MATT DRISCOLL: ROSE MELBERG IN OLYMPIA TONIGHT >>>

Honesty is what it's all about. It carries an artist or band farther than talent alone ever will. Listeners know when they're being duped, and they know when they're getting the real deal - and Rose Melberg is the very definition of the real deal.

An alum of the Olympia and Portland scenes - think Tiger Trap and Go Sailor and the Softies - Melberg's honey-drenched voice and songwriting skills have long been on display, both solo style (as her show at Northern in Olympia will demonstrate) and in group settings - where she's worked with the likes of Neko Case and Elliot Smith.

Melberg's latest solo effort, Homemade Ship, was released in September by K Records. Those already familiar with the record no doubt have Melberg's Northern show circled on the calendar - and those who aren't now know what to do.

Rose Melberg deserves your ears.

[Northern, with Kellarissa, Calvin Johnson, Thursday, Oct. 22, 8 p.m., $6, all ages, 321 Fourth Ave., Olympia, olympiaallages.org]