Now I'm ruined

I'm like a teenager caught in the grip of first-time-lust. But without the night time emissions! I am crazy for the new Norah Jones CD.

I am a fan of Norahs from way back. In fact, during the ball of fire's early years, I would often put "Come Away With Me" in the CD player when we traveled somewhere. The low melodic timber of her voice coupled with the sway of the car would knock that kid out like a light every time.

Her second album, "Feels Like Home" is also good, but almost too slow and maudlin for my taste.

Enter her newest tome, "The Fall." Mix in a little Johnny Cash, maybe a dash of Janis Joplin and a swirl of Billie Holiday and you have one hell of a good album.

She put together a new backing group that has worked with such artists as Erykah Badu, Al Green, Elvis Costello and Tito and Tarantula. That's a wide sweep of some amazing musical styles. Her guitarist Marc Ribot has a twang that fits in that smooth groove between your eyes and your brain, making that oh-so-mellow feeling that only good music can offer.

If you have any penchant for blues or blue grass, please pick this one up. Then put it on every night while you drink sweet glasses of wine and make dinner with someone you love very much.

Maybe even dance in the living room a little.