Gandalf Murphy & the Slambovian Circus of Dreams offers a rootsy, warm, whimsical concoction that has inspired somewhat mystifying labels like "surreal Americana" and "punk classical hillbilly Floyd," or their own self-styled "music that can heal what ails ya." Elements of electric and country blues, psychedelia, garage rock, and country also go into the mix, but what comes out is uniquely, well, Slambovian.

Joziah Longo (lead vocals, guitars, harmonica, hilarious commentary), Tink Lloyd (accordion, cello, flute), Sharkey McEwen (guitars, mandolin), and Tony Zuzulo (percussion) have gained a fiercely loyal following in the northeast with CDs like their brand-new The Great Unravel and with their energizing, charismatic live performances. Veering between themes earthy and spiritual, Gandalf and company offer music that's not only idealistic and empowering but also a lot of fun, a testament to Woody Guthrie's comment that "It's not enough for a song to be good, it must be good for something."