmic, danceable tracks. The kids seem to love her, so it would be cruel of me to speak otherwise. Her sound is shifting to a more electro-pop vibe with a watered-down Gaga influence. Hmm, perhaps I'm being a tad heavy-handed. I did find "Mon Amour" tugged at me due to its rock tendencies and its slight 80s flair. I will let readers determine the vote for this one since I understand the bias I have.
Fans will recognize Sally Seltmann via her former alias, New Buffalo. Though I am not informed on her decision to switch to her birth name, it is nonetheless exciting to know the world has another one of her albums at its fingertips. The Melbourne-based singer-songwriter delivers with fun, catchy, and complex tracks to whisk listeners off on an alternative, pop-based trip. And, since I am Canadian, I have to look for the Canadian connection with a bit of trivia: Did you know Seltmann co-wrote Feist's "1234"? Did you know the original title was "Sally's Song"? Did you also know you should run and purchase this album, for goodness sake?
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Singles
Of course, no week in new music is complete with a couple of fresh singles to dazzle tired eardrums. This time around, we've got a Canadian cutie and a diva in our midst.
Sarah Harmer, "Captive"
(Oh Little Fire, Release Date: June 22, 2010)
Without a doubt, Sarah Harmer is one of Canada's national music gems. Folk-rock meets sweet pop and an occasional note of the melancholic when Harmer's at the mic. She's spirited when it comes to her sound and she maintains a distinct emotional immediacy with her vocals. She is the soundtrack for open roads, dusty summer mornings, and the potential for adventure with a careful Canadian flavour.
Christina Aguilera, "Not Myself Tonight"
Serious, readers best be taking a screen capture of this post. This will not be duplicated, I warn you now. X-tina is back and I can now confirm the rumour. It's pure club fare -- set the strobe lights and get the glow sticks going. Oh, and some premium lyrics, of course: "I'm kissin' on the boys and the girls," but, you know, only if there's shots preceding that because who kisses girls?! Eeew...??!
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SO THERE. Miz Moffatt's guide to new releases on April 13th, 2010. Treasure it now, hope for a follow-up. *Fingers crossed*
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