Philadelphia’s Rachel Dispenza and Lauren DeLucca, the dry wry local punk duo Coping Skills, are a non-binary force (Dispenza is genderfluid; DeLucca is agender; both use they/them pronouns) in their daily lives. When it comes to their work — albums such as “Relatable Web Content,” and “Worst New Music,” — it is a wearily humorous, monotone vocal world filled with death, taxes, college loans, weather, religion, us

Meshell Ndegeocello

“Ventriloquism”

Naïve

At first glance, just the song selection on this new all-covers album looks like a dope mix-tape of classic throwback ’80s and ’90s jams. But anyone familiar with Meshell Ndegeocello’s style and idiosyncratic take on neo-soul, R&B and music in general, knows she is going to take the listeners on a unique journey and throw them surprising curves all along the way. And they are all refreshing and amazing.

    Out singer, songwriter and musician Meshell Ndegeocello is back with her latest effort, “Ventriloquism,” a covers album that proudly brandishes unmistakable queer iconography on the cover and features songs — some classic, some a little more obscure — by artists ranging from George Clinton and Sade to Prince and Janet Jackson. 

Jen Cloher’s New Year is off to a great start. The indie rocker from Australia is about to embark on her first North American solo tour, which includes a stop at Johnny Brenda’s on Jan. 31.