MARTINE LOCKE “Live”
I first met this bouncing crazy Australian years ago on stage, and by the sounds of this release, she’s still providing fresh entertainment for a too-oft boring womyn’s acoustic scene. Like a breath of fresh air, Martine pulls out all the stops, literally stomping on multiple pedals, to create new colors, while her witty banter and winning smile continues to spread the love. Although the recording quality leaves something to be desired, this live album recreates an accurate picture of one of the best touring artists of the Generation X’ers. Best Cut: “I See Your Eyes” Location: Dolores Park CafĂ©, of course!

VICKI RANDLE “Sleep City”
Yes, I know. This came out in 2006. That’s the point of this review. Vicki, Vicki! You in there?!? This was a stellar first release from the side woman America saw every night on Jay Leno for many, many years. Although she honed these songs over many years involved with projects from the early Olivia Records days, Kenny Loggins, and then late night television, her longtime fans were finally rewarded with a full-length release and celebration. Honored at NCLR a few years ago, we hoped she would continue the love but after six long years, we’re WAY overdue for more, don’t you think? Best Cut: “Don’t Let Me Fall” Location: On the Land

JANE LYNCH “Glee Theme Song”
Oh Jane! We love you so, and this performance on SNL ruled as she wrote a tequila-inspired theme song for Glee gang saying Sue Sylvester is the star of the show and parts ‘the sea of the halls’ then breaks into a rock anthem Patti Smith would love and the shows producers would hate. Why the weekly releases from the money moguls at Fox don’t include this rendition, well, I guess ‘cause they didn’t get the license from Ms. Lynch. Jane is honored at this year’s NCLR dinner, so perhaps I’ll ask her when the full-length album comes out? Best Cut: “I’m Sue Sylvester” Location: Anywhere you need a little pick me up!

INDIGO GIRLS
“Beauty Queen Sister”
Of course, the quality of Emily and Amy’s work cannot be denied and twenty years taking on political change, women’s issues, global communities and touring incessantly does something to the soul and the chops, that’s for sure. Although I wanted to rave about this new release, I found it unsettlingly uneven, running from classic Americana to polished pop productions, almost as if the girls are showing their age a bit. I suggest a radical infusion of raw power that blasted us in the early days might shake loose the sense of complacency that can strangle even the most conscientious mature musician (see Bonnie Raitt’s new release). Best Cut: “Feed and Water the Horses” Location: Dyke March, early in the afternoon