Although I probably would have latched onto this in the old days, my musical tastes have changed considerably. I’m not as appreciative of these loud, electric, driving beats as I used to be. But, I do have to keep an open mind and pick out those cuts that actually spoke to me.

“Motorcycle” was still a little on the rocky side for me, but, I must say that I enjoyed the echo-type vocals, and something about it was rather upbeat.

Now, “27th & Madison” was a cut that I could actually close my eyes and feel some kind of emotion. I couldn’t catch the words, really, but this was a slower piece that actually conveyed a rather melancholy vibe. This was definitely my favorite.

The rest of this CD was pretty much out of my league. I found it difficult to follow any lyrics, except the title line of “All Strung Out,” which I find depressing. If you’re into harder rock, screaming lyrics, and a busy guitar, give it a listen.

Personally, I had a hard time connecting. I was just beginning to enjoy the final cut with its low-key sound and quiet vocals, when it began to blare! It was like listening to the soothing sound of chirping birds in the morning, when suddenly the alarm goes off. I prefer the birds.

I must say that first impressions do make a difference when it comes to hearing a CD for the first time. “Send Your Blue Skies,” the first cut, has what I call that “happy music” sound, not to mention that the vocals put me in mind of local artists Tony Perry 3 (and I’m a huge Glen Smith fan).

The combination of acoustic guitar and vocal harmony throughout the CD makes it very easy on the ears (i.e., relaxing), even though most of the tracks are fast-paced. And the instrumentals — particularly the guitars — are just fabulous!

The whole CD just sounded so “fun” to record. “Lexington Pig Race Groove” is a real hoot and a holler, and “Augusto the Giant, the Farmer, and His Wife” seemed to be a chance for the musicians to toy around with rhythms and melodies all the way through. The final cut, “Free in the Mind,” is an eleven-minute piece that gave me the mental picture of the whole band winding down in a final jam session. This cut was more electric than acoustic, but it still had a somewhat soothing effect and really rounded out the CD with a “finale,” so to speak.

If you’re looking for something a little uplifting with a good quality musical foundation, Into the Woods has a star beside it in my book!

Give me some of that sweet stuff suga’ … Who Gives Ya Candy serves up a diverse menu selection ranging from hard driving electrical vigor to sweet acoustic ballads without the risk of cavities.

Nowhere Quick delivers a compilation of songs worthy of singing in the shower or easy kickin’ back and relaxin’ pieces with meaningful lyrics that relate to everyday life … ok, “Don’t Have a Damn Clue” hits closer to home for some than others.

A surprising bonus in the middle of the CD, “The Player” offers a toe tappin’, finger snappin’ horn section showcasing a jazzy blend of musical styles.

The Harrisburg-based trio demonstrates a seemingly easy versatility with an upbeat, “feel good” kinda image. Their production quality, 4-song EP promises to pound out more electric hard edges than their self-produced debut CD.

The Rosenbergs pound out a 60’s power pop sound “Soaked in Polyester” social consciousness of the 90’s. (when do you get ever get to do a polyester analogy like that?)

“Ameripop” plunges the listener into a diverse pool of gritty lyrics: “I woke up today after 3 hours of sleep and I could have sworn I was a samarai” and harmonically corners the market on “oogly chick appeal” with songs like “Paris Morning”.

Drenched in to die for faux-brit vocals, eliciting a twinge of envy from the likes of Austin Powers … oooh, baby … this cd is shaggable!

With an electric sound pleasantly blurred with flowing guitar and synthesizer riffs, it’s no surprise that this smokin’ hot New York ensemble boasts gen-x targeted shows such as Party of Five and Dawson’s Creek among their musical credits.

Tell ya what I really think?