“Better Dreams” marks the Kennedys 10th CD and their first CD of all original material in seven years. It’s well worth the wait. This duo has had a long career of crafting songs that deal with freedom, dreams, and the open road using a blend of acoustic, folk-rock, country, gospel and pop. They’ve not only managed to carve out their own unique sound, but they seem to have touched on a new populist consciousness that is just beginning to manifest itself in the political world…note the “change” mantra that the Democratic candidates have all latched onto. *Better Dreams” has a subtle political tinge. Two songs, “Give me Back My Country” and “American Wish” challenge the steady erosion of civil liberties in a post 9/11 world. Their vision deals with the power of dreams and the creative process. The opening cut “Breathe” is a captivating song that underscores the importance of change (Breathe into a new Life, breathe out all the old times.”).“Sago Mine”, written about the 2006 mining disaster in West VA, is downright chilling and evokes the best of the mining songs of the sixties…Bells of Rhymney…Springhill Mining Disaster…Blind Fiddler.Lest I leave you with the impression that the Kennedys are simply a band with social justice as a theme, check out “Speed of Soul”. It’s a catchy little ditty that will have you dancing a jig…in the privacy of your office of course.