I had never heard any Howie. I bought tickets to see his show cause Matt Nathanson opened for him. I bought the newcd prior to the show and liked it. But it was nothing compared to live Howie. The guy is an amazingly talented genius. I couldnt believe the rad things he was doing with the loops... I am addicted now and I cant stop listening to Stop the World now. My fav songs are YOU AND A PROMISE, BRACE YOURSELF, COLLIDE, and SUNDAY MORNING DRIVE. Howie is fantastic and I would tell everyone to LISTEN LISTEN LISTEN!!!