Geoffrey O’Connor
Vanity is Forever
(Chapter Music)

With his first album released under his own name, Geoffrey O’ Connor, frontman for lo-fi popsters the Crayon Fields, recasts himself as a synth-happy romantic. Whether that’s a successful transformation remains in question. O’Connor’s diverse output has landed him supporting spots on tours with the Fleet Foxes, Andrew Bird and Jens Lekman, but here his songs never stray far from the bedroom. They’re a series of lustful reflections cast against lushly orchestrated soundscapes and drums reminiscent of the ’80s Berlin hit “Take My Breath Away.” Though first single “Whatever Leads Me To You” shows the potential O’Connor has when he picks up the tempo, listeners may enjoy the material more upon seeing it performed in concert. Lasers, light sculptures, and a diverse array of backdrop projections are rumored to be live show highlights. —Michael Cimaomo

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Liz Frame and The Kickers
Sooner
(independent)

In an age of saccharine sentimentality and willowy vocals, Liz Frame offers a mature alternative. Her songs are soaked in the brine of experience, and she can knock down the walls with her powerful, far-ranging voice, which she ornaments with tasteful catches. Her music lies in that murky border between country, rock, folk and blues; call it “country chutzpah” if you must label it. Don’t expect lame “baby, baby, you light up my world” lyrics; Frame sings: “I want to feel your love in my hands/ I want to feel the sweat in my pores.” Oh, yeah. Put some edgy guitar and some sexy bass lines to that and it’s get on board or get the hell out of the way. The Kickers is an apt name for Frame’s band—like her, they are brassy, bold and rootsy. This is music that dances on the razor’s edge between danger and ecstasy. Just like the deal really goes down outside of Fantasy Land. —Rob Weir

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Sly Stone
I’m Back! Family & Friends
(Cleopatra)

With I’m Back!, the reclusive and elusive Sly Stone solidifies his status as a major harbinger of ’70s funk, but more importantly, he delivers an album so hard-hitting and full of wicked grooves it may leave you exhausted. He’s joined by a cast of stars from classic rock’s glory days, including Ray Manzarek, Ann Wilson, Carmine Appice, Jeff Beck and even Bootsy Collins. Stone’s voice is a bit weaker and rougher, but still beautifully propels the tangle of bass-heavy, won’t-quit grooves even when it’s low in the mix. With his guests, Stone re-recorded classic tracks, and the whole thing seems ready to ascend into a funky outer space heaven with the new “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Again),” which may, oddly, prove to be the best Johnny Winter vehicle ever. Three unreleased tracks from the ’70s complement the new material nicely, and only the sterile, electronica-tinged bonus mixes disappoint. —James Heflin