Gordon Lightfoot Book, Music and More!

This Montreal indie band defined itself sonically with its 2002 EP, Orchestral Pop Noir Romantique, a brooding symphonic sound that won the group international acclaim. But not all was not well within Dearsville following leader Murray Lightburn’s marriage to keyboardist Natalia Yanchak. Now, post-personnel changes, the band is back with a less orchestrated yet oddly more powerful album. Lightburn’s emotions, raw and palpable, have never sounded so intense, while Yanchak reveals herself as a formidable vocalist. Oct. 21

Unlike many young r&b singers, Legend has schooled himself in the traditions of gospel and Stevie, Marvin and Aretha-style soul. Still, the former Ivy Leaguer’s first two albums were often too smooth—as if he thought it necessary to iron out the music’s wrinkles and raw edges. Legend loosens his collar on his third CD, adding a couple of booty-shaking tracks, recorded with mentor Kanye West and OutKast’s Andre 3000, to his usual bedroom ballads. He also dabbles in a little reggae in a cool duet with U.K. singer Estelle. Oct. 28

A duo comprised of singer Imani Coppola and programmer Adam Pallin, Little Jackie is America’s answer to Lily Allen. Coppola makes fun of herself, attacks ex-boyfriends and Amy Winehouse with songs that blend old-school Motown, ska and hip hop. Her gleefully sung and rapped rhymes, especially on the empowerment anthem “The World Should Revolve Around Me” (sample lyric: “Ain’t nothin’ gonna come between me and my Afro”) and the lesbian-friendly “Guys Like When Girls Kiss,” are wickedly sassy. Oct. 28

Canada’s Serena Ryder and actress Ellen Page have much in common, besides their physical resemblance: both are highly talented, in their 20s and on the cusp of major fame. Like Page, Ryder has already earned raves for her work (she also won the 2008 Juno for Best New Artist). But now the singer, signed to Atlantic Records outside of Canada, is about to blow up huge internationally. Her exceptional third album showcases her stunning three-octave voice and wise-beyond-her-years songs like never before.   Nov. 4        

The new Quantum of Silence theme by Alicia Keys and Jack White is noticeably absent, but this timely compilation features every other major 007 song, including Madonna’s electronic “Die Another Day.” Some of the most memorable efforts include Shirley Bassey’s classic “Goldfinger,” Paul McCartney & Wings’ shape-shifting “Live and Let Die” and Carly Simon’s cooing ballad from The Spy Who Loved Me. But nobody does it better than John Barry, who penned the original shaken-not-stirred theme back in 1963.

This singer-keyboardist has been hailed as a reggae ambassador, opening doors with his band Tabarruk and tributes to his hero Jackie Mittoo and shows featuring the Jamaica to Toronto project. But Wilson is also a published First World War historian and this excellent two-CD set combines his historical perspective and inventive arrangements on thoughtful, genre-stretching songs about human conflict. His guests, including legendary guitarist Ernest Ranglin and saxophonist Pee Wee Ellis, attest to his lofty musical stature.

When Colin Linden produced Potvin’s second album, he quickly united her with Daniel Lanois. “You’re both from Hull, you both speak French, you both love New Orleans, so it’s perfect,” Linden told Potvin. The collaboration resulted in the gorgeous duet “La Merveille.” Potvin’s third album, produced by Fembots’ Dave MacKinnon, is a deeper, richer exploration of jazz, folk, blues and funky New Orleans grooves. The bilingual beauty also delivers one nugget in French and another gem in both official languages.

Not death metal but, according to band member and Queens of the Stone Age frontman Josh Homme, “bluegrass slide guitar mixed with stripper drum beats and Canned Heat vocals.” Together with journalist-turned-singer Jesse Hughes, Homme has invented concocted the perfect side project: a fun-loving party-rock band with a fondness for not-so-subtle sexual innuendoes about torpedoes in tight pants. And forget the allusions to the Eagles—there’s no laidback “Hotel California” here, only horny odes to L.A. booty.

McNeil is all about rock. She was the last woman standing on Rock Star: INXS and landed a starring role in the Toronto production of We Will Rock You. So, naturally, the Canadian musician’s sophomore album is called Rock-n-Roller, in case there was any doubt. Co-written with Marti Frederiksen (Aerosmith, Mötley Crüe), the 10 tracks range from upbeat songs with a positive message to revenge numbers about heartless boyfriends. All of them, including the bombastic closer “What Ur Getting Into,” rock. Nov. 4        

Coming off last year’s acclaimed We’ll Never Turn Back, a powerful collection of civil rights anthems produced by Ry Cooder, Staples is in fine, feisty form in this live set, recorded in her hometown of Chicago. Backed by a swampy trio and spirited backup singers, the gospel veteran turns a northern downtown club into a southern revival tent. Stirring highlights include the timeless “Will the Circle Be Unbroken” and her family’s classic “I’ll Take You There.” At 69, the hopeful Staples remains an inspiring figure. Nov. 4