San Diego, California is one of my very favorite cities. Beautiful beaches, mild temperatures, an awesome zoo, an excellent public transportation system, Mexican food to die for, Sea World, Old Town, a slew of cool museums, haunted houses and hotels galore, and last but definitely not least, there’s the music. For several years now, “Staring At The Sun” has treated audiences throughout the globe to recordings by San Diego artists. I’ve heard every installment of the long running series, and it’s safe to state “Volume 7” is the best of the bunch. No one trick pony, “Staring At The Sun” has always championed diversity, but this time around ringing guitar pop seems to take center stage.

Prepare to strap on those dancing shoes when feasting your ears upon the toe-tapping, finger snapping “Can’t Stop The Feeling” by The Shakeups. Another surefire groover is the chirpy bubblegummish “I Believe’ from Steve Poltz, while Dave Humphries evokes memories of Marmalde and Badfinger on the brooding “Heartbroken Angel.” The Shambles wear their Who influences on their parka clad sleeves via the meaty, beaty, big and bouncy “Mod Radio UK,” where Wendy Bailey’s “I Swear, I Say” is pure power pop magic. The Anna Troy Band’s “I Can’t Don’t Want Faster” is flush with a clean and crisp new wave finish, The Spring Collection’s “Our Wildest Dreams” buzzes with numbing hooks and reflections of The Green Pajamas manifest on Christopher Cash’s psychedelic trimmed “Morning Star,” complete with wiggly sitar riffs, airy melodies and twisting arrangements.

Nestled amid such pop delights are CircaNow’s “Waterfront,” which cops the high pitched vocals and frenzied energy of Guns “N Roses and the sleazy glam styled rock of Fuzzi Huzzi’s “Hollywood.” Revolution 89’s “Queen Of The Scene” sounds sort of like Ian Hunter on a grunge bender and Patrick Petrie’s cover of the traditional folk ballad, “Black Is The Color” features singing in both Spanish and English, resulting in an absolutely chilling performance.