The World of Underrated Music!!!!

Welcome to MeLikeGoodMusic.com, the self-proclaimed source for underrated music and bands flying under the radar of popular music.

For years I've enjoyed telling friends and family about music that gets me excited, especially artists that aren't well-known. Now, like everyone else in the world, I'm adding my "expert" opinion to the internet by creating this website. Doesn't matter if it's pop, R&B, electronica, alternative/heavy metal, classical or anything in between. I like it all and hope you will share in the enthusiasm I feel when I hear good music.

Every week or two I will recommend four CDs from my current and past musical enjoyment. Some of them will be artists unfamiliar to you. But that's okay since discovering new music is why you're here, right? So, if you're looking for something different, MeLikeGoodMusic.com is the website for you.

If you like the artists I recommend, please support them. Buy their music, go to their concerts when they tour in your area and, most of all, tell your friends about them. Your support is what allows them to continue to make and release great music. And when the feeling hits you, click the "Feedback" button and tell me about your favorite artists. Also, don't forget to join the mailing list and I'll notify you when new recommendations are added to the website.

It's a coincidence that the first week's selections are all female artists. (Well, one is a group with a female lead singer.) Don't worry. The next four CDs will be male singers equally worthy of praise and appreciation.

Now check out this week's recommendations.

PRESS THE PLAY BUTTON () TO HEAR FOUR TRACKS FROM THIS CD.

If you're craving something different and special, Lina is the one. I first heard her several years ago on HBO's concert series "Reverb". She was promoting her first disc, "Stranger on Earth". With a unique neo-soul sound, combining R&B with hip-hop, jazz and swing, she had me from the first note.

Though her second CD, "The Inner Beauty Movement", took a more commercial turn, it's far from a sellout. Lina's introspective lyrics and the superb musical production puts her above most offerings you will find on the music market. This is a CD you will be playing over and over again.

When you get tired of "The Inner Beauty Movement"...I'm not there yet...check out her first CD "Stranger on Earth" as well as her latest release "Morning Star".

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I lived in Montreal for a few years. On my first day there, I turned to the local MTV-equivalent to check out Montreal's popular music. As I was brushing my teeth, I heard a singer who commanded my attention. At first I thought it was Sade, singing in french. I was able to catch the end of the video but couldn't see the name of the artist. Well, thank God for Google.

Samina is her name and her sultry, smooth, breathy alto is one you will fall in love with immediately. (I did.) She's been flying so far under the radar, even Montrealers don't know who she is, though she was born and raised in Quebec and lives in Montreal. Whether she's singing in french or english, her voice will make that evening glass of wine taste even better.

Take a listen, then check out one of her videos on YouTube.

PRESS THE PLAY BUTTON () TO HEAR FOUR TRACKS FROM THIS CD.

Gaelle is long overdue for a new CD. I still enjoy listening to "Transient" but I'm craving new material in a major way. Since I now live in Atlanta, I may have to stalk her and beg her until she understands my addiction to her music. Until then, I'll continue playing "Transient" until my laptop explodes.

The mixture of sounds on this CD makes it difficult to categorize but you're more likely to find it in the Electronica/Dance section than the R&B section of your local music store....which you don't care about because you're going to iTunes and Amazon to buy it...right, right?? In the end, all that matters is that everything she does, she does it damn well.

Those familiar with Gaelle will recognize her beautiful voice from the club classic "King of My Castle". Since then, she's done several other classics with the Naked Music camp ("Give It Back," "Rain" and "Falling"). The other tracks on the CD incorporate different musical styles but fit seamlessly alongside Naked Music tracks.

Get this one today. Then go to her MySpace page and let her know just how much her music is loved.

By the way, if you've ever desired to seek revenge on a past lover, pay attention to the lyrics of "Parkway"....dark!

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The first time I heard this Dutch band was while visiting Amsterdam in 2000. I expected to hear big things from them in North America but it was not meant to be. Hopefully things will change with this album. (The first track on the player, "The Howling" has generated notice because of its inclusion in the Spellborn videogame.)

Though some have written them off as a cheap Evanescence knockoff, don't be fooled. Within Temptation is more than worthy of their growing fan base and critical praise. Their lead singer, Sharon den Adel, has the perfect voice for symphonic metal/rock music. Her ability to vocally dance from haunting power to delicate vulnerability is no studio creation. She's the real deal.

The other members of the band hold their own by providing a blazing guitar-driven soundscape to compliment her vocals. If they're ever in your area, jump at the opportunity to see them live. You won't regret it.

Boys!! Boys!! Boys!!

(well...not quite)

In my last posting, I promised the next four recommendations would be underrated male artists you would love. Well, I lied, but don't blame me for the lie. You can blame that manipulative songstress whose CD is the first selection below....Elisabeth Withers. How dare she use her full, smooth, beautiful voice to win me over? It's all her fault for being so damn fantastic. I'm just a victim.

Late last year, I heard "Simple Things" from her debut release and thought, "very nice. I want to hear more." Then I heard "The World Ain't Ready" just a few weeks ago. Now, I'm not one for anthems but this one touched me and has been stuck on REPEAT PLAY every since.

Withers gets extra kudos for taking a "girl power" anthem and using it to spotlight women typically excluded from such anthems. How can you not pay attention to a song that begins with "She had a mind of a woman and a body of a man."?

Check out the chorus:

Be you, the real you
Love who you are
Don't let nobody confuse your precious heart
Somebody's right might be a wrong
Girl you know where you belong
Do what you gotta do
Even if the world ain't ready for you.

I love it, I love it, I love it! I also love the male artists chosen. These guys represent three completely different musical styles yet all are high caliber and sensational. If you're open-minded about music, all four CDs will probably appeal to you.

So please forgive me for throwing a lady in the mix instead of giving you what I promised. As Mom would say, I'm doing it for your own good.

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I first saw Elisabeth Withers in the Broadway production of The Color Purple in her Tony-nominated portrayal of Shug Avery. She caught my attention the same way Heather Headley did when I saw Aida on Broadway. And just like Headley, Withers has delivered an impressive debut CD of "grown folks music" that showcases not only her powerful, versatile voice but also her strong songwriting ability.

After spending a few years working as a backup singer for several contemporary superstars (Céline Dion, Cher, Luther Vandross, Mary J. Blige, Jennifer Lopez), this Berklee School of Music/NYU-educated singer/songwriter/actress auditioned for The Color Purple. Her spectacular performance and Tony nomination sent record labels calling. She eventually signed with the legendary Blue Note label and went to work on her debut. She's constantly compared to Gladys Knight and she lives up to that compliment with her soulful, passionate sound.

It's tough for great singers to survive in the cookie-cutter music industry (Jennifer Holliday instantly comes to mind). Let's hope we'll hear from Elisabeth Withers for a long time. She's definitely worth it. Feel free to sing along at your desk. I'm sure your boss won't mind.

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Your father is a Jew who lived through WWII in Romania. Your mother is an opera singer. You are born in Israel and raised in South Africa. Listening to music other than opera and classical is forbidden in your household. You live your early adult life in New York City, Montreal and England. Put it all together, bake at 350 degrees and you'll get something delicious into which to sink your musical teeth.

Yoav began playing the guitar as a form of rebellion against being forced to learn the piano and cello. He would further rebel by sneaking to a neighbor's home to listen to pop music (like Wham and OMD) that was not allowed in his home. That need to stray from the path followed by others has resulted in a musical artist that stands apart from mainstream as well as indie artists. Frequently described as quirky, he's definitely original.

While strumming his guitar in New York's Central Park one day, Yoav began to experiment with adding percussive elements to his playing by actually beating on his guitar. He was attempting to mimic the sounds of the New York club scene as well as the beats of music producers The Neptunes and Timbaland. When he attracted the attention of a nearby group of kids, Yoav realized he'd found his "voice." After several more frustrating years of trying to get that voice heard, he began to generate notice in the UK as well as his native South Africa.

In a musical world full of talentless hacks making uninteresting noise, this one-man band is a breath of fresh air. Great electronica beats with an acoustic flair. Clever hip-hop samples and effects. Soft Middle Eastern vocal inflections. Personal introspective lyrics. They're all there and you'll love it.

Add this one to your musical collection today.

PRESS THE PLAY BUTTON () TO HEAR FOUR TRACKS FROM THIS CD.

I have a confession to make. Being a Prince fan led to becoming a HUGE fan of the British pop band Level 42. (It's a long story.) I'm also a huge fan of a-Ha but that's too much confession for one day. Why mention this? Because Anthony David's CD contains an excellent remake of Level 42's biggest North American hit "Something About You." (I can't call it perfect because I'm a little biased. Mike Lindup's falsetto is just too special.)

I first heard of Anthony David through the fantastic Neo Soul Cafe video podcast. (Though the podcast is gone, the website remains a portal to the best neo-soul music around. Make a frequent visit to their website.) When I decided to do Me Like Good Music, my friend Eric screamed "YOU HAVE TO RECOMMEND ANTHONY DAVID!" Well everyone, meet Anthony David.

This Georgia native dove right into the Atlanta music and spoken word scene, where he met and befriended his creative/musical soulmate . Though she achieved mainstream success first, the two gifted singers/songwriters/musicians have been making impressive music for a long time. Anthony David wrote "Part of My Life" for Arie's debut CD and she now duets with him on "Words" from this CD. This is David's third release and is a collection of tracks from his first two independent releases. He's now signed to India.Arie's record label.

"Acey Duecy" is so good I had difficulty picking four sample tracks. The brutal honesty of his lyrics is for an R-rated audience but I believe you can handle it. I borrow a line from Neo Soul Cafe when I say this CD is "music that gets your head right." The songs are an exploration of manhood, pain, joy, life lessons and "damn right"-isms. He's a storyteller who delivers on this CD and he's even better if you get to see him perform live. So pour yourself a glass of something and slide into it. And if you're not careful, you just might learn something.

The last track I selected, "Cheatin' Man", is an expression of one man's difficult struggle to become a different man from the father who raised him. It's honest, raw, sad, strong, gripping and, even though I've heard it many times, it continues to bring tears to my eyes. "I wanna do right. I don't wanna hurt nobody." Warts and all, Anthony David bears his soul and I'm a dedicated fan because of it.

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I'm not a huge fan of dance music other than deep house and UK garage. However, when it comes to dance music, a nice bassline goes a long way. That's how the Midnight Juggernauts' "Shadows" caught (and kept) my attention. It's one of those songs that ends with you wanting it to continue for several more minutes. (I miss the days of 10-minute extended versions on vinyl.)

This Australian trio is finally seeing some success in Australia and Europe after years of gigging for anyone willing to listen to their music. They started getting some notice when Justice (another underrated group) selected them as the opening act for their tour. Since then, the rest of the world has started to notice them.

When I listen to their CD, I immediately think Depeche Mode...dark lyrics with a variety of electronic sounds. (Then again, what else would you expect with a CD called "Dystopia"?) If you're a Depeche Mode fan, this one will get your attention.

While the other three CDs chosen for this week are definitely "grown folks music", Midnight Juggernauts is music for grown folks who want to get in touch with their inner disco-dance child and peek into the dark side of human existence at the same time.

It's Groupie Time

It's time to show my groupie side. Back in 2001, my friend Hersch emailed me, raving about a group called Zero 7 (don't scroll down and start listening yet, Daddy's telling a story). During lunch, I ran around the corner to the Virgin Megastore and paid three unborn children and a kidney to get a copy of Simple Things (and that was the sale price) and it was by far the best purchase I made that year. It remains one of my favorite CDs of all time.

Among the elements of this spectacular CD is an underrated Australian vocalist named Sia Furler. I immediately added her to my long list of future music to investigate. When I finally got around to listening to one of her solo CDs (Colour the Small One), I officially became a hardcore Sia groupie and continue to be amazed by what she's able to do with her voice. Vulnerability, strength, pain, joy, heartfelt intensity, passion...it's all there in its unique form of perfection. A vocal crack here, a slightly off-key note there adds a special character to her voice that sets her apart from other singers. I can listen to her forever.

Sia's voice also has an unsettling quality to it, a quality that infuses a myriad of emotions into her performance on top of the emotions expressed in her expertly-written lyrics. Her ability to go from ethereal to gritty soul is seductive and there's no point in fighting it. Close your eyes as she sings "I Go To Sleep" or "Distractions" or "You Have Been Loved". You can even cry if you want to. Nobody's watching, I promise.

Now, Daddy's done with his story. So grab a glass of wine and listen to this incredible woman...unless you're at work. In which case, listen anyway. Just skip the wine.

PRESS THE PLAY BUTTON () TO HEAR FOUR TRACKS FROM THIS CD.

Zero 7 is as lush as it gets. For any fan of downtempo music, this duo is at the top of the list of recommended artists. Simple Things, their critically-acclaimed debut, is a fantastic collection of instrumental tracks interspersed with songs featuring smartly-chosen guest vocalists. British R&B singer Mozez is outstanding as the lead vocalist on the title track as well as other tracks on the CD.

I admit my bias, however, when I say Sia is the vocal star of this CD, though not by much. Mozez and Sophie Barker are stiff competition. But it's Sia's songwriting ability that gives her the winning dip at the finish line tape. No truer words have been spoken than when she writes "I only make jokes to distract myself from the truth." on the track "Distractions."

Add Sia's melancholy lyrics and emotional singing to Zero 7's mellow, hypnotic, dream-like music and you enter a world where "everythang's gonna be a'ight." They do it like no other, except maybe the group Zero 7 is frequently compared to, Air. But that's a recommendation for another day.

This CD is one you'll be returning to many times in the future.

By the way, don't limit yourself to Simple Things, I can just as easily recommend their followup CD When It Falls as well as their most recent release (though a musical departure from the first two) The Garden.

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Contrary to other sources, Colour the Small One is not Sia's second solo album. It's actually her third. Her first release, OnlySee, is a hard-to-find/out-of-print acid jazz album released in Australia on a small label back in 1997. OnlySee followed two albums as the lead singer of the acid jazz group Crisp. You can find several tracks from OnlySee on YouTube.

Colour the Small One follows in the musical footprints of Sia's work with Zero 7. From beginning to end, this is an absolutely brilliant album. You'll find the mellow, melancholy elements of Zero 7 along with inspiring levels of drama added to the musical production. And, as always, Sia continues to prove just how amazing a songwriter she is.

Unless you've been living under a rock, you've heard the now legendary "Breathe Me" from this CD several times. It's one of those tracks that's everywhere but you never knew its title nor the artist. It's been used in television shows, commercials and movies. I love it everytime I hear it.

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The second of Sia's solo albums, Healing Is Difficult combines R&B (with a neo-soul slant), jazz and pop. As the title suggests, this CD follows one of the most painful periods in Sia's young adult life.

Shortly before her arrival in London to join her boyfriend (they were planning to backpack across Europe), Sia decided to make a side trip to Thailand because a stripper told her about a colonic irrigation she could have done. (I'm not making this up.) She called her boyfriend to see if he'd mind if she delayed her arrival for a week (though it would mean missing his birthday). He said it wasn't a problem. Unfortunately, on his birthday, he got so drunk he stepped into the street and was struck by a taxi and instantly killed.

Sia made the trip to London anyway, where she spent the next several months grieving by drinking and using drugs in a three-bedroom apartment she shared with thirteen of her boyfriend's friends. After much intensive therapy following that experience, she channeled her train wreck of a life into beautiful, emotion-filled, autobiographical songs. Several of those songs can be found on this CD as well as Colour the Small One.

Though Healing Is Difficult is my least favorite of Sia's CDs, it's still worthy of high praise because she's just that good.

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Sia continues to impress with her fourth and most recent studio album. This is one of the few times she sings a song she didn't co-write, a phenomenal cover of The Kinks song "I Go To Sleep." In my opinion, Sia's version surpasses the better-known versions done by The Kinks, The Pretenders and Cher.

In addition to the downtempo/moody songs listeners have come to expect from Sia, there are several uptempo numbers added to the mix. Maybe releasing a CD where she rocks a little more is a sign Sia is finally emerging from one of the more difficult periods in her life. I hope so. She's a bright light in a frequently uninteresting industry.

I found it extremely difficult to select four sample tracks. I finally just gave up and picked the last four songs I listened to. Because there's so much great music to choose from on this CD, you'll enjoy listening to it many times from beginning to end.

The caption of a photograph on Sia's official website says "Sia wears her heart on her eye." That's the woman I've come to know; always self-examining, looking inside her heart to express her art. I feel privileged to experience her willingness to share.

A Few Underrated Favorites - Part 1

Most of the time I will try to bring you new underrated music. But, every now and then, I will step back and revisit some of my personal favorites. Like most music lovers, this is music that's part of the soundtrack of my life. And since music is my drug of choice, many of these favorites represent music I use to get me in a particular mood.

A few days ago, I went through my collection and selected my all-time favorites. Unfortunately, that turned out to be over 400 CDs. When I removed the well-known artists, that still left about 250 CDs. I'll continue to trim it down to a more reasonable list.

Over the next several months, I will share some of these favorites with you. Hopefully, many of them will be artists new to you...so it'll be like I'm recommending new underrated music. Unfortunately, some will be out-of-print, no longer available on iTunes nor Amazon. But I'll share them anyway because I love them and hopefully you'll come across them wherever you purchase music.

So, in no particular order....

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Though underrated to general audiences, in the gospel world Benjamin "Bebe" Winans is a prince in the Winans royal family, where he, his nine siblings and parents are all connected to the gospel music industry. Whether working solo or with his sister CeCe, BeBe has created some of the most memorable contemporary gospel music of the last twenty years.

His self-titled first solo CD, released in 1997, was a masterful attempt to share his talent with more mainstream audiences. It's gospel with just the right touch of R&B and pop. Those unfamiliar with it have missed out. Winans is a genius at crafting lyrics of praise into love songs to God and the world; making his music accessible to believers and non-believers alike. Add his soulful tenor voice to the mix and a work of art is created.

Gospel albums are frequently overlooked when music authorities compile their "best" lists. If they would step a little more out of the mainstream, I'm sure this CD would make many of those lists. It's worthy of the highest praise...no pun intended.

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There's more to great Icelandic musical talent than Björk. One of my personal favorites is Emiliana Torrini. (There are a few Icelandic bands I also like. I'll tell you more about them in the future.)

I first heard of Torrini when I was searching for music to satisfy my unending trip-hop cravings. (A man can only live so many years on Tricky and Portishead.) You may recognize her voice as the singer of the closing theme of Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers. (Interestingly, Björk was slated to sing the track but had to cancel because of her pregnancy.)

When I came across Torrini in my search, I found the track "Dead Things" from Love in the Time of Science. It actually made me say "wow" in slow motion. It still gives me an otherworldly feeling. I knew I had to hear more and I haven't been disappointed. (Torrini's talents extend beyond her own work. She co-wrote and co-produce Kylie Minogue's hit single "Slow.")

After releasing three albums in Iceland, Torrini met and worked with synth master Roland Orzabal of Tears for Fears to create Love in the Time of Science. With its superb mixture of lyrical and synth styles, it's become one of my all-time favorites of the last few years. Lyrically, she's able to go from wimsy to morbid, yet still remain appealing.

I'm also a big fan of her followup to this album, Fisherman's Woman. I haven't had a chance to check out her latest release (Me and Armini). But since she's working with the same producer of Fisherman's Woman, I'm sure I will enjoy it and my love for her music will continue to grow.

PRESS THE PLAY BUTTON () TO HEAR FOUR TRACKS FROM THIS CD.

Like many music lovers, the television series C.S.I.: Crime Scene Investigation is not only good entertainment but also a source of some really great music. That's how I became familiar with Ian Brown. Though I was already familiar with The Stone Roses (Brown was the lead singer), I wasn't familiar with his solo work. When I heard "F.E.A.R.", I knew I had to hear more. Music of the Spheres far exceeded my expectations. For the lead singer of an alternative rock group to do a solo project that basically amounts to a trip-hop CD is an impressive musical leap.

Music of the Spheres is Brown's third solo effort. If you like it, you will probably like his other releases. I must admit that referring to him as an underrated artist is a slight misnomer since he's a popular figure in the UK music scene and has had multiple hit singles from his solo releases there. Unfortunately, the world outside of the UK hasn't fully appreciated his work.

PRESS THE PLAY BUTTON () TO HEAR FOUR TRACKS FROM THIS CD.

After 70 albums, it's difficult to call Nancy Wilson underrated but I had to include this particular CD because it's one of my favorites and one of the least known of her recent releases. (However, I can make a small case for being underrated because she's only won three Grammy Awards despite having such a long and distinguished career filled with collaborations with many of the legends of the jazz, blues and R&B worlds.)

After attending college for a year, preparing to become a teacher, Miss Nancy Wilson (her website is actually www.MissNancyWilson.com) decided to give a music career a chance. She took off from Columbus, Ohio for New York City, giving herself six months to test the musical waters. Good fate befell her almost as soon as she stepped foot in Manhattan when she met the now legendary jazz musician Cannonball Adderley. A last-minute call to substitute for an ill singer at a local nightclub led to Adderley's manager taking her on as a client. He immediately put her in the studio to record demos. One of those songs, "Guess Who I Saw Today" caught the attention of Capitol Records and became Nancy's first single. It's still one of my favorites. In just a few short years in NYC, she recorded several albums for Capitol and scored several hit singles. A star talent had finally been noticed.

This particular CD, With My Lover Beside Me, came about when the widow of the late songwriter Johnny Mercer (I Remember You, Come Rain or Come Shine, That Old Black Magic, Laura, Moon River, Jeepers Creepers) found several sheets of lyrics Mercer had never set to music. She gave them to Barry Manilow who set them to music and asked Wilson to record them. It's not one of her best-selling CDs but it is definitely one of the best.

Over the years, the power behind Wilson's voice has diminished. But those of us who came to her during this period find her breathy punctuations part of her charm. There's no one like her. She's a sparkling crystal trophy in America's display case of musical greatness.

When people refer to her as "The Complete Entertainer", it's an understatement. Grammy Award winner for her music, Emmy Award winner for her variety show. Actress in multiple films and television shows. Host of an National Public Radio show chronicling jazz greats, civil rights activist and AIDS awareness activist (she's the Honorary Spokesperson for the National Minority AIDS Council). As if I needed another reason to love her, she's now signed to a record label called MCG Jazz, which is part of the Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild, an arts organization in Pittsburgh. Some (and sometimes all) of the proceeds from the sale of her CDs go to support the organization's youth and arts programs.

Her website says she prefers to be called a "song stylist". I'll stick to calling her perfection. It would be the greatest honor to meet her someday....though I can't promise I won't giggle uncontrollably or shoot snot out of my nose.

PRESS THE PLAY BUTTON () TO HEAR FOUR TRACKS FROM THIS CD.

As with Ian Brown, television also played a role in my introduction to Citizen Cope (Clarence Greenwood) when his song "Son's Gonna Rise" appeared in a car commercial. A friend asked if I knew the artist and title of the song. I did some research and, in the meantime, became hooked.

Part of what appeals to me about Citizen Cope's music is that I'm not sure how to accurately categorize it. Some call it "funk-rock" but that overlooks the strong folk, blues, soul and hip hop elements in his music. If you can think of a better term for his music, leave it in the comments. I'll just keep enjoying what he creates.

Like a great "slice of life" film, Citizen Cope takes you into his world and gives you a thorough guided tour with visual lyrics, rolling/moving rhythms and a vocal style that sometimes sounds like he's confessing instead of singing. His "lazy-mouth" way of singing - I can't think of any other way to describe it - sounds like a country drawl without the drawl. It's very effective and perfect for his music. I'm willing to listen and I have been...over and over again. Only Aaron Lewis of the group Staind is able to move me in the same way.

A Little Pop Will Do You Good

This week's introduction is going to be short. It's been one of those weeks, too many things to do and not enough time to do them. However, there's always time for music. It helps me maintain my sanity.

Musically, it's been a mostly pop-filled week; a week of happy, bouncy, light-hearted tunes. With the election coming November 4 (go Obama!), I need happy music just in case the election results are strange and shocking. It's happened before in the good ole U.S.A.

Now click on the music for Alphabeat and start bouncing with me.

PRESS THE PLAY BUTTON () TO HEAR FOUR TRACKS FROM THIS CD.

I was watching The Graham Norton Show a few weeks ago and this Danish group was the guest artist. Their 80s pop sound immediately won me over. When I heard the full CD, This Is Alphabeat, it was exactly what I expected....happy people performing upbeat - and sometimes nonsensical - music. So enjoying this CD sometimes involves ignoring (or perhaps embracing) dumb Madonna-like lines like "he's my boyfriend, don't touch my boyfriend." But in the end, it's okay because the CD is a fun experience from beginning to end.

The songs are catchy, lively and (if you're a big fan of 80s music) will trigger memories of some of the superhits of that decade. The first track in the player "Fascination", for example, sounds alot like David Bowie's hit "Modern Love."

I'm actually surprised I hadn't heard of Alphabeat since I usually keep track of UK hits. This one slipped under the radar, which makes them perfect for recommendation.

PRESS THE PLAY BUTTON () TO HEAR FOUR TRACKS FROM THIS CD.

Referring to Jazmine Sullivan as underrated may be premature since this is her first CD. It may also be inaccurate because she's already had a number one R&B single ("Need U Bad") from this CD. Despite that, I'm issuing a strong recommendation for this one. I've been listening to it for the last few weeks and am not close to putting it away.

This Philadelphia-based singer/songwriter is signed to Clive Davis's J Records. Let's hope his Midas touch will work for Sullivan. (During his stint at Columbia Records and Arista Records, Davis is credited with signing almost every major superstar of the last 40 years.)

Sullivan has spent the last few years working as a protege to musical powerhouse Missy Elliott as well as writing songs and singing background vocals for artists (Fantasia, Christina Milian, Missy Elliott, etc.). Once she was signed to J Records, she spent a year writing songs and recording her debut. The result is a collection of clever and mature songs, strong, self-expressive lyrics, emotional singing and multi-genre musical production. It's another one of those difficult to categorize CDs . Her time spent with Missy was well worth it.

PRESS THE PLAY BUTTON () TO HEAR FOUR TRACKS FROM THIS CD.

The Hôtel Costes series has been a favorite for a long time. French DJ Stéphane Pompougnac continues to put together a great collection of lounge music. This particular installment is more pop than previous releases but (unless you're a diehard fan) still highly enjoyable.

The series started over a decade ago when Hôtel Costes of Paris began releasing compilations of the tracks Stéphane Pompougnac played as the DJ of the hotel.

Please excuse the abrupt ending of the tracks. The CD is a continuous mix, so the songs are meant to flow from one to the next.

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Like so many artists, Nikka Costa has had her battles with record labels. Through it all, she's been able to make enough great music to solidify her spot as the funkiest white woman since Teena Marie. With her latest CD, Pebble to a Pearl, she takes it to a new level. After being dropped by Virgin Records, she created her own label (Go Funk Yourself Records) and used her personal money to record this CD, allowing her to create the album just as she wanted.

Costa is the daughter of Don Costa, arranger for many entertainment greats including Frank Sinatra, Quincy Jones, Sly Stone and Sammy Davis Jr. Growing up with access to such musical luminaries, it's no surprise Costa pursued a musical career and that her music combines elements from so many musical genres. Though she's been recording music since the early 80s with hit singles and albums all over the rest of the world, she didn't generate any North American notice until the early 2000s with her singles "Like a Feather" and "Everybody Got Their Something."

Fittingly, this CD is being distributed by the infamous Stax Records, home of such greats as Otis Redding, Sam and Dave, and the Staple Singers, among others. This is one funky, 60s flashback of an album.

Still Poppin'

I'm not completely out of the pop mode. However, I no longer need it to lighten the mood because there was better news recently (congratulations, PRESIDENT Obama). Instead it's still on the playlist just for the fun of it. So this week, it's about fun music once again.

Starting things off is a new release from a favorite British pop princess, Jem. Her last CD was recommended by a friend and this new one continues along the same enjoyable vein.

Following her is Q-Tip and Janelle Monáe, two unique talents who stand apart from all competition. They embody the creative individualism that's sorely missing in the music industry.

Lastly is a man out of Austin, Texas who believes in exploring music in all its different forms. His current CD ventures into R&B, soul and neo-soul; a mistake for some but well-handled by Dan Dyer.

Now thank your supreme being for Obama's victory and start listening to Jem.

PRESS THE PLAY BUTTON () TO HEAR FOUR TRACKS FROM THIS CD.

My friend Chris recommended Jem's 2004 CD Finally Woken, which included the single "They", heard on television shows and in movies all over the world. It's been a long four years for her follow-up release Down to Earth. In the interim, she has been touring the world and writing new material. If you liked the first CD, you'll like this one also.

While attending law school, Jem worked as a DJ agent and as a club promotor. Her singing career took off when influential Los Angeles radio station KCRW heard a demo version of her song "Finally Woken." The popularity of the track at the station led to a record deal. Since then, the world is steadily becoming aware of her music.

If you like better quality pop music, check out Jem.

PRESS THE PLAY BUTTON () TO HEAR FOUR TRACKS FROM THIS CD.

If you know hip-hop and rap, you know Q-Tip. As one of the founding members of A Tribe Called Quest, this pioneer has been raising the bar for a long time. Whether it's on the producing, lyrical or performance level, there's no one like Q-Tip. When others are rapping about bling bling, "bitches" and who has the biggest whatever, this instantly-recognizable voice has been raising awareness by shining spotlights on social issues and spitting rhymes of love, admiration and adoration for the women in his life (and sometimes just in his sightline). Much like other rappers who came later (Mos Def, Common, Talib Kweli, among others), Q-Tip is for the rap connoisseur instead of the simple-minded beat lovers.

Following the critical and commercial success of his first solo CD Amplified, Q-Tip has had one of the strangest solo musical careers...recording much but releasing little. His second CD, Kamaal the Abstract, was recorded in 2002 but never released. It's been nine long years since we've heard a Q-Tip CD. If you're familiar with Amplified, you'll be happy with this CD since some of the tracks were recorded during that time, including one track by the late, great producer J Dilla.

In my opinion, hip-hop has become the ear candy music form of the last decade... primarily a few good beats and (sometimes) a few clever rhymes to satisfy you until the next set of beats comes along. There haven't been many rap albums that I go back to from time to time to relive the experience of that first listen. Q-tip is one of the few artists who has that special place in my musical heart. Whether working solo or with A Tribe Called Quest, the quality of his work has been superior. Let's hope we don't have to wait so long for the next release.

PRESS THE PLAY BUTTON () TO HEAR FOUR TRACKS FROM THIS CD.

Janelle Monáe's website starts with "Open your minds, earthlings, and prepare to be launched headfirst into an alternate universe. A place where robots fall in love with humans. Where your tour guide into this alternate realm is a demure lil thang with a bold set of pipes." Corny? Yes, but who cares? Hop onboard and enjoy the ride. I promise you'll be glad you did.

Imagine Andre 3000 as a woman with a great singing voice and you have Monáe. She's been generating underground attention since the release of the first installment of the Metropolis Suite. It's time for mainstream audiences to take notice of this talented singer/songwriter/actress/performer.

After leaving a tough home environment in Kansas City (Monáe's father was a drug addict) to attend New York's American Academy of Dramatic Arts, Monáe dove into New York's musical theater scene but found it difficult to find the roles she wanted. She planned to fly to Europe and try her luck there but a layover in Atlanta made her think of some of the talent coming out of Atlanta's music scene, particularly Outkast. She changed her mind and decided to remain in Atlanta. (Prophetically, Monáe met and collaborated with Big Boi of Outkast on one of his projects.)

Once in Atlanta, Monáe co-founded The Wondaland Arts Society, an "independent record label and mystery school that designs capes for superheroes and art for aliens." (Is this woman different or what?) When a friend suggested using the 1927 silent film Metropolis as a musical inspiration, the Metropolis Suite was born. The Metropolis Suite is supposed to be a four installment CD collection. Let's hope the entire series materializes....and soon.

PRESS THE PLAY BUTTON () TO HEAR FOUR TRACKS FROM THIS CD.

I was listening to some sample tracks at Amazon.com and accidentally clicked on Dan Dyer's CD cover. It's the best accidental discovery in a long time. If you like Citizen Cope or are a fan of neo-soul music, you have to listen to this guy.

His website says his inspirations for this CD were some of the greats of soul, R&B and blues music (Al Green, Donny Hathaway, Stevie Wonder, Sly Stone, Curtis Mayfield and Dr. John). He channeled them well. You can hear the influences without Dyer sounding like a mimic. You can especially hear Stevie and Donny's influences in his vocal performance.

Dyer's previous CD was produced by Lenny Kravitz. Unfortunately, Warner Brothers Records was sold around the release time and Dyer became one of many artists out of a record deal. He then took a few years off before resuming his musical career. Considering the quality of this CD, the hibernation was worth it.

The Austin, Texas music scene has been bubbling with talent in a variety of genres for many years. Dan Dyer is a sparkling gem among a sea of hot talent. Check him out.

Bah, humbug!

I've never been a big fan of Christmas music. Maybe it's because I was born just after Christmas. (I'm sure you're familiar with the 2-for-1 gifts people born close to Christmas receive.) Or maybe it's because of the saccharine nature of many of the songs. Or maybe it's just because I'm sick of hearing the same songs played over and over each year. Whatever it is, Christmas music usually makes me a little nauseous. Who needs ipecac syrup when Christmas with the Chipmunks produces the same result?

So as a personal challenge, I set out to find four Christmas CDs I would enjoy listening to and feel comfortable recommending. It was a more difficult challenge than I anticipated. There are aisles and aisles of bad Christmas music out there. And the scariest part is, most of those same CDs will be back next year. Help!

So I hope you enjoy the selections I picked and remember, people born on or around Christmas deserve a Christmas gift AND a birthday gift. It's a rule! And I didn't make it up. Santa told me.

PRESS THE PLAY BUTTON () TO HEAR FOUR TRACKS FROM THIS CD.

There are a few alternatives to traditional Christmas music. You can find it recorded in a non-traditional musical genre (like heavy metal Christmas music, for example). Or you can find original, contemporary Christmas music recorded in the musical style of that particular artist. Or you can go completely over the edge with A John Waters Christmas. Anyone familiar with Waters's movies (Hairspray, Serial Mom, Polyester, etc.) will know exactly what to expect with this hand-picked collection of seasonal tunes.

One the first track, Old St. Nick sets the tone for the CD when he introduces himself with the line "I'm Fat Daddy." (The first time I heard the CD, I thought the singer said "I'm Black Daddy", which had me picturing a completely different Christmas scenario. Ironically, the CD ends with the track "Santa Claus Is A Black Man.")

And if the Christmas season always ends leaving you severely in debt, you'll appreciate the sentiment expressed in "Here Comes Fatty Claus." Be warned, the chorus of "Here Comes Fatty Claus" is explicit.

It's too bad Divine isn't around to place her special stamp on the CD. I'd even be willing to write something for her. Maybe something like "Put a Bow on It" or "Your Red Nose Don't Go There, Rudolph." Feel free to suggest your own titles in the comments section.

Til then, start singing....."Santa Claus Is A Black Man...."

PRESS THE PLAY BUTTON () TO HEAR FOUR TRACKS FROM THIS CD.

This woman is phenomenal....absolutely phenomenal! I planned to feature Ledisi's last CD Lost & Found in the near future but came across this Christmas CD just a few days ago. This is a CD I would listen to any time of the year. It's so great from beginning to end that I won't even bother to select four tracks for you. Instead, I'll just give you the first FIVE tracks from It's Christmas. She's that damn good!

I became a fan of Ledisi through (once again) Neo-Soul Cafe. I was happy to see that at least the musical community noticed her when she received a Best New Artist Grammy® nomination. Now it's time for the rest of the world (including you) to appreciate this musical gift. It's a shame more people haven't heard of this woman.

You periodically hear the expression "she could sing the phonebook and you'd love it." Ledisi easily falls into this category. Close your eyes as you listen and you'll swear you're in a cozy bar enjoying a special invitation musical performance. If there's anyone who can make me enjoy Christmas music, it's this woman.

This time, you can believe all the hype.

PRESS THE PLAY BUTTON () TO HEAR FOUR TRACKS FROM THIS CD.

This Warm December contains several of the artists signed to Jack Johnson's Brushfire Records label. Because I'm a big Jack Johnson fan, I was eager to listen to this compilation. I wasn't disappointed and am looking forward to listening to the individual CDs from these artists. The folky acoustic sound of the tracks is a pleasant departure from the traditional Christmas sound. It's a short CD (about 30 minutes) but you'll enjoy listening to it over and over. And if you're not already in the Christmas spirit, according to Brushfire Records's website, 25% of the profits from the sale of this compilation will be donated to children's music education charities.

PRESS THE PLAY BUTTON () TO HEAR FOUR TRACKS FROM THIS CD.

If you're looking for some of the best house, lounge and downtempo music on the market, look no further than Om Records. Since the mid-90s, this San Francisco record label has been the home to some of the world's best DJs (Kaskade, Mark Farina, Miguel Migs, Andy Caldwell and so many others). Though hOMe for the Holidays is far from my favorite among Om Records's vast offerings, it's worth recommending for the holiday season, especially if you're looking for an alternative to traditional Christmas music.

Add this one to your playlist for your Christmas cocktail party.