Gordon Lightfoot Book, Music and More!

The title fits: Gray stands nearly six foot tall in her stocking feet. But it could just as easily apply to what’s in store for the funky single mama. Gray’s latest gets songwriting and production assists from Justin Timberlake and Black Eyed Peas’ will.i.am, while the Peas’ Fergie joins her on “Glad You’re Here” and Natalie Cole lends her pipes to “Finally Made Me Happy,” one of several kiss-off songs to Gray’s ex-husband. Make no mistake, the towering soul diva with the Betty Boop voice is back—with a vengeance. Mar. 27

The dude from Down Under is back with his latest collection of jam-rock stoner epics. A dazzling, earth-hugging guitarist, Butler has toned down the politics this time around in favor of a more infectious groove. Songs like the hot banjo workout “Better Than,” the horny “Daniella” and the hyperactive “Funky Tonight” are indicative of his new agenda. At times, he tries a little too hard: “Groovin’ Slowly” is embarrassingly bad white-boy reggae. But mostly Butler, the dreadlocked wizard of Oz, manages to keep it pretty real. Mar. 27   

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