Fabian Marshall – The Red Hounds Of Valparaiso (Ribstone) With a cover that represents the absolute best / worst of cheesy tat; dogs in 3-D glasses, sombreros, ‘50s line drawings of lady sailors and ironic Virgin Marys, it comes as a minor shock that Fabian Marshall (a band – not a person) take their music very seriously. The Red Hounds Of Valparaiso (there they go again) occasionally wanders perilously close to Jack Johnson territory, but their summery inclinations are tempered by an Albertan location and prairie vistas. Their influences (Bob Marley, Ella Fitzgerald and Paul Simon are all prominently mentioned on their MySpace page) are all present and correct, and it’s an easy collection of songs to enjoy, a real kick-back record to soak into at the end of the day. www.myspace.com/fabianmarshallmusic Sandra G. Next