If, like me, you agree that the world needs more good concept albums, or "song cycles" if that sounds less intimidating, then let me direct your attention to the Mal De Mer LP by Toronto's Ben Gunning. A modern, tuneful tale of a dissatisfied worker bee on a cruise ship, the album metaphorically and musically addresses grander themes and concerns. The very fine "Queen Mary 3" introduces us to our protagonist as he sprints to his shift as a dealer in the casino aboard the vessel. Soundtracking his journey is a composition that could easily have been penned by a vacationing Donald Fagan with Prefab Sprout's Paddy McAloon sitting aside him in the piano bar adding his own vocal phrasing and charms: two gaudy figures soaking up the nightlife and sifting through the confetti.

On iTunes: Mal de Mer / "Queen Mary 3"