Macy Gray plays to a 'Sellout' crowd

With Macy Gray, expect the unexpected.

But at last week's "Origins Rocks Month" concert at Webster Hall, the Grammy winner outdid herself. Not only did she turn a free show - attendees recycled old makeup containers at Origins stores in exchange for tickets - into an event, but Gray showcased songs from her upcoming album, "The Sellout," that may turn it into one of the summer's most-talked-about releases.

She set the tone with the one-two combo of "Kissed It," Gray's soulful twist on an upbeat arena rocker (complete with Slash guitar solo on the album), and the disco-rific "Lately," which combined her old-school soul style with the Euro-breeziness of Estelle's "American Boy." "That Man" sharpened Gray's sly wit to Kanye West levels and her retro-soul vocals to a Sharon Jones edge, even before the knowing wink to the "Batman" theme.

Her signature song, "I Try," was fittingly epic, pairing nicely with her new single, "Beauty in the World," which is built for massive sing-alongs and repeated radio airplay.

"You are virgins, you are pure," Gray said, introducing the live debut of "That Man," before jokingly adding, "We'll pay you to like it."

Relax, Macy, no payment needed.