(p.A1) INSIDE: Steve Amick’s words shine on new CD "There’s Always Pie," the new acoustic album by Ann Arborite Steve Amick, puts his lyrics in the spotlight. Music reviews, B3 The ANN ARBOR NEWS Saturday, January 21, 2006 (p. B3) R E C O R D I N G S Steve Amick CD offers original tunes NEW RELEASES Rating scale: (poor) to (a classic). Steve Amick, "There’s Always Pie" (Ratman Records) Ann Arborite Steve Amick wears many hats, among them novelist ("The Lake, the River & the Other Lake") and singer-songwriter. "There’s Always Pie" is his new CD of original acoustic tunes. The term "quirky" is probably overused, but it applies in the best possible way on "Pie." Amick is not the best of singers, but—no surprise here—he sure has a way with words, so much so it would be a real bonus if the lyrics were included in the liner notes so fans could follow along. He wears his heart on his sleeve on bittersweet love songs such as the delectable "Cheese Sandwich," the funny-melancholy "Wasn’t I Great" and the loyalty-inspiring "I Wanna Be With You." The bouncy "The Arithmetic of Love" brings Amick’s wit to bear on the joys of a relationship, while "The Song of the Townies" is bound to resonate with anyone who ever revisits his hometown. Amick’s work is also in the tradition of other local troubadours who sing of the joys of the Great Lakes State, among them Dick Siegel, Jay Stielstra and Tim Monger. In fact, Monger shows up here on a couple tracks, playing the accordion, singing and delivering a warpath scream on "I Feel Sorry for You (If You Don’t Live Here.)" There are other familiar names on the disc as well. Jim Roll plays on the CD and served as its producer/engineer. Brian Lillie, Dave Keeney and Al DiBlassio stir their respective instruments into the mix. There are other locals involved as well, proving Amick knows how to choose the best ingredients when he decides to whip up a "Pie" a such as this. The Washington Post called Amick "a cheerful black humorist who is seriously askew." Let’s add that "Pie," sliced into 12 tasty tracks, proves that dessert can be a nourishing meal all by itself. – Roger LeLievre, News arts writer.