BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN, “Streets of Minneapolis” (Columbia). Conceived, written, and recorded in less than a week, Bruce Springsteen cuts to the heart of the crisis in Minneapolis, Minnesota with on-the-nose lyrics and the defiance that produced tunes like “Born in the U.S.A.” (That’s right, kids: it’s a protest song.) Not the most brilliant thing he’s ever written, but the song’s expeditious nature (the crisis is ongoing as these words are being written) speak to how close to this issue Springsteen feels. Like it or lump it, this tune will be hard to ignore. Put me under “like it.”

FLEA, “A Plea.” (Nonesuch Records) Best known as the bassist for the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Flea takes a minute to remind us of his complete musical background, flirting with jazz and showing off his impressive trumpet chops. It’s a great change of direction from his forthcoming album, Honora.

MATT BERNINGER, “Blue Monday” (Concord Records) The frontman for The National slipped a solo record past me last year. I’ll make up for that. Meanwhile, he has taken a swing at covering a New Order classic, with positive results. The vocal ranges are all but identical, but Berninger gives the song a National-esque indie vibe. It’s a nice update.

VESTIGE, State of Mind (11431038 Records DK). Silky smooth R&B with occasional cool hip-hop backbeats and vocals destined for the “Quiet Storm.” The technical term is “Baby-Making” music. Valentines Day is coming. Might I offer you the soundtrack?

HINTOF, “Orbital Orchid” (Hintof Sound) The song title elicits fascinating visual images, and the music fits right in with it. A tasty bit of ethereal electronica with a subtle, but nasty groove to it. Three minutes is far too little!

BUSH!DO, Blvck Orchid (Bush!do). A nice collection of chill, electronic hip-hop grooves that sit back well in the cut (or whatever the kids say these days). A relatively short release (less than 40 minutes), but it offers more than a few tone and groove colors to explore.

#cirdecsongs

If you would like to have your music reviewed or your band photographed while in Chicago, contact me at cirdecsongs@gmail.com