Our pal Andy Axel sent us a great new CD called "One Opens Up" by Sigmon. I've given it a few listens, and I like it a lot. It's smart, grown-up, expertly crafted, sometimes edgy sometimes trippy pop that engages your sensibilities instead of assaulting your senses.

There are songs about life changes ("Leaving Day", "Angels in White") that are refreshingly hopeful and without the usual regret or bitterness. Well, except maybe "Feels like a Finger", not sure about the sentiment of that one. There's also social commentary ("Millennium Man") and philosophical introspective ("Possibility", "Between the I's) with a little spirituality thrown in ("My Real Address").

I hate to compare an artist to others ("sounds like" always seems to get me in trouble) so I'll just note that Sigmon's music has lots of subtle and fun influences spanning decades of styles. It "sounds like", well, Sigmon. If you like what you hear on XM's Cafe or maybe The Loft, you'll probably like this. North Georgia based Sigmon is a remarkably talented singer, songwriter and instrumental performer, who wrote, produced, arranged, and performed almost everything on the album. Check it out.

FOR MORE INFO: Visit Matthew Sigmon's website, where you can listen to samples, learn more about the artist, and buy the CD. Bonus: you can also get it at I-Tunes.