Last month, AfterEllen.com’s Trish Bendix gave us the very good news that the new Grace Jones album was on its way. On this side of the world, the wait will be a bit longer than we’d like; the U.S. release date for Hurricane is now “sometime in 2009.”

Hurricane is Jones’ first album in 19 years and early reviews from its positive. Based on sound samples posted on The Independent site, I have to agree with the BBC: “Her Royal Graceness is back.” … continue reading

The legendary out lesbian Tracy Chapman releases her eighth studio album today, which we dedicated an entire post to this morning. While that certainly comes with my highest recommendation, here are some others that might spark your interest today.

Ollabelle — Before This Time (Yep Roc Records)

The five-piece folk group with each member skilled at several instruments always produces interesting results. If you're into Alison Krauss or Dolly Parton, you'll appreciate their interworking of bluegrass, gospel and jazz.

Taylor Swift — Fearless (Big Machine)

Contemporary country fans love their young blondes. Swift is swiftly (pun intended) becoming one of country music's youngest rising stars — and it can't all be because her ex-boyfriend is a Jonas brother. … continue reading

Today Us Magazine released its list of "The 25 Most Stylish New Yorkers." The list serves as further confirmation that Manhattan is now merely L.A. on the East Coast, filled with rich kids, fake tans and little originality. I can get on board with choosing little Mr. Fierce and Fabulous, Christian Siriano, but whoever chose the women on this list needs to rethink what style is all about.

Where are the trendsetting New Yorkers of yore? Who is today’s Debbie Harry, Grace Jones or Madonna? (I'm talking about vintage Madonna, with the black spangled bracelets and the fishnets and the crucifixes.) Who do the kids look to copy today?

Kelly Ripa — really?

I love Kelly to bits and I’m sure she is dressed nicely every single day of her life, but is she really one of the most stylish people in all of New York? How hard is it to put on the clothes your stylist tells you to put on? … continue reading

A couple of months ago, I blogged about some '80s videos that made me gay. At the end of that post, I said that Les Rita Mitsuoko made me feel weird. I've come to realize that '80s videos are probably largely responsible for my weirdness. Here are some examples of musical abnormality that helped me shun conventionality and further embrace my lady-loving ways.

1. Laurie Anderson, "O Superman" (1982)

It doesn't get better or weirder than this. Laurie Anderson has always freaked me out and turned me on at the same time. The lit-up mouth! Eeek! And the jacket and tie. Mmm.

2. Grace Jones, "Slave to the Rhythm" (1985)

So bizarre and so butch. And Jones is so very talented. Awesome.

3. Parachute Club, "Rise Up" (1983) … continue reading