NEW MUSIC

Across the Universe

(Soundtrack) (Interscope)
*

Julie Taymor's a beautiful image maker. Yet her films lack skills imperative to shape drama. So how you react to this soundtrack will depend on your opinion of the movie. As a souvenir, the soundtrack may have value. But as a listening experience, it's lacking. These Beatles covers are just lame. They sound like bad Broadway versions of beloved songs. Only Evan Rachel Wood—who has a delightful singing voice—escapes unscathed. And old-timers Joe Cocker, Bono and the Edge carry the day with inspired versions of “Come Together,” and “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds.” —DAN LOUGHRY

Nicole Atkins

Neptune City (Columbia Records)
***

Without the attendant nostalgia, Ms. Atkins has turned back the clock to the '60s, when Dusty Springfield, Petula Clark and Connie Francis were the reigning queens. These tracks bring back that “wall of sound” feel with a modern twist. They're smart songs about love that don't pander to the lowest common denominator. The production is layered and deep but feels simple and uncluttered, and her vocal performances are awesome-she really gives it her all, like she lives and breathes every word. A truly refreshing change from the usual computer-driven R'n'B pop we're sick to death of. —CHRIS FREEMAN

Celine Dion

Taking Chances (Columbia)
***

Celine Dion's never going to be my cup of Adult Contemporary. Like other divas with superlative voices—e.g., Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey—I'd prefer to listen to nails on a chalkboard (far more interesting, aesthetically, than most of their songs). But the fact that Taking Chances doesn't make me reach for 'eject' says something about her latest work. Namely, that she's learned the power of restraint. Even on a shredder like Heart's “Alone,” she controls herself until the ideal moment of deployment. She'll never be in heavy rotation on my iPod, but these songs would be welcome on the radio or elsewhere. Her fans, I'd imagine, will be enthralled. For once, I understand why. —D.L.

Grizzly Bear

Friend (Warp Records)
****

This quartet, featuring openly gay Edward Droste, refined a delicate, dark sound on Yellow House. Their harmonies—though not without antecedent—were freakishly original; imagine a post-grad glee club suffering through post-relationship trauma and you're halfway there. “Friend” deconstructs previous recordings into harsh new forms without diminishing the vocal interplay. And the words fully register. A lover's complaint that begins “Why don't you do any dishes?” summarizes a couple's power struggle succinctly, and an inspired same-sex remake of “He Hit Me (And It Felt Like a Kiss)” explains why that struggle's worth illuminating. Not for everyone, but the adventurous will love it. —D.L.

CONCERT CALENDAR

Spice Girls

Reunite to spread “girl power” and inspire potential drag queens. Staples Center. Dec. 5 & 7. 8 p.m. $69.50-119.50. www.ticketmaster.com.

John Mayer

Performs a rare acoustic set. The event will benefit local charities such as Toys for Tots, Inner City Arts, and the Los Angeles Mission. NOKIA Theatre LA LIVE. Sat., Dec. 8. 8:15 p.m. $59.50-69.50. 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.ticketmaster.com.

Tori Amos

Sings emotionally intense ballads to the tune of her piano. NOKIA Theatre L.A. Live. Sun. Dec. 16. 8:15 p.m. $47-54. www.ticketmaster.com.

Andrea Bocelli

Enchants as an operatic tenor with traditional Italian music. Honda Center. Sat., Dec. 15. 8 p.m. $75.-275. www.ticketmaster.com.

HOMO MUST

Enrique Iglesias

Pulled a boy onstage during a concert at G-A-Y Club in London and serenaded his smokey ballad “Hero” solely for the fan. Will he try it again in L.A. NOKIA Theatre LA LIVE. Fri., Dec. 7. 8:15 p.m. $55.-115. www.ticketmaster.com.