** Favorite album released this year:  The Saving Graces  - "Outside Guiding Lights" 

I can't stop playing this Jamie Hoover production.  (www.paisleypop.com)  Everyone here absolutely needs a copy of this fabulous record!


** Second favorite album released this year: Phil Angotti - "Juliette Foster" 

Melodic soft-pop, featuring mostly acoustic instruments, this one's purportedly a soundtrack (i.e., song cycle) but the songs stand on their own.  A couple of tracks were produced by Ellis Clark whom I hope has been involved with the Kevin Tihista record we've been waiting for.  (Scroll down a bit after clicking: http://www.jamrecordings.com/jamartists.php) 


** Album from last year that I'm still playing constantly this year:  Splitsville - "Incorporated"

Featuring "I Wish I Never Met You" -- the catchiest, and possibly the first, song that explores the pain of being an it-girl's "safe guy."  Its Layla-ish coda fits well at the album's end, but that part's easily edit-outable for mix-disc purposes. (http://splitsville.com/)

** Import album from last year that desperately needs a domestic release: "Marshmallow" from Alan Gregg.  

If you haven't already seen the video for "Anytime Soon," you can, and should, check it out at his website. Even a power-pop guy would describe the clip as adorable.  (http://marshmallowmusic.com/)


Art Carey

np:  the new Chumbawamba pop-collage ("Un")