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Esthero Breath From Another (Work/Sony) Oh, I just don't know about this one. If it wasn't made by Canadians, I'd write: "Derivative trip hop with those typical Björk-ish/nouveau-folkie girl vocals and expected jazz elements." Actually, I'd probably listen to two tracks and go: "Been there, done that, got the T-shirt (promo)." But patriotism calls, so, er, how 'bout "good for people born in Ontario"? No, scratch that. I've got it: "If you're a Sony A&R and like 'nu jazz' nights at overpriced martini lounges, then you'll love this!" 7/10 (Mireille Silcott)
Former Me Mom accordion wrassler Noah Greenberg is back, in the guise of rapper J Guevara of these Brooklyn-based class clowns. Coming off a little like Luscious Jackson's snotty kid brothers (live band with gee-tars and keys and stuff), they cop rhyme material from college texts and comic books, National Geographic and National Enquirer. I suppose the regulation hip hop heads will shudder, but I suspect that's the point. 7.5/10 (Rupert Bottenberg) David Usher Little Songs (EMI) Mr. Usher opens up his diary for all to see and leaves me in a state of embarrassment not seen since my parents caught me masturbating to a picture of Joyce DeWitt. David Usher's need to purge is going to really win over the people who get crushes on librarians, get drunk on white wine and enjoy walks in the rain. People who enjoy getting drunk from sucking on bar rags, collecting scabs and masturbating to Joyce DeWitt may want to steer clear. 5/10 (Johnson Cummins)
Former Shalamar lead vocalist Jody Watley has been mining a decidedly adult-oriented groove with her last few releases. Gone is the tough-bitch attitude of her '80s albums, replaced by a kinder, gentler Jody. Mind you, Watley's still nobody's fool, as she expresses on tracks like "No More Tears to Cry" and the jazzy, '70s-flavoured "I Don't Want You Back." Yet overall, this is a softer, more mature Jody, who's clearly more concerned with musical substance than getting the next big hit. 7.5/10 (Gerard Dee)
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2 Skinnee J's Super Mercado! (Capricorn/Polygram)
Jody Watley Flower (Warner)