“What It Means To Love” – Meredith Andrews

There’s a fine line between proselytizing and celebrating a man doing his purpose. In this case Andrews walks a fine tight-rope with the Christian track “What It Means To Love.” It’s the sort of song that doesn’t need labels to be understood. Although it could stand to be 30 seconds shorter.

“People” – Trashcan Sinatras

The mellow intro to “People” allows the listener to settle in for a treat. Then the mundane lyrics start and ruin the effect. It doesn’t help that the words are sung in a nursery-rhyme fashion that does not fit with the melodious rhythm of this track. You’d be better off finding the instrumental to this and downloading it – that is if it’s free.

“Crash Years” – The New Pornographers

If you could imagine a combination of ‘60s and ‘80s rock, then you may be able to pin down The New Pornographers’ musical style. However, that doesn’t matter since this song is infectiously good. You’ll find yourself bopping your head to the up-tempo melody, and before you know it the song is over. Even the fade out will make you want to replay this. It’s rare that bands pay attention to such details that take the listening experience into consideration.

“World Sick” – Broken Social Scene

Remember “Come On Eileen” by Dexy’s Midnight Runners? Well this song will make you think of that iconic track. It isn’t that “World Sick” is in the same tune, it’s because every instrument is used to the fullest. There’s also a rock edge that causes you want to hear the track again. One problem is the lyrics, they’re too pedestrian for such an otherwise well executed song. Perhaps an instrumental release is in order or a reworking of the lyrics to match up to the musicianship.

“Gone to Sleep (Acoustic)” – Moby

This is the type of song that you can listen to when you’re in a complete state of euphoria. Yes it’s that depressing. Having said that, it’s a great track with straightforward lyrics and solid musicianship.

“Rattling Locks” – Josh Ritter

“Rattling Locks” is a raw track that is more like an exposed nerve than a demo. Still the intensity in the beginning of the track is tough to maintain throughout. However, it’s better to be overly ambitious than to not take a risk.

“Blue Skies” – Ella Fitzgerald

When you think of Jazz, you think of the incomparable Ella Fitzgerald. With the French horn played in the foreground, Fitzgerald’s scat technique shines as well as her singing voice. Being the “First Lady of Song,” she was and always will be the benchmark for great musical styling.

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