Tunes for Tuesdays: Yoko Kanno

Choices for the Tunes for Tuesdays segment sometimes materialize from the oddest sources. In the case of Yoko Kanno, it started with a personal interest to re-watch the stunning, ice cold anime, Cowboy Bebop. Set in 2071, the series follows the exploits of a group of hyperspace bounty hunters thrown together by circumstance, and tied together through shared debt. While its rich, explosive action coupled with its science fiction edge garnered massive critical acclaim for the series, Cowboy Bebop won the interest of ani-philes and -phobes alike for its searing, sexy soundtrack of blues-meet-jazz fusion.

Behind that towering, sleek sound is none other than our girl, Yoko Kanno.

Kanno dominates her field as a composer, arranger, and musician who is best known for her work on soundtracks for games, anime films, television, live-action movies, and advertisements. She has written the scores for explosive anime series including Macross Plus, The Vision of Escaflowne, Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex, Wolf's Rain, and, of course, Cowboy Bebop. While she's not composing immersive soundtracks for the likes of prominent directors (e.g. Yoshiyuki Tomino, Shinichiro Watanabe and Shoji Kawamori), fans can find Kanno penning J-pop tunes for acts including Maaya Sakamoto and Kyōko Koizumi, or performing with her fiery band, The Seatbelts. Her sound shakes down the rafters with its intricate detail and its electric pulse -- and I hope to convert a few of you to her work this Tuesday.

Our starting point is an obvious one: jack up those speakers now, and prep yourselves for the addictive energy of Cowboy Bebop's intro track, "Tank!", as performed by Seatbelts.

I recommend pumping that track in the morning hours to get yourself jazzed for the day ahead. Comes in rather useful when meeting with 5 AM work shifts, in this blogette's opinion.

Need another shot of the good stuff? Fasten those seat belts, and check out the space jazz tracks to follow:

"Rush"

"Piano Black"

"The Egg and I"

This soundtrack still kicks my ass, even twelve years after its 1998 release date.

So do yourself a favour and kick start the morning with Yoko Kanno and The Seatbelts.

... And I'll see you, space cowboy.

Tunes for Tuesdays: Karaoke Edition

I am dangerous around a karaoke machine. With a microphone in hand, and sanitized versions of 90s pop songs queued up, I will rock the faces off of all present.

I am the person who harmonizes while you're singing.

I am also the lovely lady who cheers for everyone who put themselves out there with their favourite song.

I am a Karaoke Queen.

***

So, I was inspired to write this post after Ship Sharp discussed one of her goals on her 101 in 1001 list. Ms. Ship wants to conquer karaoke, sober. As a rabid enthusiast of the form, I am SO THERE for a karaoke night. Serious. I'm a shy lady in most settings, and I would never dream of unleashing these vocals on others.... unless I am in a karaoke setting. I don't know what it is -- magic? fairy dust? roofies?

Who knows.

What I do know is my so-called "Golden List" -- without fail, these are the songs I will be falling over myself to sing. Given the nature of this blog (and the sheer volume of this list), I will focus on the top favourite female singers in my arsenal.

Sing along if you know the words....

Spice Girls, "Say You'll Be There"

Edit: Follow the link for a clearer version of the video --> WOOT!

Despite the poor video quality, the music evokes the eternal 11-year-old in me. Spice Girls are a staple of karaoke, that's just how it is. This one is fun for duets -- alternate who sings the verses, then tag team for the chorus. Spice Girls tracks are excellent for the warm-up to ease yourself into an all-night karaoke spree.

Lady Gaga, "Paparazzi"

Alright, so Gaga is a recent addition to the karaoke roster. "Paparazzi" suits my voice the most, though "Bad Romance" is a close second. I like this one for its slightly pompous edge and it's stalk-me glamour.

All Saints, "Pure Shores"

I know, it's a random one -- out of all the All Saints singles, I had to pick "Pure Shores." I'm not even sure how I stumbled across it as a karaoke classic for me. All I know is, the song fits my range and sounds awesome when it's one voice instead of four. Plus, it fulfills more of that 90s quota I require.

Faith Evans, "Love Like This"

Oh, Faith Evans -- what a gorgeous voice, and such an adorably danceable song. How can anyone feel upset after hearing this track? The happiness-inducing properties contained in the music make it an ideal selection for a night of karaoke with the gals.

Dusty Springfield, "Son of a Preacher Man"

Mmm, Dusty Springfield -- even if the song's about a dude, we all know Ms. Springfield dreamt of a gal all along. This song is irresistible, so be prepared to fight off all the other ladies if you've got your heart set on this number.

***

Margggh, there is not enough room in this post to outline all the tracks I'd want to do. It's at the point where I should just download karaoke versions of these songs to tide me over. At least I have a cold right now -- it prevents me from inflicting karaoke upon the world.

So, how about you, dear reader? What songs are on your Golden List? How hard would you fight to perform your favourite tracks?

Tunes for Tuesdays: Marie-Pierre Arthur

Mon dieu -- how did I manage to stagger through the past two months without once sharing a gorgeous, melodic singer-songwriter with the readers of Cute, Queer, Canadian? Shocking how the summer ruins one's attention span. As per the expression, absence does make the heart grow fonder and, in this case, causes simple flesh to ignite.

And so, I cast the Tunes for Tuesdays spotlight on the transcendent tracks of Canada's own Marie-Pierre Arthur, an utter sweetheart to the senses and une chanteuse né dans un beau rêve.

Mlle. Arthur hails from the fertile music scene of Montreal, QC and started her career as a bass player for the absolute royalty of the stage. From Ariane Moffatt and Stefie Shock, to Mara Tremblay and the Polaris-prize nominated Karkwa, Arthur has proven herself among the new generation of French-language artists and is now expanding her unique, addictive sound to Anglo-Canada, France, and beyond.

Mlle. Arthur's self-titled debut album offers an impressionistic and intimate ambient-folk sound, one that navigates the lines between blues, pop, and alt rock with ease. It is the perfect soundtrack for an afternoon spent daydreaming and sipping tea, especially now that the golden autumn light is creeping in. Anglo listeners need not be intimidated over les paroles français -- her sound floods past the language barrier and offers a gorgeous space for everyone to rest in.

As I am notoriously indecisive, I offer two tracks this Tuesday for readers to explore. "Pourqoi" was my own introduction to the cute quirk of Marie-Pierre Arthur and I imagine more than one reader will find themselves drawn into this girl's world as well. It is upbeat, nostalgic, and the video is filled to the brim with helpful sketches for the non-French among us:

The second track for this Tuesday is appropriate to this blog: "Elle" offers a gorgeous, rhythmic intro that no doubt stems from Arthur's experience with the bass. And, you know, it never hurts the eyes to gaze upon a bevy of ladies lip-synching to Marie-Pierre Arthur's dreamy vocals:

Life, she is beautiful -- even when it is the Tuesday after a long weekend. With a voice like Marie-Pierre Arthur's to carry us through, I think it's safe to say the week will be a blessedly relaxed one. Vive Arthur!

Tunes for Tuesdays: Shot of Summer Singles

Let the cascade of searing summer singles commence. With our daylight hours at their longest and our nights sparkling with the promise of new adventure, artists are vying for that elusive spot on everyone's summer playlist.

This week, a stunning collection of women are laying those critical foundations for the first few weeks of hot weather music.

Check 'em out:

M.I.A. - "Teqkilla"

Her music defies the tight confines of genre and is at once explosive and precise. M.I.A. kicked down the blockade of the North American music scene with her tight track, "Paper Planes," from her second full-length album, Kala (2007), and now, she's poised to conquer once again. "Teqkilla" assaults the senses with its clash of sound and its sensual, pulsing drum line. Its dissonance disorients even while its back beats offer a clear rhythm to dance to. M.I.A. delivers a wall of sound to thrash through and a set of lyrics to disrupt complacent thought. Her new album, MAYA, is scheduled for a July 13th release and her single promises another summer filled with M.I.A.

Estelle - "Fall In Love"

Estelle is notorious for her glittery, upbeat brand of R'n'B-meets-pop that simply epitomizes the fresh sunlight of a summer afternoon. She delivers once again with her latest single, "Fall In Love," a carefree track overflowing with the promise of new love and late evenings spent on the dance floor. She dispels the stress of the day-to-day with the mellow spark of her voice and the clever, sci-fi-inspired inflections sprinkled throughout her music. Now, this particular track is a compelling one -- multiple versions exist at the moment. If listeners are partial to rap, check out her duet with Nas. Or, for that smoother sound, check out the version she created with John Legend. For purists, she even offers a solo set of vocals. I admit, I'm partial to the third version -- with a voice like hers, I want to savour each verse.

Faith Evans feat. Snoop Dogg - "Way You Move"

Hmm, so -- not thrilled with Snoop Dogg's appearance on this track. I want to make that clear. Nonetheless, I still pledge my everlasting dedication to the gorgeous voice of Faith Evans. Her vocals float so effortlessly across the pulsing bass lines of her music. She is living proof of the limitless power a breathy, soul-edged feminine voice has over a gal like me. Once again, she proves how compelling that pull is with "Way You Move," a drifting, 90s-inspired track headlining her sixth studio album, Something About Faith, set for a September 14th release date. Her hiatus is broken and it is sweet to see her return to the scene.

***

We've got a solid start here and a whole host of light, airy, danceable summer albums on the docket for weeks ahead. It's time to pour the ice tea and escape to the patio with a stereo in hand -- it's time to amplify the season, I believe.

Tunes for Tuesdays: Summer Shockwaves

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.

***

Albums:

Sarah McLachlan, Laws of Illusion

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, The House

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.

Martha Wainwright, Sans fusils, ni souliers, à Paris

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...

Robyn, Body Talk, Pt. 1

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:

Melissa McClelland feat. Sarah McLachlin, "Brake"

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.

***

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....

Lady Gaga Hijacks The Internet

She needs no introduction.

With two teasers under the belt and another round of speculative first images scattered across the Internet, Lady Gaga has emerged from her half-concealment with the video for her newest single off The Fame Monster (2009), "Alejandro".

First: The Creation.

Second: The Reaction.

• Open shot: AWESOME. I like me some gender attributes bended. Fishnets and weaponry seems a fine combination.
• It appears the militaristic pop image has quite returned. First, it was Beyonce with her Totalitarian Lite in Video Phone and her Grammy night performance. Of course, Gaga pushes it to a more extreme angle and offers Fascist Fashion for her own scene.
• Right, the initial bit of choreography with the gents leaves a clever impact. It's impressive, startling, and tight with a crisp note of fear at the edges. Honest first thought: "Whoa, this is intense with that backlight and the blue tones. Hmm.... I wonder what this looked like at rehearsals with the bright lights, mirrors, and dance clothes. Not so tough, I imagine."
• GAGA and the Goggles = FLAWLESS. She works the Dieselpunk look to the utter maximum. The stark contrast between the dark lenses and the white glitter of her eye shadow is gorgeous, might I add.
• I'm sensing a fascination with death throughout her videos. Seems appropriate to charter funeral territory in a music video, now.
• Who else is expecting sales for pipes to skyrocket after this? I don't even smoke and, well, I am considering it. It could be a rather exquisite paperweight at the office.
• Where are the hot women for me to ogle? I see a lot of fit, trim gents with bad bowl cuts but this does not fulfill the same requirement. I suppose I got spoiled with the Sapphic overload from Telephone.
• Yes, I know the lyrics are about more than one gent. But, serious, this is Gaga -- she could figure out where to put a woman or two in a video.
• I am impressed with the rapid splicing between Lady Gaga in a fetishistic nun outfit and a bunch of back-up dancers writhing on and against beds. I sense there are interpretive layers to this somewhere. I have yet to stumble across them.
• Note: I dig the short hair on her and I'm not just saying that 'cause I'm a queer woman.
• Well, alright, perhaps it has a lil' bit to do with being queer.
• Serious, I can't get over the fact that her dancers have bowl cuts. Bowl cuts? BOWL CUTS. Gaga, do not be responsible for bringing them back.
• Commence tribute to predecessor, Madonna. It's a delightful nod even while it's a clear statement Gaga's taken the reins and will not be parting with them for some time yet.
• Second Note: Is it just me, or is there a strange Cabaret vibe to all this? Perhaps it's the Nazi-esque fashion combined with the dance steps. Hmm. Quite.
• MACHINE GUN BRA. Who needs cones when a lady can leave the house with her chest packin'?
• Let me go on the record and state: Lady Gaga in dark glasses, a leather jacket, and little else is quite stunnin'.
• I'm curious to know responses to the gent watching Gaga and her dancers around the 7 minute mark. It's such a complex look. It starts with a mix of disgust and seething anger even while it readjusts into a dark, sinister desire. It seems that moment is meant to be the linchpin of the video, so, naturally, I would like to hear opinions on that one.

Thus concludes the "Alejandro" walkthrough for the evening.

I admit, I have not been wooed by the likes of "Alejandro" -- though, I admit, he's at a vast disadvantage. *Snark*

In all seriousness, the song itself has never appealed to me. I understand where folks are coming from when I stumble across mash-ups of Lady Gaga with Ace of Base. It's not got the same spark to it her other singles have. I can't quite name it. The video, of course, is epic and full of conversation topics to fuel posts for the rest of this week.

But, I turn to you, dear readers -- what say ye? Did she hit the mark once again?

Discuss.

Tunes for Tuesdays: Adrienne Pierce

Her sound is a pure bubble of brightness gliding across the serrated edge of her wit and poetic observation.

She is the icon of the literate pop scene and coaxes listeners into vivid reflections on our kaleidoscopic modern life.

In a clear, sweet voice, she traces out a series of weighted confessions, jealousies, apologies, and silent accusations intimate to each of us -- the same network of emotion we levy against the ones we both love and distrust.

I invite listeners to revel in the wonder that is Adrienne Pierce, the go-to girl for a smart shot of catchy-meets-cutting tracks for thoughtful listeners.

***

It is the sincere pleasure of this blogette here to introduce readers to the complex, clever cutie also known as Adrienne Pierce.

Ms. Pierce hails from the gorgeous Canadian west coast and belongs first and foremost to the indie scene in Vancouver, BC. With a towering selection of recent tour dates and festival slots, it could be argued she is now a global citizen in the most literal sense as she takes to the road for adventure and new geographies to inform her songwriting. Rather than rendering these landscapes into mere replicas, Ms. Pierce transforms their elements into otherworldly expressions of our interior lives and the secrets that rest therein.

In a word, Adrienne Pierce is a storyteller. She augments those difficult, personal admissions with infectious pop melodies and an undercurrent of sly country influences. It takes a rare talent to turn heartbreak into a rousing, sing-to-the-stars track and Ms. Pierce accomplishes it with ease.

For readers unfamiliar with Adrienne Pierce's credits, prepare to bask in her current success and prepare for an even brighter future filled with stunning new projects. Her debut album, Small Fires (2002), was released to great critical acclaim on Canadian soil and, with her follow-up EP, Hors D'Oeuvres (2006), Ms. Pierce found her foothold with the international music scene. Her delicious track, "Lost & Found," won its rightful place on the soundtracks for Veronica Mars and Grey's Anatomy, thus opening her music to a cultured collective of young listeners and music afficionados. Since then, her music has featured prominently on television shows including The Hills, Army Wives, Greek, and the ever-infamous drama, The L Word, among others.

As a young musician, Adrienne Pierce was chosen to perform during the iconic Lilith Fair tour and was signed to Nettwerk Records where she produced her second full-length album, Faultline (2007). In the mere span of a decade, Ms. Pierce has conquered the concert halls of Canada, the U.S., and the U.K. with her addictive sound and she has performed at both SXSW and NXNE in addition to Canadian Music Week and Bergenfest in Norway. As for Canadian credits, fans know Adrienne Pierce lent her talents to a reinvented version of Neil Young's track, "Pocahontas," for Borrowed Tunes II: A Tribute to Neil Young (2008) with other Canadian heavyweights ranging from Chantal Kreviazuk and Ron Sexsmith to City and Colour and Melissa McClelland.

In recent years, Adrienne Pierce released seasonal delights in the form of two EPs -- Winter received great acclaim over the holidays in 2008 and Spring rounded out her success in 2009.

And now, eager listeners can look forward to Oh Deer hitting the e-shelves THIS MONTH.

Since I am such a wondrous blogette, I thought I should treat readers to a sneak peek into the upcoming album. On this Tunes for Tuesdays segment, I would like to celebrate the new release with her all-too-cute video for the first single, "Museum." It is rumoured Ms. Pierce penned this track on the back of a map as she explored the Museum of Natural History in Paris. It has a magical, nostalgic quality to it and, yes, she even taps into the biological history of our dear Earth in order to resonate with her listeners. Darn impressive, if you ask me.

"Museum" - Adrienne Pierce
Adrienne Pierce

I first heard "Museum" on the first bright, Monday morning of May at 8:15 AM. I was driving in to the office, sailing past some kids out mowing the town's epic stretches of grass. And, with all the dandelions going to seed, the air was filled with soft, white plumes that looked like snow against the hot spring air. I ask you: what better conditions to experience this song than those?

Immediate favourites on Oh Deer include the quirk-filled, sun-drenched groove of "Black Sand," the quiet crush of New Year's Eve dejection in "Three Hours Ago" (in addition to a clever quote of Auld Lang Syne, FTW), and the injected sarcasm in "Winner Takes All." It might be the June 2010 release date speaking, but the summer heat sears through these tracks and promises a thought-provoking soundtrack for road trips to come.

And now, for the teaser -- readers are best advised to tune in this evening for an extra special treat here at Cute, Queer, Canadian. It is bound to blow some socks off (it did for me!) and I am thrilled to showcase it all here.

In the meantime, I suggest clicking over to Adrienne Pierce's MySpace account to get a fix of the new favourite here at Cute, Queer, Canadian.

Tunes for Tuesdays: La Grande Sophie

Elle est un belle découverte pour tous les blogettes ce soir. Je pense ainsi, au moins. Une autre note: elle ressemble PJ Harvey et Nigella Lawson, eh? Un peu, peut-être?

It is spring and the warm air is mottled with thoughts of summer and the promise of languid evenings. The world is finished its thaw and folks are shedding those winter layers for light, airy summer fabrics. What better music to celebrate with than the rich, layered tones of une chanteuse compositrice française?

Je me réfère à la La Grande Sophie, naturellement.

I imagine this association between the onset of spring and la musique francophone is a direct result of my love for Amélie Poulain from the glorious, surreal film, Le Fabuleux Destin d'Amélie Poulain (2001). If the French are said to pursue the pleasures of life and take joy from the world around them, La Grande Sophie offers the perfect soundtrack to set the pace.

Sophie Huriaux hails from idyllic Thionville en Moselle, France, where she started her music career at the tender age of nine. Huriaux pursued the visual arts with a specific focus on sculpture for most of her young adulthood, a move that led her to the Fine Arts school in Marseille. Two years into the program, she made the leap into music and has never turned back.

This blogette right here is thankful for her self-revelation and her prowess with a guitar.

New listeners will discover quite the evolution in Ms. Sophie's sound since her debut in the first half of the 1990s. She started off with a harder, spunkier rock influence that carried her through to 2003 with the album Et si c'était moi. Tracks like "Du courage" felt like a call to arms for other young women keen on storming the world at large. Her next album, La suite... (2005), stayed true to her pop-rock roots, however, a slow and delicious change was creeping up into her albums. Ms. Sophie began to borrow from the sweet, excitable sounds of French folk music, adding a distinct energy to her tracks and giving credit to her cultural roots.

With her latest album, Des vagues et des ruisseaux (2009), La Grande Sophie allowed that sound to flourish and, with it, her popularity at home and in Quebec has soared.

So, to help readers out there celebrate the extra hours of sunlight and the return of warmer weather, I offer the first single from her current album. It's a sweet little song I've been repeating each morning before work -- I'm getting closer to the lyrics, at least from a phonetic standpoint. For a pleasant twist, here she is performing "Quelqu'un d'autre" (and a little extra) in a live, acoustic, artsy way for Côté Blogue:

Une belle voix, n'est-ce pas? I think La Grande Sophie will launch a francophone craze here on the ol' playlist for the spring/early summer months. Heck, if you can't be in France, you best enjoy their musical exports, correct?

Pratiquez votre accent français, dames, and succumb to those French-tailored suits while you're at it.

Tunes for Tuesdays: Sleigh Bells

Get all sense scratched out and a new noise etched in -- Sleigh Bells cuts quick, hard, and hot with their electro-overload. It's a blitz of guitar riffs and heady drums coupled with irresistible vocals sliding through the cracks in their wall of sound.

I make no room for the meek this week.

Sleigh Bells is the latest band to buzz through the media circuit, conquering critics with the visceral force of their sound. The Brooklyn-based duo combines the aggressive talent of Derek E. Miller with the sweet 'n' spunky voice of Alexis Krauss for a debut rivaling the definition of grit. Their music is sheer combustion and threatens to overwhelm even as it drags listeners to their feet.

And heck, the icy hot presence of Krauss on stage never hurts (unless she wants it to).

Enough with the sweet talk -- it's best to let them speak for themselves.

Track One: "Tell 'Em," the first single off Treats. Get ready to have your teeth kicked out:

Track Two: Such a tease with a track like "Ring Ring" (or "Rill Rill," depending on the angle of yours ears on a given night.) It's full of such coyness and calculation with an unmistakable pull on the single girls...

Ooh, such a sharp crack to the senses. I know Sleigh Bells will either be an instant obsession or a grating resentment to listeners -- the band begs intense reactions to their towering sound.

There is no middle ground.

But there is a proper aural thrashing for the kids who need a fix of post-punk proportions.

Tunes for Tuesdays: MIX TAPE MADNESS

I wonder what's come over me these past few Tunes for Tuesdays. I can't limit myself to one artist. When I open iTunes to scope out the new release wall, I'm flooded with talented women and their killer tracks.

All these new pop flavours to taste and so little space to blog. What's a a gal to do?

Albums:

Kate Nash, My Best Friend Is You

I will commit a cardinal sin with this post. I have to come clean -- I knew of Kate Nash, but never heard a track before. Feel free to disown me if you must but, I promise, I mend my ways as of tonight. Her sound is bright, living sunlight condensed to MP3 format. She's a driven girl, too -- at the tender age of 18, she launched her career online and tracked down top management before even finding a producer. Now, two albums in, and she's developed an otherworldly, indie sound complete with rock-edged doo-wop for the kids in England and overseas. Quite a solid start, if you ask me.

Shelby Lynne, Tears, Lies, and Alibis

Shelby Lynne is exactly what I search for in a country-influenced singer/songwriter. She has a knack for coaxing a listener into her album with genre blending tracks, allowing Lynne to slip in a country lilt without overpowering/overwhelming her audience. Nashville this ain't -- instead, she offers light, acoustic-driven music overlaid with heartbroken lyrics and a tough approach to her topics. With eleven (!) albums under her belt and a range of acting credits including Carrie Cash in Walk the Line (2005), I find it refreshing to know a woman like her is still producing thoughtful, alluring work.

Sally Shapiro, My Guilty Pleasure

Alright, so Sally Shapiro's latest album is a collection of remixes. I balk at the idea of calling it a "new" album since it's more "new tinkerings" than new content. However, I am willing to make an exception for Shapiro since A) This is the first encounter with her, and B) I have the sense it will not be the last. Her first album, Disco Romance (2007), received high praise from reviewers and she continues to garner interest from across the Internet for her synth-etched music. Her form of electronica takes a darker turn, often building tracks over ominous bass lines to make the synth sparkle. It's a rewarding tension and offers a fresh take on a genre plagued with endless sirens.

***

Another eclectic and electric Tuesday for women in music. I might have to wander over to the international iTunes pages for another glance at the new release wall. I want to globetrot with albums even more so than I have (though, a Brit, an American, and a Swede in one night is never a dull one).

Oh, and speaking of globetrotting, why not trot over to The Best Travel Job Ever and give The Advocate a vote? Perhaps she will continue to fuel some of my new music posts if she's allowed to leave the country for extended periods of time, hmm?

Sounds like a sweet deal to me.

Tunes for Tuesdays: NEW MUSIC OVERLOAD

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?

***

Albums

Kaki King, Junior

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.

The Pack A.D., We Kill Computers

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.

Natalie Merchant, Leave Your Sleep

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.

Sophie Milman, Take Love Easy

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.

Shakira, She Wolf

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.

Sally Seltmann, Heart That's Pounding

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*

Tunes for [Wednes]days: Emilíana Torrini

Alas -- last night capped off a rather rough day chez Moffatt. I ran for the hills (RE: the bedroom) and drowned in a staggering amount of anime. Amidst all the randomness of the Internet and a couple rounds on iTunes, I found one voice to lure me out from that funk and back to a quiet place.

Her name is Emilíana Torrini and she is about to seduce my stereo speakers away from the world.

Ms. Torrini is another gem given to me by The Advocate. Our group has taken to swapping mix CDs like we passed secret, gossip-drenched notes in high school and, for a music buff like myself, I can think of nothing to spawn greater happiness. From The Advocate's own Mixed CD of le Awesome, Emilíana Torrini's voice stood out and struck the right chord to find herself featured for this Tunes for [Wednes]days segment.

Ms. Torrini was born and raised in Iceland where she entered the music scene at the mere age of seven. As a side note, we share the same birthday (May 16th) which means I was meant to discover her. It was in the stars. *Cute wink* At the impressionable age of 17, Ms. Torrini gained national recognition after winning the song competition of junior colleges in Iceland (Söngkeppni framhaldsskólanna) with her rendition of "I Will Survive."

Ms. Torrini garnered vast critical acclaim with her first international release, Love in the Time of Science (1999) -- however, she built a solid career for herself at home in Iceland with three local releases including Spoon (1994), Crouçie D'où Là (1995), and Merman (1996). Wow. Three new albums released in three consecutive years? I feel exhausted on her behalf with that workload. She's dedicated to her talent and that drive is evident in her delicate, often melancholic tracks.

Most audiences across the globe will recognize Emilíana Torrini's voice from a little film created by Peter Jackson. Maybe you've heard of it -- does Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers ring a bell? It was Ms. Torrini who laid down the vocals for "Gollum's Song," the track playing at the end of the film. I know, a bit obscure. Maybe she'll find greater fame later in her career. *End cheeky sarcasm*

On that note, I would like to share the same track The Advocate shared with me. Despite the palpable melancholy throughout "Today Has Been Okay," it's still uplifting. It's a track to validate sorrows with, even while it reinforces the backbone needed to move beyond the mental static. Powerful properties for such a gentle, minimalist song, I should think.

(P.S. -- Apologies for the inherent lameness of the video. It's a slideshow. I know. It was was sparse hunting for videos with this track featured in it.)

Mmm, sad with a head full of dreams. It's quite the compelling mix. Now, before readers start to think she's another one of those introspective, depressive singer-songwriter types, I would also like to draw attention to her cute-as-a-button track/video "Jungle Drum" off her 2008 album Me and Armini. I like the impish grin and the bright shock of music here. It's a welcome burst of energy after a slew of quiet songs.

I think the general consensus on that work is, "AWWWW!" *Heart*

As I stated before, I get the impression she will launch a coup over the ol' iTunes in these parts. I'm a sucker for a sweet voice and hypnotic hooks which, gladly, Emilíana Torrini has vast amounts of. I'm not sure what's mixed into the water there in Iceland but, whatever it is, the stuff has magical properties to it.

Note to self: Next trip --> Reykjavík.

Here I come.

Tunes for Tuesdays: Evelyn Evelyn (and More!)

Evelyn Evelyn (L-R): Amanda Palmer and Jason Webley

Hmm, a concept album about conjoined twins touring with an early twentieth-century freak show? And all of it brimming with the vaudeville sass of Amanda Palmer and Jason Webley?

Tell me: why has it taken me almost twenty-four years to stumble across such an eclectic concoction of aural delights?

And the guest artists topping the bill are enough to make music aficionados tremble to their toes and back: Frances Bean Cobain, Tegan and Sara, Margaret Cho and Weird Al Yankovic, to name a few.

Their sound is fresh, impish, and rollicking fun even while their lyrics are biting at times. I get the impression listeners will either dive head-long into this album or bring the tents crashing down around it. In either case, I will expose you to the high-flying inventiveness of Evelyn Evelyn's self-titled debut.

The Internet brought me an unofficial (though professional-appearing) video for "Have You Seen My Sister Evelyn?" from the duo's inaugural album.

Marvel at their harmonious hijkinks!

Dare to witness the birth of a new form of alternative music!

Crank those speakers and shock your siblings and/or parentals with Evelyn Evelyn's dazzling usage of cuss words!

To check out more of their daring, death-defying tracks, visit Evelyn Evelyn's sparkling new site right --> HERE.

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As I stated in the title to the post, THERE IS MORE.

I could not focus on one artist for this Tunes for Tuesdays segment. A quick scan of this week's new releases renders the task impossible. There's a flood of new work from the titans of music themselves and, as a blogette, I must make their albums known.

It is my sworn duty here at Cute, Queer, Canadian.

LISTS! LISTS! LISTS:

Erykah Badu, New Amerykah, Part II: Return of the Ankh (2010): Inventive, expressive, and defying genre. Ms. Badu never ceases to amaze with her audacious sound.

Joan Armatrading, This Charming Life (2010): A woman who can wield the blues is a welcome addition to the ol' music catalogue. Her first album, Whatever's For Us, came out in 1972. And yes, Ms. Armatrading has stood the test of time and continues to set audiences ablaze with her music.

Tegan and Sara, Alligator (2010): The adorable-meets-assertive Quin sisters return with an entire album of remixes based on their second single from Sainthood (2009), "Alligator." And no, I did not invent this.

Melissa Auf der Maur, Out of Our Minds (2010): I've been mixed about Ms. Auf der Maur since her self-titled solo debut in 2004. I loved (and still love) her first single, "Followed the Waves" and I am still holding out for her and her undeniable edge. Not to mention, she's a mad hottie and half Canadian to boot.

The Dead Weather, "Die By the Drop": Ooh, a new single from Alison Mosshart's latest project. It's just as chaotic and heavy-hitting as their first album and, goodness, I melt in the presence of Mosshart. *Sigh* The band's second album, Sea of Cowards, is due out on May 10/11.

Oh, I know I am missing a number of artists on this list. Had I more time this evening, I'd be writing out all the singles of interest. Sleep catches up with me at the moment. I came from another excellent night with Ladies in Writing, so the music selection schedule was pushed back. More updates to follow, ladies.