Stalker Songs comes to me as a follow-up to Camacho's previously-reviewed Trouble Doll. Based on that review, when I was contacted by Camacho's publicist, I did not hesitate to have the CD and press kit forwarded. This artist (and I mean that in the literal term) pens interesting lyrics, well-crafted songs, and catchy, though generally mellow, melodies. But before delving into the music, I must first pause and give credit for the ultra-cool packaging!

It is no secret that I'm a very tactile person. I've been caught on more than one occasion "petting" boys' chests or drooling over a super-soft pair of socks. I like things I can hold, examine, and experience. So I was delighted with the contents of this CD. The cover is actually a cardboard slipcover, the size of a DVD case, which has a look of leather with embossed title and small image of a skull, harkening the idea of a treasured piece of literature. Inside the cover, enfolded in red vellum, are individual lyric cards, the front of which are covered in artwork reflective of the song content. The CD itself is snapped onto its own card, with the reverse side displaying the track list. Yes, the tactile appetite has been assuaged.

Then there is Music: every bit as beautiful as I expected it to be. The lyrics are (not surprisingly) intriguing tales, building upon Camacho's innate ability to tell a story and put feelings into words - a talent that many believe they possess, but few actually occupy. He covers disturbing subjects such as "Stalker Song", which threatens, "You can cry all you want, I'm still in love. You can run all you want, I've got a gun." His brighter side investigates positive self-transformations in "Change of Heart" ("Anger builds up in your heart so slow like a volcano. Any day now you are going to blow. Don't you know you need a change of heart.") and "Run Away" ("Run away, find yourself and who you are.") All the while messages of love and hope prevail throughout tracks like "Jump" ("When you're trying to find out what you're breathing for. Lots of things to get lost in. Lots of things to let go. Then you look and find out someone who makes it worth the pain then it's all gone again.") Rounding out the CD is a touch of religion in the faith-filled "Hail Hail Hail", which, interestingly, was included in the play "Dark Lords of the Trailer Park" (no really!) by Lee Anderson (Fringe Festival, NYC 2005). It professes, "Life beat me up and knocked me down. You kept my boots on the ground. You know I believe in you. I'll never let you down and when you feel like you're losing touch. Yes I know you'll be there for me. No greater love. You love so much."

Jim Camacho seems to have a strong love of all forms of art and emotional expression, which really shines through in his music, his presentation, and the overall Stalker Songs experience. If this is for you, then go check out his Website which hosts clips of his songs and more information about the album and his various works and collaborations.

www.jimcamacho.com