I saw a pigeon wearing a tiny top hat yesterday. It has absolutely nothing to do with Rich Allen's new single, "No Pinks", but, honestly, what does? The song unravels like a worn photograph, the edges blurry with regret, a silent conversation shouted in the spaces between plucked guitar strings. Allen, known around Tampa for his poignant songwriting, digs deep, like a fossil hunter...

He boasts an individual approach, which is actually far from the conventional ones we mostly hear. Here, he raps in his native language, which is Italian. What makes us enjoy this song more is its flow and delivery. The production of "Fuggire da qui" is a terrific piece, and it needs to be heard. Just like the beat, his artistic sense and understanding merit recognition. Ricky...