In Tune is the second solo release by cellist Alison Chesley, a founding member of Verbow who has appeared as a guest on albums by Mono, Anthrax, Broken Social Scene, and others.

Like the first, self-titled Helen Money album, In Tune is a collection of minimalist, a-percussive creations that excel through overdubbed harmonies, dirty rock effects, and brooding melodies.

An absence of accompaniment leaves the focus on Chesley, who continues finding her voice as a solo artist. The songs on In Tune are darker, fuzzier, and well balanced. With the high-quality engineering of Steve Albini’s Electrical Audio, In Tune reflects an original rock cellist who is reinventing her musical career.

Honorable mentions:

Vladimir Horowitz: Complete Original Jacket Collection box set (Sony Classics)
Mi Ami: Cut Men 12" (Thrill Jockey)
Nadja: Belles Betes (Beta-Lactam Ring)
Trans Am: What Day is it Tonight? live 2xLP (Thrill Jockey)

Twelve Cups Records, the new label run by avant-garde violinist Carla Kihlstedt, has issued its first release. Titled Ravish (and Other Tales for the Stage), the album is a collection of music for theater and dance written by Kihlstedt, bassist Dan Rathbun, and drummer Matthias Bossi — each a member of Sleepytime Gorilla Museum.

The Dillinger Escape Plan has hired Billy Rymer (of The Rivalry) as its new drummer, replacing Gil Sharone, who will resume focusing on Stolen Babies with his brother Rani.

Beautiful electro-acoustic duo Lymbyc Systym begins a European tour today.

The Alex Skolnick Trio, an experimental jazz group led by Testament guitarist Alex Skolnick, has announced a short series of show dates, mostly in California. Skolnick's trio focuses on original pieces but also includes jazz renditions of rock and metal songs, including Testament's "Practice What You Preach."

After performing in France on New Year's Day, risque music/dance troupe Extra Action Marching Band returns to the Bay Area to play at The Uptown in Oakland on January 24.

Rock cellist Helen Money (the solo moniker of Alison Chesley) just finished a new album at Electrical Audio. Details of its release are forthcoming.

Video-game/metal experimentalists Horse the Band will begin recording a new album in March, likely with Xiu Xiu frontman Jamie Stewart at the boards. The album should be released in May or June on an unrevealed new label.

One of jazz saxophonist Ken Vandermark's upcoming recordings is a disc of live and studio improvisations with German saxophonist Peter Brötzmann and Swedish saxophonist Mats Gustafsson. The group, Sonore, will have the album released in fall of 2009 on an undetermined label.

The request of the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) to appeal the retrial of Jammie Thomas has been denied. Thomas was deemed liable for $222,000 in damages in 2007 for sharing 24 songs on Kazaa, but the same judge ruled months ago that the initial case was a mistrial. A new trial is set for March 9.