Various Artists: New Arrivals: Volume 1 / New Arrivals Voume 2

These two CDs of relatively unknown musicians were compiled by MPress Records’ founder Rachael Sage. She chose the contents from over 1,000 submissions. The sound is mainly Americana, without anything too overly abrasive. Each disc also includes a few familiar names. Jill Sobule, for instance, contributes “Jet Pack” to volume two, and Melissa Ferrick adds “Closer” to the first CD. Even Sage herself can be heard on volume two performing “Lonely Streets”. There’s a lot of fine talent contained within, which proves that the singer/songwriter art is very much alive and well. Who knows, the next spokesperson for our generation might be among these newbies.