by Ronnie D. Lankford, Jr.After working as member of Hummingfish for a number of years, Deb Talan began her solo career with the release of Songs for a Misfit Heart in the mid '90s. In 2000 she returned to the studio to record Something Burning. Perhaps the first thing a listener will notice is the tuneful songs, filled with melody and catchy hooks."Thinking Amelia" works as a meditation on the high-flying proto-feminist Amelia Erhardt set against everyday life in a busy town. Sure, Erhardt flew away never to return -- the ultimate bad day -- but what a way to go. The double tracked vocal on"Whetstones" works well, while the chorus renders the song immediately likable."The Gladdest Thing" goes for the softer folk mode, complete with cello and a few lyrics from an Edna St. Vincent Millay poem. Talan carefully balances the arrangements for each song, using a full band for pop/rock pieces like the title cut and a gentler, acoustic guitar sound for folk-based pieces like"A Good Day's Work" and"My Favorite Coat." In a way, there are two Debbie Talons: a gentle folknik who's sensitive to rain and flowers, and a rock & roll girl who sings about lust and desire. Either way, it all melds into a satisfying whole. Something Burning will appeal to anyone who enjoys good songs and smart lyrics.