Who: Carbon Leaf  “Love Loss Hope Repeat”

Sounds like: REM, David Gray

Is it any good: Instantly likeable vocals and instrumentation, with sunny, positive songs that are actually songs, rather than vehicles to jam on in concert. The seventh and most accomplished album yet by this Richmond band who’s lead singer, Barry Privett comes from Hampton Roads. There’s no song like “The Boxer” which gained them national attention a few years ago and may have pigeon holed them as a quirky celtic-rock band, but a lot of soaring choruses and swirling guitar work. This album puts them right up there with Bruce Hornsby and DMB as one of the best to hail from the Commonwealth of Virginia. Great music to write home to Mom about.