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Soul music these days comes in a wide variety of flavors, and too much of it seems overly concerned with production than with songwriting, mood and groove. Two ladies of real soul (and other musical styles) have new material to introduce to the music world: Sharon Jones, leader of the Dap Kings, and Erykah Badu. Theirs are but two of the dozens of new recordings now available (or about to be). Here's a list of some of them:

On the way: Modest Mouse

They are coming to Crossroads KC on July 6, a Tuesday. Tickets go on sale Friday. They'll be $28, unless you're a mulch-aphobe and you want the VIP treatment.

On the way: Maxwell with Jill Scott

This could be one of the best shows of the summer. They'll be at Starlight Theatre on May 30, a Sunday. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Saturday. They'll be $48.50 to $97.

On the way: Talib Kweli and Hi-Tek

The show is May 10, a Monday, at the Midland. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday

'Exile' to get the re-release celebration

The Rolling Stones' classic "Exile on Main Street" album will be lavishly re-released on May 18 with 10 tracks that never saw the gray light of a London day. And who doesn't think of Jimmy Fallon when you hear the Rolling Stones? Which is why the week of May 10, Fallon and his late night show will feature one band each night performing a track off "Exile." Phish has already been confirmed as one of those bands, on May 13. 

Bob Seger alert

He told a Detroit radio station he'll launch a tour this fall. And you know he'll come here. Outside of Michigan, no one loves Mr. Beautiful Loser more than KCMO.

Music in the great outdoors: A look ahead

Our outdoor music venues are gradually putting together their spring/summer schedules. Nearly two dozen shows have been announced, and a few are not so far away. Here's a look at what has been announced:

Plant, Young setting tours; no KC yet

Robert Plant and Neil Young have started announcing dates for spring/summer tours. Young will do the solo/acoustic thing starting in late May. He has announced only four stops and five dates in late May to early June. Tickets will be -- ahem -- $85 to $245 each. 

Review: Patty Griffin and Buddy Miller

LAWRENCE -- The spirits were flowing inside Liberty Hall on Saturday night, and not just in and out of wine and beer glasses (although there was some of that on stage, too).

Review: The Original Wailers

New material can be problematic for established acts. At a Kemper Arena concert several years ago, Elton John apologized for playing new songs and promised the he’d get to the hits as quickly as possible.