The Hot Sheet

Music

The Union by Elton John and Leon Russell — Blues, country, gospel, pop, and rock are fused in this surprisingly listenable collaboration between two veteran piano men of distinctively different styles. Elton has long considered Leon an idol and has brought guest musicians such as Brian Wilson and Neil Young aboard for an album, recorded live with dueling pianos, that largely belongs to the underappreciated Russell. The gentle "In the Hands of Angels" and the scorching "I Should Have Sent Roses," two reflective tracks, are standouts. 

Pipe Dreams by Mark Salling — Glee hunk Mark Salling puts on his folk-country singer-songwriter hat for Pipe Dreams, his self-produced debut album as a solo artist. It’s not a far cry from what we’ve heard Puck sing on TV — sure, gone are the big production numbers, but Salling won him some fans in season 1 with his versions of “Sweet Caroline” and “The Lady Is a Tramp,” and the largely acoustic collection of tunes here is in the same vein. The songs on Pipe Dreams aren’t likely to burn up the charts, but with Salling’s devoted fan base and his pleasant pop voice, he should do OK his first time out.