Lisa Richards

With a stunning, crystal clear voice, this new Austin resident (from Australia via New York City) creates an evocative mood piece on her fourth album. Recorded in Brooklyn, N.Y., with Tim Bright and in Austin with Craig Ross, "Mad Mad Love" sounds immaculately conceived, a big production sound untouched by major label dollars. The merger of Lou Reed's "Satellite Of Love" into the title track is especially exquisite.The record derails slightly when Richards switches to rock mode on "Whose Chain" in the fourth slot. I would've let the ethereality roll on a little longer before tamping on Edie Brickell and the Cranberries territory. Her cover of the blues number "Rags and Old Iron" makes more sense, draining the down and dirty out of the ditty with her pristine pipes. If you've become a fan of Corrine Bailey Rae and want a slice of that sweet, slinky soul a little closer to home, try out this one at the listening station.- Michael CorcoranRichards wrote 10 of the dozen songs on her local debut CD, Mad Mad Love, a charming grab bag of folky pop that turns on a dime to bluesy rock enhanced by the tough sweetness of her voice. "Lisa Richards sounds like the bastard child of Bjork and Annie Lennox"Kim FowleyProducer