Staff pick of the week...
This week...Angie picks it!

Artist: Gina Villalobos Title: Rock 'n' Roll Pony Price: $11.25	Tracks on this CD:
	California
	Not Enough
	Why
	What I'd Give
	We Got It Slow
	Fooling Around
	Put The Message In The Box
	I'm Alright
	So Much For Dying
	Faded
	Trying To Find You
	Can't Come Down

Gina Villalobos - Rock N' Roll Pony CD

...I pick this cd not because Gina is one of my favorite people in the world, or because we've played several shows together, or because we sang on each others cd's (see track #6) but because it is without a doubt an Americana masterpiece. Rock N' Roll Pony also includes a cover of the World Party song "Message In A Box"...perfect. I've listed some of my favorite press blurbs from Gina's recent reviews to give you an idea of what people are saying...do a sense a critics darling?

"She is not a Lucinda Williams wanna-be, nor is she a Chrissie Hynde knockoff. The fact that critics are reaching into such considerable artistic territory to find fitting accolades for Villalobos is an indication of just how good she really is."
-PopMatters.com

"...Villalobos combines the rootsy Americana of Lucinda Williams with the straight up rock of the Stones circa 1970, wrestling with Ryan Adams...."
-Nashville Scene

"Patti Smith backed by "Exile On Main Street" era Rolling Stones, or Chrissie Hynde knocking around with Uncle Tupelo"
-Champaign News Gazette

LA singer songwriter Gina Villalobos is back with sophomore effort "Rock N Roll Pony"... "...so much for dying and resting forever..." her lyrics come off as effortlessly as speaking in tongues fever dream in the middle of a straight tequilla night. Gina's music reminds us that the grimy honky tonk sway of primal rock and roll can be the perfect vehicle for the best of songs, the kind that convey the paradox of being happy and sad that the same time. Despite the moments of refreshing optimism on "Rock N Roll Pony", there is an underlying theme of anxiety in these songs. In true Gemini form they blast into ecstasy through blow-the-top-of-your-head-off melodic hooks and shameless guitar parts that bring you right back into certain cathartic 70s nostalgia - a hormonal twelve year old on her first visit to a Malibu canyon honky tonk perhaps. Despite the flashbacks, Gina's dirty-country-rock avoids the kitch factor of many recent new bands. This is because underneath it all, these are serious songs, redemptive songs, songs you don't just want to hear but need to hear. If you're depressed, her music is way better than(name that drug you tweaked out on.)"