Bill Friskics-Warren has the perfect job:  He spends his time listening to all genres of music and interviewing artists for a living. A writer and music critic, he has written music reviews in such noteworthy publications as The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Village Voice, to name but a few. Last week, he was interviewed on National Public Radio to discuss the theme of his latest book. Most recently, he was Music Editor for The Nashville Scene; he and his wife reside in the music mecca of Nashville. Recently, he made the transition to freelance writer.

"Ode to Sunshine"
Delta Spirit
Rounder Records

Delta Spirit is a small, modest San Diego quintet, whose album, "Ode to Sunshine," is an album that features some of the most contagious and memorable melodies of the year.  Folk, soul, Southern rock, and Indie rythyms are integrated with sparkling character on their debut album, which is one of the best   of 2008.

A cross between the Violent Femmes, Bob Dylan, and a modern-day version of the Rolling Stones, Delta Spirit is committed to music-making. Their eleven exquisite tracks were recorded in a cabin in the woods of Southern California in one week, and their unique sound brings fluidity to the album's tracks. Songs feel like a front porch jam between best friends.

As "Ode to Sunshine" spins on, you realize that this is music is extraordinary, free of egos and posturing. For instance, the piano that leads through “Trashcan,” seems to blend effortlessly with the radiant vocals of Delta Spirit's lead singer, Matt Vasquez. The rest of the band plays and picks up the refrain, while swirling guitar wrap up the the song, icing the cake. “House Built for Two” is set to a soft waltz rhythm, while “Streetwalker” splashes into your ears, complete with cymbals and an insistant full-throttle guitar solo.

There’s plenty good amount of foot-stompin' testifying going on, as well. My favorite track, “People C’mon,” begns with a rocking guitar and Vasquez’ firing up all to join in his feeling.  Every moment on this album is compelling, and whether they’re working with harmonicas, trashcan lids, slide guitars, pianos, strings, or trumpets, Delta Spirit gives it their all.

With a limitless heart, as well as their music, Delta Spirit and "Ode to Sunshine" provide an example that all is not lost in contemporary music.