Love it or hate it, Showtime’s American (set in Pittsburgh, filmed in Toronto!) version of the British television series Queer As Folk is an unqualified hit, even as it divides the gay community. Equally as queer as the show, Queer As Folk—Music From The Original Soundtrack (RCA Victor) features some of the gayest tunes to ever grace television (cable or network). Barry Harris, the gay half of the dynamic DJ duo known as Thunderpuss, makes a splash with the track “Dive In The Pool,” featuring Pepper Mashay on vocals. Full Frontal’s “You Think You’re A Man” is a snappy retort with a great dance beat. Dancefloor queens Heather Small (of M People fame) and Kristine W fulfill the diva requirement with “Proud” and “Loving You,” respectively. Alcazar’s “Crying At The Discoteque,” Mint Royale’s “Shake Me,” and B-U’s “Summerfire,” all find the perfect beat and make the most of it. Katty B and Carole (Rough Trade) Pope do their part for divahood with the remake of “Let’s Hear It For The Boy” and the brand new track “High School Confidential,” respectively. In the world of Queer Is Folk, life is lived on the dance-floor. Where do you live your life?
Recently made available domestically for the first time, The Portrait Of Ernest Kohl, Volume One (Unidisc) is a 10-track disc that features sexy dance music performer Ernest Kohl doing original tunes and some choice covers. “Don’t You Want My Love” which was a disco hit for Debbie Jacobs (Rock) in the 1970s, and was remixed and reissued not too long ago, is given a respectable try by Kohl. His cover of the Brothers Johnson’s “Stomp” is more effective and persuaded me to move. Another vintage disco tune, “I Specialize In Love,” is one of two duets included here. The other, a pleasant remake of the Elton John/Kiki Dee hit “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart,” features Linda Imperial. Kohl’s cover of “I Think I Love You” is less campy than one might expect, while the best of his original material, “Follow Your Heart” and “Our Love Is Here To Stay,” has a solid house quality.
It was nearly four years ago when we first heard Sarah McLachlan’s essential vocals on the song “Silence,” from Canadian band Delerium’s album Karma. The song seems to have taken on a life of its own and the remixed Airscape mix version has been included on Poem (Nettwerk America), the newest Delerium album. Poem also features several other guest vocalists, including Leigh Nash (who sounds less goony than she usually does on her band Sixpence None The Richer’s Christian rock tunes) on the song “Innocente,” Medieval Babes performing “Aria,” and Kirsty Hankshaw doing the songs “Inner Sanctum” and “Nature’s Kingdom,” adding their own distinctive touch to Delerium’s sound, which is reminiscent of a more cutting edge Enigma. The album’s biggest surprise is “Daylight,” which features pop/rocker Matthew Sweet sounding surprisingly at home on such a dance-oriented track.