• Genre: Island rhythms, world music.

• Distinguishing notes: "Harmony City" unites two musicians from separate groups who grew up together and found a reason to fuse and unite their music styles. Imua Garza is a principal from long-time local faves the Opihi Pickers; Kamu Sing, his school chum from their Kamehameha Schools days, performs with The Next Generation. This radio-friendly collection capitalizes on the syncopation of Island-style reggae, with an occasional ballad, and emerges as an optimistic celebration of life. The CD title refers to a mythical place where there's love, hope and inspiration; the compositions (mostly a collaboration of both talents), speak positively of living and loving, via such cuts as "Celebration of Life," "With Time Grows Love" and "Harmony City." Two tracks that could win new fans: "Lost" and "For the Better," which are ballads that have emotional wallop and devoid of the reggae element.

• The outlook: With its abundance of harmonic turns, "Harmony City" is a place worth visiting. There's caring, sharing, and some daring — while the structure is mostly contemporary and reggae in execution, there's great potential for a broader audience reach since the music is substantial.

• Our take: This duo's doing it with a concept worthy of applause; they've got something to say, and they say it effectively.

"Harmony City" by Imua Graza and Kamu Sing. Audio sample available in mp3 format.

• Genre: Alt-rock, with a classic-rock vibe.

• Distinguishing notes: The Crud is anything but cruddy; the group, seriously, was named after that sludge — OK, call it gala-gala, in small-kid-time lingo — relating to colds and congestion. Members are Ben Henry, vocals and rhythm guitar; Rob Petersen, bass; and Justin Vincler, drums. Jonny Croce, a bassist who also performs on the CD, is a cousin of the late Jim Croce; and Matt Webb is the lead guitarist. The Crud wants to "infect" the world, or at least Hawai'i, with its repertoire, and it has a cohesive and productive sound that occasionally resembles Brit rockers bent on taking over the American scene. All songs are original compositions, with Henry doing most lyrics; this is one of those find-your-own-best-bets outings, with beaucoup candidates in "Too Much Time," "My Passion's Gone," "I Need You Now" and "Ain't It the Truth." Self-made and self-produced (and available at www.thecrud.com, for now) this one is still under the radar but should find an audience.

• The outlook: The Crud is on a mission to carve out a niche in the rock scene, and could emerge as the catalyst to inspire and nurture a culture similar to what happened to the Seattle landscape (with Pearl Jam) some years back.

• Our take: These chaps rock.

"My Passion's Gone" by The Crud. Audio sample available in mp3 format.

• Genre: Traditional Hawaiian.

• Distinguishing notes: This reissue, with 1962 origins, showcases the eloquent and melodious Vickie Ii Rodrigues and her family — Lani, Lahela, Nina, Boyce and John. Only Nina Keali'iwahamana, Boyce Rodrigues and John Rodrigues survive today. If you're a first-time listener, this is like opening a time capsule: You'll move through a roster of indelible, inspired tunes that found a place in the musical annals of Hawai'i.

Hawaiian lyrics and capsule notes help place each song and reveal the motives for writing it. "Kalamaula," a true classic, features Nina's sweet and soaring soprano tones; "Pua Malihini" is performed by the sisters; Vickie solos on "Pua O Kamakahala," while Boyce and the sisters deliver "Radio Hula." All very nostalgic, in a sweet, reverent way.

• The outlook: For its first release on CD, diehard Hawaiiana fans should embrace "Na Mele" and recall kinder and gentler times. Flip McDiarmid produced the revival, retaining the simple elegance of his father Don McDiarmid Jr.'s production skills.

• Our take: This is one of those original "all in the 'ohana" demonstrations.

"Haliilua" by Na Mele Ohana. Audio sample available in mp3 format.