These Boots Were Made For Dancin'!

Little Boots
"Hands" album
Released: March 2nd, 2010





Move over Lady Gaga, there's a new kid in town. Actually, Little Boots is not that new to the UK, however, she is finally making her American debut. Like Gaga, Boots is a multi-talented pop singer/songwriter who combines guilty hooks with high fashion. Unlike Gaga, her style and music rely on subtleties and not over-the-top extravagance. Boots is an incredible musician to watch, as she navigates keyboards, synthesizers and the unusual Tenori-on. Her keen pop sensibilities shine throughout her debut. Opening with the stellar "New In Town," Boots establishes herself as a force to be reckoned with. The album swirls through 12 addictive 80s inspired songs. Little Boots even brings on Phil Oakley from the Human League for a duet that dares to rival their 1981 hit, "Don't You Want Me." Other notable tracks are the house-influenced "Stuck On Repeat", lyrically clever "Mathematics" and top ten UK hit, "Remedy." Keep an eye out for this one, these boots have more mileage to go.

Watch video for "New In Town"

The Resurrection of Cash

Johnny Cash
"American VI: Ain't No Grave" album
Released: February 23rd, 2010





Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, arrives the second posthumous Johnny Cash album, "American VI: Ain't No Grave." I typically ignore albums released after an artist's death. Typically, they consist of poorly written songs that were never meant to see the light of day. Michael Jackson's "This Is It" single is the most current example of such crap.
However, in this case, these tunes were supposed to have been released. And thankfully, they have been. During the final months of his life, Johnny Cash recorded a beautiful and heartbreaking collection of covers and one original.
Opening with the brilliant arrangement of Claude Ely's "Ain't No Grave", Cash declares that even death won't hold him down. The folky Avett Brothers add a layer of bone-chilling chains, footsteps, and banjo. Throughout the entire "American" series, Cash faces his impending death head on. Producer Rick Rubin's naked presentation highlights the frailty of Cash in his last moments. One can hear each tender crack in Cash's voice. Rubin has allowed the listener to feel as if they were in a living room with Cash during his final performance. Although most songs are about death, the album isn't nearly as depressing as it sounds. Ending with the famous Hawaiian theme "Aloha 'Oe" the album closes on a slightly humorous and uplifting note. Thanks to Rubin, Cash's incredibly prolific career comes to a respectful and dignified end on "American VI".


Listen to "Ain't No Grave"