One of the best things about loving music are those times when music surprises you, catches you off guard and reminds you what it really means to you. A friend turns you onto a CD or band that "really is that good," or you stumble across a sampler that you love every track on, or you roam into a Borders. . .

Most years, thanks to Albert Hammond, it only rains a few times in Los Angeles, this year we're getting a bit more than usual. This past Friday was no exception, when I ducked out of the film noir night, to properly arrange the CD section [Hey, they don't check often and you can showcase artists that you feel need attention for months before they're returned to retail oblivion] and pick up the latest copy of No Depression magazine, when a gentle strum caught my ear. Now, I've heard some fun stuff in Borders over the years, so I walked over - the voice and guitar work capturing long before I caught sight of the tiny blonde, sitting behind a Martin (almost as big as she was). Her name - Hope Behrken - the lead singer for the L.A.-based Mela Roos. The half-dozen, or so Borders shoppers who stopped to listen were treated to an amazing intimate unplugged (& un-miked) set by a magnificent singer/songwriter who combines the best of Amy Correa and K T Tunstall. Songs ranging form heartbreak to eating disorders, deserve to be heard. The only thing that kept me from dragging the coffee crowd over, was I didn't want to miss any of Hope's set. Now, I haven't heard Mela Roos, but after hearing Hope solo, I can't imagine she'd perform with anyone who sucked. You can hear both the band and Hope's songs on their MySpace pages - www.melaroos.com - takes you there. They are playing at The Key Club in West Hollywood on April 28th @ 8:45 pm. Treat yourself, go. Have I ever steered you wrong?

Oh yeah, music can surprise you, and boy am I glad it does.