Among the music jewels and gems released in 2005, Skott Freedman's "Judge a Book" remains doubtlessly as one of the most unique and soulful discs. Unpredictable as usual, the prolific Freedman (five albums in six years) and bi activist recorded a cover album this time around consisting of fan-voted (through his website) tracks by artists ranging from Green Day to Cyndi Lauper. On the anthemic "I'll Be Okay", the album's opener, Freedman soars in his three-octave voice singing, "Throw away the chains, let love fly away...till love comes again I'll be okay." Styles on the disc set out from country-folk (on Bruce Hornsby's "Every Little Kiss"), to pop ("Good Morning Baby"), to a jazzed-up version of Green Day's punk hit, "Basket Case". Throughout the album, Freedman entertains with the voice of an angel and interpretations of a true artist. Don't miss out on the hidden bonus track for a haunting rendition of The Cranberries' "Zombie", baring just Freedman's voice and a church organ.

Skott Freedman is one of those artists you hear and wonder how he's still up-and-coming. Indeed, he was already profiled this year in Out, The Advocate, on gay.com, and recently invited to be on the board of the Gay Games VII Champions in 2006.

For more information, check out Freedman's site (soundbytes included) at: skottfreedman.com.