By the way, it won't all be politics. A lot will be whimsy, and a wicked lot will be music.

In the latter department, let me recommend 6 recent CDs:

Tan Sleeve, Bad From Both Sides: My friend Lane's band. Great, classic power pop in the mode of Beatles, Bachrach, Big Star, Beach Boys, with bite. Buy it at www.notlame.com.

Chris Stamey, Travels in the South: Stylistically, not entirely unlike the Tan Sleeve. Stamey was a founding member of seminal power popsters the dBs, and any time he puts one out, its cause for celebration. This album sounds like a Chris Stamey record. That alone puts it in my top-10 for the year.

BoDeans, Resolution: I thought their last one was a tad weak, but this is a return to form with all the heartland heart these guys bring to the table.

Todd Rundgren, Liars: The whole album-- as synthetic as any I've ever heard-- is a lie. And that makes it great. Thematically about the lies we live with, no one plays the technology like Todd, and this one, no question, is his best in years. 75 minutes, and a hell of a piece of work; you have to keep playing it to get it all, and that is usually the hallmark of a great record.

Derek Trucks Band, Live From the Georgia Theater: Derek is one of the most astounding players around, and this tour de force band record shows why. Last year's Soul Serenade was something as well. You can, I believe, get it through his or Sony's website, and at the Apple store. Derek brings blues, jazz, world music, rock, soul, and funk into one unique blend, and then low-key plays the hell out of it. Currently on tour with his other gig, the Allman Brothers.

Jill Sobule, Underdog Victorious: Not out yet, due from Artemis in September. The single, "Cinnamon Park," is impossible not to love, so pick it up, and then the album, when they're out. Of course, she's also impossible not to love, especially live. This week she played the Living Room in NYC, and I actually joined her onstage for Cinnamon Park, accompanying on pretend trumpet (long story). A singer/songwriter who can sing, play a mean guitar, and whose work is consistently laced with heart, humor, brains, and honesty.

Labels: The politics