Jorges

A lesser man might try to ride out pop for pop's sake, but Jorge Gonzalez Graupera -- a.k.a. Jorges -- elevates the genre with a firm grasp on arrangement and technique. Jumping onto the local scene via master popsters The Brand and then touring with Latin rock darlings Volumen Cero, he has become fully immersed in the nuances of rock and roll balladry, and about a year ago quietly began the conceptualization of his solo effort, Possibly Now! The album oscillates between Beatles pop and the Replacements' postpunk snarl, with Jorges providing all instrumentation except drums. The endeavor leaves a satisfying aftertaste. And if his music sounds familiar, it's because his songs have appeared on television shows on the WB.