Sweet Tuesday -- it is an instant shock of summer here at Cute, Queer, Canadian. Women with music coursing through their veins teamed up this week to overcharge our headphones and the results are effervescent. So, grab a tall glass of iced tea, switch on the closest fan, and settle down into a soundtrack fit for the searing summer weeks ahead.
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Albums:
Our First Lady of Lilith Fair returns with her seventh original studio album after a seven-year retreat from personal recording projects. It appears Canada's darling, Sarah McLachlin, is set for an astronomical summer in 2010 -- with brand new material, a grand celebration of women in music scheduled with the revived Lilith Fair tour (see also: the Lilith 2010 compliation album released today), and a guest appearance on another Canadian gal's single released on the same day as Laws of Illusion, I reckon she is setting her sights on each one of us. Laws of Illusion captures McLachlin's trademark ephemeral sound and injects a new vitality into her standard ballads. At times, McLachlin channels a more rousing, pop-folk sound on tracks like "Loving You Is Easy" that sparkles across the entire album. Lucky number seven, indeed.
Katie Melua is at once captivating and clever with her sound, pushing her blues-pop fusion to its extremities with her fourth studio album, The House. Melua has entered exciting territory in her career with her new off-kilter, slightly sinister sound. As far as themes are concerned, The House explores the inner recesses of the mind from the glittering highs of "A Happy Place" to the disturbing drawl of her opening track, "I'd Love to Kill You." And how on Earth could a person pass on the clear, cutting sound of "God on the Drums, Devil on the Bass"? She carries a quiet intelligence through her song-writing and pushes listeners with unpredictable arrangements. Ah, such a pleasure to see an awarded, successful musician continue to evolve even at the height of her fame. 
The immaculate Martha Wainwright offers a gorgeous, playful, and luscious compilation of classics from the Edith Piaf songbook, all recorded live in the concert halls of Paris (or, at least, the album invites listeners to imagine quiet cafes and a crush of cultured Parisians checking out her covers). Wainwright is best known for the expressiveness of her voice coupled with her cutting, often sarcastic lyrics -- however, with Piaf's songs, the warm and honeyed tones of Wainwright's voice are appreciated in a new light. The fact her recordings are live adds to the awe over Wainwright's delicious singing and her accent français merveilleux. Must come from the Canadian side of the family...
Speaking of transformations in music, it would be remiss to not mention Robyn's return to the dance floors of the nation. Robyn is poised to release a new wave of delectable, danceable fare for the 2010 summer crowd with three albums hovering on the horizon. Body Talk, Pt. 1 offers the first taste of Robyn's reinvention and promises a further series of electric, electric tunes in months to come. These tracks shimmer with the heat of June and are best enjoyed under the pulsing lights of the local alt club. Immediate favourites are the sci-fi sweet "Fembot" and the shuttering heartbreak of "Dancing on My Own." Welcome back, Robyn -- us queer gals have missed you.
Singles:
Quite the Can. con. tag team here with Melissa McClelland's single, "Brake." McClelland and McLachlin showcase their unmistakable, folk-inspired voices on a fresh track tinged with such delicate heartache. Ah, "restless hearts are always bound to break," but listeners can trust these women to write a memorable and oh-so-Canadian track perfect for a reflective summer evening.Kylie Minogue, "All the Lovers"
Kylie Minogue's latest single, "All the Lovers," is summer music to its core -- with Minogue's breathy vocals backed by the golden chime of synths, it is little surprise her track will dominate the queer clubs this season. Our pop diva has even created quite the buzz around her video for "All the Lovers" wherein Minogue literally rides a wave of young, underwear-clad lovers of all orientations making out in the street. It quickly moves from sexy to unsettling in a sudden swell of drumbeats, though. Mmm, equally opportunity snogging -- now there's a video to support. In all seriousness, queers best prepare to encounter this track often in the next few weeks as clubs shine up their catalogue for impending Pride celebrations. Methinks Kylie Minogue will make an appearance or twelve.
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Quite the Canadian collection this Tuesday in addition to some stellar international artists. I quite enjoy when Tunes for Tuesdays devolves into me praising a host of lovely lady musicians who happened to coordinate their releases. Makes for a lavish evening of discovery and adds to the summer soundtrack combinations tenfold.
Though serious, watch out for that Minogue character. Chances are she'll be stalking the rainbows in no time....
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