well-publicized and oft-caricatured curves and angles, lurks the heart and soul of one of modern country music’s very best songwriters-- the best, perhaps, since the great Loretta Lynn. In fitting celebration of the 35th anniversary of the release of Just Because I’m A Woman , Parton’s very first solo album, contemporary leading ladies of country and pop, including Norah Jones, Alison Krauss, Shania Twain, Joan Osborne, Melissa Etheridge, Emmylou Harris, and Sinead O’Connor have offered up worthy new interpretations of some of Parton’s classic compositions. That said, some of the highlights here are from lesser-known singers: Mindy Smith’s haunting rendition of "Jolene," Kasey Chambers’ bitter-sweet take on "Little Sparrow," a...  (less)

cool clothes, and gift for hitting the hype machine at just the right fame-boosting angles, they could easily carve out a career on somebody else's lyrics and a lame-o delivery. But the sisters Michalka have a lot more integrity than that: If Insomniatic, goes to show the pop-buying world anything, it's that not all youth-targeted acts deserve their featherweight reputations. The title track rocks hard, "Bullseye" borrows a Replacements vibe, and opener "Potential Breakup Song" pumps in pleasingly synth-y rhythms and sweet-heat attitude. Slighter tracks, including "Silence" and "I'm Here," showcase a sympathetic ear for teenage romantic tribulations, but overall Insomniatic is not for the drowsy--Aly & AJ are doing musical No-Doz for a new generation, and t...  (less)

Her urban inspirational music opens the heart, touches the soul and and lifts the spirit. As Music & Arts Director of the renowned Agape International Spiritual Center in Los Angles, she has inspired millions with her songs of hope, joy, transformation and praise, many co-written with her husband, Michael Bernard Beckwith, Founder and Spiritual Director of Agape. Supreme Inspiration is Rickie's 10th album. With an adventurous, hip-hop flavored sound produced by her daughter, Georgia Muldrow (an internationally jazz and soul musician in her own right), "Supreme Inspiration" is both slammin' and devotional. Her first video for the album's lead-off song Alle-Alleluia can be seen now on YouTube or by visiting Agape's website. ...  (less)

after a serious bout with hallucinogenics. With the assistance of Keith Moline and Andy Diagram, he's put together a record that's not quite like anything. So, you have things like the haunting, dub-like trumpet of "Lantern" and the bowel-deep rock of "Morbid Sky." But even at its strangest--which is pretty strange--there's a weird beauty about this album. It's not the spiky corners and angle irons of Ubu, but more like surfaces of finished metal meeting ghost town tumbleweeds, and the thin hum of tires on suburban streets. If you're looking for certainties, you won't find them here; if you crave urban adventure, this is the right place. --Chris Nickson  (less)

after a serious bout with hallucinogenics. With the assistance of Keith Moline and Andy Diagram, he's put together a record that's not quite like anything. So, you have things like the haunting, dub-like trumpet of "Lantern" and the bowel-deep rock of "Morbid Sky." But even at its strangest--which is pretty strange--there's a weird beauty about this album. It's not the spiky corners and angle irons of Ubu, but more like surfaces of finished metal meeting ghost town tumbleweeds, and the thin hum of tires on suburban streets. If you're looking for certainties, you won't find them here; if you crave urban adventure, this is the right place. --Chris Nickson  (less)

a singer/songwriter and turned things up more than just a few notches by adding Aaron Stroessner's (Dead Left) innovative guitar playing, recording and producing skills. "Bitter Circus" - the most unique sounding William Brooks album yet. You've probably heard William Brooks' other albums. Perhaps "Silent Wings", "Karma Dogs", "Buffalo Treason" or "Fowl Mouth" recordings are in your CD box right now. Great records, aren't they? Now, "Bitter Circus" takes an even closer look at this incredibly raw, reclusive artist in a way it's never been done before. The angle is so different that you better prepare yourself for a big surprise, a positively shocking one. After 20 years in New York City, playing each and every club, dive and s...  (less)