Ann Wilson, the dark-haired, singing sister of classic rock band Heart, delivers her first solo record in a 30-plus year recording career. Wilson decided to pack in every musician friend she has, making Hope & Glory effectively a non-solo solo album.

Wilson trucks in a few heavy hitters like Elton John, k.d. Lang, Wynonna, Gretchen Wilson, Alison Krauss, Deanna Carter and her Heart sister Nancy. Hope & Glory tosses the hard rock bite of classic Heart songs in favor of smoother new age tones. The album relies on re-imagined covers; some are passable while others, such as Led Zeppelin's "Immigrant Song", are avoidable.

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Gina Gershon - In Search of Cleo
4 stars

Gina Gershon has flitted between acting and music for several years. In Search of Cleo is her official solo debut album and it makes a strong case for her to ditch acting all together. Initially, the record was to revolve around finding her missing cat. Mercifully, that is not the case. With a little help from Linda Perry and Leroy Powell, Gershon has an album full of interesting songs that blend lounge/cabaret leanings with a hint of country to create a successful female troubadour vibe.

In Search of Cleo is a memorable, often quirky record that succeeds with offbeat instruments and Gershon's smooth voice.

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Diana Krall - The Very Best of Diana Krall
4 stars

The Very Best of Diana Krall is a tight collection of songs that display the singer/pianist doing what she does best, interpreting the standards. Krall is generally faithful to these songs, from the likes of Cole Porter and the Gershwins. Songs that anyone with ears has heard many times. Fortunately, she has a gorgeous voice that adds another depth of class to these already memorable compositions.

With well over a decade in music, it is amazing how cohesive these songs work together. It is as if she recorded them all in a row just the other day. Some artists land fully formed, which can be a blessing or a curse. A compilation like this works well for any interested persons who do not want to bother digging through several albums of essentially similar material.

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Supagroup - Fire for Hire
3 stars

Rock bands tread in strange territory these days. A certain level of detached irony is apparently required. That or just a complete dedication to the ridiculousness of rock and roll. I blame Britain. With all their cheeky humor and nose-in-the-air irony. They are making it difficult to be an American band. In the year 2007, the sly wink and a nod from a legend like Bon Scott is far too subtle apparently.

Speaking of Scott, his presence is scratched, clawed and forced into Fire for Hire, the new record from New Orleans-based AC/DC fans, Supagroup. The record is simple three-chord guitar rock with vocalist Chris Lee doing a poor Bon Scott impersonation, a bass player with ironic facial hair and a constant stream of clichés.

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Amplified Heat - How Do You Like the Sound of That
2 stars

A trio of brothers called Ortiz makeup the Texas band Amplified Heat. They could be described as a southern-fried Sabbath but they lack the wit of Ronnie Van Zandt or the charm of Ozzy Osbourne. The band deals in songs about booze and the dumb things men do under its spell.

That is all fine, except Amplified Heat appear to have the depth of a shot glass. First track "Tough Guy" is the immediate indication that the band spends too much time brawling in alleys instead of writing interesting songs. Maybe that will pay off later on down the line.

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Klaxons - Xan Valleys EP
2.5 stars

This EP from Britain's Klaxons hits American shores a year after its UK release. There is an unhealthy amount of buzz surrounding this band, even so much as requiring a new genre term, "new rave". Despite the lame "scene" they have unwittingly founded, the future looks bright for the Klaxons. So do not bother with this EP as it will probably just collect dust on your shelf. Or in your mp3 player. Whatever it is the "nu-ravers" are using these days.

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