My Favorite CD of 2007

It's Sunday. A slow news day. So, I'll use this opportunity to tell you about my favorite CD of this year. It does happen to be by a friend in my hometown of Athens, GA, known for its music scene (B52s, Indigo Girls, R.E.M., to name a few).

The CD is Out of Place by Megan Baer. Baer wrote the songs on the album (except for an awesome cover of the Beatles' "Things We Said Today," and two traditional numbers) between age 19 and 35. They deal with love and loss, motherhood and self discovery and all are delivered by Baer's voice that is a sweet combination of Sarah McLachlan and Patsy Kline. Baer's partner, Michael Wegner (one of Athens' best and most ubiquitous musicians), beautifully backs up each song with guitar and vocal harmonies akin to the pairing of Gillian Welch and David Rawlings.

I approximate that I've listened to this album now one million times. No, really I have listened to it dozens of times and love it more each time. It's perfect Sunday morning music; Americana at its best. Check it out and see if you like it too.