MUSIC SCENE
Nicole Atkins
MUSIC REVIEWED BY BOB JONES

Neptune City - Columbia Records

The term chamber pop has been used to describe many artists, but with its lush string arrangements, the term truly applies to

Neptune City, Nicole Atkins' debut album. It has such universal appeal that adult contemporary listeners and indie rock fans will find common ground. Columbia Records has put its muscle and money behind this

new artist, and it's no wonder that Rolling

Stone calls her someone to watch. Now on tour with Chris Isaak, Atkins is a perfect complement to him, sharing his wide vocal range. She sounds a bit like early K.D. Lang but with maybe a bit more femininity. The first song, "Maybe Tonight" sounds like it could have come from an old Disney film when it opens, but when Atkins' vocals kick in it's a strong, upbeat contemporary ballad. "Brooklyn's on Fire" starts with what sounds like a Sgt. Pepper string cacophony but quickly leaps into a love song for her adopted home town of Brooklyn. It's filled with a chorus of singers supporting Atkins' strong singing, making it the most rocking song on the record. Neptune City is a debut album that has maturity rarely found in an artist's first shot out of the gate. Bob Jones is the founder of Silver Platter CDs EST1998 in Fort Myers. For more

info or to suggest music, email recordreviews@comcast.net