Bright Old Standards From Handsome New Kids

Although the 2008 New Kids on the Block reunion CD, The Block, certainly didn't blow anyone's mind this time, it shouldn't reflect poorly on the most-recent solo efforts of band members Joey McIntyre and Jordan Knight.

McIntyre's Talk to Me, from 2007, is a cover collection of Sinatra standards that absolutely did blow my mind. If I could take only 10 CDs to a deserted island, then this would be one of them. McIntyre is simply an amazing crooner, and he should record more of this type of music. His talented voice is sultry, sexy, smooth ... just perfect for making slow, soft, sweet love to your special someone, or for taking him or her into your arms for a slow dance in the living room, with the lights down low and the kids out for the evening. Me? I run the mp3s while I'm doing mindless, editorial fact-checking on the Internet, and I feel so soothed that you could lick me and taste vanilla. Seriously, go to Amazon or iTunes, or wherever you download songs, and check out McIntyre's music clips. Talk to Me would be a great CD to buy or burn for your Valentine.

Knight's Love Songs, from 2006, is also a cover collection, but of pop/rock from the 1980s. Those were my teenage years, so I knew most of the songs already; and Knight's renditions are surprisingly faithful to the original recordings, which is a plus for me. When I run this playlist at work, it's more difficult for me to concentrate, even on the mindless stuff, because Knight brings these songs alive again and reminds me of those carefree, wobegone years of my youth. Love Songs is another CD I'd take with me to that deserted island, and it's also a perfect CD to burn or buy for your 80s-loving Valentine.