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On the Record: Jill Scott, Beyonce, Vespertina & More

By Bill Chenevert

Add Comment | Comments: 0 | Posted Jul. 6, 2011

Jill Scott

The Light Of The Sun

(Blues Babe/Warner Brothers)

Sounds Like: The North Philly native’s fourth is a celebration of achievements and struggles, expertly using tempo, moods and guests like Eve and Doug E. Fresh.

Free Association: Who’d win the Beyonce vs. Jill Scott cage match? S’a good question.

For Fans Of: Angie Stone x Gil Scott-Heron, the Roots, goodness, smiles.

Beyonce

(Parkwood Entertainment/Columbia)

Sounds Like: B has outdone herself, with a new batch of growers despite a rocky start with “Run The World (Girls),” showing maturity, grace and legit vocal chops.

Free Association: The Andre 3000 track’s so sick, plus a couple snare-heavy bangers.

For Fans Of: Diana, Whitney, Amerie x Destiny’s Child, divas, dance moves, wind machines.

Jolie Holland & the Grand Chandeliers

Pint of Blood

(Anti-)

Sounds Like: The Be Good Tanyas alum’s fifth LP of folksy, bluesy Americana is a solid (albeit a tad monotonous) batch of country-flavored tunes for the vanilla set.

Free Association: If you wish to not offend a soul at your tofu dinner party, this is for you!

For Fans Of: Brandi Carlile, Shelby Lynne, Cat Power, patchouli, Navajo placemats.

Shabazz Palaces