MUSIC

It's no easy task to mix anthemic rock rhythms, dark, heart-worn ballads and giddy pop, but Curtis -- "a folk-pop goddess" according to the New Yorker -- does so with disarming ease. Catie has always been a pop-leaning writer in folk clothing -- both musically engaging and lyrically risky. The vivid songwriting of Catie Curtis combines insightful lyrics with addictive melodies and energy. Over the years, Curtis' many fans have requested stripped down versions of her classic songs, capturing the spirit and intimacy of her live shows. With Hello Stranger, named one of the top ten folk CDs of 2009 by the Boston Globe, Curtis achieves that career goal.