Sometime between five and eight years ago, I was doing my more or less weekly jaunt to Recycle Records that I’d done since 1985, may it rest in peace.---

The moment I walked in, Dean handed me an album and said, “You need to buy this album, and she’s from here.”

I looked at the CD -- it was Your Mouth by Monique Lanier. I trusted Deano enough that I just bought the album, even before a pre-listening.

After listening to this wonderful album, I did my regular research. I discovered that Monique was also an actress; best known for 22 episodes of playing Page Thatcher in the TV show Life Goes On.

I got wind that she was playing at a club that I think it was named Shakey's at the time. I went to the concert and actually got to meet Monique. Several months later, I got invited to a concert of Monique that was at a private residence. Sometime during the evening, I got to talk to Monique and she gave me one of the biggest hugs I’ve ever had. I’m a kind of cards-on-the-table guy, and yes, I had a big crush on Monique.

This is the crux of the piece. Buy her album; I think you’ll love it. I sure as hell am not giving up my copy. The album can only be purchased on Amazon. But let’s root for the home team. It really is a gorgeous album ... as gorgeous as its singer.