Glen Hansard, Rhythm and Repose Rhythm and Repose is the solo album that I have wanted from Glen Hansard for years now. While I, along with millions of others, fell for the soft beauty of the Swell Season, Hansard's collaboration with Markéta Irglová, I always felt that it was a bit too soft for my taste. I always preferred the music of Hansard's other band, The Frames, where the band's music and Hansard's voice could go from soft and tender to a raw and explosive in the course of a single measure. With Rhythm and Repose, Hansard has taken the best of what he learned and did with The Swell Season and Frames. Here his songs resinate for both their beauty and the way that Hansard pours the full depths of what his voice can emotionally convey into them. Maybe Not Tonight
Allo Darlin', Europe If someone asked me what qualities I like in a contemporary female singer's voice, I would tell them to listen to artists like Brandi Carlile, Kat Edmonson, and Elizabeth Morris of Allo Darlin'. With her warm and tender voice and breezy and easy going nature, Morris charms and captivates from one song to the next. On Allo Darlin's sophomore album, Europe, Morris and the band delight with a collection of uplifting songs that shimmer like the sun reflecting off the water on a sunny summer day. I just love this London based band. Some People Say
I'll be honest, I have trouble keeping up with all of Oddisee's musical projects. But I eventually always get myself caught up and marvel at what he does. Born, Amir Mohamed el Khalifa, Oddisee is a producer, MC, and rapper who has been at the center of helping to create a strong and focused hip-hop community in and round Washington DC that is referred to as the DMV Movement. For all of his efforts, People Hear What They See is considered Oddisee's true debut album. I see it more as another step in the evolution of Oddisee as an artist. On People Hear What They See, Oddissee's beats, raps, and lyrics come together in a fine way to lift up and convey his thoughts, perspectives, and social mindedness. I hope that Oddisee finally gets the national attention that he is due and deserves. Let It Go [explicit]
Liars, WIXIW Otis Hart of NPR Music wrote that "WIXIW may just be the best Radiohead album since Kid A." I could not agree more. But Liars is not a Radiohead knock-off band. This trio has been producing some of the most creative, interesting, and experimental rock out there since their 2004 release They Were Wrong So We Drowned. For me WIXIW is by far their most successful album to date and brings a new level of sophistication and control to their creative process. No. 1 Against The Rush
The Tallest Man On Earth, There's No Leaving Now
Kristian Matsson, who performs as The Tallest Man On Earth, is right up there with Josh Ritter as being one of the best singer-songwriter's of their generation. Since discovering Matsson in 2010, I have continue to be amazed by his output of near perfect songs and albums, one after another. There's No Leaving Now is yet another sublime collection of songs that only help reinforce Matsson's place as one of today's most special musical artists. 1904
Melody Gardot, The Absence I have been impatiently waiting for Gardot's follow album to My One And Only thrill, since 2009. Finally, Melody Gardot has returned with a wonderful collection of new songs. Over the past few years, Gardot spent time traveling the globe, experiencing and absorbing the music of the many stops she made along the way. On The Absence, Gardot strays into new musical territory as she draws inspiration from three of the countries she spent time in; Brazil, Morocco, and Portugal. These influences have helped Gardot produced some of the richest and most sophisticated songs that she has released to date. Lisboa
Normally on Mondays, I feature Scattered's album Picks Of The Week. This week, my picks will have to wait until Tuesday. Today, I am compelled to write about the debut album by the British band Alt-J, which is one of the best albums that I have heard so far this year. Released in the UK on May 28th, An Awsome Wave is set to be released in the US on September 18th.
Upon its UK release, the BBC called the album "a stunning and encompassing affair of both innovative and electrifying musicianship and exemplary song writing." The Guardian wrote that "the music is rich and quirky enough to match the imagistic literacy of the lyrics, from the majestic, cinematic sweep of 'Intro' onwards." For me, An Awesome Wave in an intelligent, innovative, frisky, and wildly engrossing album that I have not been able to stop listening to since I first heard it.
While An Awesome Wave will not be available in the states until September, the band is streaming it for a period of time on SoundCloud, which is also embedded below. Enjoy!
What I love about music is its power to transport me. Sometimes it’s unexpected, sometimes it’s exactly where I want to be. A single melody can unlock memories I didn’t realize I still carried, while certain chords or lyrics take me to another time or place. Some songs feel like home, offering shelter, while others deliver me to an unknown place or space, stirring emotions I can’t quite name. In this way, music isn’t just sound—it’s a sonic subway, delivering me to a station of refuge or one I never knew existed.
Music has always been an important part of my life. My family and friends knew this well, often asking me what I was listening to and what I liked. It was always humbling to be asked, and eventually, I gathered the courage to create this music blog—to put into words what draws me to certain music and why.
Over the years, my passion for writing has grown, along with my excitement for sharing musical discoveries. I hope your time here sparks excitement and leads you to a musical discovery of your own. More than anything, I hope your visit brings a little joy to your day.
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