I'm not even going to attempt to give a short version of the Silver Lake 66 bio. Suffice it to say that Maria Francis and Jeff Overbo have been through just about everything imaginable, and they're still together making music. That miracle is likely the main cause of the wonderfulness that is this album.

Silver Lake 66 Ragged Heart (self-released)

The songs on this album have a timeless, timeworn quality. Drawing from just about every aspect of the roots side of americana, Francis and Overbo spin tales of love, time spent, time earned and joy. The better ones work in all that and more. All that laid over some of the most effortlessly engaging music I've heard in ages.

Ever hear a song and think, "Now THAT is how you do it!" There are a lot of those here. Francis and Overbo have stripped all the unnecessary crap from their lyrics and music, and these streamlined pieces shine like cut jewels.

Achieving such an off-handed glory is hard work, of course. Experience helps, too. Everything comes together on this album, which is easily one of the finest and loveliest I've heard all year.

Jon Worley