February 2002's Best New CDs

Josh Clayton-Felt - Spirit Touches Ground

Listening to this CD is a bittersweet experience. It's sweet because Spirit Touches Ground is such a good recording, but bitter because we won't be hearing anything else from Josh Clayton-Felt, who died of cancer a couple of years ago at the age of 32. Back in the early 90s he was the frontman for the alt-rock group School of Fish, and also released a solo album a few years ago. Spirit Touches Ground is hook-laden pop music intertwined with great guitar work. The songs are melodic, the lyrics clever, and the production flawless. It's a shame such a talented artist was taken so young.

Web Link: http://www.joshclayton.com

Comet Gain - Realistes

The British indie-pop group Comet Gain is doing it backwards. Usually a group's first CD is raw, and they get more polished with each release. Not so here. Realistes is their most lo-fi and unpolished CD to date. It's also one of their best. Lead vocals are shared by Rachel Evans and David Feck, with a guest appearance by Bikini Kills' Kathleen Hanna on one track. The songs on Realistes are rough and aggressive, but they are definitely pop at the core. The opening song "The Kids At the Club" kicks complete ass, and Comet Gain doesn't let up for the rest of the CD. A stellar effort.

http://www.killrockstars.com/bands/comet...

Louise Goffin - Sometimes A Circle

You've probably seen and heard her in the Gap commercial with her mom, Carole King, and now Louise Goffin emerges from a 14 year hiatus with her finest recording to date. Sometimes A Circle is her fourth album, and first since 1988. Goffin's voice is sweet and pure, with a style that could be compared to Aimee Mann or Lisa Loeb. She's come a long way from her new wave style of the late 70s and early 80s, both musically and lyrically. Musically, Sometimes A Circle ranges from classic piano and vocal to songs with a very modern vibe. Lyrically, Goffin weaves compelling tales that chronicle her thoughts and experiences. Hopefully we won't have to wait another 14 years for her next release.

Web Link: http://www.louisegoffin.com/

G-Spot - Experience the Pleasure

G-Spot is a female fronted New York City pop/rock band with a cool name and an even cooler sound. They move easily between contemporary and retro, with lead singer Gail Silverman sounding

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