Rose Melberg: Portola

Portland singer/guitarist Rose Melberg has provided sweet vocals to such bands as Tiger Trap, Go Sailor, and The Softies. And while no one would debate the talent of the musicians in those bands, that voice is the main reason each has a die-hard cult following. Portola is a collection of Melberg's odds and ends, recorded between 1994 and 1997 either alone or with the help of a few friends. Five of the album's eleven songs are covers that nicely display where her sensibilities lie: Melberg easily fills in the blanks between '60s pop and country, crossing from The Byrds ("Mr. Spaceman") and The Beatles ("I Will") to Buck Owens and Rose Maddox ("Loose Talk"). Her originals (two of which were written for Tiger Trap) are just as infectious and touching as those of her influences. It's easy to get caught up in Melberg's simple tales of love and heartache, because she presents them as everyday scenarios with unpretentious lyrics that are easily deciphered. Melberg's breezy singing style seems effortless, as she melds pretty harmonies with simple melodies to produce dreamy, heartfelt pop. If only it were so effortless, though, because then more artists would follow in her footsteps. Portola is overflowing with charm and pathos, and it should win over all but the coldest and hardest of people. (Double Agent, 188 E. 64th St., #3204, New York, NY 10021)