NEW MUSIC

The Dresden Dolls

No, Virginia (Roadrunner)
**1/2

A stop-gap release, No, Virginia is a compendium of five new songs, a demo, a cover, and some outtakes and B-sides from the Dolls' last album, 2006's Yes, Virginia. As a proper album goes, it can't quite hang together, since the disparate nature of the songs becomes more noticeable on repeated listens. The band has perfected their mixture of Weimar-era cabaret and punk attitude, and the best songs here are ones that have just been recorded. They give off an almost tangible energy—Amanda Palmer's voice more expressive than ever and Brian Viglione's drumming spot-on. One listen to the thrilling piano trills of “Ultima Esperanza” is evidence that the new material is what we really want. —MIKEL WADEWITZ

Duffy

Rockferry (Mercury)
***1/2

Seems like every other week there's a new soul voice cooing across the pond—Amy Winehouse, Adele, and many, many more. Now we've got the diminutive Duffy, an old school 60's soul chanteuse whose debut—steered with the help of ex-London Suede guitarist Bernard Butler—mines the mother lode of classy Stax/Motown sounds and its Piccadilly Circus equivalents like Lulu, Petula Clark, etc. The title track's an aching ode to a fictional place to call home; “Mercy” grinds its groove against the rock of temptation; and “Warwick Avenue” is the greatest track Bacharach-David never wrote. Dionne Warwick, call your agent. —DAN LOUGHRY

Robyn

Robyn (Konichiwa/Cherry Tree/Interscope)
***1/2

This is what Britney's album should have sounded like. And Madonna's. And Mariah's. And… well, the list could go on. In a season packed to the gills with supposed divas clamoring for the spotlight, Robyn is the one who emerges with an actual triumph. Her self-titled disc brims with all manner of sparkly pop gems—from the electronic bump and rap of “Konichiwa Bitches” to the shimmering disco power-ballad “With Every Heartbeat,” and the centerpiece, “Who's That Girl,” a song rejected by her old label (proof she did the right thing in leaving it). Weighed down slightly by the sheer number of songs, Robyn is nevertheless a nearly perfect pop statement. —M.W.

Angie Stone

The Art of Love & War (Stax)
****

There's just so much damn music in the world that sometimes a worthy release escapes your notice. So consider this review an overdue mash note and apology from Frontiers to Angie Stone's super-steamy, R&B slow-burner, aka The Art of Love & War. Released last October, Stone's fourth and best CD got crushed beneath Kanye's ego (i.e., Graduation) and never recovered chart-wise. So, half a year later, it's time for restitution, people. From the teasing “Play Wit It” to the hate-you-love-you-can't-live-without-you “Sometimes,” to the black-and-proud “My People,” Stone's got more going on than a barrelful of Beyoncés. —D.L.

CONCERT CALENDAR

French Kicks

The East Coast indie kids come to L.A. to promote their new album Swimming. They might even get to take a dip in the Pacific, weather permitting! The Echo. Thurs., May 22. 8:30 p.m. $13. www.ticketweb.com.

Kelley James

The L.A.-based musician returns to some familiar turf. The El Rey. Sat., May 24. 8 p.m. $15. www.ticketmaster.com.

Lizz Wright

The southern diva regales Angelenos in Hollywood for one night only. Roxy Theatre. Wed., May 28. 8 p.m. $16.50. www.ticketmaster.com.

Newton Faulkner

The 23-year-old dreadlocked Brit stops in West Hollywood to promote his new album Hand Built by Robots. Troubadour. Tue., June 3. 8 p.m. www.ticketmaster.com.

HOMO MUST

The Police with Elvis Costello and The Imposters

These new-wave rock gods take over the Hollywood Bowl for a night you won't be forgetting anytime soon. Hollywood Bowl. Tues.- Wed., May 27-28. 7:30 p.m. $54.50-305.50. www.ticketmaster.com.