It's a minor British Invasion this week with high quality releases from KT Tunstall, Belle & Sebastian, and The Prodigy all from the other side of the Atlantic Ocean.
1) Jack Johnson - Singalongs and Lullabies for the Film Curious George
Ex-surf champion Jack Johnson and his good-time guitar strumming songs debuted at #2 on the album chart with last year's collection In Between Dreams. It looks like a certain friendly monkey may help him all the way to #1. The first single "Upside Down" has already reached the upper half of the pop singles chart.
2) KT Tunstall - Eye to the Telescope
KT Tunstall has electrified artists on both sides of the Atlantic with her single "Black Horse and the Cherry Tree" <Listen>. Now U.S. audiences will have the opportunity to hear more sides of this talented Scottish singer-songwriter.
3) Soundtrack - One Tree Hill, Volume 2
The second volume of songs connected with the television series One Tree Hill is a benefit for breast cancer research. It features the single "The Mixed Tape" by Jack's Mannequin, the solo recording project of Something Corporate's Andrew McMahon, himself a leukemia survivor.
4) Belle & Sebastian - The Life Pursuit
Belle & Sebastian have never had success in the U.S. anywhere close to how they are regarded at home in the U.K. However, if you enjoy intimate, introspective, beautiful songs, they are a band you must know.
5) Collective Soul - Home
Collective Soul have not yet regained the level of commercial success they reached 10 years ago with their massive hit single "The World I Know." <Listen> However, that has not prevented them from continuing to record hiqh quality pop-rock music. Home is a live recording from their hometown of Atlanta featuring a symphony orchestra to add majestic sweep to their tunes.
6) Beth Orton - Comfort of Strangers
After experiments with trip-hop and slickly produced cocktail jazz, Beth Orton is in spare, trimmed down folk territory this time. It is probably the most comfortable setting in which to listen to her songs.
7) Dem Franchize Boyz - On Top of Our Game
This is Dem Franchize Boyz' first album as part of super producer Jermaine Dupri's So So Def label. The alliance with Dupri's team has been a fruitful one for this rap collective. On Top of Our Game even includes a So So Def remix of the breakthrough hit "I Think They Like Me."
8) Remy Ma - There's Something About Remy - Based on a True Story
We first got to know Remy on the Terror Squad's huge hit single "Lean Back" <Listen> in 2004. This is her full-length debut, and it is worth hearing. Don't miss guest appearances by hot new artist Ne-Yo and rapper David Banner.
9) The Prodigy - Their Law: The Singles 1990-2005
Listening to much of this album feels like a step back in time, but it is an exhilarating one. The Prodigy's amphetamine rush version of electronica is one to be treasured. This collection hit #1 on the U.K. album chart last fall.
10) Roberta Flack - The Very Best of Roberta Flack
Rhino Records has done a beautiful job of putting all of the essential solo and duet performances of Roberta Flack on one disc. The sound is gorgeous due to remastering. Whether it's Flack's original version of "Killing Me Softly With His Song" or her gorgeous duet with Donny Hathaway on "The Closer I Get to You," this collection is a treat for the ears.
