Paul Simon is a true gift to the universe and his latest record, Seven Psalms, is a big reminder why and how. It's a beautiful testament to his songwriting ability as well as his gifts with a simple acoustic guitar. Simon says the ideas for each of the seven pieces (which form one whole movement to be listened to in one sitting) came to him in a series of dreams.
Divine inspiration?
London's Yes is still going strong in their seventh decade of making fine, fine art rock. Their latest is called Mirror To The Sky and it is stellar in a massive cosmic journey sort of way.
The current lineup of Jon Davison (vocals), Steve Howe (guitars), Billy Sherwood (bass), Geoff Downes (keyboards), and Jay Schellen (drums) hit the mark perfectly with that signature Yes sound with even some "Asia-ish" stuff thrown in.
Here is the opening track...
Sleep Token are quite the force of nature these days with their third album of emo metal just dropping. Take Me Back To Eden is a deep, power dive into a fairly dark pool of emotion.Yet somehow I feel happy when I listen to it. These London lads have down well.
Opening track...
London's own Alison Goldfrapp has dropped her first solo record and it's quite refreshing to see her out on her own. The Love Invention is Synthpop at its finest, guaranteed to make any get up and move, dancing away whatever stress they might have in their lives.
Opening track...
The mind and soul of Durand Jones are American treasures. His first solo outing, Wait Til I Get Over, sees him channeling his inner Ray Charles, challenging all of us to think beyond what we consider "soul" music. Social justice themes now join his usual palette of love and loss. After all, it's all part of the same heart...
Here is one of my faves...
I've been digging Avalon Emerson's & The Charm album of late. It's a wispy, dream pop collection of dream pop that would make David Lynch proud. It also has an early 60's lounge vibe to it.
Check it out!
Emily King is an R&B jewel. The NYC native has just dropped her fifth record and it's a triumph. I got up and started dancing on the first listen and I'm not really a dancer! It's pure R&B bliss and a must for summer listening. Special Occasion even has some genre hopping moments ("Home Now") that add to her lexicon of awesomeness.
Opening track...
