Clint Conley of consonant and Mission of Burma + Holly Anderson

As bass player and songwriter in the influential post-punk band Mission of Burma, Clint Conley took a hiatus from the world of music after Burma broke up -- and didn't look back until 18 years later.

Thankfully, Conley is making music again, both with Mission of Burma and his new band, consonant, which includes guitarist Chris Brokaw (Come, Codeine, Pullman, Steve Wynn), bassist Winston Braman (Come, Codeine, Pullman, Steve Wynn), and drummer Matt Kadane (The New Year, Bedhead, Silkworm). Conley has also struck up a unique collaboration with New York-based poet Holly Anderson while working from his home base of Boston, Massachusetts.

We recently spoke at his offices at the ABC affiliate in Boston, about his return to the stage and studio, how Michael Azerrad's book, Our Band Could Be Your Life, inspired Mission of Burma to put themselves back into action, and how he feels about having his songs covered by the likes of Moby and R.E.M.

Well-Rounded Raves Part 1
This month on Well-Rounded Raves, we turn the mic over to record store owners in my home town, Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts, to find out what music they are listening to these days -- and why.

Deb Klein of Hi-Fi Records and CDs raves about Portland, Oregon's The Thermals and their debut CD, "More Parts Per Million" out on the Sub-Pop label.

Hi-Fi Records & CDs is located at 620 Centre Street in Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts. Tel: 617.524.4495.

Greg Hopkins

Greg Hopkins got his start in Detroit and has gone on to lead a rich musical life, working with dozens of Motown and jazz outfits in the 1960s and 70s.

For nearly 30 years, Hopkins has taught jazz performance and composition at the Berklee School of Music in Boston and continued playing in orchestras for Broadway musicals during their Boston runs. He also has released three CDs on Summit Recordings.

Hopkins' work eludes easy classification -- including his upcoming CD, "Quintology," -- as this trumpet player performs with his quintet, trio, and orchestra ensembles. We recently met at his offices on the Berklee campus to discuss his work throughout the years -- and how to make the most of the 12 notes of music.

Photo: Barbara Lafitte

Well-Rounded Raves Part 2
This month on Well-Rounded Raves, we turn the mic over to record store owners in my home town, Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts, to find out what music they are listening to these days -- and why.

David Doyle of Rhythm & Muse Cool Books and CDs raves about Scotland's The Delgados and their debut CD, "Hate" out on the Mantra Recordings/Beggars Group label.

Rhythm & Muse Cool Books and CDs' new location is 470 Centre Street in Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts. Tel: 617.524.6622.

Blake Hazard

Blake Hazard began making music with her family at a young age, but now she's doing her own thing with the release of her debut CD, "Little Airplane," out on Kimchee Records.

Melding folk sensibilities to trip-hop beats and confessional lyrics, Hazard has created a sound that is uniquely her own.

Amid a classic New England snow storm, we met to discuss the pros and cons of being a polished musician, recording her album with boyfriend and producer John Dragonetti, and discovering where the music will take her next.

Photo: Kelly Davidson

consonant on Fenway Recordings

Hi-Fi Records of Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts on Portland, Oregon's The Thermals on Sub Pop Records

Greg Hopkins on Summit Records

Rhythm & Muse Cool Books & CDs of Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts on Scotland's The Delgados

Blake Hazard on Kimchee Records