Gordon Lightfoot Book, Music and More!

Forget the group’s name, this 29-member outfit actually hails from Jönköping and, along with Peter, Bjorn & John, is currently Sweden’s hottest pop export. Led by Emanuel Lundgren, the impossibly big band is comprised of web designers, nursery school teachers and music store assistants—Lundgren’s friends. Together, they sing joyous songs about treehouses and stamp collecting that can brighten the darkest of days. “We’ll aim for your hearts,” goes the chorus of “We’re from Barcelona.” It’s no empty promise. Mar. 27

She was sweet 16, from the English countryside, when she debuted in 2003 with a stunning voice that sounded African-American and mature well beyond her years. Still a teenager (she turns 20 this April), Stone proves that she’s here to stay. Her third album, produced by Raphael Saadiq, is a mix of original funk and Motown-style pop songs featuring duets with Lauryn Hill on “Music” and rapper Common on the mellifluous “Tell Me What We’re Gonna Do Now.” Fun, rich and tasty, it’s a Stone soul picnic. Mar. 20

Although Ziggy, being the eldest child, was thought to be the heir apparent to the reggae king, he’s been eclipsed by the arrival of Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley, who released 2005’s breakthrough Welcome to Jamrock. Now along comes Stephen, who sang with Ziggy in the Melody Makers and produced Damian’s Jamrock, to assert his claim to the throne. Stephen’s debut album, featuring brothers Damian and Julian and guests Ben Harper and Mos Def, is an infectious blend of hip-hop, r&b and roots reggae. Crucial. Mar. 20