Tower of Power - Self-Titled, Back to Oakland, Urban Renewal - I might as well start with some TOP recs, since I’ve been listening to them so much lately. There’s something to love about each of the band’s eras, but for my money, this three-record 70s run is their absolute peak.
Sting - Brand New Day - This album is more chill and vibey than I remembered it being. The energy really picks up toward the end of the record, and it goes out with a bang. For a good time, look up the musicians who played on it. Dang.
Patrick Street - “Music for a Found Harmonium” - I’m playing guitar at a friend’s wedding this weekend, and Simon Jeffes’ low-simmer cooker is one of the pieces we’re playing. I’d heard it in a few movies and TV shows, notably Napoleon Dynamite, but had never tried to play it. It’s pretty fast!
Sufjan Stevens - “Mystery of Love” - We’ll also be playing this tune during the ceremony, and oh man, this is a beautiful one. Does this song get played at weddings all the time?? I hope so.
Alex Lahey - The Answer is Always Yes - This was a listening club pick from a member of the Strong Songs Discord, and I really enjoyed it. I wasn’t familiar with Lahey, an Australian singer-songwriter, and I like her sound.
Labi Siffre - The Singer & the Song - I heard Siffre’s song “Bless the Telephone” on a recent episode of Hacks and almost started crying? And then I downloaded this album, and got out my guitar and immediately learned it?? Guess I’m gonna have to sing this at some point.
Wu Fei & Abigail Washburn - Self-Titled - Another listening club pick and, DANG, this is a cool one. I had no idea Abigail Washburn had this in her, but I guess I shouldn’t be surprised. Go listen.
Meat Loaf - Bat Out of Hell - I went on a Steinman kick while working on my “Total Eclipse” episode, and this record remains a favorite. I wish more people made shaggy concept albums like this today. All the modern ones are so shiny.
Megadeth - Rust in Peace - I got back on this album after answering a mailbag question about Marty Friedman’s famous solo on “Tornado of Souls.” It reminded me that Megadeth is one of my favorite metal bands, and that late 80s/early 90s thrash will always be my go-to when I really want to rock.
Diablo Swing Orchestra - Pacifisticuffs - One more Discord listening club pick—I don’t always feel in the mood for this band, since they tend to do the absolute most at any given moment. I definitely respect what they’re doing, though, and this album surprised me numerous times with its stylistic left turns and just, like, overwhelming chutzpah.
Lydian Collective - Adventure - Another album I got hipped to thanks to a listener question from a recent Q&A. YMMV on this type of uber-clean modern jazz, but I find it to be both calming and charming.