• COUNTRY

GEORGE STRAIT

Twang

MCA Nashville

* * *

One day country radio programmers could realize that George Strait, at 57, doesn't fit their perceived demographic.

Strait stands alone. His new album, Twang, already has a Top 10 single with the saloon ballad, Living for the Night, a contemplative, if routine, tune the singer cowrote with his son, Bubba. Strait hasn't written any of his hits since 1981.

That isn't the only fresh twist to Twang. The album, recorded at Jimmy Buffett's Shrimpboat Sound Studio in Key West, boasts Strait's first mariachi performance sung entirely in Spanish and with a full horn section. El Rey, popularized by ranchera icon Vicente Fernández, translates to ``The King'' -- Strait's nickname in Nashville.

The King's in fine voice with another consistent collection of mature ballads and frisky honky tonkers. Twang feels even stronger than last year's Troubadour, the Country Music Association's Album of the Year.

Twang's highlight, Arkansas Dave, has the loping beat, acoustic framework and twist-ending tale of an old gunslinger reminiscent of a Kenny Rogers or Johnny Cash hit from the 1970s. In his straightforward manner Strait is as convincing on a story song like Arkansas Dave, written solely by his son, as he is sincere on wise ballads like Where Have I Been All My Life, a track that notches the passage of time without lapsing into modern country's penchant for sappy sentimentality.

Maybe this type of quality control is what allows Strait to buck the odds that say his kind has no place on shallow mainstream radio.

-- HOWARD COHEN

hcohen@miamiherald.com

• R&B

MICHAEL OLATUJA

Speak

Backdrop/Obliq

* * * ½

Chances are you've heard Michael Olatuja before. Over the years, the British/Nigerian bassist's work has helped spark the shows of Chaka Khan, Stevie Wonder, Lisa Stansfield, Terence Blanchard and the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir.

For his debut album, Speak, the 28-year-old Olatuja commands center stage as producer, composer, arranger and performer. The result is an uplifting, melodic stew that seamlessly melds the rhythms of his native Africa with styles more familiar to Westerners: neo-soul balladry, modern jazz, R&B, hip-hop and gospel.

The collection features an exquisite cast of alternating lead singers from around the world, and incorporates standards of traditional African music such as the talking drum, conga, djembe, call-and-response vocals and the Yoruba language.

The opening track, Ma Foya (Yoruba for ``Don't Fear''), features Lynden David Hall on vocals and layers classic Philly vocals over a West African rhythmic pattern.

Olatuja's wife, Alicia, leads the funky ballad Unconditional that she co-wrote with him about the wonders of commitment. Le Jardin (The Garden), with vocals by Onaje Jefferson, captures the unbridled optimism of the best neo-soul and echoes the spiritual romanticism of Stevie Wonder.

While making a strong statement about Olatuja's musical roots and the commonalities between the genres that shaped his artistry, the 10 songs on Speak stay true to his theme of hope, encouragement and positivity.

Finally, Olatuja has spoken. It's a pleasure to hear what he has to say.

-- WILLIAM MCGEE

wmcgee@MiamiHerald.com

• ROCK

MODEST MOUSE

No One's First, and You're Next

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