This section is dedicated to albums and/or tracks that I just can't get enough of as of late. They are not necessarily new albums or songs. Oftentimes, I'll pull out an oldie and end up 're-discovering' it over again. This section will change at any given time. So yeah, these are the CDs practically glued to my players at the moment, in case you might be interested to know. ;-)

Album: O Artist: Damien Rice Label: Vector/Warner Music

Comments:

"O" is one of the best records I came across in 2003. The album opens with the sweepingly beautiful tune "Delicate" which is followed "Volcano" providing much of a contrast to the first track. This actually sets up the rest album perfectly because the next nine songs glide gracefully from one track into another.

Rice's vocals and words are a perfect marriage to the melodies and arrangements that lay beneath them. He definitely carries this soulful-folk energy with class and sincerity. Everything on this record sounds fantastic: never a moment of over-production or pretentiousness. My only complaint is I wish there were more songs! But I digress; perhaps too much of a good thing isn't always a good thing.

Past honourees include: Emm Gryner "Science Fair", Remy Shand "The Way I Feel", Jill Scott "Who Is Jill Scott", Wide Mouth Mason "Stew", Janet Jackson "The Velvet Rope", Lauryn Hill "The Miseducation of...", Erykah Badu "Mama's Gun"

Single: I Believe In A Thing Called Love Artist: The Darkness (from the album "Permission To Land") Label: EastWest/Warner/Atlantic Records

Comments:

With a monsterous promotional campaign that could rival that of a US Presidential election, The Darkness have much hype to live up to. And with an anthem like "I Believe In A Thing Called Love", it appears the world has now officially granted The Darkness permission to land. And rightfully so...

A very smart move by the powers-that-be to have this track released as their first North American single. It's fun, catchy, sports great production with over the top guitar wailing and knee-to-the-groin falsettos.. oh, and did I mention it's fun?

That's just it. From start to finish, this song is just soiled with goodtimes. If you're not singing along, you're bopping your head... or dancing... or laughing. Another case where performance matches lyricisms matches music perfectly. This single is also complete with an accompanying video that is straight out of the sketch-comedy vaults. Again, a perfect compliment to the song.

So "I Believe In A Thing Called Love" is a great big rockin tune, something radio has not seen in a while. Though you can't say it's a breath of fresh air, the Darkness' sound is definitely something we can all welcome with open arms.