Lineup: George Wright backed by Joel Byron, Jay Murphy, Carter McMullen, c.k.Koch, Lera Lynn and Erin Wright. Influences: Colors.

Here's another lesson in not judging a book by its cover. Or in this case, a CD-R without a cover… in a Ziploc baggie. That's how the DualDiagnosis record was presented to me, so imagine my delighted surprise when the first track burst from my speakers and it was a bopping little ray of sunshine called "Lovely Afternoon," the title track off what turns out to be a gem of a record. There is no room for preconceptions or expectations here—George Wright ventures everywhere he can, exploring folk, '60s pop, rock and even a couple of tropical reggae numbers. When you think you've got him pegged, out comes a mariachi horn section or the lovely viola played by his daughter Erin (of Dancer vs. Politician).

"I didn't actually write a song until I was in my 40s," admits Wright via email. "[The songs] just started coming out." Wright says his songwriting was greatly influenced by collaborator Joel Byron. Although the two don't always see eye to eye, Byron pushed Wright to do better. "He worked me hard," says Wright. "I haven't seen him in a while, but he is the most talented guy I have ever met. I write; he interprets, spins, and I hope we get to do it more..."

After collecting dust for a few years, DualDiagnosis' CD will finally see a physical release on July 1. If you really want to understand what Wright is all about, visit www.unifiedequation.info or, better yet, see if you can find a used copy of his book Crossing the Emerson Line.

"The book, the poetry (some of them are songs on this CD) and all are all part of a very loving and comprehensive worldview," he says. "To make the philosophy sort of plain, it is a way of understanding how the world was formed using only the structure of language as the tool to grasp it—as a framework. It's a little out there."

Michelle Gilzenrat