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Sound Off

By Devin Grant, Special to The Post and Courier

Adult Contemporary

k.d. lang - "Watershed" -

(Nonesuch)

As hard as it might be to believe, it has been eight years since we have heard any new material from k.d. lang.

The artist, who began her career singing straight country before branching off to explore more pop-oriented sounds, has always turned heads with her unique approach to recording and performing.

On "Watershed," lang's new CD, the artist keeps things just as unpredictable as ever. If you haven't listened to lang since her "Absolute Torch and Twang" days, then "Watershed" is going to be a bit of a shock. Even those that followed her into the pop realm on the 1992's "Ingénue" will likely be impressed with the range on "Watershed." The CD begins with "I Dream of Spring," a beautiful song that lies somewhere in the no-man's land between Latin and country music styles. The twangy steel guitar mixed with the sensuous strings on that track all but ensure the song will soon see action on a TV commercial or in a movie soundtrack. Elsewhere on the CD lang explores jazz ("Sunday"), and even bossa nova ("Coming Home").

Indeed, listening to this CD is just like discovering a brand new artist, and while country purists will probably grumble that lang is once again distancing herself from the genre that first gained her fame, there is no denying that the music on "Watershed" was worth the eight-year wait.

Aside from "I Dream of Spring," standout tracks on the CD include "Thread," "Once in Awhile," and especially "Flame of the Uninspired," which is sure to make it onto more than a few romantic mix CDs.

In a world where much of today's music sounds alarmingly generic, lang should be commended for keeping things interesting. (B+)

Download These: "I Dream of Spring," "Flame of the Uninspired," "Thread"

Americana

Gary Louris - "Vagabonds" -

(Rykodisc)

If you were a fan of the Jayhawks, then the news of that Minneapolis band's demise a couple of years ago probably caused you to shed a few tears.

After founding member Mark Olson left that band after what many consider to be its high-water mark, 1995's "Tomorrow the Green Grass," it was left to co-founder Gary Louris to continue the Jayhawks' winning combination of groovy Americana riffs coupled with sweetly sung lyrics.

Louris rose to the occasion. Subsequent releases such as "Sound of Lies" and "Rainy Day Music" resonated well with fans.

On his new solo CD, Louris plays it safe to a certain extent. "Vagabonds" features tunes that could easily be mistaken for something off a Jayhawks record. Louris has taken things an extra step forward though, layering most of the tracks with a rich sonic ambience that makes listening to this album through headphones a particularly enriching experience.

Take "To Die a Happy Man," for instance. The tune seems simple at first, until one concentrates on the tinkling piano and mournful steel guitar in the background. The three-quarter time "She Only Calls Me on Sunday" is similarly structured, with Louris' guitar strumming being enhanced by the tranquil goings-on in the background.

Each tune on "Vagabonds" seems essential to the CD, as if each was weighed to gauge its sonic purity before being allowed inclusion. As a result, Louris just might have released the first perfect album of 2008.

"True Blue" makes great use of Louris' ability to hit those high notes in his distinctive style, while "We'll Get By" benefits from some great organ playing by Jonathan Wilson.

"I Wanna Get High" takes a more Eastern-influenced route, seeming almost meditative. Some of the songs on "Vagabonds" also feature what Louris refers to in the liner notes as the Laurel Canyon Family Choir, which features the voices of Chris Robinson of the Black Crowes, Susanna Hoffs of the Bangles, and Jenny Lewis of Rilo Kiley.

This CD is a must listen for anyone who misses the Jayhawks, or just appreciates good Americana music. (A+)

Download These: "We'll Get By," "She Only Calls Me on Sundays," "To Die a Happy Man"

Rock

Mike Doughty - "Golden Delicious" -

(ATO)

If an artist's music is to be used as a window to reveal his or her demeanor, then apparently Mike Doughty is a pretty happy and content guy right now.

The former Soul Coughing frontman has managed to reinvent himself as a solo artist, and his 2005 release, "Haughty Melodic," was a celebration of sound and lyrics thanks to songs such as "Looking at the World from the Bottom of a Well" and "Tremendous Brunettes."

On his latest collection of originals, "Golden Delicious," Doughty keeps the mood light and funky, and retains his place as one of rock music's most interesting lyricists.

By now you have likely heard the CD's first single, "27 Jennifers," an undeniably catchy tune that first saw the light of day as a track on Doughty's "Rockity Roll" collection. Other songs match the energy level of "27 Jennifers."

"Fort Hood" borrows lyrics from the "Hair" standard "Let the Sunshine In," while "I Just Want the Girl in the Blue Dress to Keep On Dancing" keeps the jubilant mood going.

Even the borderline silly "More Bacon than the Pan can Handle," which features samples from a tea kettle and vocal help from Stephanie Beatriz, makes for great listening. The only problem with "Golden Delicious" is that at times it sounds as if some of the songs on the CD could have used a little more time in the creative oven.

As enjoyable as songs such as "I Wrote a Song About Your Car" and "Nectarine (Part One)" are, they seem almost like outtakes that should have been hidden tracks on the CD.

While not quite as good as his previous effort, "Golden Delicious" is still pure Mike Doughty, which is to say that if loose and rhythmic rock with creatively abstract lyrics is your thing, then you will definitely find this CD as appetizing as its title. (B)

Download These: "27 Jennifers," "Fort Hood," "Navigating by the Stars at Night"