Dig These Discs :: Stevie Nicks, Kimberly Caldwell, Brian Setzer, Damon & Naomi, Priscilla Queen Of The Desert, Yelle

Bill Biss READ TIME: 7 MIN.

"$5,000 dollars and it's not even real leather?" - "Working Girl." For this installment of Dig These Discs, let's discover the difference between real and imitation. Some artists exude the real deal and sometimes, something is missing at the emotional core of the music. But fortunately, for the most part on these six CDs for the lusty month of May...the results for this featured music are priceless.

In Your Dreams (Stevie Nicks)

When inspiration strikes for an artist of Stevie Nick's caliber, you had better "Stand Back."

For the first time in ten years, she is releasing all new material on "In Your Dreams." Nicks has said that the road to this album began when she was on tour with Fleetwood Mac in 2009 and was due to one song she composed during that time. The song was called "Moonlight--A Vampire's Dream" and she penned her inspiration from the movie, "New Moon."

Like the magical maiden of rock that she is, a couple of songs are chestnuts she wrote previously but hasn't recorded until now. The first single, "Secret Love" was dusted off to shine for "In Your Dreams." There is nothing secret about her amazing talent to lyrically travel into the heart. As she sings in another song on this album (featuring Dave Stewart), "What's cheaper than free? You and me. What's warmer than a sun-drenched land? Your hand." Flick your BIC and get ready to go for a spin and a twirl on "In Your Dreams." (Available May 3)

No Regret (Kimberly Caldwell)

Kimberly Caldwell. Caldwell...Kimberly. "Was she on "American Idol" a while back?" Oh yeah. You know the expression, "chick flick?" This one seems to have the heavy flow of a "musical" chick flick.

There are certain strengths and at times, mundane weaknesses in musical arrangement. Caldwell's voice after several listens... seems to be stuck in one mode of operation. Though, on the song, "Heart Like Mine" with a well-done set of lyrics by Kara DioGuardi (there goes the bell for "American Idol" again) Caldwell is a perfect fit for the song.

There's an intricate difference between a whisper and a scream. With the exception of "Human After All" it comes across as though she is always pissed off or having to prove a point. Okay...you win. So what? While the boys might still be up for an REO Speedwagon song at times, the girls should enjoy the frustration of relationships and bemoaning men in general, with "No Regret." (Available now)

Setzer Goes Instru-MENTAL (Brian Setzer)

It's a red letter day for guitar aficionados. Brian Setzer decided to showcase his phenomenal guitar skills with his first CD of purely guitar music.

Playing his Gretsch, he hits the road revving up his remarkable talent to high gear on "Setzer Goes Instru-MENTAL." Setzer has an uncanny ability to showcase a fusion of rockabilly, jazz and pure country licks in one amazing package. He puts his own spin on classics such as "Cherokee" and "Blue Moon of Kentucky" and has written six new compositions on guitar.

The vibe on each track is pure adrenaline and just keeping up with his finger picking is a challenge to enjoy. It must be noted that Brian Setzer is joined instrumentally on this by drummer Noah Levy and Johnny "Spaz" Hatton on the bass. Whether it's his creation of "Go-Go Godzilla" or an amazing mix of tempo change on "Hillbilly Jazz Meltdown," these eleven songs hit the highway of sound, burn rubber and sparkle and shine as a collection. (Available now)

Priscilla Queen of the Desert (Original Broadway Cast)

The cult film classic "The Adventures of Priscilla Queen of the Desert" was simply destined for a live theatre experience. "Priscilla Queen of the Desert" exudes new and vibrant charm with this original Broadway cast recording.

Most of the songs remembered in the film are back but revitalized for the stage. The results are just as campy and fun with a few new twists that have created theatrical magic at The Palace Theatre in Times Square, New York.

Don't hesitate to have a listen if you haven't been to Broadway...those who are familiar with the film or not, should easily enjoy all the music the show has to offer and then some. Songs such as "I Love the Nightlife" or "I Will Survive" along with the countless other disco chestnuts and anthems are utilized now to move the plot of the story and speak from the heart of the characters.

The Broadway soundtrack "Priscilla Queen of the Desert" is a musical bus ride of sheer entertainment. (Available now)

Safari Disco Club (Yelle)

"Parlez-vous Francais?" Don't worry about understanding the French language as the trio Yelle crosses the language barrier with their sophomore release of "Safari Disco Club." It's a pure explosion of electro beats and bubbly vibes that exude effervescence.

Yelle (Julie Budet) offers a gay and carefree, romantic and reflective musical day in Paris with her lead vocals. Her band mates (GrandMarnier and Tepr) bring in the hooks of dance, ambient and new wave pop to surround her brilliantly.

There is just something delightfully fun about their sound. "Safari Disco Club" conjures up all the brilliance of the "City of Lights" in a modern expression of musical joy and high fashion. Not speaking the language myself... Yelle could be singing about doing her laundry or nuclear war for that matter. But what is not lost in translation is the innovative style and sleek presentation. No passport required for this musical journey, just your imagination. (Available now)

False Beats and True Hearts (Damon & Naomi)

Damon & Naomi have been a collaborative team for 25 years now. Their first release in four years is a musical chop suey and definitely an acquired taste.

The two are on quite a strange trip. If you can stomach a mix of music for psychedelic flower children, with a seasoning of folk and add an instrumental vibe which is slightly off- kilter, distorted and ethereal...dig in.

There is the bond of skilled musicianship that is behind the blend. If you like the seasoning of The Mamas and The Papas harmony or The Byrds of the 1960s, heck if you were a hippie for goodness sake... this might be just your cup of tea. It's very much a throwback to a synergy of that era. For some though, the melancholy pacing and experimental grooving of "False Beats and True Hearts" might be hard to digest. (Available May 9)


by Bill Biss

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