Sorry for the delay on this; it was released a year ago.  Not really sure how it slipped through the butt crack, but 2010 can be the year of The XX in the US.  Procure XX by The XX immediately.  Need an extra nudge?  This one is Karl Lagerfeld approved.Their sound, brimming with dichotomies, is at once familiar and new, atmospheric and intimate, feminine and masculine.  Think Cat Power paired with Pete Yorn singing over Radiohead, and then subtract fifteen years.  The XX is sadly one of the few examples I can think of where a male and female vocal pairing strengthens rather than diminishes the overall sound.Strong composition and musicality backs up the interesting vocal arrangements.  The XX ain’t no one trick pony; the whole record is worth your time.  The down tempo vibe may annoy some, but critics need to puff a doobie and relax.  This is the good shit.

This is a perfect record for a nascent love affair, but don’t waste it on just anyone.

To say I was looking forward to this show would be an extreme understatement.   Reveling in both Horehound and Sea of Cowards, and harboring a huge lady boner for Mz. Mosshart, obtaining tickets to The Dead Weather topped my priority list this summer. High expectations usually come with deep disappointment, and you wouldn’t be reading this if I didn’t have a few criticisms.  Sound issues vexed the performance with Mosshart’s vocals too low and the bass too loud.  Multitasking presented a challenge for Jack who struggled to simultaneously drum and sing, with the vocals suffering over the drumming (in case you were wondering).  At times they were sloppy and muddy sounding. Dean Fertita fucking rocked on lead guitar, with his clean, inventive, beautiful musicianship.  Alison looked a little thin.  Her choice of long sleeved shirt in the intense heat raised my eyebrow, but she growled, implored, screeched, and exquisitely harmonized, proving she’s as well-rounded a vocalist and frontwoman as you can find.  Her eye contact will improve when she harnesses her power and gains more confidence.  She and Jack shared a mic and a intimate moment on Will There Be Enough Water?, and Alison drew out an achingly gorgeous vulnerable quality she usually keeps under wraps.  Expect to see much more from her unless she falls prey to the cliched pitfalls of the lifestyle. The true glowing talent is Jack White.  His starshine undeniably illuminates the entire room.  The term genius should not be thrown around willy nilly, lest it lose its meaning, but here it truly applies. These musicians obviously inspire each other and love working together.  There is genuine, palpable affection among them.  Overall, a stellar rock show.

Sia’s new record has a little something for everyone.  Clap Your Hands and You’ve Changed are dope up-tempo dance tracks.  Bluesy Be Good To Me will appeal to the bawdy broads.  Fans of the vulnerable earnestness of Breathe Me will relate to I’m In Here.  She even dusts off Oh Father, and sangs it better than Madonna ever has or ever could. Sia had the good sense to keep all the best stuff for herself instead of putting it into Aguilera’s embarrassingly incompetent Bionic.  Christina could take a cue from Sia’s vocal creativity and self-restraint.Sia possesses one of the most distinctive and resonant voices in modern music.  Don’t miss her vocal luminosity on this well-rounded record.

Oh Robyn, I’ve really missed you.  I wore your eponymous album out.  Finally, you are back with Body Talk Pt. 1, and it was worth the wait mama!Robyn swaggers through Dancehall Queen with astonishing credibility (especially considering she’s Swedish).  Dancing on my Own continues her previous album’s theme of abandonment and loneliness.  Robyn mixes humility with confidence which reflects the honesty of her writing and keeps her likable.

For those of you craving a clear-toned disarming ballad, try Hang With Me.   There are plenty of beats with attitude for the dancers, and even a traditional Swedish song sung as a dulcet lullaby. Body Talk Pt. 1 has eight delicious tracks that serve as a tasty appetizer to  additional offerings slated for later this summer.  Until then, I’ll be keeping this on heavy rotation.

Tack för den vackra musiken Robyn!