$14.98 (list price), Funky Lo-Fi Pop, Asthmatic Kitty

Basic Story: Known for his production skills and his ability to write jingles for television commercials, Rafter returns with his sophomore album.

Sample: "When everyone is gone/ and you are all alone/ turn on your TV/ your special magic TV/ that says I've got news for you/ the world is black and blue/ and tired of being abused."

Verdict: When any musician lists their influences to include Guided By Voices, R Stevie Moore, Fela Kuti and Lightning Bolt, you know you're in for something out of the ordinary - precisely what Rafter seems to be all about. His voice sounds incredibly similar to his labelmate Ray Raposa of the Castanets, which is a good thing, but musically, it's hard to pinpoint an exact theme. The songs are as catchy as the ideas are scattered but the album's lack of cohesiveness turns out to be one of its most redeeming qualities.