Charlene Kaye

Charlene Kaye, a musician and former Ann Arborite / University of Michigan student, had a secret weapon when it came time to record a duet for her new EP: her friend and fellow U-M alum Darren Criss, who's become a sensation thanks to a regular role on "Glee."

The new single, called "Dress & Tie," is actually one of Kaye's earliest songs, she explains in a press release: "'Dress & Tie' was one of the first songs I ever wrote and it'll always be very close to my heart. I originally wrote it when I was 18 about my first serious boyfriend, who I was totally smitten with ... 'Dress & Tie' is about being put through the wringer one too many times, thinking you've been in love and then meeting someone who shows you you've never been in love before."

She actually abandoned the song, but revived it for a cousin's wedding and has now recorded it as part of a new EP with her band the Brilliant Eyes. Criss, who is already becoming a household name thanks to "Glee" (and, earlier, the online sensation "A Very Potter Musical") makes a fine duet partner.

Watch the video for the single here:

The single is available from iTunes.

Kaye is set to return to Ann Abor and play the Blind Pig at 9 p.m. Friday, May 27 in a show also featuring local favorite Theo Katzman. Tickets are $7/$10.

Kaye was part of the ambient/experimental rock outfit Perhapsy, and recorded her debut solo album, "Things I Will Need in the Past," in 2008 with Jim Roll. She moved to New York after leaving U-M and is now based there.