July 2006 List

“Something Big”: Burt Bacharach
(Living Together, 1973)
July is the perfect time of year to discover a hidden gem by Burt Bacharach and that is exactly what I did four nights ago during a singalong with fellow Bacharach enthusiasts. Next time I visit East Hampton, I'll take my mother and aunt for a drive along the back roads, roll down the windows, and sing along to "Something Big" with Burt and his ever-insouciant background vocalists.

“We Got Music”: Incognito
(Eleven, 2006)
In honor of my 27th birthday, Mr. Mark Anthony Lee turned my attention towards a new track by Incognito, which deliciously throbs over a disco beat. The song's mantra, "life is just a rollercoaster" succinctly captures the abandonment I experience when dancing – arms in the air, hair tousled and wet, eyes aglow.

“I Just Realized”: The Brand New Heavies
(Get Used to It, 2006)
If anyone heard a distant echo of someone screaming with delight, it was me celebrating the reunion of N’Dea Davenport with the Brand New Heavies. There’s nary a dud on the record, but I’m partial to “I Just Realized", featuring drummer Jan Kincaid tirelessly tapping out a jagged, syncopated beat under Davenport’s vocals.

“Long Distance Call”: Phoenix
(It’s Never Been Like That, 2006)
Phoenix is a band I happened upon unexpectedly one day while researching new music. Hailing from France, the guys in Phoenix know how to construct fresh, infectious pop hooks that don’t sound borrowed or appropriated from other bands.

"Walk Away Renee”: Linda Ronstadt & Ann Savoy
(Adieu False Heart, 2006)
Linda Ronstadt’s new album with Ann Savoy has given me a taste of Cajun music sensibilities. However, their heartbreaking cover of “Walk Away Renee” transcends genre – it’s simply an exquisite rendering of a timeless melody!

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Nona Hendryx at Joe's Pub on Tuesday, August 22. I'm thrilled to announce that one of the best live performers I've ever seen in my short 27 years - Ms. Nona Hendryx - returns to Joe's Pub next month. The woman's blend of funk and rock is mesmerizing and if she throws in a few of her compositions from the Labelle period, the world will be a much happier place! www.joespub.com Be there!