Gordon Lightfoot Book, Music and More!

Buffalo’s fiercely independent, openly bisexual punk folkie makes albums that are equally political and personal. DiFranco’s latest is no exception. The title track and “Millennium Theater” both cite the curse of patriarchy, while the cautionary “Decree” urges, “Step up and forfeit your frontal lobe to the sexed up strobe of celebrity.” Just when her stridency begins to irritate, DiFranco delivers a jazz-tinged, poetic ballad like “Hypnotized” so tender that she could win over the most jaded, non-partisan listener. July 11

Still ramblin’ at nearly 75, Elliott’s been around since Woody Guthrie. A onetime cowboy turned hobo, he’s hung out with beatniks and Deadheads and starred in Bob Dylan’s Rolling Thunder roadshow. His flat-picking is vintage folk-blues and his voice, now deliciously craggy, bears the mark of many traveled miles on songs like “Arthritis Blues” and “Leaving Cheyenne.” Despite the presence of fans like Lucinda Williams and Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Flea, Elliott, a bona fide living legend, owns the whole spotlight. July 11

Toronto has long been the beneficiary of a pipeline that brought top-notch musicians from Kingston to Canada. This handsome compilation, the first in a series, digs up the best soul, funk and reggae recorded in the T-Dot from 1967-74. Standout numbers include Jackie Mittoo’s funky keyboard nugget “Grand Funk,” Noel Ellis’ sweet reggae “Memories” and the Mighty Pope’s soulful workout “Mr. Fortune.” But tracks by Lloyd Delpratt, The Cougars and Jo-Jo & the Fugitives are equally crucial, rediscovered gems. July 11