Colton Ford - Tug of War

“A good number among Colton Ford’s target audience are well-acquainted with the singer’s original line of work, since gay culture tends to joyfully merge all forms of grown-up entertainment. Ford isn’t denying his superstar adult film roots in “Tug of War,” whose accompanying videoclip for beat-happy single “That’s Me” features the macho hunk shaving and showering in stages of undress. “Tug” is replete with thick thumps and breathy, layered vocals, alongside formidable singalong choruses—and he’s proved chart prowess with 2004’s top 10 “Signed, Sealed, Delivered” with Pepper Mashay. Ford also delivers some artful moments here, foremost in the sweet love ballad “Wait for Me,” where he conjures Jon Secada, and “Bluntly Speaking,” featuring Monique Bingham, a sensual jam that graduates from the gay ghetto with true top 40 potential. A steel-solid second act. —Chuck Taylor”

Old 97’s - Blame It On Gravity

“Old 97’s may have begun their days injecting their ragged, sandy alt-country with frenetic punk energy, but on this, their first record in four years, the focus is squarely on hooks, pop crunch and a sense of fun not always apparent in their recent records. “Blame It on Gravity” is a fevered, carbonated affair, especially on the jingly “No Baby I,” the extremely sticky “My Two Feet” and opener “The Fool,” which also benefits from a solid helping of Rhett Miller’s tricky, narrative wordplay. But the band scores well on the slow numbers too—”Color of a Lonely Heart Is Blue” is a near-perfect country weeper for a summer’s night (penned by bassist Murry Hammond, no less). Comfortable and confident all the way through, and a highly welcomed return. —Jeff Vrabel”