Arts & Entertainment

Madonna, Lips' CDs laudable

By Nathan Nix
The Daily Cougar

With all of the controversy surrounding Madonnais last video, which looked to many like a visual attack on George W. Bush and the conflict in Iraq, one might forget that she actually releases albums too.

Her latest, American Life, has gotten her back on track after years of hit singles and videos but albums of no substance or cohesion.
 

Photo courtesy of Warner Brothers Records

Early word is that this new album is the most consistent product sheis released in years. By sticking with one producer through the whole album, she has been able to capture a whole moment in her life on tape.

Last year was the year of the Flaming Lips. With the release of Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots, the band from Oklahoma showed that even almost two decades into its career, it is one of the most eccentric and groundbreaking bands around.

In the midst of the Lipsi highest popularity in a decade, Beck invited the band to open for him and perform as his backing band on a tour of music halls across the nation.

The Flaming Lipsi latest work, Fight Test, showcases the membersi eccentricities brilliantly as, over the course of seven songs, it covers art-rock darlings Radiohead ("Knives Out"), Beck ("The Golden Age") and dance-pop queen Kylie Minogue ("Canit Get You Outta My Head").

In addition to these songs, the band enlists the help of electronic DJ Scott Hardkiss and dedicates a song, "Thank You Jack White (for the Fiber-Optic Jesus that You Gave Me)," to Jack White of the White Stripes.

Following critical success in the United Kingdom, Scottish indie-folk rockers Arab Strap return with Monday at the Hug & Pint, an exploration of friendships, which will be released on American indie label Matador. 

For those interested in Canadian singer/songwriters, be sure to check out Chantal Kreviazuk, a multi-platinum Canadian star. Her latest album, What if it All Means Something, features songs written with rock-star hubby Raine Maida of Our Lady Peace.

Also due out this week is Blue Man Groupis second album, The Complex.

Featuring the groupis trademark rhythms and surprising songwriting ability, the album features guest appearances by stars including Dave Matthews, Tracy Bonham and Rob Swift.

Daniel Lanois, famed producer of such classic albums as U2is The Joshua Tree and Achtung Baby, is releasing his next long-awaited solo album. Taking cues from the successes of other solo artists such as Ryan Adams, Lanois enlists the help of Emmylou Harris on backing vocals and performs with longtime friend Bono on another track.

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