Diane Labrosse, Ikue Mori, Martin Tétrault Île Bizard (Ambiances Magnétiques/DAME)

No man is an island--not even a bizarre one--so turntable torturer Martin Tétrault hooks up with compatriot Diane Labrosse and Japan's Ikue Mori for this updated take on musique concrète. Labrosse sounds like she's reconstructing the didgeridoo on her sampler, Mori evokes Africa with her "talking" electronic drums and Tétrault colours between the lines, playful, provocative and proving that those who get called musique actuelle are just as good at electroacoustics. 8/10 (Chris Yurkiw)

Sparkle Sparkle (Interscope/Universal)

R. Kelly protégé Sparkle whispers a lot of sweet musical nothings throughout her self-titled debut release. Of the 13 full tracks, only four even approach a mid-tempo groove, the rest milk the slow jam option to death. While Kelly's lyrical prowess is as effective as ever, especially on tracks like the current "Be Careful" and brutally honest "Straight Up," the constant barrage of slow jams becomes somewhat tedious unless you're in serious need of some mood music. 6.5/10 (Gerard Dee)

David Sánchez Obsesión (Columbia/Sony)

Sánchez is one of the better younger musicians. He mixes jazz with the Latin tradition he grew up with. He's joined here by his regular bandmates, pianist Edsel Gomez, bassist John Benitez, drummer Adam Cruz and percussionist Pernell Saturnino. Five of the tracks are augmented by strings and/or woodwinds arranged by Carlos Franzetti. The music includes Jobim's "Omorro Nao Tem Vez" and Ray Bryant's "Cuban Fantasy"--recommended to lovers of Latin jazz. 7.5/10 (Len Dobbin)