A Story Well Told --
This autumn has been incredibly rich with new musical offerings from well established soul divas, including Angie Stone, Jill Scott, Ledisi, and the legendary Chaka Khan. However, the soul harvest really got started a couple of months ago with the release of EAST SIDE STORY (J Records) by Emily King. While often compared to the neo-soulstresses mentioned previously, this 14-track debut long-player introduces the 21-year-old King as a singer, songwriter, and guitarist whose style at times is difficult to label. Fusing jazz, R&B, hip-hop, rock and even some reggae, there's a marvelous musicality to this CD that is highlighted by King's light and bluesy voice. Some have called King an "Alicia Keys with a guitar," but from my perspective she's got more in common with Brits Corrine Bailey Rae and Amy Winehouse. Regardless with whom she's compared and contrasted, the fact of the matter is that King has remarkable talents and has produced an exceptionally good album.

The Beatles Revisited --
One of the most interesting films of this past year was ACROSS THE UNIVERSE, a love story set in the 1960s written and directed by Julie Taymor (Frida, Titus, and Broadway's The Lion King). Amidst the turbulent years of anti-war protest and the age of "sex, drugs, and rock 'n roll," the creators of the movie "Mama Mia"-ishly drew their inspiration for the story lines and characters from songs written by John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr. Yes, that would be the Beatles. The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (Interscope Records) features songs such as "Hey Jude," "Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds," and "Let It Be" performed by the likes of Bono, Joe Cocker, Jim Sturgess, and Evan Rachel Wood. While the basic CD offering gives you 16 tracks, I'd advise you to go ahead and get the Deluxe version which has a 29 or 31 songs, depending on if you get it from Best Buy or off of Amazon.com (I don't know why there is a difference, there just is). The Deluxe version is only $2 more and well worth it. This soundtrack is sure to please hardcore Beatles fans as well as those who just want to hear great songs.

A New Star --
If you watch a lot of the LOGO-TV network on cable you've probably seen Guy B, the handsome out and proud gay singer who recently released his debut album WITHIN ME. Born in Israel to parents of Moroccan descent, Guy's life story is a fascinating one that includes immigrating to the U.S. when he was 3 years old and spending a year in Japan as part of a hugely successful all-male singing group called Evolution. Now a solo artist, Guy has drawn upon his unique background as well as personal history and experiences to create a highly entertaining CD that will remind pop fans of the latest efforts from Justin Timberlake and Robin Thicke. Speaking to both the beauty and the struggle of his liberating sexual journey, Guy's music is a mature blend of groovy beats, infectious melodies, and sophisticated, mature lyrics that are uplifting and spiritual. In addition to the ten original songs on the album, there are two dance remixes: an explosive Manny Lehman treatment of the title tracks and the Scotty K anthemic house mix of "So What." Not just another pretty-faced performer with a great body, Guy B is truly an artist with talent and ability.