I am a music critic. The blogcritics bug has hit me. My first effort is with James Taylor.

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We could be friends. We are almost the same age. I have listened to him since college. One likes to see one's friends do good work. October Road is good work. James has made db happy.

The new James Taylor CD came out on Tuesday. I had to buy it immediately. I started listening and haven't stopped. The CD feels so familiar despite having new songs.

If you do not like James Taylor already, then this CD will not convert you. Fans will rejoice. October Road has 12 songs (11 new to me - everyone has heard "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas"). My favorites (as of this moment) are "Caroline I See You", "September Grass", "October Road", "On the 4th of July" and "Mean Old Man". The production focuses on James' voice and his excellent musicians (including James on guitar). The songs are vehicles for James' expressiveness and storytelling.

At least one review that I read rated this better than any work he has done over the last decade. I will agree with that reviewer, the CD has variety and depth. Each song works, and they are not all alike. Fans will hear songs that they think they've heard before, but they are new songs.

I look forward to continued listening without boredom. Thanks friend for bringing your sweet sounds into my home.