Rare CD: Beyond The Blue "Beyond The Blue"

"Hi! You are bidding on a RARE CD from AOR band Beyond The Blue-"S/T" (Self Titled) from 1990 on the "Polydor" Records label (Germany), original CD, inserts, etc.

Personnel
Le Bolderdijk guitars, bass, keys
Emile Den Tex lead and backing vocals

Tracks
1. Atlantic Summer
2. More Than Ever Before
3. Here On Our Own
4. Beyond the Blue
5. Home
6. My Town
7. Intoxicated
8. Only the River Knows
9. Bleeding Heart
10. Another World
11. Romancing The Fire"

Sold for $133.27 on ebay (17 bids)

Rare CD: Safire "Safire"

"Mega rare 1995 Australian melodic hard rock!

Here's your chance to get an original CD called SAFIRE - S/T. This mega rare 6 track CD was released in 1995 by the band. Killer sounding Australian AOR/melodic hard rock in the vein of Rising Storm, Bon Jovi, Surrender, Tainted Angel put into a blender. Overall, it's extremely catchy, with great songs and nice, big harmony vocals; keyboard laden melodic hard rock. Make your bid count on this very hard to find rarity!!! I HIGHLY RECOMMEND it. The CD and inserts are in near mint condition."

Sold for $150.49 on ebay (15 bids)

Review: Jeff Litman "Postscript"

Jeff Litman's musical tastes range from Johann Sebastian Bach to Skid Row's Sebastain Bach. After graduating from the IU jazz program, Litman obtained a masters in classical guitar performance and was on his way to completing a doctorate in classical music before returning to the melody-driven rock that he loved in his youth.

While his musical influences run the gamut, Litman is very focused on hook-laden power pop for his debut release "Postscript", which is a tour across the minefield of a failed relationship. Litman states that others have compared his music to Matthew Sweet, Elvis Costello, and Jason Falkner. There is a clear vocal resemblence to these artists, but to my ears he sounds a lot like Michael Penn or David Gray of the Idle Wilds. Muscially, Litman is a master of numerous shades of power pop - he does plenty of Byrds-like jangle pop, some delicate singer/songwriter pieces, and throws in a hint of garage pop not unlike The Replacements. "Let You Go" and "Detroit Lawyer", for example, both have a definite Paul Westerberg vibe.

Litman recruited a great team to record "Postscript" - the sonic quality of the CD speaks for itself (produced by Andy Thompson and Litman). His experience in classical music adds a wonderful dimension to his songs, as many are seasoned with flute, cello, violin, or fugelhorn. In addition, powerpop princess Kelly Jones, whose CD we loved in 2008, joins in the fun, sharing lines with Litman on the folky "Maine".

The entire disc is strong from start to finish, but highlights for me included the upbeat numbers, "Anna", "Everything You're Not", and "Detroit Lawyer". "Postscript" is a clear contender for one of the best melodic rock discs of the year.

iPOD-worthy: 1, 2, 4, 5, 9, 10

Jeff Litman on MySpace. Official site.

Review: Caitlin Canty "Green"

What is the sound of maple sugar on snow? That is how Vermont-based singer/songwriter Caitlin Canty describes the music on her CD "Green". The nine tracks are all acoustic guitar and voice, and the sparse and delicate arrangements make you feel as if you are right there in an intimate coffeehouse setting with the artist.

The CD is remarkably well produced for an indie effort - crisp and crystal clear. The acoustic guitars and Canty's angelic voice and breezy harmonies share a wonderfully warm tone overall. Canty's vocals will remind folks of some of her influences, such as Lucinda Williams, Mazzy Star, and Allison Krauss. To me, I hear a lot of Leona Naess as well. "Green" is a very cohesive effort that makes for an excellent mood piece, best suited for those quiet and reflective times (well, at least 25 minutes worth!). There is no high speed electrified rocker that kicks in from out of nowhere to disrupt the serenity of the other tracks. The shifts from sunnier to more haunting rhythms provide enough dynamics to the record to prevent the nine tracks from sounding like one long song; just contrast the country folk charm of "Trenches" with the stark and dissonant "Budding" with the bluesy sway of "Juicy Fruit".

Cantry writes vivid, sharp lyrics and plays music that appropriately matches the imagery. One thing I would suggest is more effort dedicated to a hook, line, and sinker to make some of the tunes more instantly memorable. I would also encourage her to take more risks with her voice...I think her songs would benefit immensely with a few sustained notes or greater emotion. Highlights include "Trenches", "Forget", and "Everyday". Fans of coffeehouse singer/songwriters will eat this stuff up. I understand that some new material from Caitlin Canty is coming soon and I look forward to hearing it.

iPOD-worthy: 1, 3, 6, 7, 8

Caitlin Canty on MySpace. Official site.

Review: Jon McLaughlin "OK Now"

"OK Now", the latest from today's piano man, Jon McLaughlin, is quite a sharp turn from his impressive work thus far. Throwing the piano to the wind for the most part, Jon embraces 80s dance grooves and booty shaking rhythms. For those of us hoping and expecting another "Indiana", "OK Now" is a shock to the system. Going off in a new musical direction is always interesting and bold, but in this case the result is sickeningly commercial and boring. The attempt to be hip or contemporary in the vein of Maroon 5 is very transparent and just doesn't work for me. What have they done with poor Jon McLaughlin?

Jon's natural vocal talent and his stunning skills at tickling the ivories are greatly understated on this inflated and overly produced effort. The only track where this fusion of fluffy dance music works for me is on "You Can Never Go Back", largely because it sounds like E.L.O.. There is some potential with "Dance Your Life Away", a rare rocker featuring a crisp and crunchy guitar riff and 80s vibe, but the inane lyrics just kill it for me.

To be fair, there are a few more traditional Jon McLaughlin pieces to be appreciated, such as "Four Years", a handy guide to surviving the perils of high school. Other highlights include "The Middle", "Always On My Mind" (not a cover), and a reasonable ballad, "Throw My Love Around".

If you are a hardcore fan of Jon McLaughlin's past work and don't care much for Maroon 5, "OK Now" is one of those CDs where you are better off downloading individual tracks.

iPOD-worthy: 2, 3, 5, 7, 10

Jon McLaughlin on MySpace. Official Site.

Review: Kyle Vincent "Where You Are"

The latest from AOR veteran Kyle Vincent has arrived. "Where You Are" finds the seasoned and grossly underrated singer/songwriter in top vocal form, exploring an array of retro pop subgenres from the 70s. Generally the tunes on this CD are piano-driven, upbeat and peppy with a bubblegum vibe, but firmly rooted in adult contemporary pop. The more rocking version of Kyle Vincent was left behind on this release, overshadowed by his gentler side.

Vincent has done a remarkable job emulating the feel good melodies and harmonies that made The Partridge Family and Bay City Rollers so irresistible to pop music fans. On the slower tunes, I am reminded of David Gates and Eric Carmen. Vincent drifts to falsetto and back with tremendous ease, and pulls out plenty of strings and sax to add some interesting dynamics to the mix. I don't think I've heard the sax in songs since the 80s! The lyrics are somewhat simple and infused with cliches, but are brimming with an optimism and hope that is well-suited to the sunny feel of the music. If you need a little something to cheer you up, listening to Kyle Vincent will do the trick.

Standouts include "It's Gonna Be A Great Day", "In Another Life", "Goin' Down", and the title track. "Where You Are" is exquisitely tailored to fans of 70s AM radio. In a way, it is analogous to what Butch Walker was going for with his "Letters" release (check out "Emily Standing"). But if you also enjoy modern soft pop artists, such as Mitch Malloy, Jude Cole, or Richard Marx, then don't let this one get away.

iPOD-worthy: 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 10

Kyle Vincent on MySpace. Official site.

Review: The Ravines "Manifesto of a Broken Heart"

Chris Corney is the UK's answer to Cliff Hillis. Corney is the lead vocalist and songwriter for the outstanding rock and power pop band known as The Ravines, whose 2005 CD "Manifesto of a Broken Heart" is knocking my socks off. While released 4 years ago, it is nice to see these guys and their instant classic enjoying a well-deserved resurgence on the power pop circuit. It almost makes me feel like there is justice in the music world after all...

Despite it coming from the UK, "Manifesto of a Broken Heart" actually reminds me of some of the finest power pop rockers from Philly, such as John Faye/IKE, Open Cage, Idle Wilds, and the aforementioned Cliff Hillis. Others have accurately compared The Ravines to Greenberry Woods, The Rembrandts, and Gin Blossoms. Corney's voice pleasantly drifts over the melodic guitars, augmented with tons of spot on harmonies and backing vocals. There isn't a chorus on this record that hasn't imprinted on my brain almost immediately. The lyrics are also a highlight, with frequent bite and wit along the lines of what you'd find on a Wonder Stuff record.

Hard to pick favorites among a batch of songs that is so consistently awesome, but I'll encourage you to listen to "Supersize", "Rubberneck", "Queen of England", and the title track. In short, GET THIS - GET THIS - GET THIS. And if you like it, be sure to check out Chris Corney's solo effort, "Built to Be Burned Down".

iPOD-worthy: ALL TRACKS!

The Ravines on MySpace. Official site.

Review: L'Avventura "Your Star Was Shining" FREE MP3

"Your Star Was Shining" is the lastest release from the hot new San Francisco power pop band L'Avventura. Act quickly - you can download it for free until April 30, 2009 at their offical web site (link below).

L'Avventura is a hip blend of retro and modern pop. As evidence to this, they list their influences as "Buddy Holly meets The Flaming Lips". They remind me a lot of Fastball and Fountains of Wayne, with a dash of acoustic-driven indie pop the likes of Elliott Smith. My favorite tunes are stacked right up front and include "Swandive", "Pretend You Don't See Me", and "Rocket Sue".

Superb production, memorable melodies, and plenty of well-placed harmonies. What more could you want? And did I mention it is free right now?

iPOD-worthy: 1, 2, 3, 7, 10

L'Avventura on MySpace. Official site.

Here's a direct link to one of my favorites, the T. Rex-like track, "Swandive", for you to download and enjoy. There is plenty more where that came from - just hit their web site soon!

Review: The Lonely Forest "We Sing the Body Electric!"

The Lonely Forest hail from Anacortes, WA, proximal to the city that altered the musical landscape in the 90s with grunge rock. There is still some grunge and garage rock in the veins of these boys, but like Nirvana, plenty of pop intuition as well. In fact, their latest effort (set for release on April 21, 2009), "We Sing The Body Electric!" builds from the grunge and pop fusion that worked so well with the aforementioned Seattle legend. In fact, Jack Endino, who has worked with Nirvana, has been drawn to work with The Lonely Forest.

The Lonely Forest deserve credit for steering clear of rock cliches and stale melodies - these guys are inventive. I think this is going to thrill indie pop rock fans, but for the readers who entrust me to recommend melodic rock, the pickings on this release are few and far between. By far and away, the best track is "We Sing in Time", one of the catchiest and instantly likable tunes of the year so far. I have hit replay so many times after this track that my index finger is numb. A CD full of tracks more like "We Sing in Time" will probably take these guys to the next level and get them some big time crossover success.

To my ears, there are a lot of late 90s overtones in The Lonely Forest, whose songs skillfully fuse garage, indie, grunge, and alternate rock with some punk thrown in for good measure. Vocalist John Van Deusen has a curious tone that reminds me of Coldplay or The Fray, but with considerably more gusto and attitude to match his band's unique sound. He's also one hell of piano player, and it is refreshing to hear it dominate on tracks like "Julia's Song" and "Tomato Soup". For fans of Cracker, Flickerstick, and early Jimmy Eat World, you will find solace under the canopy of The Lonely Forest.

iPOD-worthy: 2, 3, 10, 11

The Lonely Forest on MySpace. Official site.

Check out a video of "We Sing in Time":

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Brandon Schott Homegrown Recordings

Here's the latest Brandon Schott Homegrown Recordings: click here

Review: Paul Turner "Clear Blue"

"Clear Blue" is a musical meditation on life, awash in beautifully played acoustic guitar and overlaid with the delicate vocals of Australia's Paul Turner. Turner was moved to learn guitar after hearing Mason William's Grammy-winning instrumental hit from 1968, "Classical Gas".

"Clear Blue" is perfect reflection and relaxation music built on a foundation of stunning acoustic guitar. Sprouting from this foundation are plenty of strings and other goodies that serve to provide a more dynamic listening experience. While the hooks and melodies become more memorable after a few spins, there is no denying this music is pleasant to ingest - it goes down easy and leaves you feeling full and satisfied by the CD's completion in 31 minutes. The quiet build to an emotive climatic finish of opening track, "City Lights", makes it a standout track for me. "Love Meteorite" also 'struck' me as a highlight, as well as "Room", whose harmonica makes it sound like a cut from Sting's masterful "Ten Summoner's Tales". This is followed by one of the more haunting tracks on the record ("Poison") - a little bit of a dark cloud amid the clear blue. It's not only a great track, but breaks up the flow of the record and keeps it from sounding too homogeneous. Turner comes soaring back with the majestic "Come With Me", probably my favorite cut off the record. I am generally not a big fan of instrumental tracks, but the one included on "Clear Blue" (which happens to be the title track), is sublime.

If you enjoy acoustic-based singer/songwriters from Cat Stevens to The Williams Brothers to Glen Phillips, don't miss checking out Paul Turner. Additionally, if you are in charge of selecting songs for the next episode of Grey's Anatomy, consider some Paul Turner.

iPOD-worthy: 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10

Paul Turner on MySpace. Official site.

Review: The Bitter Tears "Jam Tarts In The Jakehouse"

The just-released CD "Jam Tarts In The Jakehouse" by Chicago's Bitter Tears is one of the most unique listening experiences you'll have all year...possibly in your entire life. Mix up the righteous angst of Bob Mould with the innovative musicianship of The Police, and stir in a healthy portion of independent goofiness a la They Might Be Giants and Ween, and you have something that begins to describe the genre-defying Bitter Tears. The Bitter Tears are the Evel Knievel of the modern rock world.

You'd think such a hodgepodge would result in a musical train wreck and, well, it does! But you can't help but rubberneck here - slowing down to get a closer look at the twisted metal, to watch the ominous black smoke make its way up to contaminate the white fluffy clouds. The Bitter Tears do not necessarily draw me in to listen, but once I start I can't bring myself to stop. It is just too damn interesting and you have no idea what they're going to do next, or whether they'll bring out piano, horns, strings, accordion, or good old fashioned acoustic guitar. Upon closer examination, you will begin to appreciate that there is a method to their madness, and they add enough hooks and harmonies here and there to keep you on the line to discover it.

Offbeat, crazy, coarse, and unpredictable - by all accounts, I should not be enjoying this CD at all. But there is something seductive in what they do that has me addicted and rushing out to friends, saying, "You've GOT to listen to this!" The Bitter Tears are wildly strange and surreal, but you won't forget them anytime soon.

iPOD-worthy: 1, 2, 5, 8, 9

The Bitter Tears on MySpace. Official site.

Review: New People "The Easy Thing"

There are New People in Madison, WI. These New People I am referring to are a trio consisting of Matt Ackerman (guitar/vocals), Mark Lint (bass/vocals), and Julian Salgado Laredo (drums). Matt and Mark tag team with the singing and songwriting, like John Rzeznik and Robby Takac of the Goo Goo Dolls.

As the cool cartoon artwork implies, these guys seem to make having fun the priority here. They describe their music as so: "We're aiming for direct rock/pop here with nice harmonies over a sort of a grunge base, but we've got wide tastes, and the music will inevitably reflect that". After listening to "The Easy Thing", I'd have to agree. The guitar tones and their playing style does smack of grunge or garage, but there are lots of other elements in the music that add a poppier shine to the majority of the tracks. For example, the guys make great effort to incorporate memorable harmonies into every track.

Highlights for me included "Love is the Problem", "Kite", and "New People". Sample some tracks for yourself today at their web site below and see if these people speak your language. Especially recommended if you like Local H, Eve 6, and Meatpuppets.

The New People : Official site.

Music video for "Love Is The Problem":

Review: Mark Kano "Walking on Broadway" [EP]

Mark Kano is the powerful voice behind the 90s alternative rock band called Athenaeum - remember their 1998 hit "What I Didn't Know" off "Radiance"? See our reviews of Athenaeum here. Fans like me who have missed this band and lead singer Mark Kano's distinctive vocals have reason to celebrate with the release of his first solo CD, "Walking on Broadway".

The 8 tracks on this release will take you back to the late 90s when post-grunge bands like Toad the Wet Sprocket, Gin Blossoms, and Better Than Ezra were dominating the charts. As Kano's deep and rich voice pretty much defined the sound of Athenaeum, it is no surprise that "Walking on Broadway" sounds very much like his old band. For me, it is a familiar sound that triggers nostalgia for the past.

But for those who do not have memories of Athenaeum, Mark Kano is still going to impress you with his brand of melodic rock. Add to the mix the skilled hand of Gavin MacKillop (Toad The Wet Sprocket, Goo Goo Dolls, Athenaeum) and you have an unbeatable collection of sonically brilliant pop rock tunes. There is a 50/50 mix of ballads and mid-tempo rockers; lyrically, Kano keeps things simple and sincere. The title track is an obvious standout, with Mark Kano's love for Big Wreck shining through. My other favorites include the slow burner, "I'm Still Waiting", and the swirling and soaring, "Where Were You Last Night", which may be one of Kano's most creative vocal performances to date.

It is great to hear Mark Kano sing his music once again. I am eager to hear more!

iPOD-worthy: 1, 3, 4, 5, 6

Mark Kano on MySpace. Official site.

Review: The Alternate Routes "A Sucker's Dream"

Faithful readers of this blog know I am a sucker for The Alternate Routes, exhibit A and exhibit B. Their full-length debut, "Good and Reckless and True" was one of the best CDs of 2005 in my opinion; it was passionate, earnest, and organic. They followed this up with the highly respectable "Watershed EP", which certainly whet the appetite for this long awaited sophomore release.

"A Sucker's Dream" is no sophomore jinx, but I'm afraid it is not going to help make The Alternate Routes a household name - I hope I am wrong, because these guys have a monopoly on talent. I just don't think it is maximized on this record. Normally, vocalist Tim Warren contributes a rather extraordinary performance, but on this release he seems to take a backseat to everything else going on. That is a shame. I kept waiting for more spine-tinging moments like those experienced when listening to "Ordinary", but such moments never came. The songs are a bit busier, which is cool at times, but it often distracts from the organic feel that made "Good and Reckless and True" a winner for me. The one moment that is stripped down is the breezy "Desdemona", but this tune is so drawn out and dull even backing vocals from Patty Griffin fail to salvage it.

The good news is that The Alternate Routes have maintained their sense of melody and lyrical competence in the majority of the songs. One-liner gems like "The future's nothing new - just another day to miss the things we used to do" permeate the record. The chord changes are wonderful and Eric Donnelly's lead guitar work rivals that of Dada. And even though he seems to have avoided vocally challenging himself this time out, Tim Warren still sounds charming and soulful. Standout tracks include the festive "On and On We Whisper", "Ain't No Secret", the Lennon-esque "All a Dream", the high octane title track, and the very catchy and reflective closer, "A Better Way".

If you enjoy Ryan Adams, Matt Nathanson, or The Finn Brothers, check out The Alternate Routes.

iPOD-worthy: 1, 2, 4, 5, 8, 11

The Alternate Routes on MySpace. Official site.

Music video:

Review: The Killdares "Secrets of the Day"

"Secrets of the Day" is the 5th full-length CD by the Celtic rock band known as The Killdares. Together since 1996, their fifth outing finds the band in top form, playing better than ever in the niche they have carved out for themselves. They are one of the busiest and hardest working bands, showcasing their unique sound at tons of pubs and festivals in Texas and beyond. After listening to "Secrets of the Day", it is no surprise to me that they are in such high demand - this kind of music is best experienced live in a pub with a pint in hand.

So what do they sound like? Imagine a Celtic version of Collective Soul, complete with blazing bagpipes and a fiery fiddle. Tim Smith, who does the lead vocals as well as the drums, sounds like a cross between Michael Glabicki of Rusted Root and System Of A Down's Serj Tankian. I know that might be hard to fathom, but his intriguing vocal tone is well suited the band's sound: a marriage of traditional world music with modern alternative rock. The only trouble I had was some difficultly hearing the vocals, which got buried in the mix at times. I can't hear them at all on "Long Island High", "Glasgow", and "Rose de Lay" - oh wait, those are instrumentals haha!

If you enjoy bands like Black 47, Rusted Root, Dexy's Midnight Runners, or even Yellowcard, you should take note of The Killdares. I draw your attention to "Seasons", "Hold My Heart", "Disappear", and "Perfect Accident".

iPOD-worthy: 1, 3, 6, 10

The Killdares on MySpace. Official site.

Review: Ness "You Can't Afford To Feel"

After reading this from their bio, I really didn't know what to expect from this CD by Ness: "Describing 'You Can’t Afford To Feel' is like opening a Pandora’s box of chimerical rock metaphors. Its unholy mixture of classic pop and epic reach is like Ray Davies wearing chain mail and jousting a tower of Vox AC30s, or Todd Rundgren daydreaming with a 23-sided die stuck in his ear."

One thing was for sure - this was going to be an interesting and unique listening experience. "You Can't Afford To Feel" passes with flying colors in this regard - I've not heard anything quite as varied, ambitious, and experimental since early Pink Floyd. Brainchild behind the project, Rick Ness, has no shortage of musical influences that he's managed to pay tribute to through his own hybrid music. It is quite astounding how he can sound like Jason Falkner (while in The Grays) on some tracks, like the Beach Boys on other tracks, and then the Beatles or The Who on other tracks. Often you can hear his plethora of influences right in the same song! Ness is a bold pioneer, pushing the musical envelope with experimental sounds and unorthodox song structure. One opus, “The Future Used To Be Cool” clocks in at over 24 minutes and truly feels more like a trek beyond the galaxy rather than another routine lap around the sun.

"You Can't Afford To Feel" is an awesome ride, one best experienced in its entirety with headphones. However, there are a few standout tracks that also play well in isolation, including the brilliant and soaring opener, "Where's Guns?", "I Intend", and "Pretty White".

This CD is not commercial. It is not radio friendly. It is a work of art.

iPOD-worthy: 1, 2, 7

Ness on MySpace.

Review: McTwist "Amateur Hour"

Formed in Rockville, Maryland in 2007, the new 'cocktail rock' band McTwist is off to a solid start with their debut record, "Amateur Hour". They are not named after some sweet chocolate-vanilla confection available at McDonalds; McTwist refers to a skateboarding move first performed in the 80s by Mike McGill. But there is plenty of literal twisting evident in their music, as it is a hardy blend of many rock subgenres, including pop, alternative, punk/emo, and ska. Often, this kind of musical identity crises drives a listener insane, but kudos to McTwist for emerging from this sonic blender with a surprisingly distinct and identifiable sound of their own.

Despite the self-effacing name of the CD, the band sounds more seasoned and experienced than what you would expect for a bunch of enthusiastic "amateurs". The passion for what they do leaps right out of the speakers with an energy that is usually felt only during a live performance. The vocals come across like a combination between Vinnie Dombroski (Sponge) and Billie Joe Armstrong (Green Day), sounding more than appropriate for this hodge-podge of different rock styles. The witty and sometimes amusing lyrics are also a cut above your average new band on the block. However, what does sound a tad amateurish is the lead guitar work, which merely stabs at the notes rather than creating a soulful flow between them.

Highlights for me include the feisty lead-off track, "Word Proof Vest", the very catchy "Prizefighter", and the fun sing-a-long jam, "Brianna". Much of the other stuff is OK, just not as melodic or engaging as the standouts.

They remind me of bands like Sponge, Green Day, and For Squirrels - not just because the vocal tone is similar, but also because of the songwriting structure and their ability to mix multiple forms of rock into something that is still infectious and entertaining. While it has its flaws, "Amateur Hour" is a remarkable debut by a promising young band. I will be keeping my eye on these guys and can't wait to hear what they do next.

iPOD-worthy: 1, 4, 7, 8, 11

McTwist on MySpace.

Review: Chrissy Coughlin "Look Ahead"

Chrissy Coughlin has created a little something for everyone on her latest CD release, "Look Ahead". Want to hear some melodic country rock? Check out the infectious opening track, "Back to You". Want to hear some blues or jazz? Check out "Big Log" and "Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars", respectively. Or how about a gorgeous piano ballad? Try some of the title track.

The common thread that strings these varied genres together into a vibrant musical tapestry is the crystal clear and angelic voice of Chrissy Coughlin. Her vocal tone sometimes reveals an innocent quality that reminds me of Jewel, but at other times there is greater depth and maturity that is more reminiscent of Sheryl Crow or Alison Krauss. Despite the genre hopping, which showcases Coughlin's breadth of musical skill, the CD plays very consistently and works extremely well when listened to in its entirety. With its generally subtle and warm tone, comforting and introspective lyrics, "Look Ahead" is a wonderful CD that serves as your cozy blanket on those rainy days. On top of this, the musicianship and production are top-notch, professional grade, providing a truly pleasurable listening experience.

Standout tracks include "Back To You", "Perfect Time", and "Do It Out Of Love". My favorite track is the sublime "Look Ahead", one of the best piano ballads I've heard so far this year. Coughlin's "Look Ahead" is a near masterpiece, and highly recommended if you enjoy Sheryl Crow, Jewel, or Colbie Caillat.

iPOD-worthy: 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 10

Chrissy Coughlin on MySpace. Official site.