Jennifer Hudson finally releases her solo debut. Lesbian pop rocker Catie Curtis drops ‘Sweet Life’ Sept. 9. ‘Dreamgirls’ star Beyonce slates a November release, and  (Hudson courtesy jenniferhudsononline.com; Beyonce courtesy Sony/BMG; Catie Curtis photo by Tony Baker)
MORE INFO Fall concerts headed to Atlanta Gay music fans have plenty to pick from on local stages: SEPTEMBER Sept. 5 Aimee Mann at Variety Playhouse www.varietyplayhouse.com Sept. 10 Doria Roberts, other ‘Songwriting Stars’ at Eddie’s Attic, www.eddiesattic.com Sept. 12 Halcyon at Bellissima www.myspace.com/bellissima_lounge Sept. 13 Indigo Girls at Chastain Park Amphitheatre www.classicchastain.com Sept. 14 Laurie Anderson at Ferst Center for the Arts www.ferstcenter.org Sept. 26 Mary Delaney at Bellissima www.myspace.com/bellissima_lounge Sept. 27 Michelle Malone at Eddie’s Attic www.eddiesattic.com Sept. 30 Tegan & Sara at The Tabernacle www.tabernacleatl.com OCTOBER Oct. 1 Maroon 5 and Counting Crows at Lakewood Amphitheatre www.ticketmaster.com Oct. 5 Janet Jackson at Philips Arena www.philipsarena.com Joan Osbourne at Variety Playhouse www.varietyplayhouse.com Oct. 12 Mary J. Blige at Lakewood Amphitheatre www.ticketmaster.com Oct. 15 Alanis Morisette at Cobb Energy Center www.cobbenergycentre.com Oct. 24 Dolly Parton at Chastain Park Amphitheatre www.classicchastain.com Oct.25 GoGirlsMusicFest venue TBA www.gogirlsmusicfest.com Oct. 29 New Kids on the Block at Arena at Gwinnett Center, www.gwinnettcenter.com NOVEMBER Nov. 5 Coldplay at Philips Arena www.philipsarena.com Nov. 24 Madonna “Sticky & Sweet” Tour at Philips Arena, www.philipsarena.com Nov. 28-29 Cirque de la Symphonie w/the ASO www.atlantasymphony.org Nov. 29 Jason Mraz at the Tabernacle www.tabernacleatl.com Compiled by Mike Fleming
RELATED STORIES Her 'Madgesty' turns 50 As she hits the mid-century mark, gay fans love Madonna as much as ever We’re ‘So Excited’ Janet Jackson discusses new album, same-sex marriage — and Madonna We’re ‘So Excited’ Janet Jackson discusses new album, same-sex marriage — and Madonna Divas never die Janet, Madonna, Mariah and more are busy in their recording studios, preparing new CDs for 2005.
MOST VIEWED Local: A Beatle in Piedmont Park National News: Obama cheered at Pride celebration Local: Judge: Trans lawsuit against Ga. lawmakers can continue National News: Gay groups back suit against marriage ban Feature: Tough as nails

HOME > SOVO SCENE > MUSIC

Sep 05, 2008  | COMMENTS |   |  

A slew of albums of gay interest came out this spring, leaving the fall with a mere smattering of noteworthy releases.

Madonna, Janet Jackson, Mariah Carey and Kylie Minogue blessed us with fabulous efforts earlier in the year. Bob Mould, Mark Eitzel and Stephin Merritt did the same.

So what’s to look forward to for fall?

Love or hate ‘em, New Kids on the Block are back, and at least they’re better looking and more fashionable than before. “The Block,” the quintet’s first release since 1994, dropped Sept. 2 on Interscope Records. The group wasn’t shy about playing old hits — “Please Don’t Go Girl” sounds great post-puberty — during their inaugural appearance on “The Today Show,” showing a welcome lack of reinvention.

“The Block” isn’t much different from songs the group released 15 years ago. The first single, “Summertime,” seems almost a pathetic attempt to keep their teen fan base. In reality, it’ll be the 20- and 30-somethings buying this record. Those looking to reminisce will probably forgive the flaws for a chance to relive NKOTB fandom.

Jessica Simpson releases “Do You Know” next week. This is her second record since her divorce from Nick Lachey, and the first in her crossover to country music. But she keeps to her usual pop sentiments and just adds slide guitar and cheesier lyrics. The album features a nice duet with Dolly Parton.

ON SEPT. 9, LOOK FOR THE NINTH studio album from lesbian singer/songwriter Catie Curtis. Called “Sweet Life,” it’s on Compass Records. Curtis, who describes her music as folk/pop, says the album is upbeat and celebrates resilience. Her music has been included in movies like “500 Miles to Graceland” and on the TV shows “Desperate Housewives,” “Alias,” “Dawson’s Creek” and others. She’s a past winner of GLAAD’s album of the year award.

Welsh singer-songwriter Jem, née Jemma Griffiths, made mini-waves with her first album, “Finally Woken,” after radio buzz landed her recognition for her demos. A few of her tracks have been featured on mainstream TV shows, and the first single from her Sept. 16 new album, “Down to Earth,” made it big with an appearance in the “Sex and the City: the Movie.”

If Jem doesn’t sound mainstream or popular enough, never fear — Sony releases the Annie Lennox Collection on both CD and DVD on Sept. 16 to quench those who thirst for a more established diva. The compilation of 12 hits and two new songs will be the first “best of” release for the iconic former singer of the Eurythmics.

Jennifer Hudson, Oscar winner and former “American Idol” finalist, finally releases

her self-titled debut on Arista Records Sept. 30. The soulful R&B singer showcases her pipes in an empowered performance akin to her role in “Dreamgirls.” For a woman who cites Whitney Houston as an influence, Hudson is well on her way to becoming her equal. The first single, “Spotlight,” written by Ne-Yo, could be Hudson’s “I’m Every Woman.” Other contributors on the album — Timbaland, Robin Thicke and Tricky — should please anticipating fans.

IN OCTOBER, LOOK FOR INDIE SINGER and Deerhunter front man, openly gay Bradford Cox, moonlighting on his solo project, Atlas Sound. He’s a multi-instrumentalist from Athens, Ga. With his four other bandmates, he releases “Microcastles” on Oct. 28.

Influenced by David Bowie, Echo and the Bunnymen and My Bloody Valentine, Deerhunter straddles the line between experimental and accessible rock and roll. Using ambient guitars and spooky vocals, the band channels Radiohead’s eeriness and the pop-rock of Interpol.

November brings another crop of releases, including a new album, tentatively titled “Day and Age,” from Brandon Flowers and the Killers, the best eyeliner-wearing Mormon in rock, and — finally — something from newlywed Beyoncé.

According to Scratch magazine, Timbaland will produce the majority of the Beyoncé effort. Hints are floating that the album’s concept will revolve around Beyoncé’s upcoming film, “Cadillac Records,” in which she’ll play blues singer Etta James.

Rumors are swirling around Kelly Clarkson’s fourth release, which is still untitled but slated to drop on Nov. 18. Clarkson has confirmed she’s working with Ryan Tedder, a member of top 40-group OneRepublic.

Tracy Chapman is also slated to release a new album this year, titled “Our Bright Future.” It will be her ninth record.

FALL MUSIC RELEASES: September Sept. 8 New Kids on the Block, ‘The Block’ Sept. 9 Catie Curtis, ‘Sweet Life’ Jessica Simpson, ‘Do You Know’ Sept. 16 Jem, ‘Finally Woken’ Annie Lennox, ‘Annie Lennox Collection’ Sept. 23 The Pretenders, ‘Break Up the Concrete’ Sept. 30 Ben Folds Five, ‘Way to Normal’ Jennifer Hudson,’Jennifer Hudson’ Ani DiFranco, ‘Red Letter Year’ October Oct. 7 Sarah McLachlan, ‘Best Of’ Oct. 14 Keane, ‘Perfect Symmetry’ Oct. 28 Pink, ‘Funhouse’ Bradford Cox and Deerhunter, ‘Microcastles’ November Nov. 4 Dido, ‘Safe Trip Home’ Nov. 18 Kelly Clarkson, as-yet-unnamed TBA Beyonce, as-yet-unnamed Compiled by Mike Fleming