The Bird and the Bee: Ray Guns Are Just Not the Future (Blue Note)

Not quite what you'd expect on the jazz label Blue Note -- nor was Norah Jones -- but this airy pop with lightly exotic Latin references from the LA-duo of Inara George and Greg Kurstin (and guests) is just fine from wherever it comes.

With slightly cheesy samba licks, a nod to David Lee Roth on Diamond Dave, and some kitsch and cute pop references this may be a bit too twee for its own good and the breezy lightness with a knowing wink and tongue in cheek doesn't have great depth (unlike say the Brunettes who can walk not dissimilar territory).

They discreetly reference the Beatles' Helter Skelter on the pop-lite My Love, have touches of Bacharach and the Beach Boys alongside the soft electronica, and sweetness and light is everywhere, even when addressing more "serious" matters.

But with Kurstin being a genuine jazz pianist (he apparently studied with Charles Mingus alumnus Jaki Byard and toured with Bobby Hutcherson) and George who has an ironic pop cultural and fashion sense, this sounds like an amusement rather than something of substance.

But no one said pop music had to be imbued with great depth or importance. This is just enjoyable, sweet and short-term - - like candy floss.