Sound Bites

Bebel Gilberto, Bebel Gilberto. Though earthy moods a¦bound in her bilingual sophomore release, the music behind Brazilian chanteuse Bebel Gilberto feels more like a reflection of the singer/songwriter herself. Trading the electronic tropicalia of her 2000 for a more acoustic and relaxed approach, Gilberto opts to highlight her vocal savoir-vivre without compromising her colorful and worldly tones.--MP

Tha Fruitbat, Tha Fruitbat. Call it hardcore, call it gabba, call it eletro-tastic! Tha Fruitbat's debut is an expertly boisterous farrago of beats, riffs, gworps, bleeps and samples that are half dance music, half manifesto, all sweat.--AK