In 2007, Jason Spooner released “The Flame You Follow,” and to this day, it remains one of my favorites — and I don’t just mean from a local musician. So when he sent me a copy of “Sea Monster,” I wondered if lightning could strike twice.

Two songs in, I had my answer and made sure I had rubber-soled shoes on.

“Sea Monster” was released at the end of October, and since then, Spooner and his bandmates — bassist Adam Frederick and drummer Reed Chambers — have spent more time on the road then off, playing dates all over the United States.

“Crashing Down” starts “Sea Monster” off with shades of David Gray’s “Babylon” in the first few measures, but then it’s all Spooner — a voice I never grow tired of. It has a distinct depth that resonates in my ears and brings me to places that few other voices do.

“Half a Mind” is a funky harmonica-laced number. “I’ve got half a mind to take my time and fall into temptation when the sun won’t shine,” declares Spooner, with his electric guitar whirring and harmonica blazing as Chambers’ drums are crashing and Frederick’s bass is going for gold.

I always say, if you’re choosing to record a cover, then choose wisely. This was the case on “The Flame You Follow,” when Spooner took Talking Heads’ “Slippery People” for a terrific spin. On “Sea Monster,” it’s Terence Trent D’Arby’s 1987 pop gem “Wishing Well,” and again Spooner and company don’t disappoint. With horns from Ryan Zoidis, Dave Noyes and Mark Tipton, the song is smooth and crisp.

The “radio single,” at least around these parts, is “Conspiracy Here,” with its catchy refrain and steady beat.

“Seed in the Ground” is one of my favorites. Guest musician and pedal steel virtuoso Bucky Baxter is on this one (with three other guests), and adds just the right amount of texture. Frederick’s bass has a life all its own on “Let it Go,” a foray into funky rock. Harmonica and horns get star billing in “Head Back Home,” which closes out the 12-song disc.

“Sea Monster” was produced by Spooner and Jon Wyman. It was recorded and mixed by Wyman and mastered by Adam Ayan at Gateway Mastering. Copies are available at Bull Moose or on iTunes, CDBaby and Amazon.com.

Aimsel Ponti is a Portland freelance writer. Contact her at:

aimselponti@yahoo.com