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Words: Lee Harlem Robinson & Caroline Manchoulas

The first sound on Mike Hadreas’ (aka Perfume Genius) second album is a deep breath, as if the singer is steeling himself before taking a difficult plunge. And listening to the lyrics and themes he touches upon, I recommend listeners do the same before starting what is a truly moving musical experience. ‘Put Your Back N 2 It’ is definitely not easy listening. ‘17’ is “basically a gay suicide letter” as Hadreas puts it, because as a teenager “sometimes I wanted to hear that someone felt exactly as grim and bleak as I did.” In ‘Dark Parts’ he deals with his mother’s abuse at the hands of his grandfather. ‘All Waters’ expresses Hadreas’ despair that he will never truly be able to walk the streets hand in hand with his boyfriend without fear. Not exactly your run-of-the mill happy pop themes. But Hadreas brings them in such simple yet beautiful melodies, with a voice that at times recalls a less angelic Antony Hegarty, that you can’t help but feel intensely touched. Must-listens are ‘Take Me Home’ which is either about being a hooker or about erasing yourself in a relationship for fear of being alone, and ‘Hood’ that comes with a video that will appeal to lovers of hairy muscle boys everywhere (the clip was judged too adult-themed to be advertised on YouTube but can still be viewed on the site).

Words: Lee Harlem Robinson & Caroline Manchoulas

Most people know Macy Gray as that girl from ‘I Try’ with the peculiar nasal raspy voice. Hopefully now she’ll be known as the artist who managed to pull off a cover album featuring the most eclectic mix of original material anyone could imagine. ‘Covered’ opens with Eurythmics’ ‘Here Comes The Rain Again’ which in Gray’s drumless version sounds more eerie and ominous than the original. ‘Teenagers’ (My Chemical Romance) is flipped around as Gray sings it from the perspective of a mother of three teenagers. Kanye West’s ‘Love Lockdown’ is performed to the melody of Nina Simone’s ‘Buck’, giving it an upbeat, almost reggae feel. For her version of Colbie Caillat’s ‘Bubbly’ Gray enlists the help of Idris Elba whose deep croon elevates the otherwise forgettable original tune to an adult declaration of love. Gray doesn’t shy away from the big, seemingly untouchable songs either, producing thoroughly enjoyable interpretations of Metallica’s ‘Nothing Else Matters’ and Radiohead’s ‘Creep’. The only track that doesn’t work is Yeah Yeah Yeahs’ ‘Maps’, but apart from that hiccup, ‘Covered’ is definitely an album worth listening to, if only for the comic skits featured in between songs, especially Nicole Scherzinger’s advice to Gray on how to become more popular. Who knew the Pussycat Doll had such a talent for impersonation?

Words: Lee Harlem Robinson & Caroline Manchoulas

Admittedly, my dedication to being strictly indie in 2002 made me frown upon, and consequently ignore, Norah Jones’ debut ‘Come Away With Me’, which tore down the walls between jazz and pop and scooped up many a Grammy in the process. It’s all the more ironic that, since hearing a cover version of ‘Don’t Know Why’ on super-commercial talent show The Voice a few weeks ago, that song has been stubbornly stuck in my head, creeping up on me whenever I feel the need for some music to brighten up my day. (I’ve changed a lot since 2002). For her new album Jones paired up with Danger Mouse — the man with the coolest name in the bizz, who, together with Cee Lo Green, is responsible for ‘Crazy’, one of the best songs ever produced — and that, of course, made my former indie-bits tingle. On ‘Little Broken Hearts’ Jones sings of heartache and loss, something which her soft and dreamy voice, laid over Danger Mouse’s surprisingly mellow and sparse beats, is extremely suited for. Stand-out is the menacing ‘Myriam’ in which Jones boldly threatens the other woman in her man’s life. Perhaps the greatest thing about this record though, is the fact that Jones makes the dark business of breaking up sound almost dreamy and light, making ‘Little Broken Hearts’ the best — and most commercially viable — post-break up album since Adele’s ’21’.

It’s round 2 of Volume’s fun-filled gayest bar quiz! Form a team of 4 and get ready to challenge other teams to fight for the title of smartest gay pop culture junkies in town! To enter, visit the Volume Facebook Group (search Volume Hong Kong), email the Quizmaster at beat_quiz_night@volume.com.hk for details, or rock on up on the night and join an existing team. (It’s a great way to meet new guys!) With free snacks and 2-4-1 standard drinks 7:30-10pm, it’s a great way to wind up your friends and wind down the weekend. Big gay quiz night held every last Sunday of each month.

Time: 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Venue: Volume BEAT, LG/F 62 Jervois St, Sheung Wan
Price: Free admission
Website: www.volume.com.hk

Volume Beat will unleash its daring and sizzling new monthly Summer party: “Summer Beats Saturday”. With special International guest DJs and live shows dropping in, this promises to be HK’s quintessential gay club night of the season. The franchise debuts with New York’s sex-God Latin pop sensation DiSanto live on stage with his jaw-dropping abs and all-male dance troupe spectacular. Hear him perform his hits “Get Away”, “Animal” and lots more. Accompanied by San Francisco’s DJ Santos on the decks- beating out his signature Summer tribal anthems.

Venue: Volume BEAT, LG/F 62 Jervois St, Sheung Wan
Price: Free admission
Website: www.volume.com.hk

Global superstar Adam Lambert will release his highly anticipated second album TRESPASSING in mid May. Psychic Jack welcomes everyone to join their Adam Lambert party and win special Adam Lambert prizes!

Time: 10:00pm till late
Venue: Psychic Jack Lounge, 1/F, 30-32 Wynham Street, Central
Price: Free admission