(Now with Songwhip links so you can easily go listen!)
Huntertones - Time to Play - A killin funk/jazz group with creative arrangements and some nice deep horn tones. All funk bands could use a sousaphone.
Louis Cole - Quality Over Opinion - For a while this album was basically just the video for “I’m Tight” to me - I watched it over and over and that was enough. The rest of the album is really good too, though.
Belle & Sebastian - How To Solve Our Human Problems, Parts 1-3 - Despite my obsession with 2006’s A Life Pursuit, I haven’t listened to much recent B&S. That has now changed. I love this record! I just did a bonus Patreon mini-episode of Strong Songs about one of my favorite songs, “The Girl Doesn’t Get It,” so go become a patron if you want to hear me geek out about Dm7 chords.
Her - Her - A very cool French funk duo recommended in the Strong Songs Discord listening club. Good stuff. Not to be confused with H.E.R., who is also good.
Wes Montgomery - Boss Guitar and Incredible Jazz Guitar - I’m finally a good enough guitar player to start transcribing some Wes, and what a blast it’s been. I have a whole new appreciation for his conception, and for how hard the man could swing.
Juana Molina - ANRMAL (Live in México) - This wasn’t the first of Molina’s records I heard; I actually think I included her in my recommendations last time around. A buddy of mine reminded me to listen to this one and it’s been in the rotation ever since.
Stromae - Multitude - Another one from the Strong Songs Discord. Come for the bonkers displaced groove on “Santé,” stay for every other song.
Raul Midón - State of Mind - I recently got back into Midon after watching some truly bonkers videos of him performing live, but I’ve been a fan since he performed for us back at our shared alma mater, UMiami.
Cécile McLorin Salvant - Ghost Song - I don’t actually remember who recommended this album to me, but it is wonderful. Is this what the vanguard of vocal jazz sounds like these days? Probably! Starts with a great Kate Bush cover, too.
King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard - Changes - An approachable concept album from one of the most interesting bands going. The mix on this is unusual, particularly the drums. Oddball sound, great riffs.
Gabe Dixon - Live from Scholes Street - Another UMiami alum, Gabe has been at it for decades now, and he keeps getting better. Nice to hear Randy Schrager on drums, too. “I Believe In Our Love” is a real standout.
Lizzo - Special - Emily and I have had a great time basking in our shared love of Lizzo. “2 Be Loved (Am I Ready)” is a great example of her at her best; what a chorus! And her recent HBO concert film was the feel-good hit of the season.
Harry Chapin - Verities & Balderdash - I’ve known some of Chapin’s songs for most of my life, but had never really sat down and listened to him. After mispronouncing his name on Strong Songs, I remedied that, starting with this all-time classic record.
Completions - I Needed Help - My cellist/songwriter buddy Shawn makes music as Completions, and recently released this very cool new record. It was a lot of fun watching him put this album together, and I think you should check it out!
Al Stewart - Year of the Cat - A few people have written in to suggest that I talk about this album on Strong Songs. I’ve only just started listening to it, but dang. A justified classic, and another notch on the belt for Alan Parsons.
Nickel Creek - Celebrants - The depth of skill that went into making this record... what can you say? Their musical conception is peerless. Go listen to “The Meadow” and you’ll see what I mean. Give me a break!