New albums out today include a worldly take on “Livin’ La Vida Loca,” a must-have for the turntable crowd and new music from one of Colorado’s best touring acts.
Ricky Martin, “Life” (Columbia): The Puerto Rican heartthrob took a step away from the limelight a few years back to live with Mom and battle star fatigue. Now Martin says his latest English-language album is an attempt to break out of the pop box. That’s hard to believe with guests artists like Amerie and Will.I.Am, but Martin did travel the world in search of unusual dance rhythms.
Danger Doom (Danger Mouse and MF Doom), “The Mouse & the Mask” (Epitaph): The British-born, Long Island-reared rapper who fashioned his persona after Marvel Comics scoundrel Dr. Doom shores up a busy year with this partnership featuring mash-up master Danger Mouse. The album’s impressive guest list includes Ghostface Killah, Cee Lo, Talib Kweli and Black Debbie. Early reviews are upbeat but question whether Danger Doom holds up to last year’s stellar MF Doom/Madlib collaboration, “Madvillainy.”
Chris Daniels & the Kings, “10” (Burnside): Fans of this acclaimed Colorado rock and funk band should consider buying the album from the group’s website, chrisdaniels.com, because 100 percent of those profits benefit the American Red Cross. The album features a collage of origins and fan-favorite covers by the likes of Stevie Ray Vaughn and the Average White Band.
– Elana Ashanti Jefferson
