Marah's latest was as a terrific surprise to me. I picked it up on emusic almost as an afterthought but it has easily managed to rack up many repeat plays on the iTunes playlist. Their earlier records never managed to catch my attention, but two songs in particular were instant hits to my ears. I am a total sucker for backup vocals so "Freedom Park" got me right away with its choir of girls singing "shimmy shimmy ko-ko- pop." Its total domination of my brain was cemented by a completely memorable guitar hook that I won't even try to emulate with doot doot doots. "Pizzeria" also got me on the first listen. Again, strong melody, great back up vocals and a lyric that means a lot to anyone who grew up with a slice shop as neighborhood hangout. Richard www.rave-on-records.com