Todd Snider is aging like fine Kool-Aid, fine-tuning the songwriting to an eminently digestible delivery machine for moods, 'tudes and iconoclasty. The new album The Excitement Plan fits like your favorite faded pair of baggy jeans, the ones you might try to replace, but never quite find that same shape. Produced by the legendary Don Was, nothing screams on this album, it's all just comfy stuff. Pay special attention to:

Charlie Robison is all the way back. It has been 5 years since there has been an album from him, and Beautiful Day finds him in great form. Some are calling this his divorce album, but for me it's all about rebirth. Cogent lyrics, incredible production, and feel good vibe; forgive me for this, but here goes my favorite tracks...I might just recommend them all...well almost!

Beautiful Day - sweet pop, tasty production

Yellow Blues - recalls a folk rock swagger

Down Again - confessional with Beatlesque flourishes

Nothin' Better To Do - a new anthem, I can see the whole audience singing along with beer hoisted

Feelin' Good - ya got to remember it doesn't take more than intent to be happy

Middle Of The Night - eureka, it's where you find yourself

She's So Fine - this one rocks

Racing In The Streets - Soulful stuff, perfect choice of tunes to cover

-With love from Jessie Scott

At the risk of confusing you with similar names, we bring you a review from Melissa McClelland, she of a voice like a  cool breeze, produced by her husband  Luke Doucet. Her new album "Victoria Day" celebrates all kinds of rootsy Americana flavors: a mélange of country, big band, jazz, with a rock and roll sensibility. And of course, anything we can do to bring more women into the spotlight, we are all about that. She recently took a road trip on Route 66 from Chicago to The Santa Monica Pier, which was chronicled for a documentary called "Pedal To Steel." Her new album is available on her website, as well as iTunes. Check out these tracks.

A Girl Can Dream - stripped down soft shoe blues

Glenrio - take a jaunty walk

God Loves Me - haunting gospel

Victoria Day (April Showers) - yum! my favorite track on the album

Victoria Day (May Flowers) - honky tonky part deux

I Blame You - incongruous influences on this great American songbook style track

Brake - heartbreakingly beautiful in its simplicity

-With love from Jessie Scott