David Byrne’s Musical; Angélique Kidjo; Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings; Caetano Veloso & Rokia Traoré

David Byrne & Fatboy Slim, HERE LIES LOVE (Nonesuch, 2 CDs, $18.98, deluxe version, $34.98) – David Byrne’s song cycle about Imelda Marcos and Estrella Cumpas (housekeeper during Imelda’s childhood) is set to “clubby dance music” with a super cast of guest vocalists. Sharon Jones, Cyndi Lauper, Santigol, Steve Earle, Nellie McKay, Natalie Merchant, Tori Amos, and many more, sing the very catchy songs, with beats by Fatboy Slim. The deluxe version is packaged in a hardback book with profuse notes and photos, and an added DVD of four songs set to archival footage.

Angélique Kidjo, OYO (Razor and Tie, $14.98) –Ms Kidjo put on a spectacular show two weeks ago at Lisner Auditorium, and her new album is now out. Her mix of African and world pop is showcased in a wide range of songs: originals and tunes associated with Miriam Makeba, James Brown, Curtis Mayfield, and Aretha Franklin (a duet with Dianne Reeves on “Baby I Love You”).

Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings, I LEARNED THE HARD WAY (Daptone Records, $14.98) – Sharon Jones has one of the most emotional and powerful voices on the scene today. Taking the grooves of 1960s soul and r&b, Jones and the Dap-Kings (complete with the funkiest of horn sections) write new tunes in an older style which speak to timeless themes of love and overcoming heartbreak. Ms Jones delivers these gems with a voice of a modern soul queen.

Caetano Veloso, ZII E ZIE (Nonesuch, $17.98) – Caetano Veloso, one of the pioneers of the Tropicalia movement, is still producing vital music. He’s now working with a young, stripped-down “samba-rock” band, which he’ll be bringing to Lisner Auditorium this Saturday, April 10.

The very next night, Rokia Traoré, from Mali, will be there. Listen to Rokia on her two most recent albums, TCHAMANTCHÉ and BOWNBOÏ (both on the Nonesuch labels, $17.98).