What to Download: New Music Today

Tuesdays are big in entertainmentville: not only do all the new DVD releases hit Netflix, but new music also pours into stores. So I take a spin through each week’s music releases and pick out some albums and tracks worthy of a download. If you’re anywhere near a Target, Prince’s new albums (a three-CD project) are now available exclusively at the retailer. Here are today’s selections:

Jazz it up: I really love Diana Krall, and on many occasions, her deep, gorgeous voice is exactly what my life needs to have playing in the background. Today she’s released a new collection that includes covers of songs by artists like Al Green and jazz standards once tackled by the likes of Ella Fitzgerald. I’m really enjoying her versions of “Walk on By” and “Too Marvelous For Words.”

Now that “Young Folks” just got out of your head: Here comes Peter Bjorn & John with more catchy tunes! This new release by the Swedish trio isn’t as folksy as the previous album and has a lot of synthesizer going on instead. I’m liking it but not totally in love yet – just need to take more listens. Check out “Nothing to Worry About,” and “It Don’t Move Me” for a taste of what PB&J’s sound is all about these days.

One more to come, so read more.

Piano man: Gavin DeGraw has been promoting his new album as a stripped-down version of the kind of commercial hits that have made him so successful. From what I’ve listened to so far, that does appear to be the case, with many of the tunes including only his voice and the piano. Tracks like “Dancing Shoes” and “Stay” demonstrate his ability to pour real emotion into his lyrics – and they’re pretty, to boot!