Actually, I'd give it 3 and half stars, not just 3.

I was a commercial broadcaster for over 23 years and have listened to a TON of different music, indie, mainstream, and many different genres.

Having said that, I also want to mention that I don't play an instrument or write tunes, and THAT, in my mind, makes everything I say next subject to the "grain of salt rule".

It's simple: I liked the disc. Kelly has a rich, distinctive voice that covers a lot of stylistic ground.

I hear everything from rockabilly/folk to light jazz and most things in between throughout the disc. A lot of the songs are personal, heartfelt and moving, and the band invests each piece with emotion and muscle.

A lot of the time when an indie band does a cover tune, the cover tune winds up being the most solidly written piece on the disc. Although the cover of "Brand New Key" is a great remake (more like a reinvention), it's the originals that made me want to listen to the disc again.

I find with most good discs that you keep finding things to like on successive spins and this disc was no exception.

The production is a little light - as is the case with most indie or quasi-indie recordings, a little more "oomph" (technical music term) in the bottom end of things would have been nice.

Overall, I recommend this to anyone who likes songs written with a "folky" lyric flow" (meaning things actually go from one verse to the next as opposed to say...a Daft Punk song), but who likes the musical flavour to vary.

Also a big thumbs up to the best and cutest little music store on the web!
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I think this cd includes about everything you need in one small package.
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Kelly's Voice is Amazing. She can be light and fun in Black and Blue and deep like in Broken Man.
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Kelly's Lot makes a statement right out of the blocks with "Black and Blue". Crisp, clear and precise vocals only head the songs. Backing Kelly Zirbes up is Thomas Richter on lead, Sebastian Sheehan on drums, Chris Robertson on Bass and Perry Robertson on Rhythm. Perry's production completely shows through - it's not often that all the instruments/percussion are heard on every track. TEST DRIVE does not have a bad track, just degrees of greatness. "Just You" is a wonderful change of pace from the first two tracks, more southern rock than the heavy country/folk influences of the album. But, let's not stop there! For example, "Love Has Wings" is very melodic and the lyrics are thoughtful and inspiring. "Living Inside Her" is proof positive of what Miss Zirbes and Kelly's Lot can do - a total crossover of genres. From southern rock to ska to pop, this song has it all! Last, but not least, is "Back to L.A.". The addition of Bill Johnston on saxophone shows the band's willingness to explore their creative ideas. And just when you thought you heard it all comes "Close My Eyes". It has an old world flamingo flavor that puts you into the streets of Madrid.
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