New Music Tuesday: 2-10-09

Missy Higgins fans who are looking for something new from the singer should pick up Ben Lee's new album, The Rebirth of Venus. The Aussie performers are pals, and Higgins contributes to tracks on the CD. The album itself is a tribute to femininity, with songs about Lee's relationship with fiance, actress Ione Skye.

Also out this week:

Lily Allen — It's Not Me, It's You (Capitol Records)

The much-talked about British vocalist has recovered from paparazzi-fueled gossip and created another great album of honest songs on love, sex and relationships. Her time in the spotlight is well deserved.

Indie.Arie — Volume 2: Love and Politics (Motown Records)

A follow-up to this summer's Volume 1, this second-part is a testament to the war and body politics, with songs like "Vagina's Monologues" and "Therapy" providing modern soul with some political relevance.

Miranda Lee Richards — Light of X (Netwerk Records)

Richards' second full-length album has the same folk and electro elements that her debut did in 2001. Now on a new label, she concentrates on sounding more like Joni Mitchell than Massive Attack.

Sally Kellerman—Sally (The Music Force)

Fans of M.A.S.H. might feel nostalgic when they see Kellerman's face on the cover of her album. "Hot Lips" Houlihan has created a new album of adult contemporary easy listening songs, in the vein of the 1970s M.A.S.H. theme song.