Gordon Lightfoot Book, Music and More!

The Weakerthans’ John K. Samson is Canada’s poetic punk-rock laureate. Need proof? Check out just two of the titles on the Winnipeg band’s latest album: “Hymn of the Medical Oddity” and “Virtue the Cat Explains Her Departure.” When he isn’t writing thoughtful narratives and singing them with The Weakerthans, Samson publishes leftist fiction, non-fiction and cultural studies. But the most radical thing about the band is his wildly inventive songs, including the brilliant hockey tribute “Elegy for Gump Worsley.” Sept. 25

Khan’s first new album in a decade is a freakin’ riot, a funk-filled return to form for the old-school soul diva. Produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, it features Khan covering Prince’s “Sign O’ the Times,” Jimi Hendrix’s “Castle Made of Sand” and Joni Mitchell’s “Ladies Man.” There’s also “Disrespectful,” a tear-the-roof-off-the-sucker duet with Mary J. Blige. Best of all, the album features a medley of “Pack’d My Bags” and “You Got the Love” by Khan’s pioneering ’70s funk band, Rufus. Be prepared to be Rufusized. Sept. 25

Rush-released digitally weeks ago to thwart internet leaks, Stars’ fourth album will soon be available in tangible form—with evocative cover painting and song lyrics. While it might seem impossible to top Set Yourself on Fire, the dream-pop collective’s newest collection succeeds with the vocal interplay between Torquil Campbell and Amy Millan on such memorable tracks as “The Night Starts Here.” “Take Me to the Riot” is a surefire pop hit, while the epic title track is a perfect marriage of personal and political themes. Sept. 25