Rufus Wainwright – Rufus Does Judy at Carnegie Hall – Geffen Records
Best described as an artist that embraces cabaret, jazz, pop and opera with theatrical embellishments, Rufus Wainwright has clearly hit the big time. This live double CD was recorded at his sold-out concert on June 14-15, 2006 in Carnegie Hall. He performs the entire classic album of Judy Garland’s famous Carnegie concert with such style and panache that one gets lost in the moment. With Billy Joel’s favourite producer at the helm, Phil Ramone, the standard of the recording is a triumph. The camp dialogue Wainwright delivers between numbers are a real coupe. Dedicating Do It Again to his partner, Jorn, was my personal favourite although you can’t beat the duet, After You’ve Gone, with Lorna Luft (Garland’s daughter) that closes the second act. For those who weren’t quick enough to purchase tickets for his sold-out February performance at the Perth Concert Hall, here is the next best thing… it’s a purchase you won’t regret! –Terry Larder
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Pat Appleton – What’s Next – Stereo Deluxe Records
Ms Appleton’s debut solo album is perhaps best described as Budda Bar meets Café del Mar meets electro/lounge/nu-jazz. Born to a German mother and a Liberian father, this gal delivers one of the hottest grooves of 2007. A major star in Germany and Austria, she first hit the stage joining jazz combo De-Phazz in 1998. It has been a 10 year journey to get to this point as a solo artist. I adore this album for its constant rhythmic changes and twist and turns. Various producers have forged their stamp on this unique voice, but ultimately, it is Pat who raises the bar. Two stand-out gems: the opening Homeland and track 4 Cloudless Day in Berlin. –Terry Larder
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Various – The World’s Greatest Club Mix 2008 – Resist
To celebrate the first year of their new series ‘The World’s Greatest’, Resist present Club Mix 2008. An album that not only showcases some of the biggest tunes of the moment but also those that are destined to blow up over the coming year too. Released at the tail end of 2007, World’s Greatest Club Mix 2008 is one of the essential end of year collections. Featuring the finest in contemporary club cuts and electro-house bombs, such as Haji & Emanuel, Mauro Picotto, D. Ramirez and Time Deluxe, The World’s Greatest Club Mix 2008 takes in a sweep of incredible dance music. Additional features include deep, minimal and electronic house sounds, the best in vocal house and a selection of future classics. This project deserves your full attention. -Stuart Miles
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Britney Spears – Blackout – Sony BMG
The first single on Britney Spears’ ‘comeback’ album asks ‘Gimme More’. As a listener it was a request I shared – Gimme more, Britney! More energy, more enthusiasm and more thought. Britney meanders through the album with the determination of a broken car. Parts of it are cringe-worthy, other parts hold potential, but not much else. The songs start strongly enough but their individual heatbeats dim at each chord. ‘Toy soldier’ comes across as a pot-shot at her ex, but it doesn’t dish anything the public doesn’t already know. It’s never a nice thing to kick a dog while she’s down, but Britney’s latest album is anemic at best. Britney Spears if you can’t do it for yourself, then do it for your remaining fans… and the general rule of thumb is if you have nothing relevant to say, then don’t say anything at all. -Brett Dias
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Justin Timberlake – Futuresex/Lovesounds Deluxe Edition – Jive
NSYNC who? Futuresex/Lovesounds is as hot as the name suggests and as cool as the packaging on the CD. Around half the songs on the album have been released as singles, mainly because they stand so well on their own. Killer beats, steely vocals and sophisticated production makes Futuresex/Lovesounds the perfect summer album. The only song that seems out of place is ‘Losing My Way’. It’s a beautiful track but in an album filled with Futuresex and Lovesounds, a track about a man losing everything he has because of an ice addiction kills the mood somewhat. The bonus DVD is strictly for the fans with interviews, behind-the-scenes and film clips. The album however is slick. Justin is to music what he is to futuresex. Dishy. –Brett Dias
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The Gossip – Live in Liverpool – BMG
The Gossip are one of the most exciting acts around, taking the international gig circuit by storm and creating a wave of controversy, courtesy of lesbian lead singer Beth Ditto. She’s big, brazen and she has a voice. Luckily enough for the Gossip the hype barely does them justice. The Gossip ‘Live in Liverpool’ makes you wish you were there. Beth is in top form and her vocals remain strong throughout the performance. Stand-out hits include ‘Your Mangled Heart’, a tribute to Aailyah; ‘Are You That Somebody?’ and ‘Coal to Diamonds’, but all the tracks worth a listen. George Michael’s ‘Careless Whisper’ gets a rock-refit, and you can feel the adrenalin of the crowd when the riffs begin to ‘Standing in the Way of Control’, a gay rock anthem. Expect big things from these kids. -Brett Dias
