Well, I’m still getting adjusted to the new routine and I am tardy in posting the new music reviews. I shall endeavor to more punctual. Now that my apology is out of the way, let’s talk about New Music!

I started the show with Cathy Davey. This Dubliner rarely embraces the conventional. The best way to describe her style is alternative pop. The major labels sought her after even before she ever played live. And she confesses she never listens to music; she prefers drawing, writing or watching television. I find it compelling. See what you think, it on her myspace page. From her album TALES OF SILVERSLEEVE, I played “Rueben.”

One of my favorites of this week is the latest by the Watson Twins. Who apparently made enough of an impression backing Jenny Lewis on her RABBIT FUR COAT release, that they scored a record deal. The sisters, Chandra and Leigh combine elements of folk and country to come up with their accessible sound on their latest album FIRE SONGS. I played “How Am I To Be.” However, the song from the disc that is getting the most attention is their very clever cover of the Cure’s “Just Like Heaven.” I must confess, I am such a fan of the original…there’s no topping it, but it’s a smart rendition.

On the fun, and lighter side of things, is the new one from Kelly Alvarez. She is the power pop queen of San Diego, CA. She also plays in band called Wild Weekend and runs a record label called Sweet Tooth Records. The material is not deep but it gets your toe a tapping and there is a sense of humor in the lyrics. Take a close listen to Kelly’s latest single called “Hesher Boyfriend.”

Another feminine voice to be reckoned with is from Imelda Ray. I played “Johnny Got A Boom Boom,” the lead off track from Imelda May’s new disc entitled LOVE TATOO. She refers to herself as “Dublin’s Finest Rockin’ Diva.” I have to tell you, I’m digging her style and she’s going to be making it into the Uptown Blues Party playlist. That show now airs on WMFO, Friday’s from 2:00 to 4:00 PM. Check it out in the air on 91.5 FM or on line at www.wmfo.org.

Also worth mentioning, keeping in the same musical vein, is this duo out of London, England known as Congregation. I found this pair while searching on line and was immediately taken by their modern take on an older style. Victoria Yeulet, who handles the vocals, seems to be channeling an old-timey blues maven and, because of my affinity for the Blues, i.e. the Uptown Blues Party; these guys speak to me. The latest effort is a self-titled release and there are several gems on the disc like, “I Was A Fool,” “Feel Like Crying” and this one I played; “Hard To Bear.”

Another act that deserves some attention is the latest from a band called One For The Team. The new album is BUILD IT UP. They were founded by Minneapolis singer/songwriter Ian Anderson (not to be confused with the frontman of Jethro Tull). The disc is only available digitally and won’t be out in stores until August 19th. I played the lead off track “Apples.” But also worth mentioning is “Best Supporting Actor” and “You Know Culture.” This disc just seems to me, to be just perfect for the summertime.

An older favorite of mine is back with new material is Tilly And The Wall. They are out of Omaha, NE and have had a little influence from Conor Oberst, aka Bright Eyes. More like former band mates really. Their original claim to fame is the unorthodox approach to percussion: forsaking the traditional drum kit for the amplified tap shoes of dancer Jamie Williams, and hand percussion supplied by vocalists Neely Jenkins and Kianna Alarid. This is their fourth full-length release and simply called O. I pulled the track “Falling Without Knowing”

A couple quick mentions:

M83’s SATURDAYS = YOUTH and the track “Graveyard Girl.”

The Feelings Mutual snappy alt. Pop track “Ring Me Out” from the self-titled EP.

And lastly is “All Parts Of Me” from Love As Laughter. It’s off the album HOLY. (It reminds me of old Police.)

It was a good week. I wish they could all be like this.