Ann Klein is a guitarist that we have written above a couple of times before. As a testament to her capabilities, Klein has performed with Joe Gallant's Illuminati and has played lead guitar for Joan Osborne. Her latest effort, For the Love of Love, offers further evidence of her considerable talent. Musically, it is hard to pigeonhole Klein, but that's mostly a plus. Her music is a hybrid of sounds--classic rock and pop, alternative, progressive and blues influences find their way into her intelligent, slightly off-kilter songs. Her guitar playing is inventive and free of clichés, and her song writing is surprisingly original. Although not a great vocalist, she is a commanding singer.

Most of the songs don't jump out at you, but rather envelop you with repeated plays. The sultry, sexy tones of "My Gun" would be hailed as a classic if the song was by Chrissie Hynde, and that's not to mention the splendid slide guitar embellishments. "Man-Bait" opens the album and shows Klein's sense for both cutting lyrics and visceral guitar. She gets eerie textures and tones, and doesn't apply the rule "the more notes the better." Other standouts are the gritty, bluesy "Disconnected" and the "Man-Bait Reprise," which is actually eight minutes of the most adventurous guitar work you are likely to hear this year. In a perfect world, Klein would be a big star, but I'm sure this talented artist will settle for less. Be the first one on your block!