Daily Correspondent

Album: “Romance: Songs From The Heart”

Artist: Frank Sinatra

Label: Capitol

Release: Jan. 16

It’s nearing Valentine’s Day once again, and romance is in the air, or in this case, on the airwaves. Carried by the unforgettable voice of Ol’ Blue Eyes himself, the recently released compilation “Romance: Songs From The Heart” includes numerous hits from Sinatra’s prime as well as hit musical numbers. They are all done a great deal of justice with the unparalleled voice of Frank Sinatra and his quilt of styles such as vocal jazz, pop, swing and big band. A certain staple of the album is the ever-popular “Cheek to Cheek.” Made popular by its appearance in the movie “Top Hat,” performed by none other than Fred Astaire, Irving Berlin’s composition takes flight once again with a bouncy rhythm that mimics the fancy footwork of Astaire and Rogers: “Heaven/ I’m in heaven/ and my heart beats so that I can hardly speak.” Words that have been immortalized in movies like “Top Hat” as well as the movie “The Green Mile,” now find the spotlight again in this continuation of Frank Sinatra’s epic career, long after his passing.

By Chelsea DeSousa

Daily Correspondent

Album: “Beautiful Awakening”

Artist: Stacie Orrico

Label: Virgin Records

Release: Import only, some tracks available on iTunes and MySpace

This week I chose Stacie Orrico’s new album, “Beautiful Awakening.” The album is Orrico’s second with Virgin Records. Her self-titled first album produced two Top Ten singles, “(There’s Gotta Be) More To Life” and “Stuck.” After taking a three-year break to rediscover herself, Orrico is back with a soulful album that speaks volumes about her life and what is most important to her. She sings about a breakup in the catchy single “I’m Not Missing You,” and croons to a lover in the slow, lullaby-like “Dream You.” The track I appreciated most was “So Simple.” I enjoyed the smooth sound and overall message about being unmaterialistic and appreciating the small pleasures in life. Check out “Beautiful Awakening” and let the soulful songs unwind you after a long day.

By Ann Grey

Daily Correspondent

Album: “Centuries Before Love and War”

Artist: Stars of Track and Field

Label: Wind-up

Release: Jan. 16

Stars of Track and Field’s first album varies from their debut “EP” in that it has gone from having a bass player to a digital player. Upgrade? I think maybe. Surprisingly, this new digital addition doesn’t make me want to do the robot. The album’s sound is multidimensional, bringing strong beats and electronic sounds to the classic band trio of guitar, drums and vocals.

The album begins with “Centuries,” a song that does a fine job encompassing the full album’s flavor. It begins with a digitized sound and heavy beat, only to be interrupted by piano and harmonizing vocals. It climaxes into an all-out rocking guitar solo.

Stars of Track and Field displays fine musicianship and mixing knowledge. They have strong guitars, nice drumbeats and two very capable vocalists. The music is easy to listen to but does not lack intensity in words. The songs are poetry in motion – some tracks are light in sound and feel, others are almost torrid and restless.

“Centuries Before Love and War” is a unique musical equation adding sweet alternative to electronic influence, making Stars a band appealing to those looking to expand their musical horizons.

By Denise Roberg

Daily Correspondent

Album: “Beverley Mitchell”

Artist: Beverley Mitchell

Label: Word Entertainment

Release: Jan. 23

Who woulda thunk it? Many of us watched Beverley Mitchell grow up as Lucy Camden on The WB’s hit show “7th Heaven.” Earlier this week, Mitchell released her debut album and good news: She can actually sing, unlike many others actresses who think they can be singers – I won’t mention any names, Paris Hilton. Mitchell co-wrote several of the songs for her self-titled album, which has been described as country music with a California flare. Mitchell’s voice is soft and relaxing, especially in her slower ballads “Angel” and “Dream Like We’re Gonna Live Forever.” One of my favorite tracks is the upbeat “Good Girls” with the straightforward lyrics, “Good girls wanna get crazy sometimes too.” A lot of the songs cause me to reminisce about younger, carefree days. Mitchell will lift your spirit and brighten your mood with her lighthearted lyrics. It is very easy to get lost in the moment when listening to her serene vocals.

By Bill Cleary

Daily Staff Writer

Album: “Cocktail Mixxx”

Artist: Revolting Cocks

Label: Megaforce

Release: Available on iTunes, CD release March 6

Revolting Cocks, a side project of Ministry’s Al Jourgensen, was thought for many years to have been abandoned. Last year, however, saw the release of “Cocked and Loaded,” spawning this collection of remixes. The tracks all have the same basic structure: Loops used as a background to set synthesizer effects and samples against. The music is a bit simple and repetitive, yet heavy, abrasive and dark, making up in atmosphere what it lacks in structure. The band’s sleazy brand of humor shows in the song titles, such as “Pole Grinder (It Hurts When I Piss Mix)” and “Viagra Culture (Fat Juicy Hog Mix).” The Dead Kennedys’ former vocalist, Jello Biafra, provides vocals on several tracks, bringing his satirical rantings to an industrial environment. Overall, I think this record is a good purchase for industrial fans, but will probably put off most other listeners.