The title track is a carefree, flavorful ditty about a dude who gets a "stink eye" from his beloved; there's whimsy and reality in the lyrics, and Kahoano's delivery is lively and lovely, and surely, there are many relationships that can link to this scenario.

But is it a tune that is directed to a lady main squeeze? Or is it a feline sidekick who can understandably be the object of affection, too — particularly since there's a tabby on the CD packaging?

Hmmm, a relationship that requires give and take, is challenged by hormones and weather, and is, in the end, always your fault, no matter? Get the picture?

"Manalani," the companion tune, is an 'ukulele instrumental with spirit and technique that commands and attracts attention. Perhaps Kahoano's not yet ready for the full-throttle Jake Shimabukuro rock-star wingding, but there's refreshing confidence, flair and resourceful energy here. You go, guy.

Available via iTunes.

The Beach Walk is home to a regular series of Hawaiiana shows; this volume of five titles reflects the perspective of the musical rainbow showcased in on-site free performances. The most widely known track is Ben Vegas' hit of yesteryear, "Maile Lei/Pupu Hinuhinu Medley," off one of his earlier CDs. And there are other savory cuts, like Blaine Kia's very Hawaiian "Papa," and steel guitarist Greg Sardinha's "My Sweet Sweetie," an oldie revived for a new generation of listeners. There's more solid Hawaiiana from the duo Na Wai 'Olu, "Ka Pua E." Plus a newly minted "Waikiki Beach Walk," a cha-lypso tempoed hapa-haole tune performed by Eli Lopez.

Best thing about this sampler? It's free, with a coupon in the visitor-oriented The Best of Oahu publication, when redeemed at Mana Hawai'i, one of the merchants at Waikiki Beach Walk.

The CD is handsomely packaged, with brief liner notations on four of the five acts, and if you want to "gift" it, it would make someone else happy.

There's complexity in his simplicity — hope amid a war protest song ("Sleep Through the Static"), universality in a very personal reflection ("Angel"), courage concealed beneath fear ("Monsoon").

Structurally, Johnson blends folk, country, soul elements; the poetry is an amalgam of moods and insights, about raising kids, mourning lost ones, growing old — mostly about living. Simply put, there's no static in his repertoire — familiarity, yes, and feel-warm fuzzies constantly.