A lot of people I know are always looking for good new music. Many are not impressed by new stuff and instead retreat to the comfortability of what they know and like. Nonetheless, sometimes there is some band, or some one, that comes along and is just so talented that they transcend social boundaries. A good example is John Mayer. People that dig so many types of music just dig his stuff. It goes down easy, kind of like expensive Vodka. Now, I'm not really a promotional kind of guy, but there is a new album out by a guy that is even more talented, and 100% less commercial, because each of his past two CDs have been self-financed. He does it because he loves the music. His name is Brian Vander Ark, and he's more like an 18-year-old single malt Scotch.

His website is www.brianvanderark.com Also, you can check out some of his music on Myspace.This former frontman and songwriter for the Verve Pipe is even more amazing in his solo career. His first album, Resurrection, put out independently, and available on his own website, was soon snapped up by Brash Records. It can now be found at most major retail music locations, including the iTunes music store. Not only a great melodic post-Beatles, post-grunge journey of music, this album offers searing lyrics of a relationship gone wrong and the stinging pain and hurt. Far from depressing, it is exactly that kind of record that says "I get your pain, because I've been there." It's completely brutal in its honesty and ability to tug at the heart. You can definiely hear that he put his soul into each song. Even if you don't listen to the words, the songs will still resonate in a way that makes each one stand above the rest out there.

Doing the near-impossible, Brian's follow-up studio album is even better than the first. Written in happier times (dedicated to his wife), Angel, put your face on is an amazing collection of pop songs that will please almost any listener. I find myself listening to the album over and over, even since I got it. Right now, it's only available at www.brianvanderark.com, but it is sure enough to get picked up by major labels soon. Although I have never seen him live, the songs I have downloaded of his live performances are amazing. (As was his album released last year, "Within Reach," that features just him and his guitar.) Brian Vander Ark is one of the unique talents in the music world. I really hope that this album brings him back under the spotlight for the music world. Even though he has been disenfranchised by "the industry," Brian deserves to reap enough profits from these albums so that he can keep playing as long as he feels the music. He's that good.

The bottom line is, if you like music. You need Angel, put your face on.