Donna S.'s Pick: Chris Botti

Try the music of jazz instrumentalist Chris Botti. Listen to the soft, seductive sounds of his trumpet on When I Fall in Love or feel like you are at one of Botti’s concerts with the guest-star-studded CD In Boston.

Donna C.'s Pick: Viva Last Blues

If you’re looking for an eclectic blend of folk, rock, country and punk, check out the classic Palace Music disc Viva Last Blues. Will Oldham on vocals will captivate you with his uniquely stirring, haunting, warbling tunes. Track #7, "New Partner," is especially one of my favorites.

Cathleen's Pick: Love & War

In a high-energy recording that doesn’t shy away from frank emotion, the three sisters of BarlowGirl challenge anyone who equates songs of faith with weak mediocrity.  Love & War offers driving rock, soaring ballad, and buoyant pop, all with unwavering conviction.  Uplifting? Absolutely.  Boring? Not a chance.

Patty's Pick: The Frantic Flintstones

The Frantic Flintstones are an early psychobilly band. Re: Psychobilly – imagine a musical stew made out of rockabilly music, genre movies and a manic attitude. The Frantic Flintstone’s 20th Anniversary Album collects the best pit-wrecking and shimmy-shaking tunes of the Frantic Flintstones’ career thus far.

Cathleen's Pick: Strict Joy

If, like me, you were mesmerized by the magic of Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová’s music in the film Once, you’ll be just as captivated by Strict Joy.  Gentle, aching harmonies interlace the bittersweet with the hopeful.  A truly poignant collaboration, these conversations in song will wring your heart.

Barb's Pick: Rockferry

Checkout this fantastic, soulful CD called Rockferry by Welsh singer Duffy. She has a retro-blues, 60's sound. Duffy reminds me of Dusty Springfield or Lulu. All the tracks are simultaneously soothing and rhythmic. This unique, expressive singer will definitely beguile you.

Cathleen's Pick: Nightmare Revisited

Danny Elfman’s moody music for Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas is reimagined on Nightmare Revisited with a diverse group of artists including Korn, Amy Lee, and the Yoshida Brothers.  My favorite tracks are those with an international flair, such as Rodrigo y Gabriela’s take on "Oogie Boogie’s Song".

John M.'s Pick: Sacred Songs

What happens when blue-eyed soul collides with progressive rock?  The result is Sacred Songs, Daryl Hall's underappreciated avant-pop collaboration with ex-King Crimson leader Robert Fripp, in which Hall's catchy pop hooks are punctuated by Fripp's fascinating sonic experiments.
 

Donna S.'s Pick: The Ultimate Most Relaxing New Age Music in the Universe

The Ultimate Most Relaxing New Age Music in the Universe is the title, and a good description, of the music found on this two CD set by various artists. It contains twenty-four melodies intended to create positive feelings. You'll like listening to it any time of the day.

John's Pick: Retrospective, Rarities & Instrumentals

The career-highlights disc Retrospective, Rarities & Instrumentals is the perfect introduction to the High Llamas' complex melodies and beautiful pop production, channeling post-Pet Sounds Beach Boys by way of Stereolab.