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Peter Gabriel 'Scratch My Back' (RealWorld)
Rather than exalt in his own legacy by joining Genesis at its long-awaited Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony, Peter Gabriel, the eternal holdout, has chosen to celebrate the music of others this month with a disarming collection of cover songs.
His first release in eight years doesn't rock, and it wasn't meant to, as Mr. Gabriel eschews drums and guitars for piano and chamber orchestra. The two most popular songs, David Bowie's "Heroes" and Paul Simon's "The Boy in the Bubble," open the set, sacrificing their propulsion in hushed, reverent readings, his voice as fragile as the billowing strings.
Although his is not the most powerful, Mr. Gabriel has always had one of the most expressive and magical voices in pop music, frequently changing octaves and straining so delicately on the high notes. He hits his vocal peak here on the soaring highs and menacing lows of The Arcade Fire's "My Body Is a Cage."
Those skeptical of such a pop/classical experiment will be pleased to know that the contemporary arrangements by John Metcalfe (Durutti Column) are central to the songs, and filled with lovely flourishes from the violins and woodwinds, particularly on Regina Spektor's suite-like "Apres Moi."
On the downside, following Mr. Gabriel through Lou Reed's "The Power of the Heart," the Magnetic Fields' "The Book of Love," Talking Heads' "Listening Wind," etc., does become a rather dreary exercise, as each song is treated in relentlessly somber fashion. It's hard to even say what circumstance would be best for enduring this in one sitting.
This flipside of this project will come later as the same artists cover Gabriel on the subsequent "I'll Scratch Yours" -- no holds barred.
-- Scott Mervis
Various artists 'Almost Alice' (Buena Vista)
This isn't your average soundtrack. And Tim Burton would like to think his "Alice in Wonderland" isn't your average cinematic remake.
"Almost Alice" has pop stars pontificating musically on the characters and stories that fill Lewis Carroll's book. Avril Lavigne internalizes Alice's struggle in "Alice," while electro duo 3OH!3 tells listeners to "Follow Me Down" the rabbit hole.
It's an interesting device, although it's not as strong as fans might hope. Too often these songs come off sounding like an easy paycheck -- rather than an artful, collaborative project around a beloved story.
Some of the stronger offerings come from Oklahoma rock act All-American Rejects ("The Poison") and Cure lead singer Robert Smith ("Very Good Advice"). The Rejects' teen-friendly ballad could easily find a home on FM radio, and Mr. Smith's freaky cover of the song from the 1951 Disney cartoon is an odd treat.
But did we really need another cover of Jefferson Airplane's "White Rabbit"? Not even the glittery-voiced Grace Potter can make that venture legitimate.
-- Ricardo Baca, The Denver Post
Jamie Cullum, "The Pursuit": British jazz-pop performer's first album since 2005 was produced by Greg Wells (Katy Perry, Colbie Caillat).
Lifehouse, "Smoke & Mirrors": California "alt-rock" band, which broke out big in 2001 with "Hanging by a Moment," returns with a fifth album, led by the single "Halfway Gone."
Jason Derulo, "Jason Derulo": Debut album from R&B crooner who debuted at No. 1 with the single "Whatcha Say."
Danny Gokey, "My Best Days": Debut country album from "American Idol" Season Eight finalist, who will appear on the show tonight.
Raheem DeVaughn. "The Love and War Masterpeace": Self-described R&B/hippie/neo-soul/rock star weighs in with an album he calls "one half social commentary, one half love." Ludacris, Ne-Yo and Dr. Cornel West contribute.
John Hiatt, "The Open Road": The veteran singer-songwriter is joined by his road band for a rocked-up set that he says "[looks] at life through the rearview mirror."
The Whigs, "In the Dark": Athens, Ga., garage-rockers release the follow-up to the acclaimed "Mission Hill."
Groove Armada, "Black Light": British dance-pop duo's eighth album features a guest spot from Bryan Ferry.
Little Boots, "Hands": British electro-pop star is drawing comparisons to Lady Gaga.
Critics Andrew Druckenbrod and Scott Mervis talk about music on "The Beat," available exclusively at PG+, a members-only web site of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Our introduction to PG+ gives you all the details.
