Was anyone else troubled by hearing the classic Sylvester song “You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)” in a Starbucks pumpkin latte?
If it caused apoplexy among Christian nationalists, let’s call it progress! Sylvester, who passed away in 1988 at only 41, was the very definition of a queer disco diva diva. His 1978 breakout album “Step II” (Fantasy), newly reissued on CD and vinyl in expanded deluxe editions, contained a pair of songs – “You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)” and “Dance (Disco Heat)” – that forever cemented his legacy. The album, co-produced by Sylvester and Harvey Fuqua, proved that Giorgio Moroder didn’t corner the market on electronic dance music. Backed by powerhouse vocalists Izora Rhodes and Martha Wash (aka Two Tons o’ Fun, aka The Weather Girls), Sylvester achieved dance-floor classic status with both songs. Unwilling to be stuck in a box, Sylvester demonstrated his musical flexibility throughout the album by calling on additional influences, including soulful balladry (a cover of the Bachrach/David number “I Took My Strength From You”), classic R&B (“Was It Something I Said”), and roof-raising gospel (“Just You and Me Forever”). The reissue includes six “Mighty Real” remixes and one of “Disco Heat.”
In genderqueer chanteuse Neko Case’s early years on the fabled Bloodshot Records label, she was to alt-country what Sylvester was to disco. Possessing a singular vocal style, Case’s versatility, like Sylvester’s, earned her a devoted following. Her post-Bloodshot solo output found her subtly broadening her sonic output (probably also influenced by her membership in the band The New Pornographers). Case’s magnificent new album, “Neon Grey Midnight Green” (Anti-), her first in seven years, continues that trajectory. For the record, Case hasn’t been idle during that period, publishing a memoir earlier this year and working diligently on a musical adaptation of “Thelma & Louise.” What she came up with for “Neon Grey Midnight Green” is especially notable for the losses she suffered in the past few years, including the passing of fellow musicians, Dex Romweber and Dallas Good. Aside from musical references to The Flaming Lips (“An Ice Age”) and Ian & Sylvia (“Mathc-Lit”), and a detour into spoken word (“Tomboy Gold”), the album was worth the wait and our patience is rewarded on “Winchester Mansion of Sound,” “Destination” (dig the string section), “Wreck” (more strings!), and “Baby, I’m Not (A Werewolf).”
Queer singer/songwriter Jay Som (aka Melina Duerte) also took a few years (six!) between albums. Her latest “Belong” (Polyvinyl) gets off to a splendid start with a trio of exceptionally rhythmic tracks: “Cards on the Table” (which deserves some dance-floor action), the rockier “Float” (with Jim Adkins), and the funky “What You Need.” Hayley Williams (of Paramore) joins Jay Som on “Past Lives,” and tracks such as “Casino Stars,” “D.H.,” and “Drop A” rank among her best songs.
With each successive album, Hand Habits (aka NB singer/songwriter Meg Duffy) continues to make some of the most compelling music out there. Their sixth full-length album, “Blue Reminder” (Fat Possum), is no exception. Perhaps the most accessible set of songs they’ve ever released, things really get rolling with the aptly titled “Wheel of Change.” “Nubble” swirls out of the speakers and washes over us like refreshing ocean spray. “Jasmine Blossoms” blooms in the most soulful way, while “Bluebird of Happiness” soars on rocking wings, and the instrumental “Beauty 62” allows Duffy to show off their jazz side. If there’s any justice, fans of modern country music will embrace the title cut.
