The Creation in Destruction

Annie Lennox discusses her new CD Songs of Mass Destruction

BY LAWRENCE FERBER

Annie Lennox is truly accomplished, both as an artist and human being. Her work as frontswoman of Eurythmics and solo artist reaches yet another height with fourth solo album, Songs of Mass Destruction (Arista), while her humanitarian efforts and activism are infused with an equal passion that crosses over into her music. Songs of Mass Destruction 's track “Sing” was inspired by a CD by AIDS activist group The Generics, and for which Lennox drafted 23 fellow divas — including Madonna, Celine Dion, k.d. lang, Beth Orton, Pink, and Melissa Etheridge — to contribute vocals. “The theme is calling for the national implementation of a program to prevent mother-to-baby HIV transmission,” Lennox explained in the press notes (the promo CD was also accompanied by a signed, politically-charged letter from Lennox that mentioned her involvement with Mandela's 46664 Campaign). All profits from “Sing’s” online download sales, and a new limited edition lithograph T-shirt, will go to South Africa's grassroots Treatment Action Campaign (TAC).

A mother of two, the 52 year-old Lennox (in May, 16-year-old daughter Lola made tabloid/blog headlines thanks to a house-trashing party she threw while her father, filmmaker Uri Fruchtman, was away) is also one of the most gay-friendly artists working in pop music and took time out during her tour to answer—with a refreshing humor, sense of irony, and unafraid candor—some questions.

FRONTIERS: The album is fantastic, traversing lush ballads, driving Eurythmics-style pop, and soulful cries to action both personal and global. I love the electronica ballad, “Through a Glass Darkly” and its haunting lyrics.

ANNIE LENNOX: The song is full of metaphors for a kind of inner landscape. The “house” and the “rooms” are aspects of the self and psyche, darkness, memory, life. The “you” is actually addressing the 'black dog' of depression.

Is there a happiest song on the album?

No, no happy songs whatsoever! It's all darkness and doom from start to finish. It should have come with a health-warning sticker! PS: The music's uplifting though.

What does this album accomplish or put out there that your other albums haven't to date?

It's hard to compare albums like that. It's so subjective in any case. Each one is a labor of love, or frustration, at the time you know. There's a kind of organic feel to some that I really love, and my vocal performance is more mature, flexible, more free. [Songs' producer] Glen Ballard said he was trying to catch up with all my vocal personas—at the last count it was about 18!

Would you like to do alternate versions of “Sing” with even more guest contributors? Like an all-male version?

Yes, with an all-gay male cast. Another fabulous idea—ping!

Did any of the artists you asked to contribute to “Sing” say no? Did you ask Britney or Paris Hilton?

Everyone was very gracious indeed. Only a few couldn't get on board, as they have very busy schedules, like I do! No, I didn't ask Britney or Paris.

Have you always been an altruistic, globally-aware person?

I've always been very aware of life's cruelty and injustices. When I was a kid I used to get very emotional at the sight of a little old hunchbacked man, a busker who played the accordion on the main street of my hometown. You can't heal it all, but you can choose to do something rather than nothing. There are thousands of NGO's (Non-Governmental Organizations) out there, battling on the front lines of human chaos and tragedy. You can empower yourself by empowering them. Whatever you might think of Bill Clinton, his new book, entitled 'Giving,' is chock-full of inspiring views and suggestions!

Speaking of Clinton: Hilary or Obama? Or do you have another favorite 2008 presidential candidate in mind, and why?

Oh, God. American politics all stinks, don't you know. It all seems to come down to who's got the most money and friends in high places. I'd like them both to win, and do the thing together! Wouldn't that be something?

Would you like to send George Bush a copy of Songs of Mass Destruction so he doesn't have to go looking for it?

I doubt that anything could get past that thick skull and gargantuan ego. I think he should be renamed “The Duper,” along with his close friend Mr. Blair. On their tombstones should be engraved, “I duped millions, created carnage, made millions, and slept very soundly at night.”

NEW MUSIC

Bare: the musical—The complete studio recording ***
www.barethealbum.com

Bare, a pop opera opened with little fanfare at the acoustically-challenged Hudson Theatre in 2000, but buzz soon led to an Ovation Award for Best Musical and a less-successful New York production. This two-disc set (plus bonus features DVD) chronicles the show's arduous journey. The story fuses teen angst, Catholic guilt and gay love with a rock opera score that never dulls and occasionally soars. For those who saw Bare live, now's your chance to hear every musical pearl in a polished studio recording. Appropriately, a portion of each sales benefits The Trevor Project. —LARRY DEAN HARRIS

Dave Gahan

Hourglass (Virgin / Mute) ***

It took Gahan 22 years to release the bluesy Paper Monsters, his first solo recording. So kudos to the twirling Depeche Mode frontman for only making us wait four years for the follow-up. Where his debut trafficked in addiction therapy, Hourglass marries Gahan's rockier side to his band's twinkling electronic vibe. It's a helluva lot sexier than his debut or anything DM's done since Violator. Gahan's a better vocalist since he kicked the heroin, and a whole lot more carnal, too. “Deeper and Deeper” puts it plainly: “I'm gonna have you/when I want to/I'm gonna take you/that's what I like.” His new addiction is most becoming. —DAN LOUGHRY

Hot Hot Heat

Happiness Ltd. (Reprise) ***

Hot Hot Heat are back and in my humbly opinion—finally. Happiness Ltd. is their follow-up album to 2005's Elevator. Much more polished than their previous albums (but who wouldn't be more polished after two years?) Happiness Ltd. still gives the fans the fun lyrics, the ruckus melodies and Steve Bay's unmistakably squawky voice, but also delivers some high-gloss production values—a sure sign of maturity from one of America's favorite garage bands. While nothing on this album fills like filler the real standouts are the poppy “Let Me In” and the harder edged “Harmonicas and Tambourines.” So after a two year absence from Hot Hot Heat all this reviewer wants is More More More. —GEORGE SKINNER

Britney Spears

Blackout (Jive) **

At first Britney Spears' latest CD sounds like it's a minor masterpiece simply because it is not the train wreck we've become so accustomed to seeing in the media every day of 2007. The sleek electro dance-pop is a masterpiece in one respect: the sheer muscle of the production makes it like a big shiny, sugary piece of candy. Of course, there's only so much candy you can ingest before you get sick. Sure, “Gimme More” is fun and dance-able enough, as is the drum-roll kiss-off of “Toy Soldier.” But there's no escaping Spears' weak voice and her creepy, unrelenting horny sex-kitten act-which is what ultimately makes Blackout sound less like a comeback and more like an afterthought. —MIKEL WADEWITZ

CONCERT CALENDAR

QUEEN LATIFAH

Makes a successful shift from rap to acting (most recently Motormouth Maybelle in Hairspray) and now to jazz and blues. Royce Hall-UCLA. Wed., Nov. 21. 8 p.m. $60-$277. www.ticketnest.com.

AIMEE MANN

Presents her second annual Christmas show with Paul F. Tompkins, Grant Lee Phillips and Ben Gibbard. El Rey Theatre. Fri., Nov. 30. 8 p.m. $35. www.theelrey.com.

DEBORAH HARRY

Performs her first solo tour in over a decade, promoting just released Necessary Evil. The Music Box at the Fonda. Fri., Dec. 7. 8 p.m. $30-$33. www.ticketmaster.com.

BJÖRK

Imports her expressive range and infectious blend of pop, alternative rock, jazz, ambient music, electronica and folk from Iceland. NOKIA Theatre L.A. LIVE. Wed., Dec. 12. 8:15 p.m. $35-$125. www.ticket master.com.

SOCIAL DISTORTION

Formed in Orange County, this rock band is credited as one of the leading bands of the 1980s punk revival. House of Blues Sunset Strip. Sat., Nov. 24-25. 8 p.m. $27.50. www.ticketmaster.com.

HOMO MUST

SOUNDS OF ASTEROTH

Headlines “Queer as Rock!,” a monthly musical program for openly gay musicians. This band sprinkles their act with a bevy of dazzling dyke and drag dancers who shimmy and spin to the band's pop rock. M-Bar. Thurs., Nov. 29. 10:30 p.m. $8. 323/962-3415.