Weekly US music releases: live performances by Streisand and a King and Taylor duet

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On May 4, releases include the legendary Barbra Streisand performing at the legendary Village Vanguard on DVD/CD and a live collaboration of Carole King and James Taylor at LA's iconic folk-rock venue, The Troubadour. Plus other blasts from the past.

One Night Only: Barbra Steisand and Quartet at the Village Vanguard
On September 26, 2009, Streisand took the stage at New York City's renowned jazz club, 48 years after she launched her career there. With piano, bass, guitar and drums - and her singular voice - Columbia Records captures the intimate once-in-a-lifetime event with a CD and DVD deluxe package. The Grammy and Oscar winner who has sold 140 million albums worldwide sings standards from Love Is the Answer and favorites such as "My Funny Valentine," "Evergreen," and "The Way We Were." www.barbrastreisand.com

Carole King & James Taylor, Live At The Troubadour
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the renowned Hollywood venue, where The Eagles and Joni Mitchell played early on, Taylor and King returned to the stage together to connect again after 36 years of teaming up. The DVD and CD on Concord/Hear Music captures the historic event as they perform individual hits like Taylor's "Fire and Rain" and King's "It's Too Late," as well as The Beatles' "Something in the Way She Moves" with members of their original bands, including Danny Kortchmar, Lee Sklar and drummer Russ Kunkel.

Toni Braxton, Pulse
After a five-year absence from the studio, the R&B singer returns with a collection of producers including Frank E (Madonna), Steve Mac (Leona Lewis), Lucas Secon (Britney Spears), Dapo Torimiro (John Legend), and David Foster (Whitney Houston). Her debut on Atlantic Records leads with the single "Yesterday" with hip-hop's Trey Songz.
www.tonibraxton.com

The Flaming Lips, The Dark Side of the Moon
Accompanied by rocker Henry Rollins and Peaches, Stardeath and White Dwarfs, this quirky alt rock group covers Pink Floyd's classic 1973 album. The CD on Warner Bros was previously released digitally and on vinyl. Currently on tour and performing festivals such as Bonnaroo.
www.flaminglips.com

A-ha, The Singles

With last week's announcement that this Norwegian pop band will break up after the current US tour, after a 20-plus year run, a-ha releases a 19-track collection on Rhino Records, featuring the breakout hit, "Take On Me" and more.
http://a-ha.com

RC