The usually fun-loving lesbian duo God-Des and She takes a drastic turn with the new single “God, I Know You Love Me.” In the accompanying video, a young woman endures torturous measures and attends a church that claims to specialize in dehomosexualization in order to be cured of her lesbianism. The protagonist turns to drugs and ultimately dies of an overdose. God-Des raps for the higher power’s forgiveness while She belts out the hook with the poignant lyrics, “Please change the hearts of those who judge me in your name.” This must-see clip is the lead single from the forthcoming album The United States of God Des and She.
In conjunction with the documentary West of Memphis, an eclectic ensemble of musicians unites for the companion soundtrack. Some of the covers initially left me scratching my head, but the delivery of these remakes shows off a clever artistry supporting the film’s theme. The most notable is Marilyn Manson’s version of “You’re So Vain.” Natalie Maines steals the spotlight with a great reworking of Pink Floyd’s “Mother.” The White Buffalo makes me do a double take with its slowed-down spin on the power ballad “House of Pain” by hair-metal band Faster Pussycat. The iconic Patti Smith closes the collection with a stirring live performance of “Wing,” recorded at the Voices for Justice Benefit Concert. Henry Rollins and Tonto’s Giant Nuts featuring Johnny Depp read Damien Echols’ death-row letters over Nick Cave and Warren Ellis’s original score. A portion of the album sales will benefit the West Memphis 3.
Blues always had a connection with the LGBT community. This can be traced to Billie Holiday and Bessie Smith’s romances with men and women; Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame inductee blues pianist Tony Jackson; or songs such as Gertrude ‘Ma’ Rainey’s “Sissy Blues” and the often-redone “Sissy Man Blues.” Both of these tracks can be found on the 1989 compilation Sissy Man Blues: Straight & Gay Blues. Celebrating the 10th year of Out at CHM, Chicago History Museum, 1601 North Clark St., hosts Fifty Shades of the Blues: Song, Soul and Sexuality on Thursday, Jan. 31. For more tickets and information, please visit www.chicagohistory.org.
Beyonce will be the halftime entertainment at Super Bowl XLVII. But musically, I favor her sister, Solange. The younger Knowles released the scorching hot seven-track outing True, featuring “Losing You.” This cut has an infectious sample that suits her airy vocals, which are reminiscent of Jody Watley’s. Also noteworthy here are the mid-tempo “Looks Good with Trouble” and the ’80s-inspired “Bad Girls.” Although it never was properly released, a demo version of Solange’s magnificent, otherworldly collaboration with Thievery Corporation, “Under Construction,” can be heard on YouTube. Solange comes to Bottom Lounge, 1375 W. Lake St., on Saturday, Feb. 23.
Rising Broadway star Morgan James steps forth with the impressive Live from Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola: A Celebration of Nina Simone via Epic Records. Here, she reinterprets a dozen of the late Simone’s signature works like “Funkier Than a Mosquita’s Tweeter.” James shows her passion for this material in between tracks, as her banter with the audience is interesting tidbits about the material. James has a superb voice with a lot of range; just listen to the big finish on the opening number “I Put a Spell on You.” James’ vocal styling has much variety, spanning from the somber “Don’t Explain” to the bluesy “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood” and the sped-up “My Baby Just Cares for Me.” This makes a good companion to Meshell Ndegeocello’s recent remarkable homage to Simone, Pour une Ame Souveraine, despite their different approaches. To further showcase her soulful pipes, James is due to join Motown: The Musical in April.
Celebrating its 50th anniversary, the soundtrack to the movie Bye Bye Birdie has been reissued. The newly remastered set also features the bonus tracks “One Last Kiss (Film Version),” “How Lovely to Be a Woman” and a mono recording of the title track. The cast is led by Janet Leigh, Dick van Dyke and Ann-Margaret. The song “Kids” still rings true half a century later, as our very own Paul Lynde rants, “They are disobedient, disrespectful. …Why can’t they be like we were?”
Masterworks Broadway also has issued an Encores! production of Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. The beloved numbers “Bye Bye Baby” and “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend” bring back the golden era of Broadway. Gentlemen Prefer Blondes translated well onto silver screen with Marilyn Monroe in the role of Lorelei Lee in the 1953 film adaptation. Megan Hilty, of TV’s Smash, reprises the role here. Tony-nominee Deborah Rush portrays the passenger Ella Spofford, and might be recognized for her role as the stepmother on Strangers with Candy.
Celebrated film actor Charlie Chaplin has his life story translated for the stage in Chaplin: The Musical. Although already closed on Broadway, the piece can be remembered as another take at the storied days of the actor behind the Tramp character. The original cast recording is highlighted by the fun ensemble piece “Just Another Day.” “All Falls Down” is a showstopper courtesy of Jenn Colella. “Life Can Be Like a Movie” can be downloaded for free at www.chaplinbroadway.com.
Congratulations are in order for Chely Wright. The country singer and her wife announced they are expecting identical twins on Gwissues.