Redbud is an authentic experience band, one that must be seen live to fully enjoy its energy, excitement and honest fun. It's a great dance band, plain and simple. But on those evenings when they're just not playing anywhere, the next best thing is to put on their new CD “Open Road.” “Open Road” is also enjoyably danceable. But more than that, it's an antidote to all the bad news that's so hard to escape these days. This CD offers delectable music and upbeat lyrics that chase away all the fear the media has been trying to scare up. Bummed about your life, your job, the economy? Give “SleepWakeDream” a listen or better yet, practice some positive visualization with melodic “Lottery.” Problems with your Significant Other? Try “Can't Give Up on You” or “Could Be Worse.” Just feeling general malaise and media-induced anxiety? How about “Ok/Alright” and “Have No Fear,” a suitable anthem for enduring the last regime. Strong beats and solid guitar maintain a splendidly robust foundation for the entire CD, but the styles, moods and vocals layered on top of them are delightfully varied. A flute floats over the melody line of “SleepWakeDream” giving an appropriately dreamy feeling. “Open Road” offers up some wistful guitar work, and “Bonobo” is spiced up by some rich percussion. There's rock and blues, some jazziness and a wee bit of funk, and it's all kick-off-your-shoes-and-dance happy. There's even a high school prom slow dance song, “Can't Give Up on You,” with the sweet and slow yearning sway that's ideal for holding your honey and your beer at the same time on the dance floor. Which – hey, things are getting better! – you're now old enough to do legally.