What does it take to make a CD? Is it merely a collection of random songs by the same artist? Does it have to have a theme? Is the music the one important factor, or should a band spend as much time choosing cover art as they do recording the title track? In the nuthouse that is modern music, there are no set rules for what defines an album. Good. That makes life way more interesting.

Far too often, independent and lesser-known artists can only afford to focus on one thing-getting a good, album-quality recording. Cover art and liner notes often get the redheaded stepchild treatment, and are tossed together with the financial scraps left over after recording and post production are complete.

Every once in a while, however, a lesser-known group of artists manage to balance the varied aspects of design and presentation in a creation that entertains all the senses. The sound is a given; the eye is captivated by the images and words associated with the CD, the feel of the cover and liner complements the more obvious stimulation, and the song order pulls the heart and soul toward the album's stirring climax.

Okay, maybe that's overdoing it a bit. Still, Boston-based Dragonfly's first double album, The Edge of the World is one of those rare productions that goes above and beyond the music, to create a full experience for the listener. This collaboration of studio artists Peter Parcek (guitar), Miki Singh (vocals), Steve Scully (percussion), Marc Hickox (bass), and Brother Cleve (keyboards) shows a high level of artistic experience in all aspects of this two-disk set.

This album impressed me before I even opened its book-like case. The hardbound CD sleeve opens to reveal a quarter-inch thick series of band photos and tastefully laid out lyrics. I spend several minutes perusing the photos before I even put the CDs into my stereo.

Once I began the audio journey that is The Edge of the World, however, I stopped paying attention to the cover art. The first CD of this set is full of moody, stare-at-the-ceiling grooves. Even the uptempo songs on these disks possess an intricate, enticing quality that pulls the listener into the sound. Parcek's guitar is never too flashy – it doesn't need to be, considering its rich tone and tastefully thought out licks. Scully, Hickox, and Cleve keep the grooves steady and full; although some of the songs felt a little dated, nothing on either CD sticks out as poorly arranged fluff. Every part has its purpose, and Dragonfly is obviously a band that plays to its strengths.

Singer Singh's voice was a mixed bag for me. Although I really don't go for singers who wheeze from word to word in a whiny, pinched fashion, I found myself really getting into the vocals on The Edge of the World. I don't know why. Maybe it's that, like the rest of the band, Singh seems to know how they work best as a collective entity, and he writes for that. Maybe it's that he gives the otherwise good-but-normal jam band sound a Jane's Addiction kind of tension that I so enjoy. I quit wrestling with it by the start of the second CD, and sat back to enjoy the ride.

I would highly recommend checking out The Edge of the World. To go a step further, you need to get the album complete (book, photos, and disks) to fully appreciate its high quality. I wish more artists thought in the big picture, like Dragonfly obviously does.

http://mikisingh.com/