NEW MUSIC

Idina Menzel

I Stand (LML Music)
*1/2

Has Broadway ever produced a credible pop performer? Unless I'm overlooking someone, the answer's no. Menzel's a fantastic theatre belter; her “Elphaba” in Wicked is for the ages. But her third solo CD is awful, full of mid-tempo ballads with vocal melodies that rarely stray from a tremulous confidence. And the lyrics! Self-help twaddle that's never met a cliché it doesn't like: “The Road Less Traveled” and “Lost in the Crowd” (from first cut, “I Stand”), and “Today is the First Day of the Rest of my Life” (from “Brave,” a song as vapid as the Carpenters' “Sing”). Unless you were born yesterday, this isn't for you. —DAN LOUGHRY

Goldfrapp

Seventh Tree (Mute)
****

If Supernature was Goldfrapp's ecstasy-fueled night at the glam disco, this follow-up is the harsh, introspective comedown of the following day. Trading stomping Euro-disco beats for feather-weight arrangements and Allison Goldfrapp's sweetly seductive trills, their fourth CD is a return to the ambient verdure of Felt Mountain, though earthier, less surreal, and decidedly less erotic. Goldfrapp's pristine soprano—full of gorgeous whoops and sultry lulls —might initially mask the ennui in these tracks, yet by the time the hapless protagonist in “A&E” wakes up in Accident & Emergency (that's the UK's ER, folks), it's impossible to shake off the chill in the air. —D.L.

American Music Club

The Golden Age (Merge)
***

There's something refreshing about a band with a gay leading man who A) was never exceedingly famous, B) is not a total train wreck, and C) is not desperately trying to trade off his sexuality for press. Mark Eitzel is certainly not George Michael. And we should be thankful. He and his partners in American Music Club know their energies are better spent focused on their folk-inflected rock that is both literate and wry. Only their second album in 12 years, The Golden Age shows their gift for hitting heart and mind is fully intact, whether it's the plaintive loveliness of “All My Love” or Eitzel's knowing croon on “All the Lost Souls Welcome You to San Francisco.” —MIKEL WADEWITZ

CONCERT CALENDAR

Common

Signifies American hip-hop with his best of albums This is Me Now. House of Blues Anaheim. Wed., Feb. 13. 8 p.m. $40. www.ticketmaster.com.

Aretha Franklin

Continues to reign as the Queen of Soul and belts out songs from Jewels In The Crown. NOKIA Theatre LA LIVE. Thur., Feb. 14. 8:15 p.m. $55-85. www.ticketmaster.com.

Jill Scott

Supports her latest release The Real Thing, proving she's living her life like its golden. Gibson Amphitheatre at Universal CityWalk. Thu., Feb. 14. 7:45 p.m. $35-65. www.ticketmaster.com.

Siouxsie Sioux

Steps out on her own as the once influential rock band Siouxsie & the Banshees with her own new songs. The Music Box at the Fonda. Fri., Feb. 15. 8 p.m. $43. www.ticketmaster.com.

The Hives

Leads garage rock revival with The Black and White Album, featuring a grungier layout. The Wiltern. Tue., Feb. 19. 8 p.m. $22.50. www.tickermaster.com.

Billy Joel

Is “Movin’ Out”—on the road, that is, and he wants you to come see him “Just the Way You Are.” Honda Center, Anaheim. Sat., Feb. 23. 8 p.m. $49.50.-$95. www.ticketmaster.com.

HOMO MUST

Nicky Click

Brings her queer electro pop signature style to Los Angeles and presents her new album I'm on My Cell Phone. Shotgun at the Eagle. Wed., Feb. 20. www.nickyclick.com.