Gordon Lightfoot Book, Music and More!

“I build each one of my songs out of glass,” DiFranco once sang, “so you can see me inside them.” The Buffalo folksinger and feminist icon has built her whole indie career—one of the most successful in all of music—on that kind of connection with her fans. DiFranco’s latest CD continues her tradition of sharing views on almost every personal, social and political issue under the sun, from her daughter (“Present/Infant”), male-dominated religion (“Alla This”) and the U.S. presidency (the bell-tolling title track). Sept. 30

He’s been described as a cross between Stevie Wonder and Radiohead and there are hints of both here. But Hewitt is a bona fide original, an artist who transcends easy neo-soul and alt-rock descriptions. The Scarborough, Ont. native’s full-length debut is a whirlwind—or maelstrom—of contrasts: smooth and soothing, yet also hard-edged and disturbing. The dark, urgent rock of “Try,” the anxious, Eastern-tinged “Bending Glass” and the healing soulfulness of the title track best reflect his stunning emotional range.

Twin sisters Kim and Kelley Deal are back with more of the jagged edges and bruised beauty that made alt-rock classics out of early Breeder albums like Pod (one of Kurt Cobain’s favorites) and Last Splash (with its wobbly hit “Cannonball”). Oddly enough, the moody “We’re Gonna Rise” has Nirvana-like overtones, while the fuzz-rocking “It’s the Love” could be “Cannonball Part 2.” Even stranger, the Deals turn Spanish on “Regalame Esta Noche” and harmonize country-style on the bittersweet “Here No More.” Apr. 8   

The next big thing out of Toronto might be this trio of high-school indie rockers: singer-guitarist Luke LaLonde, bassist Mitch DeRosier and drummer Steve Hamelein. Blessed with idiosyncratic song structures, oddball time signatures and unusual subject matter, the Ruffians’ debut album is an aural treat, from the power-pop, sugar rush of “Hummingbird” to the work song “Hedonistic Me,” about a field-hollering, wildly procreating farmer. Best of all is “Broonkadonkey,” as infectious as it is nonsensical. Mar. 4

Fans of The New Pornographers know that Destroyer’s Dan Bejar writes some of the quirkiest of the Pornos’ catchy songs. Bejar’s work with Destroyer is more challenging, full of unorthodox vocals and enigmatic lyrics that send his followers scurrying to online discussion groups for interpretations. Although Bejar’s latest features symphonic flourishes and rich literary allusions, the meaning behind songs like “Foam Hands” and the epic “Shooting Rockets (From the Desk of Night’s Ape)” remains highly elusive. Mar. 18

World music has reached indie-rock shores—check out the rise of bands like Vampire Weekend and Gogol Bordello, which draw on African and gypsy sounds. This Denver quartet, which has covered Siouxie and the Banshees and won a Grammy nomination for its contribution to the Little Miss Sunshine soundtrack, features mariachi horns on “Along the Way” and Slavic fiddles on the cinematic “Comrade Z.” Elsewhere, DeVotchKa rocks out with accordions, sousaphones and theremins, of all things. Let’s polka! Mar. 18

More proof of the world music’s appeal can be found in Canada’s Pacifika, a trio featuring Peruvian-born singer Silvana Kane, formerly of West End Girls, guitarist Adam Popowitz, ex-Mollies Revenge, and bassist Toby Peter, who has worked with rapper k-os. Pacifika’s pop roots give the group a contemporary edge, whether it’s the hypnotic dancehall groove on “Me Caí” or the droning feedback on “Mas y Mas.” And despite the Spanish lyrics, Kane’s sensuous voice makes Pacifika every bit as accessible as Shakira. Mar. 18    

This young country crooner’s name carries a double curse: the son of Nashville rebel and hardcore troubadour Steve Earle is also named for legendary songwriter Townes Van Zandt. Most aspiring artists would find such associations daunting. But the younger Earle, who sounds older and wiser than his 25 years, triumphs with this startlingly strong debut album. Featuring a pre-war roots sound on originals like saloon-swinging “Hard Livin’” and the shuffling “South Georgia Sugar Babe,” it’s a honky-tonkin’ winner. Mar. 25

With his charitable projects and photography career, it’s a wonder Adams has any time for making music at all these days. Which may be why the raspy-voiced singer now records mostly in hotel rooms (he even called his last album Room Service). Adams’ 11th sticks to his usual mix of anthemic rockers and heartfelt ballads. The big news is his reunion with his early co-writer Jim Vallance. Together, they pen “Tonight We Have the Stars” and “Walk on By,” which bookend the album with their themes of hope and faith. Mar. 24

“We didn’t talk to each other for a couple of records—as friends or as bandmates,” admits Michael Stipe. Clearly, Stipe, Peter Buck and Mike Mills have kissed and made up, because Accelerate is the unified, energized sound of three musicians firing on all cylinders and racing through 11 short, snappy songs in 34 minutes flat. From the frenzied “Horse to Water” to the spirited “Living Well is the Best Revenge,” this is reminiscent of R.E.M. in its glory days: playing fast, defiant, inspired and just a little pissed off. Apr. 1