John Munson of Trip Shakespeare/Semisonic fame, Chan Poling, founder of the haute-punk new-wave group The Suburbs and Steve Roehm, vibraphonist extraordinaire, got together with a plan to play and sing their favorite songs ˆ naked. Well, the musicians are clothed, but the aesthetic is raw simplicity, communication and soul. The song selections span the twentieth century. Each song must be someone‚s favorite and each arrangement must bring something new to the song. In an age of digital overkill, The New Standards keep the instrumentation simple. Poling on piano, Roehm on vibraphone and Munson on double bass. Chan and John split the singing. If that‚s not enough, a footstomp here, a shout-out and a fiery solo, and it‚s cooked. Simple, elegant, illuminating. Fun.