Couleurs Sur Paris

Rating 3/5
Nouvelle Vague/Kwaidan Records
The French supergroup Nouvelle Vague’s fourth studio album Couleurs sur Paris (Colors on Paris) pays tribute to their angsty punk roots and the economic bitterness of 80s Europe in subtle yet inspiring fashion. In collaboration with current French chart-toppers such as Yelle, Vanessa Paradis, Cocoon and Camille, the band delivers a flowing, free-spirited sound. Tracks like “Ophélie” featuring Yelle and “Sandy Sandy” featuring Soko are perfect for that café session playlist. ZA

Live in London

Rating 3/5
Regina Spektor/Sire
The beauty of live music recordings lies in the fact that they capture all the flaws and intensities that happen on stage which studio recordings rarely do. Ditto Regina Spektor’s sold out 2009 concert held at London’s HMV Hammersmith Apollo. From the soaring to the brittle, Spektor’s voice is a thing of curious beauty, floating between the likes of Tori Amos and Joanna Newsome—resulting in one of the most affecting live recordings to date. There’s even a bonus concert DVD to enhance your listening experience. TO

Star of Love (Bonus Edition)

Rating 3/5
Crystal Fighters/Love Da Records
One might think that fusing traditional Basque folk music with contemporary electronic vibes is just crazy talk. So Spanish band Crystal Fighters’ debut album Star of Love is a little crazy, but that only makes their Animal Collective-ish left-field, Major Lazer-ish reggae, Derrick May-ish house vibe and a little Sepultura-ish ripping riffs all the more interesting. An erratic fusion of genres is melded with melodies of traditional Basque folk music in their distinctive lo-fi flavor. Highly recommended cheer-up material. ZA

The Party Ain’t Over

Rating 5/5
Wanda Jackson / Nonesuch
You can never put a good woman down, and you sure as hell can’t put Wanda Jackson down! The rockabilly music queen proves that, at 73, she still has the growls and grit to put her contemporaries to shame. Of course, she has only the best support, from the likes of Jack White (The White Stripes) producing and veterans like T-Bone Burnett on backup. From the rousing openers “Shakin’ All Over” (filled with guitar jams so powerful, it might just blow your speakers) and “Rip It Up” to the kitschy “Rum and Coca Cola,” Jackson is ready for blast off. TO