Catie Curtis at Third & Lindsley

If you've ever wondered what it would be like for a Boston folkie to cover Death Cab for Cutie, Catie Curtis has an answer for you on her new album Sweet Life. Her take on "Soul Meets Body" trades the '80s drum programming for a more lilting feel and earthier percussion, and her alto is confiding and expressive compared to Ben Gibbard's small-voiced falsetto. The rest of Curtis' album is filled with stubbornly optimistic originals that--thanks to George Marinelli's guitar and Phil Madeira's B-3--give off a warm, pleasing glow. Songs like "Happy" strike a difficult balance between past wounds and present joy. Curtis is spreading the latter beyond the album's 12 tracks by giving away guitars to kids who can't afford them (through the Aspire to Inspire endowment) and cupcakes to her concert-goers (the first 100 people will land the sweet treats).
Thu., Sept. 25, 7 p.m., 2008