March 2007 List

“Who Cares”: Patti Austin
(Avant-Gershwin, 2007)
Does this song make me smile…and I certainly need a smile! Patti Austin infuses this Gershwin standard with an ebullient, Latin-tinged rhythm and a soaring vocal performance that belies the seeming ambivalence of the song title; I just love it.

“Caçada”: Bebel Gilberto
(Momento, 2007)
In researching Bebel Gilberto’s new album, I learned that my favorite track on the record was written by her uncle, Chico Buarque. The foundation for “Caçada” is steeped in forró, a style of music indigenous to the northeast region of Brazil and characterized by lilting Pífanos flutes (always a plus!) and pounding Zabumba drums.

“Dangerous”: The Family Stand
(Super Sol Nova, 2007)
This chunk of rock-funk brought me out of a comatose state the first time I heard it. It’s driven mostly by aciculate lead vocals, a jagged drum beat, and the searing guitars of The Family Stand.

“Relax (Take it Easy)”: Mika
(Life in Cartoon Motion, 2007)
Even though the melody resembles “(I Just) Died in Your Arms Tonight” by the Cutting Crew – a song I never cared for – I love what Mika does on “Relax (Take It Easy)”. He has a very natural and unforced falsetto that contrasts nicely with the meaty synth and drum arrangement here.

“Heart of Hearts”: !!!
(Myth Takes, 2007)
While I have no idea how to pronounce !!!’s name, they’ve just released one of the more curious albums to hit the streets . Their lyrics are like riddles but guest vocalist Shannon Funchess helps unravel the mystery on “Heart of Hearts” with her soulful, straightforward, and sassy style.