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Adele 21

Adele's sophomore album hit the air waves yesterday and it is already in heavy rotation at my house.

The reviews are rolling in as fast and furious as her spellbinding vocals.

"She wails harder and writes bolder, piling on the dramatic production flourishes to suggest a lover's apocalypse."

"Overall, "21" shows that Adele, now 22, is towering in the same landscape where some of her contemporaries, bee hived or not, have lost all of their bearings. Who knows what damage she'll exact for "30".

Hear, hear - I agree with all of that and then some. But it could be the long love affair with this version of Lovesong that really got me going.

There's a fire starting in my heart...

The Paris Match - The Style Council with Tracey Thorn

Well, I dusted off the Paul Weller and no trip down memory lane would be complete without listening to this song.

The Style Council - especially this album, ranks very high on my list of favorite things. Add Tracey Thorn vocals to their songs and you just might have one of my favorite things of all time.

Absolutely hooked the first time I heard it - over 20 years ago when a friend included it on a "mixed tape" and I'm still hooked today.

Now, don't get me started on Tracey Thorn - that's another post, she deserves her own. 

The White Stripes - Under Great White Northern Lights

If you're already a White Stripes fan you can just skip this part lest you think I'm dribbling on like a star-struck teenager. If you're still reading - well then, here I go - dribbling on.

Acclaimed music critic I am not, but I will go on record and say Jack White is one of the most genuinely talented musicians of his time. Period.

If you're not a believer, I guarantee this DVD will make you one. If it doesn't then watch this one - my all-time favorite rock documentary and a great showcase for Jack holding his own with guitar legends Jimmy Page & The Edge.

Under Great White Northern Lights chronicles their 2007 tour through every single Canadian province - including very intimate shows in bowling alleys, elder centers and aboard small boats. Oh where, oh where was I? Seeing a band this great, that close is beyond hitting the live show jackpot.

Nonetheless, the documentary is worth watching just to hear tracks you've never heard before - like this one.

Apparently, we won't get a chance to hear them live again either. As of today, The White Stripes are no more - a crying shame really.

Oh Land: Nordic Beauty


Oh Land, 'The Wolf And I' by nmemagazine

At first glance, you might think this is just another supermodel or actress turned pop star. However, as you soak up her original, yet poppy sound, you quickly discover that Nanna Oland Fabriciu is much more than that.

The Danish songstress records under the moniker Oh Land - a twist on her middle name, and has already won over the likes of Pharrell Williams and Rihanna. The Crown Prince of Denmark noticed her - and a performance at South by Southwest in 2009 prompted Epic Records to sign her.

Oh Land's eponymous sophomore album (which includes the track above, "Wolf & I") is produced by Depeche Mode collaborator Dave McCracken and set for release in April. 

Avett Brothers, Live, Charlotte, NC

I've blogged about these guys before - right after I saw them live at the Fox Theater Oakland in the spring of last year. The release of this DVD absolutely warrants another post as it provides a mesmerizing glimpse into the magic they create on stage - without ever leaving your living room.

The spell they cast is partly due to the fact that each member possesses the skill to move effortlessly from instrument to instrument and play each one full tilt  - banjo, drums, guitar and piano they all soar seamlessly. But it's their delivery of the beautifully written and emotionally raw lyrics that will bring you to tears, or to your feet - or both.

My favorite tracks here include Shame and Murder In The City.

Seriously, one of the most impressive performances I have ever seen. It was everything I hope for in my pursuit of great live shows and it is the reason you should pull up their tour schedule NOW.