Town Casino (Blue Puffer, 1997)

With a rich, warbling voice reminiscent of Ronnie Spector, the SanFrancisco-based Lannon melds the best of country torch singing with theroadhouse honky-tonk of bands like Dave & Deke, Big Sandy and the Alvinbrothers.

Taking cues from Wanda Jackson and Rosie Flores, she uses herunique voice to range from the tear-stained "Hard As She Tries" to asuperbly romantic cover of the Drifter's "This Magic Moment" to therock 'n' rhythm of "Shot of Whiskey" and "Maybe." Lannon's nineoriginals find her searching for love, sometimes finding it, sometimeslosing it, and sometimes just left waiting for it to turn up.

Nick Kane (of The Mavericks) produces in a variety of styles nicelymatching the songs, and provides all manner of guitar. Also notable isthe drumming of Don Heffington (The Jayhawks, Lone Justice), supplyingeverything from a light country shuffle to Hal Blaine inspired rock 'n'roll.