Recalling a time of trust and innocence, Marty Penrose’s “My Side of the Merri” is dewy-eyed nostalgia at its best.

Tol-Puddle Martyrs’ fine and interesting ‘Brainfade’ is commercial enough for the masses, but cool enough to march to its own cadence.

Stephanie Angelini masters a mix of genres with ease and eloquence on ‘Life Lessons,’ displaying an honest love for music.

Sounding very much like themselves while incrementally reinventing themselves, The Necks’ constant tweaking of their formula keeps the music fresh and full of fascination. ‘Body’ nudges the band forward on their long, highly rewarding journey.

Until the new album from the Initiative arrives later this year, we are fortunate to be treated to songs like Joe Mandica’s heart-tugging “Unexpectedly.”

Keenly chiseled and immediately accessible, the Tol-Puddle Martyrs’ “One Drop In the Ocean” is a delightful slice of radio-friendly pop rock.

Glowing with beauty and lushness, Stephanie Angelini’s “A Secret Smile” whets the appetite for more great music.

Intelligent, driven and mellifluous, Rose’s lifelong relentless pursuit of excellence within jazz comes out on ‘Within and Without,’ starting with the attractively propulsive number “Afensou.”

Garage-beat nuggets from Toni McCann, the Pogs and others are showcased on an interesting collection from Australia’s Festival Records vaults.

Memory of Elements’ ‘Now Noise’ is an album with so much going on that you’ll need more than one listen to fully appreciate it.