Rebecca Rippy – Telling Stories (Independent) Co-produced with power pop legend Jamie Hoover (Spongetones, Don Dixon), Rebecca Rippy’s latest record was never going to be standard singer-songwriter fare. Telling Stories’ charm lies in its ability to change styles, vary tempos and engage the listener with songs that are both involving and as catchy as hell. There’s an upbeat honesty to much of the material, which brings to mind the great American singer-songwriters of the early 1970s. Hoover and Rippy keep the production lightweight and airy throughout, and her band keep it simple, never overwhelming the song, and playing to Rippy’s quirky strengths. “It’s October” kicks things off at considerable pace, just to make sure you’re paying attention, and to set the mood. “Trying To Make A Living” is a tale of financial woe set to a grin-inducing shuffle. Good stuff - I think I’ll be Spotifying her back catalogue. www.myspace.com.rebeccarippy Rob F. Rebecca Rippy & Co. – It’s October Next