I’ve been a fan of David Brin’s work for decades, especially his Uplift series. Now, Brin shows up with a 556-page novel with a dozen major characters. An “artifact” is discovered that might be the item that leads to First Contact with advanced aliens. But, Brin plays it close to the vest: is the artifact a hoax? Is it a ploy by evil aliens to conquer Earth? Brin explores a society divided by technology. Some human embrace artificial intelligence, others want to restrain it. There are still terrorists, gangsters, political groups all empowered by trillions of dollars and powerful new computer technology. If you’re a Brin fan, you’ll want to read Existence. If you’re in the mood for a large-canvas SF novel of the near future, Existence bursts with ideas and speculation. GRADE: B+

Joss Stone burst on the music scene a decade ago with The Soul Sessions, a CD of covers of soul songs. Now Joss Stone is back with another CD full of soul goodies. If you love this genre of music like I do, you’ll want to hear these songs interpreted by Joss Stone in her unique style. Check out the song samples below.
TRACK LIST:
1. “I Got The…” – Labi Siffre
2. “(For God’s Sake) Give More Power to the People” – Eugene Record (of the Chi-Lites)
3. “While You’re Out Looking For Sugar” – Ronald Dunbar, Edyth Wayne (AKA Holland-Dozier-Holland), written for and originally performed by Honey Cone
4. “Sideways Shuffle” – Tim Renwick
5. “I Don’t Wanna Be with Nobody But You” – Eddie Floyd
6. “Teardrops” – Cecil Womack, Linda Womack
7. “Stoned Out of My Mind” – Barbara Acklin
8. “The Love We Had (Stays On My Mind)” – Terry Callier, Larry Wade
9. “The High Road” – James Mercer (The Shins), Brian Burton (Danger Mouse) (AKA Broken Bells)
10. “Pillow Talk” – Sylvia Robinson, Michael Burton
11. “Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye” – John D. Loudermilk

Bonus Tracks on the Deluxe Edition

12. “First Taste of Hurt” – W. Turbinton
13. “One Love in My Lifetime” – Terri McFaddin, Leonard Perry, Lawrence Brown (originally performed by Diana Ross)
14. “Nothing Takes the Place of You” – Toussaint McCall
15. “(1-2-3-4-5-6-7) Count the Days” – B. O’Dell, Yvonne Williams