New Music Tuesday: 10-7-08

If you dig the Hercules and Love Affair debut album, you'll love Antony and the Johnsons' new EP, Another World. With his impressive falsetto, Antony's crooning on the H&LA single, "Blind" helped make the CD a must-have for DJs and music fans alike. And on this new EP, it's more of the same, which actually fits well on a playlist with the wonderful women musicians also releasing albums this week.

Gregory and the Hawk — Moenie and Kitchi (FatCat Records)

Don't be fooled by the band name: Meredith Godreau is the woman behind the band name, often inviting other musicians to join her on stage and in the studio. Acoustic folk pop sung by a light-hearted lass makes the new album appealing to those interested in similar East Coast singer/songwriters.

Jolie Holland — The Living and the Dead (Anti-/Epitaph Records)

The New York-based singer/songwriter is co-founder of The Be Good Tanyas. Since going solo in 2003, she's maintained her Southern style and infected it with some edginess from the city and an old-fashioned helping of rhythm and blues.

The Pretenders — Break Up the Concrete (Shangri-La Music)

OK, there won't ever be another "Brass in Pocket" from Chrissie Hynde and co., but she's still got a raw rock voice and a penchant for playing accessible songs. The songs may not be as memorable as early Pretenders, but I can appreciate her continuing to write and play.

Marnie Stern — This Is It and I Am It and You Are It and So Is That and He Is It and She Is It and It Is It and That Is That (Kill Rock Stars)

Fans of Kaki King, Carrie Brownstein and generally any female that shreds on a guitar will love Marnie Stern. She knows her way around some strings, and it impeccably translates from her album to her live show.

Rachael Yamagata — A Record in Two Parts... Elephants and Teeth Sinking Into Heart (Warner Records)

It still might be too early to say if Yamagata will be able to recreate the magic she has with songs like "Worn Me Down" and "Be Be Your Love," but it will most likely come close after a few listens. Try out the sultry-meets-sassy song, "Side Dish," and you'll be hooked.