I?m writing this column with a heavy, and highly unmotivated, heart. The events of last week sit fresh in my mind and, like many, I?m in shock, with no desire to do anything. My thoughts and prayers go out to all those lost and missing, their families and the rescuers still working hard on the front lines of this tragedy.

Music can be an integral part of the healing process. Who can deny the power of songs by Bob Dylan, John Lennon and The Doors during the Vietnam War? Music has always, and will always, be there for us in our darkest hour. Having said that, I?ve decided to devote this week to album reviews of some of my favorite local bands.

Popgun: “Popgun”

Popgun?s self-titled album won Best Local CD at the The Sacramento News & Review?s SAMMIES this past summer. And for good reason: the album is a fantastic journey into Popgun?s signature brand of pop music. Songs like “Don?t Look Now” and “Super Duper” are driven by the kinky sounds coming from the keyboard of Kevin Harrod and the mellow vocals of Mark Harrod. The album is solid, and a perfect compliment to the band?s wildly popular live shows.

Popgun offers a blend of funk, pop and rock with a twist of the Beatles that makes for a tasty treat. Look for their new album early next year.

The Skirts: “Take Off”

Who says girls can?t kick ass? The Skirts, winner of the 2001 SAMMIE for Outstanding Pop Band, are an all-female rock band whose album, “Take Off,” is reminiscent of The Breeders and The Fastbacks. The Skirts are heavily influenced by 1980s rock and punk music. I?ve seen them play live and, on occasion, they cover old hits from Motley Crue … or Ricky Martin. The band has a sense of humor, recently performing a rocking version of Ricky Martin?s “Living la Vida Loca.”

With heavy guitar riffs, pounding bass and sultry vocals, The Skirts? music leaves little to be desired. The album is so satisfying that after one listen to “Take Off” you?ll be begging for more.

Go National: “Ratso”

The now-defunct Go National was one of my favorite local bands. They had a great sound and both of their releases, “Ratso” and “Got My One Good Eye on You,” capture the energy and quality of their live shows. The band?s front man is Kevin Seconds of 7 Seconds and the band?s music definitely has that punk rock feel to it.

Unfortunately, since most of Go National?s members had other bands and other commitments (Kevin and Allyson Seconds now own and operate the True Love Coffeehouse), the band split up. But rejoice! Go National is making somewhat of a comeback in the form of new band Umpteenth, which will be playing shows around Sacramento later this month.

Forever Goldrush: “Halo in my Backpack”

I?ve never been a big fan of country music, but since moving to Sacramento four years ago I?ve found many bands that do a great job of mixing country and rock and roll to create a really nice medium. Forever Goldrush is by far my favorite example of this kind of blend. “Halo in my Backpack” is a great album to listen to while driving on an empty road late at night.

The album offers a variety of songs with tracks such as “In My Rebuilding” and “Small Town King,” which have a quiet and reflective mood, while the faster, more upbeat songs such as “Sweet 65” and “Brothers Give Me Arms” are scattered in between to provide a rocking release. All together, it?s a great album and a definite must-have for any Sacramento music fan.

Upcoming Shows:

Update: Simon Ennis (whom I reviewed in the first column) will be at the True LoveCoffeehouse on Friday.

Popgun and Umpteenth (Ex-Go National): Both playing at the True Love Coffeehouse onFriday, Sept. 28.

The Skirts: Oct. 5th at Old Ironsides

Forever Goldrush: No shows scheduled.