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Music

Listen to this

A look at some new music.

By SEAN DALY
Published February 25, 2007

Patty Griffin

Album: Children Running Through ATO

In stores: Now

Why we care: For years, this fire-haired Texan was more famous for her pen than her pipes, writing girl-strong songs for the Dixie Chicks (Let Him Fly) and Martina McBride (Goodbye). But now the spotlight's on her and with good reason: This album is a whopper.

Why we like it: Although she looks as if a strong wind could snap her in two, Griffin sings and writes with a muscular, don't-mess-with-me confidence. A few songs get a little wispy, but when the backbeat's crisp and her words are sharp, Griffin sounds like a rock star.

Reminds us of: The spunky sis of Bonnie Raitt, Sheryl Crow and - no kidding - Bob Dylan.

Download these: Stay on the Ride, Getting Ready

Grade: A

Van Morrison

Album: At the Movies: Soundtrack Hits (Exile)

In stores: Now

Why we care: For decades, Hollywood hot shots from Martin Scorsese to Oliver Stone have been turning to Van the Man to add earthly mysticism and Irish soul to their movies. The 19 tracks here are culled from flicks as diverse as Born on the Fourth of July and Bridget Jones' Diary.

Why we like it: At the Movies is a greatest-hits comp with style. For every studio track (Jackie Wilson Said, Brown Eyed Girl) there is a remastered live recording from as far back as 1974 (Domino, Into the Mystic). A 1990 take on Pink Floyd's Comfortably Numb - used in current Oscar-nominated fave The Departed - is a Morrison fan's dream.

Reminds us of: Mystic Pizza, An American Werewolf in London - and one of the most underrated singers of all time.

Download these: Comfortably Numb, Into the Mystic

Grade: B+

Richie Spice

Album: In the Streets to Africa (VP)

In stores: Now

Why we care: Kingston's Next Big Thing comes from a brood of reggae superstars: the Bonners, a veritable Jackson family of Rastafarian riddim makers.

Why we like it: A dancehall guy in the past, Spice here throws back to the roots reggae sound, a sign of maturity, but also increased confidence. He has a commanding voice, a good ear for great grooves and a defiant message for the kids: Get up, stand up, stay up.

Reminds us of: A little Bob, a little Shaggy, a little Shabba.

Download these: Youth Dem Cold, Digital Ways

Grade: B

SONG OF THE WEEK

Shaw-Blades

Song: Summer Breeze

Album: Influence (VH1 Classic)

In stores: March 6

Why we care: Not only do we drool for '80s arena rock, but we routinely crave soft hits from the '60s and '70s. So naturally, this is our dream collaboration: Night Ranger's Jack Blades and Styx's Tommy Shaw honoring such bands as Seals and Crofts and Orleans. Is this heaven? Yes. Yes it is.

Why we like it: Imagine all the cheesy glory of the '80s (melodramatic guitar wails, synth washes, exaggerated harmonies) plugged into the self-help earnestness of Summer Breeze.

Reminds us of: Trying to figure out my dad's 8-track player.

Song grade: B

Album grade: B (a fun, cheesy, sing-along "B")

Sean Daly can be reached at sdaly@sptimes.com or (727) 893-8467. His blog is at blogs.tampabay.com/popmusic.

[Last modified February 25, 2007, 05:38:40]