Scissor Sisters "Shady Love"

Scissor Sisters return with "Shady Love," the first single from their upcoming fourth album. It's a different sound for them, but I think I'm liking it. The track features 2012 buzzy-new-artist Azealia Banks, although she's billed as "Krystal Pepsy" in honor of the failed clear '90s Pepsi product Crystal Pepsi.

Album Review: Scissor Sisters - Night Work (5/5)

Flamboyant pop/rock band Scissor Sisters have never shied away from sex. After all, their name itself comes from tribadism, a lesbian sexual practice. In that vein, Night Work is the album the group was always destined to make. From "Night Work" to "Invisible Light" it's a 12-track non-stop party of an album with nary a weepy "Mary" or "Land of a Thousand Words" in sight.

Since the new wave revival really got going in 2004, the '80s have been a major source for inspiration, although lately it's not been enough to have songs with '80s elements--people have turned to flat out making '80s music (see La Roux, Goldfrapp's recent album, etc.). Scissor Sisters appear to be doing the same this time, with production duty from Stuart Price (Madonna's Confessions on a Dance Floor, The Killers' Day & Age). Whereas Scissor Sisters and Ta-Dah used the disco '70s and synth pop '80s as historical references, Night Work jumps into the time machine and embraces those eras full on.

Thus "Night Work" bristles with such early '80s energy you might as well switch out "Scissor" for "Pointer," and "Whole New Way" could easily have been a discard during George Michael's 1987 "I Want Your Sex" recording session, although what was racy then seems downright chaste in 2010 as delivered by Jake "I think I need a rubber tonight" Shears. "Fire with Fire," despite being the current single, doesn't quite fit with the rest of the album's fiery first third, if only because its earnest Chariots-of-Fire-meets-The-Killers sound isn't as seedy as its album neighbors.

The album's opening quartet is really perfect and the best of the bunch is the campy disco stomper "Any Which Way," which is so perfectly realized that you can't help but envision leisure suits, mirrorballs and lighted dance floors. Plus you get Ana Matronic's hilarious spoken-word bridge: "You know baby when I was taking my panty hose out of their egg this evening I thought, 'I'm gonna find that man who's the right shade of bottle tan--a man that smells like cocoa butter and cash. Take me any way you like it...'" You said it Ana!

Ms. Matronic isn't the only horny member here. Jake unleashes his slutty growl on the hard-edged "Harder You Get," which sounds like the soundtrack to a sleazy '70s dungeon evening. "Running Out" begins with the sound of panting before trotting out its early '80s dance pop sound. "Something Like This" thrusts its highly processed synthesizer sound to the fore.

Ana takes lead vocal duty on "Skin This Cat," another '80s derivative, which is surely a metaphor for something that I can't even guess at ("come here kitty kitty skin this cat" hmmm...). Then there's more flesh on display in the next song, "Skin Tight," which wasn't a standout at first, but has grown on me with repeat listens. A Confessions on a Dancefloor-like seamless transition brings "Sex and Violence," a moody dance pop groove that recalls the 2005 Madonna work on which Price made his name. Its relative calm is a bit of a reprieve before the fast-tempo of "Night Life." I'm having to force myself to listen to it because I know what's coming...

...the completely fantastic closing number "Invisible Light," surely the best album closer this year. This glittery piece of disco lasts over 6 minutes, the longest song on the album, and includes a fun cameo of Ian McKellan (whom I once met, by the way) saying goofy things like "sailor's lust and swagger lazing in the moon's beams, whose laser gaze penetrates this sparkling theater of excess and strobed lights." Okay, I must confess, I just got up and danced in my living room to about half this song, it's just too good not to. What a way to end with a bang.

This was the album I was anticipating the most this first half of 2010, and I'm pleased that its exceeded my expectations. It may very well be their best album yet. It's definitely the band's most cohesive work, a real workout of an album that will leave you feeling used and abused...in a good way. Who needs a cigarette?

Best: Any Which Way, Whole New Way, Invisible Light, Fire with Fire, Night Work, Harder You Get, Skin Tight

Scissor Sisters' Night Work - First Impressions

You can listen too here.

Night Work - Gets the party started. Love it.

Whole New Way - Ooh. Very cool. Sounds like Wham! Actually, it sounds a lot like George Michael's "I Want Your Sex."

Fire with Fire - The one we already know and love. Morseo than the other songs so far, this really reminds me of Stuart Price. Specifically the last Killers album.

Any Which Way - Like "Whole New Way" this sounds very late '70s/early '80s. Great disco track. Reminds me of "Filthy/Gorgeous."

Harder You Get - A little slower, but still definitely in the early '80s vein. Sexy electro and new wavish. Reminds me of something but I can't quite say what.

Running Out - Electric guitar at the opening makes this a little more rock sounding. But it's once again got an early '80s vibe.

Something Like This - Harder electro sound, like a poppier version of '80s Depeche Mode. This is the first song that I haven't immediately taken to.

Skin This Cat - Wow this is REALLY '80s sounding. Ooh, Ana is singing. Why don't she and Jake duet ever? A bit mellower this song, although nothing here is approaching "ballad."

Skin Tight - It's jaunty. Not bad. Not a standout. Lots of synthesizers at work here.

Sex and Violence - A seamless transition brings us to "Sex and Violence," which is slinkier and dancier than the last song.

Night Life - More rockin' track with a strong bass line. Again, not a stand out, although this one could be a grower.

Invisible Light - This was the preview track from iTunes, so I've been into it for a few weeks. Ian McKellan makes a great Vincent-Price-a-la-"Thriller" cameo.

This is dynamite good. I'm really impressed. I can't wait to listen to it more.

Preview Scissor Sisters Night Work

Night Work, the new Scissor Sisters album, is up on MySpace. Check it Out!

Scissor Sisters "All the Lovers"

Scissor Sisters performed a country-fied version of Kylie Minogue's "All the Lovers" on yesterday's BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge. Jake Shears remarked that when he first heard the song it reminded him of Dolly Parton, which inspired this reading. Both the forthcoming albums by Kylie and Scissor Sisters were produced (or mostly produced) by Stuart Price and the Scissor Sisters have collaborated with Kylie, most notably on her 2004 hit "I Believe in You," but also her upcoming album.

Scissor Sisters in The Times

Great article on the Scissor Sisters and their new album Night Work from The Times.

Scissor Sisters - Fire with Fire

About 3000 miles away from Kylie, in Manahattan, Scissor Sisters take over their own city street for the video to "Fire with Fire." I love both of these songs and am quite excited for the albums to come out soon.

June New Album Releases

It's a real dance pop month in June, as we see the release of the third album from the Scissor Sisters, which I'm most excited about, plus Christina Aguilera's fourth album and Robyn's fifth. Here's a rundown of the biggest new releases.

Scissor Sisters - Night Work (June 28). It's been four long years since Scissor Sisters released their second album, Ta-Dah. Since then they've kept a pretty low profile, with the most notable thing happening to them being the change of their drummer, as Paddy Boom left the band to be replaced by Randy "Real" Schrager. First single "Fire with Fire" is already starting to get airplay. The album is produced by Stuart Price, the famous British dance music producer who helmed Madonna's Confessions on a Dancefloor and the recent Killers album, Day and Age.

Christina Aguilera - Bionic (June 7/8). Pop megastar Christina Aguilera likes long spans between her albums. Her last major release, a 2008 greatest hits album, produced a minor hit, "Keeps Gettin' Better," but she hasn't put out an album in 4 years. Bionic is the follow-up to her 2006 double-disc concept album that saw Aguilera mine classic soul and '40s pop. For Bionic, she turns to the modern, teaming up with Polow da Don and Tricky Stewart, in addition to longtime collaborator Linda Perry. First single "Not Myself Tonight" has a flashy GaGa-esque video, but is already show signs of cooling on the chart, which is a bit premature.

Robyn - Bodytalk Pt. 1 (June 14/15). Having dramatically revived her international pop career with Robyn, an album promoted and released in different countries over the course of 2005 through 2008, the Swedish dance pop singer follows that up with Bodytalk Pt. 1, a collection of just nine tracks, that Robyn has said is the first of three such sets due to be released over the course of the year. First single is "Dancing on My Own." Robyn scored big internationally in 1997/98 with hits like "Do You Know (What It Takes)" and "Show Me Love," but had few hits outside of Scandinavia after that until "With Every Heartbeat" hit #1 in Britain late in the summer of 2007.

Oasis - Time Flies...1994 - 2009 (June 14/15). Oasis, who called it quits last year, is set to release a 2-disc comprehensive greatest hits collection spanning the band's career from its first single, "Supersonic," to its last, "Falling Down." From what I've seen it has everything, including their eight UK #1s, "Whatever," their first top 5 hit that has been unavailable from a digital store, and, on the US version, "Champagne Supernova," which despite being their second-biggest American hit, was not released as a single in Britain.

Glee Cast - Glee: The Music, Journey to Regionals (June 8). This will mark the third month in a row with a Glee release. This is the EP that accompanies the first season finale, including a new version of "Don't Stop Believin," "To Sir, With Love" and "Over the Rainbow." Glee's been picked up for two more seasons. So expect lots of releases to continue coming next fall.



Eminem - Recovery (June 22). American Rapper Eminem had promised to follow-up Relapse with a sequel, but instead takes a new direction with Recovery, featuring recent #1 hit "Not Afraid."

Miley Cyrus - Can't Be Tamed (June 22). The Disney pop star returns with her third studio album, preceded by its title-track single.

3Oh!3 - Streets of Gold (June 29). Third album from the American pop/rock band features single "My First Kiss" with Ke$ha.

The Chemical Brothers - Further (June 7). The British electronic duo releases its seventh album.

Sia - We Are Born (June 7). Sia's fouth album follows her 2008 breakthrough, Some People Have Real Problems.

Drake - Thank Me Later (June 15). Canadian rapper releases his full-length debut album featuring hit singles "Over" and "Find Your Love."

Best of 2000s: Scissor Sisters - Scissor Sisters (5/5)

Just when you think pop music has become as sanitized and corporatized as possible, along comes an act like Scissor Sisters to stir things up and remind us just how much fun a big dose of high camp can be when laid out on such a winning set of melodic, '70s and '80s-loving pop songs. Scissor Sisters became the biggest selling album of 2004 in the UK and for good reason--it's perhaps the most purely fun album of the decade. "Take Your Mama" sings of the joys of taking your mom out with him for a evening of gay nightlife sounding like an updated take on Elton John, while "Comfortably Numb" remakes Pink Floyd for the dance floor. While great campy songs like "Filthy/Gorgeous," "Tits on the Radio" and Wham!-like "Lovers in the Backseat" are delivered with a wink and a nod, the band proves it can engender genuine emotion too on the emotional ballad "Mary." While all the members of the band have something to offer, credit is owed in particular to frontman Jake Spears and his songwriting partner Babydaddy, who went on to prove their production chops for lending a hand to Kylie's hit "I Believe in You."

Best: Take Your Mama, Laura, Comfortably Numb, Filthy/Gorgeous, Mary, The Music is the Victim, It Can't Come Quickly Enough

Singles Reviews

Walk This Way - Sugababes vs. Girls Aloud (3/5)

This year's Comic Relief charity single delivers a big dose of attitude, a remake of the Aerosmith/Run-D.M.C. 80s classic that re-envisions the musical duel between two of Britain's hottest pop acts, girl groups Sugababes and Girls Aloud. Girls Aloud even breaks through the wall at one point, just like Aerosmith. Musically inspired? Not in the least, but as everyone says "it's for charity."

Give It To Me - Timbaland Featuring Nelly Furtado & Justin Timberlake (4/5)

Timbaland spun chart gold for Nelly Furtado and Justin Timberlake over the last year, and they return the favor by appearing on this first single from Timbaland's forthcoming solo album. Both singers namecheck their own songs, "Promiscuous" and "Sexyback," and Justin delivers a real slam to some unnamed pop star: "We missed you on the charts last week--Damn that's right, you wasn't there." The charm is Furtado and Timberlake; the hard beat, electro bass, and infectious chorus is all Timbo.

Shine - Take That (4.5/5)

Don't hate--embrace. This is a joyous springtime pop song that easily be "cool" if the Scissor Sisters were singing it, but Take That are back in a big way--it's already #1 in the U.K. Gary Barlow doesn't sing lead either, which is another good reason to like it. I wonder what other pop gems the album is hiding?

She's My Man - Scissor Sisters (4.5/5)

"Land of a Thousand Words" was a chart disaster, and unfortunately "She's My Man" fared even worse--making only #29 on the U.K. chart last week, likely it's peak position. This is such a cool song! At least radio came around this time--it's #3 on U.K. airplay. It's not as good as "I Don't Feel Like Dancin'," but this upbeat ode to New Orleans is pretty great, one of the album's standouts.

The Sweet Escape - Gwen Stefani Featuring Akon (4/5)

I didn't like this song for awhile, but I'm actually coming around to it now. Akon annoys me, but Gwen sounds great on it, and I love the '80s-drenched keyboards during the chorus. It's got a good toe-tapping beat too.

Stop Me - Mark Ronson (4.5/5)

This sounds like it was produced by the guys responsible for the remixes of Candi Staton's "You Got the Love" Trip-hop beats and very prominent strongs create a great soundmix. The only drawback is the singer--his raspy voice isn't that great--otherwise I think this is really great.

Acceptable in the '80s - Calvin Harris (3.5/5)

Sounds like Prince leftovers--which is pretty good eating if you think about it. Not bad, but at 5:35 it gets old before it's over.

Baby Fratelli - The Fratellis (4/5)

Another good song from The Fratellis, more a party song than their last. Everyone says "Chelsea Dagger" is their best, but unfortunately I don't have it.

Scissor Sisters' "Land of a Thousand Words" Video

I love Scissor Sisters and James Bond--how cool to combine the two.

Album Review: Scissor Sisters - Ta-Dah (4.5 / 5)

Scissor Sisters ignited gay parties and dance clubs in 2004 with their debut album, Scissor Sisters, an eclectic collection of campy, retro-inspired dance pop that drew on inspirations like Wham!, Pink Floyd, the Bee Gees, and Elton John. Globally, it was a phenomenal success, becoming the best-selling album of year in the UK. Given such unexpected success, the five-piece group--fronted by flamboyant Jake Shears and self-proclaimed gay-man-in-a-woman’s-body Ana Matronic—faced the daunting task of creating a follow-up.

Ta-Dah then smartly sticks to the smart wink-and-a-slap formula established by its predecessor. But see how that exclamation point is missing? Subtle yes, but indicative of the darker side of the album, which mostly shines through its mysterious, voluminous lyrics. The exterior may be all dances and smiles, but look deeper and there’s pain, anger, and hurt bubbling beneath the surface. And while the some of the same camp influences show up here—Elton John co-wrote and plays piano on “I Don’t Feel Like Dancin’”—more serious influences such as the devastation of New Orleans and literary references to Walt Whitman and Michael Cunningham are present too.

“I Don’t Feel Like Dancin’” has to be the most danceable, upbeat, and energetic ode to feeling blue and not wanting to dance imaginable. The fun, frothy track opens the album brilliantly, picking up the party from where Scissor Sisters left off, but interjecting a subtle not of melancholy, one that weaves itself throughout the album lyrically, if not musically.

“She’s My Man,” is similarly electric, but listen closely and you’ll hear the darker tale it tells about New Orleans and some mythic crazy woman who chokes people on her riverboat. Lyrically, the Scissor Sisters approach Alanis Morissette territory with some of these songs, which are stuffed full of words describing who knows what counter-cultural reference they managed to dig up. The tune takes a page from Elton John’s “I’m Still Standing.”

Like the first two songs, third track cloaks a darker tale in an upbeat production. “I Can’t Dance” is a jaunty, silly melody, complete with banjo, but the lyrics tell of a depressed and jilted lover mulling the fate of the one who wronged him, “I can’t decide whether you should live or die.” Randomly, Gina Gershon shows up here playing the harp. “Lights,” despite being a fairly upbeat, mid-tempo number, is actually inspired by the last words of Shears’s dying aunt, “when you cut the lights out, think of me.”

Ana Matronic takes a welcome turn at the lead mic with “Kiss You Off,” a track she co-wrote with Shears and Babydaddy, the band’s two principal songwriters. It’s energetic, electro-tinged, and another highlight in an album that has few off-key moments. The only track I don’t care much for is “Intermission,” the other Elton John collaboration, which is a strange bit of cabaret. No drums here, just piano, vocals, and an odd assortment of other instruments.

Mid-tempo “The Other Side” is another highlight. The song was inspired by Michael Cunningham’s latest novel, Specimen Days, and includes some Judy Garland dialogue. It’s awash in synths, but has a good electric guitar bridge.

“Ooh” struts in like a pep talk among the depression and features some Dracula-esque organ/keyboarding during its middle section. “Paul McCartney” is an odd one. This sounds very ‘80s to me, makes no reference (at least none that I can detect) to either Paul or the Beatles, yet supposedly is inspired by Sir. McCartney. There’s no denying Scissor Sisters is a strange band, and its songs like this that remind you that despite the seriousness on display here, they still can do something just for the hell of it.

Slower tracks are good too. “Land of a Thousand Words” takes a break from the dance floor, slipping in melodic piano chords and strings, similar, yet grander that last album’s “Mary.” “Might Tell You Tonight” finds someone on brink of declaring their love and intention to settle down, something you’d never imagine the Scissor Sisters would ponder, but yet here it is.

The album almost can’t help but not live it to its hype—how do you top a best-selling album? But it certainly comes close, delivering a smart collection that improves listen after listen and offers no duds. Now if only their homeland would wake up and embrace them too.

Kayne = Scissor Sisters?

Both the Rolling Stone and Entertainment Weekly compare the Scissor Sisters' new album Ta-Dah to contestant Kayne from this season's Project Runway. Weird coincidence? Probably not, given that Entertainment Weekly loves the album (A-) and Rolling Stone thinks it's so-so (3/5). Actually, Rolling Stone says it sounds like disco Kayne would design, while Entertainment Weekly says that it could have sounded like something Kayne would do, but transcends his lack of taste. Quit ragging on Kayne! Kayne was a fantastic Project Runway contestant. He made it pretty far and even won a contest.

Scissor Sisters Preview

My Space has a limited time preview of the Scissor Sisters' new album, Ta-Dah, out today in Britain (out next Tuesday in the US). Here are my first impressions....

I Don’t Feel Like Dancin’

Opens with a guitar intro not on the single version—then into the hit song we all love. Perfect.

She’s My Man

Sounds like someone turned on a jukebox at the honky tonk. This is a fun song, lots of staccato piano chords. It’s more rocky than we usually get from them. Some girl’s drinking “rusty razorblades.” Yikes!

I Can’t Decide

This has an almost folksy beginning. It’s jaunty and fun. “It’s a bitch convincing people to like you.” That’s true. Short song, but good.

Lights

This is more funky ‘70s sounding than the other songs so far. Jake sounds weird, but doesn’t he always?

Land of a Thousand Words

The ballad. This is nice. Sounds like the last album’s ballad, “Mary,” although not as sad. It’s nice. I like that they can turn around a serious song amidst all the camp. That they have such a range is what makes Scissor Sisters such a cool band. They’re not one note hacks. They have real talent. Great ending too. Really good song.

Intermission

Strings? Ooh… this is really weird. Has that whole carnival sound to it that annoys me about Goldfrapp’s first album and Christina Aguilera’s new one. Not that great, but not a deal killer.

Kiss You Off

This sounds cool. Got some ‘80s pop and rock influence. Ana’s singing! Such a rarity (Jake really steals her thunder, don’t you think?). I like this. Good song.

Ooh

Back to the dance floor. Kinda strange, but decent. Good beat.

Paul McCartney

Opens with a very ‘80s keyboards rift. Sounds like they borrowed Madonna’s drum machine too. What does this have to do with Paul McCartney? Reminds me of “The Music Is the Victim.”

The Other Side

Another ballad? I hear some pianos and darkness. Cool guitar work Babydaddy. This has a really different sound to it for them. I like it.

Might Tell You Tonight

This sounds like the typical Scissor Sisters sound. Retro-ish, with piano and drums. Sounds good.

Everybody Wants the Same Thing

How to describe this? Rocky? Retro? More of the same? Sure, but it works well.

Sounds good. Really good. Definitely keeping up the party, that’s for sure. I’m excited to get the album. I ordered the special edition, so there’s some more songs on it, including “Hair Baby,” which is about something kind of disgusting, so I won’t describe it here.

Current Singles Reviews

I haven’t done singles reviews for a while. Rather than write out lengthy reviews, I’ve clustered current singles by rating with a few notes.

5.0 – Best of the pack

I Don’t Feel Like Dancin’ – Scissor Sisters. Brilliant comeback single, best release yet from them. A joyous pop record that always makes me smile and dance.

When You Were Young – The Killers. The Killers are back and deliver a forceful, inspired pop/rock comeback. Like a more confident “Mr. Brightside.” Love it.

Chasing Cars – Snow Patrol. Haunting, simple ballad that builds to a satisfying rock crescendo. The single that (finally) made them international stars.

Never Be Lonely – The Feeling. The best yet from them. I predicted early this year that they would break out big, and I was right. This song is so enjoyable; a warm, poppy, fun melodic throwback.

4.5 – Very good

It’s Not That Easy – Lemar. Another beautiful British soul record from the former Fame Academy contestant. Almost as grand as “If There’s Any Justice.”

Too Little, Too Late – Jojo. In a similar vein as “Leave (Get Out),” but more polished. A sophisticated pop single from such a young performer. Great chorus.

Changes – Chris Lake Featuring Laura V. My favorite dance single at the moment, sounds like a timewarp to the mid-90s. Perfect backdrop to being a large city on a cloudy day.

Leave Before the Lights Come On – Arctic Monkeys. I was all ready to write off the Arctic Monkeys after being disappointing by their overrated album. Then they go and put out this fantastic single, by far my favorite from them. I may have to give their album a second chance now.

Target – Embrace. Another great track from Embrace, even more U2-ish than “Nature’s Law.” Hope the release of “World at Your Feet” doesn’t slow down their momentum from this great album.

4.0 – Solid

Lucy (Live Saver Remix) – Jealousy. I haven’t heard the original, as this remix is the one that Radio 1 plays, and it’s quite good, so probably a good choice. Doesn’t sound like a remix, which makes it work so well.

Right Where You Want Me – Jesse McCartney. The former WB star returns with a more soulful pop record. Much better than his previous stuff.

3.5 – Pretty good

Lost – Roger Sanchez. Roger Sanchez returns with a good, but uninspired dance track. Doesn’t cover any territory, but sounds good.

2.5 – Just so-so

Rudebox – Robbie Williams. A disappointing first single from his next album. The electronic sound is kind of fun, but his lyrical “rap” delivery sounds bored, and the lyrics themselves are inane.

2.0 – Not that great

So Excited – Janet Jackson Featuring Khia. She doesn’t sound excited at all. This is so bland. Remember when Janet could knock it out of the ballpark? Those days are history. What a let down.

1.0 – Terrible

London Bridge – Fergie. There is absolutely no music contained in this single. It’s just Fergie doing a sort of chant over a mishmash of beats. Really really bad.

Scissor Sisters New Track

The Scissor Sisters' new track, "I Don't Feel Like Dancin'," goes on sale at midnight Friday and will get its first play on BBC Radio 1 Friday morning. You can pre-order at 7Digital and hear a 30 second clip. I think it's going to be really really good. I'm quite excited.

Scissor Sisters Update

I can't wait for the new Scissor Sisters album! The set, titled Ta-Dah, will be released Sept. 18 (Sept. 26 in US). Their first album, Scissor Sisters, was my second-favorite album of 2004 (just after Keane), and was a stunning debut. Their Official Web site is having some kind of makeover tomorrow. The first single, "I Don't Feel Like Dancin'" will be out Sept. 4.

I looked them up on Wikipedia and found some interesting facts:

• Jake Shears wrote the song "Mary" about his real-life best friend Mary, who sadly died of a brain aneurysm just a couple of months ago. "Mary" was a #1 hit on the UK airplay chart 2 years ago.
• The Scissor Sisters album was the best-selling album in the UK for 2004, beating album #2, Keane's Hopes and Fears, but just over 500 copies.
• Ana Matronic's father was gay, resulting in the break-up of his marriage to her mother. He died of AIDS when she was young. She cites her interest in gay culture as a means of trying to be closer to him.
• Ana Matronic fans calls themselves "nuns."
• The fancy name for the, um, act that the band is named for is tribadism.

News Tidbits

Scissor Sisters - Scissors Sisters have confirmed plans to release their second album. Named Ta-dah, the album will be preceded by first single "I Don't Feel Like Dancin'," a collaboration with Elton John. The album is out Sept. 18.

Christina Aguilera - iTunes has added her new single, "Ain't No Other Man," the advance release from her forthcoming album--her first release since 2002's Stripped. Aguilera announced that the album has been divided into 2 discs--the first featuring a retro jazz/R&B sound and the second featuring her work with producer Linda Perry, best known for her recent work with Pink. The album, Back to Basics, is out August 15.

Kylie Minogue - Kylie was named "Woman of the Year" at the recent Glamour Awards in London. While she could not attend, she thanked her fans for their support during the last year. Kylie also announced recently that she'd like to have a baby with boyfriend-actor Olivier Martinez.

Sugababes - The Sugababes have announced they will release their greatest hits this winter. Dispelling the inevitable break-up discussions, they also announced plans for a fifth album in 2007.

Billy Preston - The keyboardist, nicknamed "the fifth Beatle" for his work with the band, died in Phoenix at age 59. He'd been in a coma since November while battling kidney failure.

Singles Reviews

Maneater - Nelly Furtado (4/5)

While Americans are getting drunk on Furtado's brilliant "Promiscuous," Brits instead get "Maneater," a good track--great in fact--but not as much fun as "Promiscuous." The Hip-hop and '80s influences are present here too, but the harsh beats aren't as enjoyable as the hyperactive percussion of "Promiscuous." Certainly both tracks will be the second single where they haven't yet been released.

All Over Again - Ronan Keating Featuring Kate Rusby (2.5/5)

Accomplished and bombastic as expected. It sounds country, but I cannot confirm that like his other hits (When You Say Nothing At All, If Tomorrow Never Comes, We've Got Tonight, I Hope You Dance) whether or not it is actually a country remake. I don't know who Kate Rusby is, but she's no Lulu, so there's another strike against this already. Ronan is now 7 years past Boyzone, but still hasn't moved passed karaoke.

She Moves in Her Own Way - The Kooks (4/5)

Another winner from the Kooks. Anyone heard about them? "Naive" was cool, and this is too, a good dose of retro-rock swagger and hand claps.

Hips Don't Lie - Shakira Featuring Wyclef Jean (4.5/5)

After a regrettable delay, iTunes finally added this for sale this week--hence I get to listen over and over and review for you. Well, Shakira has finally put out a single I like. It's fun, great beat, great hooks, interesting horns and hip-hop influences. "She makes a man want to speak Spanish," as the guest rapper says. Makes up for the disappointing "Don't Bother."

Bright Idea - Orson (4.5/5)

Orson is turning out to be the second-coolest new band of 2006 (The Feeling is still my favorite). Yes cool, despite the fact that no one in the band is under 30, and they profess to making "soft rock." They're from LA, but like the Scissor Sisters and the Killers, are building their popularity in Britain before hitting the U.S. This track is just a great as their #1 hit, "No Tomorrow." It's guitar-driven rock with a great chorus. What more could one want for a hot May day?

World at Your Feet (The Official England Song for World Cup 2006) - Embrace (3.5/5)

Embrace was both fortunate and unfortunate to be chosen to record this year's England World Cup anthem. A great honor yes, but coming right after they released their great album, This New Day, I can't help but feel it's a bit of a distraction. It's good, but not as good as the singles waiting in the wings but were delayed so this could come out instead. Sounds like typical Embrace--big sound, big guitars, choir-backed chorus, etc.

Upside Down - Jack Johnson (4/5)

Jack Johnson is adorable. Curious George is sweet. Despite the fact that pairing them might make one want to wretch, this is actually a really great treat. It's a breazy dose of Caribbean beach time joy. Where's my pina colada? The simple instrumentation makes Jack's vocals and guitars really shine.

Not Ready to Make Nice - Dixie Chicks (4/5)

Good for them! Green Day records a whole album bashing Bush and the war and they win an armload of Grammies. Dixie Chicks make 1 political comment against Bush during a concert and receive a shunning. It's nice to seem them not pander to such treatment and stand up for themselves. Moving past the politics, it's a pretty song too. Dark, haunting, with bass piano chords, strings, and great vocals. Is this really country? Sounds like pop to me.

Borderline - Jody Watley (4/5)

Jody Watley came onto the scene in the late '80s, scored 6 top 10 hits, won the Best New Artist Grammy (a jinxed award), and then was never heard from again. What's an has been '80s pop star to do? She could A) throw in the towel, B) resign herself to playing weddings and bar mitzvahs, or C) steal a hit from one of her '80s pop star peers that actually managed to keep her spotlight. Choosing C, wisely, Jody Watley has taken Madonna's first top 10 hit, given it a mellow, soulful twist, and re-emerged with something quite enjoyable that may return her to the spotlight, or at the very least, give her something to do other than appearing at elementary schools touting the importance of music education.

Scissor Sisterrs News

Kudos to Robin for bringing this to my attention:
Rolling Stone update on Scissor Sisters upcoming album.

Cannot wait!!!!