Trax
08/14/2008
LEE “SCRATCH” PERRY, Repentance (Narnack) (3 stars out of 5)
Considering every turntablist who’s scratched a needle owes his job to the dub pioneer, it’s small wonder he called in markers for his 54th studio platter, which is propelled by the club single “Pum Pum” (“Pussy may come and pussy may go, but Jesus Christ remain”). Producer Andrew W.K., Moby, Matisyahu bassist Josh Werner, Blondie’s Chris Stein and “adult entertainer” Sasha Grey are among those who turn up for the party. And a loopy party it is, bubbling with digital funk, calls for “peace in Iraq” and a weirdly disco-fried, Mickey Mouse-referencing rap on “Santa Claus.” www.myspace.com/leescratchperry
THE DUHKS, Fast Paced World (Sugar Hill) (3 stars out of 5)
The Grammy-nominated, Juno-winning Winnipeg quintet raises the ante and the energy, with siblings Sarah and Christian Dugas replacing smoky-timbered frontwoman Jessee Havey and percussionist Scott Senior, respectively, and producer Jay Joyce dialing up the punchy rock production. Dugas ably commands Havey’s old position center stage, belting with soulful conviction as the environmentally conscious ensemble tackles urban isolation and rampant consumerism (the thundering title track), heartbreak, loyalty, death and French lyrics over their signature folk-bluegrass-rock-Afro-Cuban beat — with a few dollops of jazzy cabaret for flavor. www.duhks.com
ROBIN MCKELLE, Modern Antique (Cheap Lullaby) (3 stars out of 5)
The title says it all. McKelle’s affection for big band music is unabashed and refreshing, from her imaginative swing through Steve Miller’s “Abracadabra” and Irving Berlin’s “Cheek to Cheek” to her sultry reading of the Nancy Wilson chestnut “Save Your Love for Me” and a scat-happy take on “Lullaby of Birdland.” Her tasteful set benefits from a robust horn section that cheerily evokes her 1940s inspirations (a mambo-inducing romp through Lew Brown’s “Comes Love” is another highlight), and the warmth and bluesy burr in her voice. www.robinmckelle.com
MEGHAN COFFEE, Songs to Sail By (Art and Irrigation) (2.5 stars out of 5)
Atlanta-based singer-songwriter Coffee’s inevitably compared to Tori Amos, thanks to her dramatic piano playing and a similar cry in her vocal tone. But Coffee’s richly expressive voice is even more yearning, and her lyrics, while grandly romantic, are relatable. Open to intimate or spiritual interpretations, they heighten the beautiful melancholy of her melodies. Should appeal to fans of Amos, Coldplay and Damien Rice. With Edwin McCain at the Key Club in West Hollywood Aug. 22. www.meghancoffee.com
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