NEW MUSIC

Animal Collective

Merriweather Post Pavilion (Domino)
***1/2

These tribal Brooklyn-ites are never going to rock arenas, though they might just sustain from their growing cult. Which is to say that their freaky indie psychedelics, once infused with an angry isolation, is now warmly alluring. Think of the Beach Boys on acid (or, rather, more acid), and you may have a partial clue. Instead of phrases that bubble up from sonic molasses, there are now drones with lyrics—the best, on “My Girls,” about modestly providing for a family. Hence the detail to melody that's crept into their work, and the cautious optimism that comes with raising children in a strange and wondrous world. —DAN LOUGHRY

Antony and the Johnsons

The Crying Light (Secretly Canadian)
***1/2

Mood is the hallmark of an album fronted by Antony Hegarty. No one could ever say his music is unable to shift emotions in the listener. The Crying Light, his band's first album in four years, is not an immediate gut-wrencher. The piano-based songs here are subtle, slightly more removed than previously. Yet they are also more accomplished. Hegarty's transcendent warble of a voice deftly moves from laments about the disappearing natural world (“Another World”) to haunting explorations of the fragile nature of human relationships (“Her Eyes Are Underneath the Ground,” “Aeon”). His work is not always an easy listen—at least in any commercial sense. But it is always revelatory. —MIKEL WADEWITZ

Tony DeSare

Radio Show (Telarc Jazz)
****

Is it cabaret? Not quite. Easy listening? Well, that depends on your definition of “easy” when it comes to listening. One thing certain, though, is that Tony DeSare's Radio Show is one incredibly satisfying piece of musical artistry. Though generous with songs from the Great American Songbook (“Get Happy,” “All or Nothing At All,” et al.), it is his creative transformation of popular ‘80s tunes “Bizarre Love Triangle” and “Easy Lover” that have to be heard to be believed. Think bossa nova for the former and a groove straight out of “Mack the Knife” for the latter. But the crown jewel here is the original “Dreaming My Life Away,” a masterfully delivered, delicate ballad in the vein of the era the song tips its hat to. Its marriage of composition, arrangement and execution is exemplary. In its genre, whatever it may be, Tony's Radio Show is the one to beat in 2009. —BOB WERNER

Todd Murray

Stardust and Swing (toddmurray.com)
***1/2

How often can you actually hear a singer having fun? On his sophomore outing, crooner Todd Murray throws a Hollywood party out of yesteryear with a tuxedo-clad orchestra, starlets, martinis and a handsome baritone holding court. Recorded in Capital’s legendary Studio A, Stardust and Swing playfully pays homage to Bing and Frank with big band swagger and Murray’s warm-and-tender voice that gently jazzes and charms through standards “Stardust” and “Dream a Little Dream.” When this former Out magazine hot-lister romps through his self-penned, innuendo-laden “The Girl From Waco” tom-toms thumping and trumpets blazing, you’ll know this Hollywood party is just getting started. —LARRY DEAN HARRIS

CONCERT CALENDAR

Adele

This savvy and sophisticated Brit (and four-time Grammy Award-nominee), crosses the pond to perform for her Yankee fans. The Wiltern. Fri., Jan. 30. 8 p.m. $22.50-$25. ticketmaster.com

Fruit Bats

The Seattle-based folk rockers take a tip from their feathered flying counterparts and fly south for the winter to perform hits from their latest album, Spelled in Bones. Echo. Tue., Feb. 3. 8:30 p.m. $15. ticketweb.com

Badfish: Sublime Tribute Band

If you’re a “badfish too,” you’ve come to the right place. Although one of last century’s most influential ska bands is no longer, you can still drink your 40 oz. to Freedom with live accompaniment in LBC fashion. Key Club. Fri., Feb. 6. 8 p.m. $20. ticketmaster.com

Greg Dulli and Mark Lanegan

Hot on the release of their debut album Saturnalia, this experimental musical duo hits the City of Angels for an unforgettable evening. The Troubadour. Thu., Feb. 10. 8 p.m. $20. ticketmaster.com

Homo Must

An Evening With Labelle

These sassy divas are back and better than ever. Performing for one night in the Southland, they’ll have you singing “voulez-vous coucher avec moi (ce soir)” all soir long! Nokia Theatre. Thu., Jan. 29. 8 p.m. $39.50-95. ticketmaster.com