Good music has a way of being intertwined into our life experiences, so that the experience and the music become one and the same in our memories.

Back in my varsity days I used to date a girl who was crazy about Sarah McLachlan. Naturally I had no chance of not getting to know her music pretty well too.

To be honest, though, not a lot of convincing was needed, and I was soon captivated by Sarah McLachlan's hauntingly beautiful voice.

Then 'City of Angels' hit cinemas, together with that quintessential tear-jerker song, 'Angel', and suddenly the whole world knew about her.

My relationship with that young lady has since gone due south and forever after whenever I hear Sarah McLachlan on the radio, it always invokes a bittersweet emotion. Her music has a way of touching me deep within ? a little too close to home ? so naturally our ways parted as well.

When 'Rarities, B-Sides, and Other Stuff Volume 2' landed on my desk, I was both thrilled at the prospect of rediscovering her music and a little concerned that it wouldn't exactly live up to the ethereal heights of the aforementioned musical experience.

Although it's mostly made up of covers and collaborations, McLachlan's voice still has the ability to stop you dead and cut you deep to the core. Some of these covers are great; some are so-so; and some should have stayed on the recording studio floor. And yet, any artist whose B-Sides sound like this certainly has serious talent.

Notable tracks include 'When She Loved Me' (featured in the movie 'Toy Story 2'), 'Ordinary Miracle', 'Don't Let Go' (with Bryan Adams), and the dance remix of 'Silence'.

Less great moments include 'Just Like Me' (a rework of 'Cats in the Cradle' with new lyrics) and 'Unchained Melody'.

If you're a fan of Sarah McLachlan you'll definitely enjoy this one. If you don't yet know her music, she definitely has made better albums. But give it a listen, even if only to discover this amazing singer.