Postcards Out of the Blue takes the listener on a metaphysical journey through the dreamscape of America in the 21st century, with songs that vary from subtle folk to gritty blues to solid rock. The words are by poet Wyn Cooper, the music by novelist Madison Smartt Bell, whose voice is as charmingly scarred as the subjects of some of the songs. Producer Don Dixon (REM, James McMurtry) also plays bass, Jim Brock keeps time on drums and over a dozen exotic percussion instruments, and Kenny Vaughan puts down some delicious electric guitar grooves for a sound that’s hypnotic and seductive. Best played loud.