GOLDFRAPP - "SEVENTH TREE"

England's Goldfrapp returns with their 4th record, and if you fell in love with the duo's rump-moving electro-pop that made them an international name, you're gonna have to go into this album with an open mind. I didn't do the math, but there's perhaps one track that's over 100 beats-per-minute (that would be the aptly titled "Happiness"). That's a far cry from 2003's 'Black Cherry' and 2006's 'Supernature', which contained dancefloor hits such as "Train" and "Ooh La La", respectively, but I don't think this record should be judged simply on tempo. Allison Goldfrapp's sultry voice is always something to tune in for, and Will Gregory's arrangements can be intricate, even if the song is slow.
Some might call it "Goldfrapp unplugged", with acoustic guitar melting right in with the beats on most of the tracks, but such a description would sell it short. Heck, this is the sort of music that could in 2 years easily find itself featured in a movie or on a commercial, and everyone will say "Whoa! What is that song??!".

COWBOY JUNKIES - "TRINITY REVISITED"

This isn't really a re-issue, more like a re-assessment of one of the most incredible records in pop/rock history (originally released in 1988, it has sold millions of copies). Incredible because it was recorded in one night, while gathered around a single microphone that was set up in the middle of The Church Of The Holy Trinity in downtown Toronto. Not only did the voice of Margo Timmins completely shine, but the acoustics of Holy Trinity itself can be heard so clearly, that the church was almost like an instrument in itself. What's more, how spot-on was the cover of The Velvet Underground's "Sweet Jane"? Well, Lou Reed himself has always maintained that it's the greatest version of his song that he's ever heard (not to mention going on to become the Junkies' biggest hit).
So, what's this whole "Revisted" business, then? Well, they gathered once again at Holy Trinity to play the songs again, armed this time with more elaborate recording gear, plus a film crew, and some friends. The friends include ex-10,000 Maniac Natalie Merchant, plus Ryan Adams, and more. The result of the film crew is the DVD side, featuring video of 12 song performances, and it also includes a 45-film complete with footage of the three day "Revisited" project.
Some people say there's no reason to ever touch a classic, but if this release does nothing else, I hope it at least moves people to go dig their original copies of "The Trinity Sessions" out of the closet, or obtain one.
I'm definitely looking forward to their upcoming appearance at Old Town School of Music on March 29th.

JANET JACKSON - "DISCIPLINE"

Janet Jackson releases her 10th studio record...and yes, after aging X-amount of years, she's still singing about sex, and not much else.

Happy listening!
cheers,
pogo