The history of double studio LPs (not compilations or deluxe editions) by women includes Yoko Ono’s “Fly,” Joan Baez’s “Blessed Are…,” Joni Mitchell’s “Don Juan’s Reckless Daughter,” Donna Summer’s “Bad Girls,” Christina Aguilera’s “Back To Basics,” Shania Twain’s “Up!,” Kate Bush’s “Aerial,” Rachael Yamagata’s “Elephants…Teeth Sinking Into Heart,” Nellie McKay’s “Get Away From Me,” and Miranda Lambert’s “The Weight of These Wings.”
It’s a relatively short list when compared to those released by men (solo or in bands), but thanks to Carly Rae Jepsen another one can be added to the women’s category. “Day and Night” (Interscope).
The 24 tracks, spread over two discs – one “Day,” one “Night” – were written by committee with Jepsen’s name always appearing first in the credits. The “Day” side is radiant as daylight, blooming with mushy, mostly mid-tempo love songs including “On Wires,” “After All,” “Burning Heart,” the Kylie Minogue-esque “Soft,” and “Something Tragic” (with its shout out to Leonard Cohen).
The mood shifts considerably on the clubby “Night,” featuring a set of songs that could give Madonna’s exceptional “Confessions II” a run for its money. Numbers such as “Amalfi Coast,” “Don’t Leave Me On The Dancefloor,” “Patience Power Passion,” “No Labels, I Love You,” the house-influenced “Near or Far,” and the Troye Sivan-like “Motivation,” are certain to get even the most movement resistant wallflower heading for the center of the swaying crowd.
In the early and mid-1980s, mainstream (read: straight, white and boring) audiences were being turned on to the exciting genre of African pop by Nigerian artist King Sunny Adé, whose “Juju Music” album became an unexpected stateside hit. Talking Heads incorporated Afrobeat into its “Remain In Light” record, as did Paul Simon on his Grammy-winning “Graceland.”
If you’ve lost track of the genre over the years, “Chopping Mountain” (Merge) by Ibibio Sound Machine has the power to reignite your interest.
Led by vocalist Eno Williams, the UK band infuses its afro-funk with heavy doses of electronica and dance music, making for a workout that will activate body parts you may have forgotten existed. Beginning with “Burning In Lagos,” which sets the tone, the dance party continues with the title track, “When You Want to Dance,” and “Return To Sender.” The thought-provoking “Give Me Peace,” offers a reprieve, before you get carried away by “River Don’t Rush,” and the retro soul of “Love.”
Clever band name aside, on its eponymous Fat Possum Records debut, Adult DVD makes the kind of dance rock that will have former and current rave-goers reaching for lollipops, bottled water, and whatever substance kept them dancing non-stop, sometimes for days at a time. “Coffin Dodger,” “Jesus Christ Supercar,” “Minimal Criminal,” “Cowboy on Aisle Three,” “Real Tree Lee,” “Ghillie Suit,” “All I Need,” “Rolling Face,” and the hilarious “World’s Best Boss,” are all nostalgia-inducing.
Don’t be surprised if you’re inspired to seek out a copy of “Trainspotting” to keep the mood from slipping away.
This story is brought to you by Rosedale Health and Wellness and Dudley’s Place.
