It takes a certain quality of artist to really make a complete stranger stop and just listen to what you have to say. Laurel Brauns is one of the few who can do it, and she does it quite well.

Combining Irish American folk traditions in otherworldly ballads her lyrics are as moving as they are haunting. In her latest album Periphery she explores life and love, the gains and losses, the good times as well as the bad. Periphery marks the first of many albums from her new label, Red Trail Records, and was definitely a dream years in the making. Stationed in Portland, Ore., her accompaniment of strings, bass and piano can be attributed to Laurel’s new band, Queen Anne’s Lace.

Most notably is the track titled Backroads Stemming as a response to the events of 9/11 and the so-called war-on-terror that followed. This song has the perfect blend of political opinion and personal experience that it is practically impossible to tell the difference between the two. Periphery is currently available in stores from Red Trail Records and is a wise selection to buy for yourself, and for your friends.

What does one do when faced with great lyrics, a solid beat, tight vocals and an overall sense of connection? Enjoy yourself, that’s what you do. The Nadas, lead by Mike Butterworth, has just released their sixth album, Transceiver.

For these guys, its not about staying with any particular form of music, or following certain formulas and guidelines. They play what they like, and they like what they play. From the opening number Drowning, which carries a distinctive Ringo-esque beat, to the closer One More Chance, that hits you straight down to the very soul with its numbing pulse.

Hailed as being the greatest college band you’ve ever heard of, the Nadas have been spending the past four years touring non-stop around the country playing almost nightly to packed bars and clubs. You go to most any college town in this country and ask about them they’ll know who you’re talking about.

These guys have become big and not because of some T.V. show like “Making the Band” or “Popstars,” these guys did it the true, old-fashioned way: building up their fan base city by city. After all, if you have the music that moves the people, and you know how to play why would you need anything else?