Pink Martini Get Happy

Beloved "little orchestra" Pink Martini debuts Get Happy, their seventh studio album from Heinz Records. Like previous releases, it boasts a list of notable guest performers, including Phyllis Diller, The von Trapps and Rufus Wainwright.

Storm Large's versions of "Quizas, Quizas, Quizas" and "Sway" are exceptionally lush and sexy. I could play these tracks all day long and never get bored. Legendary comedienne Phyllis Diller's rendition of Charlie Chaplin's "Smile" is so precious it practically plucks at your heartstrings — I dare you not to get verklempt as you listen to this special recording. 

Each of the Pink Martini members are wildly talented, but the inclusion of Ms. Large is a sizzling revelation. Whether they're sung in Farsi, Romanian or Spanish, she does proper justice to each and every song. Her powerful vocals are infused with so much fire that she conjures up a blend of Carly Simon and Connie Francis.

Credit: Holly Andres

"Get Happy" is on sale now at pinkmartini.com. 

For editorial consideration, a review album was provided by the brand's PR representative.

Joy Kills Sorrow's Wide Awake

Boston-based string band Joy Kills Sorrow will release Wide Awake, their new 7-song EP on June 4. Their rendition of The Postal Service's "Such Great Heights" brings such fresh energy to the original version, adding an extra exuberant spin on the popular song. You can listen to it here.  

Credit: Shervin Lainez

The accoustic group has been anchored in traditional roots, yet this album has deftly weaved more modern elements of indie rock. I love the strong yet feminine vocals of Emma Beaton, which goes so well with their compositions. Elements of jazz, swing, rock and classical flutter through the notes of each track, which I enjoyed a lot. They defy concrete music genres, which is what makes them so unique. 

To promote their new album Joy Kills Sorrow will be touring the West Coast this coming week, so see if you can catch them live:

June 2 - Santa Cruz, CA at The Crepe Place 

June 3 - Berkeley, CA at Freight and Salvage

June 4 - Newberg, OR at The Newberg Music Center

June 5 - Bellingham, WA at Green Frog Café Acoustic Tavern

June 6 - Portland, OR at Alberta Rose Theatre

June 7 - Seattle, WA, at Fremont Abbey

For more info and additional summer tour dates, go to www.joykillssorrow.com.

For editorial consideration, a review copy was sent by the PR representative.

Pink Martini 1969 and A Retrospective

Pink Martini, one of my all-time favorite groups, just released two new albums today. The first one, 1969, is a special collaboration with legendary Japanese singer Saori Yuki. If you own their third album Hey Eugene!, you'll also know that Yuki sang the original version of "Taya Tan." 

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Nadeah "Venus Gets Even"

I love Nouvelle Vague and I was excited to see that one of their members, Australian-born singer Nadeah Miranda, breaking out with "Venus Gets Even," her debut album last week. She is someone to watch - I think she'll soon be taking over the world by storm. Not only is she gorgeous but her strong, sassy voice and quirky lyrics make me laugh.

 

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Pink Martini Joy to the World

The holidays are just around the corner and it's time to stock up on some festive music. Pink Martini's latest album, Joy to the World, is a delightful collection of traditional holiday songs from around the world.

Containing 14 selections, the new album includes popular songs like Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas.” There are two versions that's sung in English by China Forbes and in Japanese by Saori Yuki, the Barbra Streisand of Japan.

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The Bird and the Bee: A Tribute to Daryl Hall and John Oates

The Bird and the Bee is back with a cool new album! For those who are nostalgic for the 70s and 80s, their new release, Interpreting the Masters Volume 1: A Tribute to Daryl Hall and John Oates, is a loving homage to Hall & Oates' greatest hits.

Get ready to bop along with these reinvented songs. As the title indicates, these are not plain old covers. With Inara George's pretty airy vocals and Greg Kurstin's pop electronica arrangements, these two spun out an honest and personal interpretation of the music legends.

I thought "I Can't Go For That" was really well done. Same thing goes for "Private Eyes" and "Kiss On My List." Their version of "Maneater" isn't nearly as intense as the original version, but as a treat for Garbage fans they got Shirley Manson to perform backup vocals.

There is one original track from The Bird and the Bee, which is also the opening track ("Heard It On The Radio"). The peppy pop song does a perfect job of introducing the younger generations to Hall & Oates' awesome songwriting.

Photo Credit: Brigitte Sires

Alas, vocalist Inara George is about to have a baby any day now, so it will be a while before they perform again. Their concerts are fun - their backup singers put on these cute dance moves and the fans love to sing along with the duo.

For more info on them, head over to thebirdandthebee.com and bluenote.com.

Meaghan Smith - The Cricket's Orchestra

Maybe it's the swing dancer in me, but I just adore Meaghan Smith's charmingly timeless voice. Her full length debut album, The Cricket's Orchestra, brings you back to the era of big band orchestras.

Describing her style as 'modern vintage,' Smith's pretty looks remind me of Zooey Deschanel. Her "Heartbroken" track makes me wanna jump up for a dance. My other favorites are "If You Asked Me," "A Little Love," "I Know" and "You Got Out." There's a touch of country in "Drifted Apart" and "Poor" shows off her modern songwriting ability.

Her music videos are real adorable, with Technicolor backdrops and animated cartoon characters. Check this one out for "A Little Love."

Smith also has a fun cover video of the Pixies song "Here Comes Your Man." This was featured in the film (500) Days of Summer.

You can also listen to her lovely vocals here and at www.meaghansmith.com.

Norah Jones The Fall

I've always admired the highly talented Norah Jones. Even if her debut performance in My Blueberry Nights wasn't exactly Oscar-worthy, it's still a great first appearance on celluloid. Seriously, who could turn down a chance to work with Wong Kar Wai? I also loved her collaboration with Q-Tip on "Life is Better" - it's a playful departure from her signature sound.

Working with new musicians, her recent release The Fall heads into angst territory. It's not as warm and fuzzy, with a strong leaning on guitar and less on the piano.

The first song, the catchy "Chasing Pirates," is something we expect of Jones. My favorite of the album is the last track, "Man of the Hour." Her vocals just shine through and the lyrics are so cute. "Even Though" is a sultry piece filled with longing while "Young Blood" is another pretty song to groove to as you work.

To promote the new album, Norah Jones is embarking on a four-month international concert tour this year. For more info on tour dates and other music news, go to www.norahjones.com and www.myspace.com/norahjones.

For editorial consideration, a review album was provided for this review.

Pink Martini Splendor In The Grass

One of my all-time favorite groups, Pink Martini, recently came out with their fourth album, Splendor in the Grass. With nine original songs and four covers, I'm happy to say it's another strong collection for their fans. If you don't know who this awesome 12-piece orchestra is, you need to run out today and buy all four albums.

There are so many great songs in this release. I adore the French cha-cha "Où Est Ma Tête?" It's très charmant, I tell you. You can't help but smile and sing along with this track. I'm a total romantic so "Over the Valley" is another favorite of mine. As usual, China Forbes did an amazing job on the acoustic reprise of "Ninna Nanna."

This album is packed with guest stars. Courtney Taylor-Taylor of the Dandy Warhols plays the electric guitar on "Splendor in the Grass" and Emilio Delgado, aka "Luis" on Sesame Street, sings the Spanish parts of "Sing." And, to my delight, NPR Justice Correspondent Ari Shapiro's sexy vocals are debuted on the fun and catchy "But Now I'm Back."

These guys are so much fun, you have to catch them live in concert. I've seen them several times and it's always a grand time. For concert tour dates and more info go to: pinkmartini.com

Squirrel Nuts Zippers Lost at Sea

All you swing lovers, listen up. After a nine-year break from recording music, the beloved Squirrel Nut Zippers are back with a new album!

Their brand-spankin' live release, "Lost at Sea," is a must-have for any SNZ fanatic. Even if you're not a fan, it will do you some good to get this aural gem. It features all the popular hits from the band, and it's all performed with a fresh and zingy feel. With snazzy vocals from Jim 'Jimbo' Mathus and Katherine Whalen, the highly spirited band will transport you back to a 1920's speakeasy.

Some of my favorites are the charming "Prince Nez," the foot-stomping "Suits Are Picking Up The Bill," and the old-timey "Good Enough For Granddad." And, just in time for Halloween, no one can resist the spooky and fun "Ghost of Stephen Foster" and the ever-dramatic "Hell."

If you can't make it to their live shows, this album is the next best thing. It will turn any joint into the hottest party around. They also plan to release a new album sometime next year, so stay tuned. In the meantime, get your dancing shoes on...the Zippers are back!

www.snzippers.com