Put Your Records On.

Truth be told, my favorite of the fall classics is really all the new music that comes out in the fall. Here are just a few of my favorites getting lots of attention on my iPod:





Dan Wilson: Free Life. After co-writing much of the Dixie Chick’s Grammy Award Winning Album of the Year “Taking the Long Way,” the lead singer of Semisonic goes solo. And releases a great piano infused, confident and comfortable pop album.











Annie Lennox: Songs of Mass Destruction. I’ve been a fan since the first time I heard “Sweet Dreams (are made of these)”. Annie’s latest is an album filled with hooks and pain and brilliance. She’s one of most under-appreciated female singer-songwriters. Listening to this album is like reading an old letter from a former lover- sit down with this CD and a glass of wine. Make that a bottle of wine. And fall in love with all over again with Annie.





Iron and Wine: The Shepherd's Dog. Quick music lesson-- Nick Drake. Bonnie Raitt. Sam Beam-- what do they have in common? Well, start with the fact they make music that you have to listen to to fall in love with. Sound bites won't work. This album will grow on you- complicated songs in a low-fi way. I'm seeing him in Seattle in December.




Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band: Magic. How could I not include this one. Powerful music from a real rock star. I love the story of Bruce and his band- these guys have played together for decades and wow can you feel it. And they have a Phil Spector in-a-good-way wall of sound thing going on. And, plus, it makes me feel like I’m home in New Jersey. In a good way.




Ben Lee: Ripe. Saving the best one for last. A song from his last album “Awake is the New Sleep” was featured in an Intel TV commercial. His music has been featured in several TV dramas. And yet he’s not a star. Yet. You gotta buy this album from Ben Lee. He has made what might be a perfect pop album- lyrics that make you smile and make you think and melodies that you will not get outta your head. Help me make this guy a star.