When my editor told me he started this bit, I was the happiest person of all. Not only because all CDs come through me first before they are assigned and the pile is as high as a New York skyscraper. But because that means more artists get some kind of coverage. So here’s to you, Mr. Pulling Orphans Off the Pile Man…..

NOTES FROM THE ORPHANAGE

Avi Granite: 5 (Pet Mantis Records)
Old school jazz with dirty horns and distored guitars. I’m going to go out on a limb here and say this is thinking man’s jazz. Or even better, jazz for the stoner in you. But no matter what you call it, guitarist Avi Granite and his band are incredibly talented musicians.

Sam I Am: Whatever’s Got You Down (Hopeless)
A pretty good rock band with pop and punk flavors, but the lead singer sounds like (and I can’t think of any other way to say this) Fred Flintstone. It’s like I keep waiting for him to shout “WIL-MA” in the middle of each song. Seriously, singer Jason Beebout is just too distracting to keep this thing in your CD player for very long.

Dirty on Purpose: Hallelujah Sirens (North Street)
This is the kind of guitar-driven alt-pop that is perfect for kids who want to chill out in college dorms or for radio stations anywhere below 90 on the dial. Some of it is downright depressing, but in a good way. Did I just contradict myself? I think I did. Well, check this album out and see if you disagree.

Mushroomhead: Savior Sorrow (Filthyhands/Megaforce)
This is the kind of stuff that Beavis and Butthead would raise index finger and pinky to. And while it rocks and screams like you would expect from this Cleveland metal band, the songwriting on the album is pretty damn good, too—particularly on “Simple Survival” and “Save Us.”

The Beautiful Girls: Water (Cornerstone RAS)
This is not a band of hot chicks, as you might expect, but rather it’s four dudes who make music that sounds like Jack Johnson mixed with a bit of G. Love & Special Sauce. It’s good stuff too, especially the title track; and lead singer/songwriter Mat McHugh has a compelling voice. Now, someone please pass me the marijuana.

Cute is What We Aim For: The Same Old Blood Rush With a New Touch (Fueled By Ramen)
A pretty good band with some pretty catchy songs if you like the sort of pop/punk in which the lead singer puts a clothes pin on his nose while singing. This is MTV bordering on VH-1. But for the love of God can we please stop with the long band names and long album titles? I mean, does anyone think this is a good band name? Why not call yourselves Sally Looked at Me in English Class and I Think I Got A Two By Four In My Pants?

Kristy Frank: Freedom (Ruffnation)
This is teen pop but with a rock edge, ala Michelle Branch. And what are they putting in the kids’ milk these days? Kristy, a California native who is part Swedish, is only FIFTEEN. And this album is surprisingly catchy and well produced. I smell an MTV darling.