New CDs in stores today are coming from one of the world's most recognizable voices, an MC with something to prove, a reggae superstar in the making, and an industrious pop-folk singer with a cult following.
Van Morrison, "Pay the Devil" (Lost Highway) Van Morrison's continued fascination with country music is found in this record, where he pays tribute to Hank Williams, George Jones and Webb Pierce. Morrison's ability to make a song his own is like nobody else's, and that remains true in the country genre. He includes three originals in this collection that lends a bit more insight into one of popular music's more enigmatic performers, and they dovetail seamlessly with the covers.
Juvenile, "Reality Check" (Atlantic) Contemporary hip-hop isn't lacking in the misunderstood ego department - just ask Kanye West. But here's Juvie's most recent recording, a project that takes him to his roots and back to his reality, which is as extravagant as his list of collaborators: Bun B, Ludacris, Paul Wall, Mike Jones, Trey Songz, 8Ball and others. Of the record, Juvie has said: "I feel like everybody needs a reality check. I have 'em all the time. Nobody's perfect ... But I feel like I got the perfect album."
Matisyahu, "Youth" (Sony) This is one of March's most talked-about records, and Matis' major label debut will prove or disprove the talent and appeal of this reggae MC who just happens to be a Hasidic Jew. Early word says yes, Matisyahu is a talent - with a killer band, even - and deserving of the endless praise lavished upon him. The 13 tracks here are capped with a studio take on the single "King Without a Crown," the live version of the song Matis broke to college and indie kids in mid-2005.
Neko Case, "Fox Confessor Brings the Flood" (Anti) It's been too long since we've heard from Neko Case - in all-original studio album form, at least. This effort, her first since 2002's "Blacklisted," takes the baton and runs with it. Actually, she's lollygagging, and at her side are engaging countrypolitan strings, back-porch guitars and backing vocals and percussion that intensify the chills brought on by her voice.
- Ricardo Baca | 
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