I probably say something like this a few times a year, but it bears repeating: the increasing number of albums being released by LGBT musicians is simply mind-boggling. Ranging from major-label acts to independent artists, the queer presence in music can be felt in virtually every genre. One of the most talked about new releases of the year is Angel of Retribution (Epic) by the reunited Judas Priest, featuring out, longtime lead vocalist Rob Halford.

Tracks such as “Judas Rising,” “Deal With The Devil,” “Demonizer,” and “Hellrider” (does anyone else detect a pattern here?) crackle with a searing heat. Angel Of Retribution is being made available in the DualDisc format, which consists of the “audio album” on the CD side and an enhanced version of the album and a documentary on the DVD side.

Chicago-based duo The Nancys (Jon DiClimenti and Timmy Samuel) have just released their second album, titled …Panic. Described as “a concept album for the ADHD generation,” some of the songs are steeped in indie emo rock, that is well-balance with a queer sensibility and sensitivity, which comes through the strongest on songs such as “Drag Machine,” “Lesionaires,” “Soon,” and “Fleeting Moment.”

Queer performance artist and living legend Joey Arias has been given the role of the live time in Cirque du Soleil’s erotic Las Vegas show Zumanity. Nearly as famous for the music from their spectaculars as they are for the shows themselves, Cirque du Soleil once again gives those who want it something to take home with them that won’t fade after multiple washings or shrink in the drier. Zumanity: Another Side of Cirque du Soleil (Cirque du Soleil Musique), with music by Simon Carpentier (and other collaborators) has its share of arousing tunes (some with suggestive sounds) that straddle the line between humping and hum-drum.

Our community also has more than a passing familiarity with benefit discs, with the sensational Red Hot series being among the most renowned and well-respected. The double disc set Indie Music For Life features tracks donated for the cause (“medical research and the funding it takes to find a cure for cancer”) by an array of independent LGBT musicians including Ari Gold, Josh Zuckerman, Leah Zicari, Allison Tartalia, Christopher Dallman, Sue Witty, Keyth Lawrence, Sacha Sacket and Jamie Anderson.

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