Blood Groove

Blood Groove by Alex Bledsoe

First published by Night Shade in 2006, this dark tale of vampires in 1970s Memphis is marred by racial stereotypes and grim perversions. Baron Rudolfo Vladimir Zginski, stabbed with a crucifix in 1915, reanimates 60 years later when pathologist Patricia Johnson withdraws the cross from his mummified corpse. The racist and self-absorbed

Kat DeLuna's 9 Lives is one of the year's sweetest surprises--a beguiling, bilingual pop debut that should make her a huge star (fingers crossed). The disc is a dazzling showcase for her unique talents, most notably her opera-trained voice, which bends and snaps with ease amid shiny club beats and tropical rhythms. Breakout single "Whine Up" soars on a thundering, round-the-way groove that's impossible to shake after just one listen. But that's just the first of the disc's flirty, feline offerings. "Animal" roars to camp-club perfection, blending anthem-like choruses with dance-diva attitude, and "Run the Show" is a confident party-starter. DeLuna proves equally adept at emotive balladry. The Selena-esque shimmer of "Am I Dreaming" is buoyed by a lilting, beach-kissed groove. And "Love Me, Leave Me" mines the same goth-pop territory as Rihanna's "Unfaithful." Teen pop-heads, Latin soulsters, anyone with a weakness for hooky melodies: DeLuna's 9 Lives will have them all purring with delight.