M. Ward: Transistor Radio
I discovered this album while listening to NPR's "All Things Considered" and was immediately taken by it. In fact, I actually pulled over (at a McDonalds) to write the artist's name and album down. I find the overall album soothing with touches of folk and accoustic tones. The album is probably give or take for many, but for me it's comfort food.
Jamiroquai: Dynamite
Recommended by a good friend of mine. Then again, he didn't really have to recommend it. All he had to say was: "There's a new Jamiroquai album out!" Done and done, I say. It's been 4 years since their last foray, and what a welcome return. My god, this is the sound that I've been missing for so long. Jamiroquai's music is what I love about music in general: songs have a familiar feel but have a taste of freshness. Delicious.
Everything But The Girl: Temperamental
No, this album isn't "new" per se. "Temperamental" was actually released 1999, but I didn't pick this up until recently. In the past year (or so), Everything But the Girl has turned out to be one of my favorite groups. Tracey Thorn's (lead vocalist) voice is velvety and sultry and Ben Watt's arrangements range from jazzy to funky to trance-y. This 1999 album has the "trance-y" feel to it with hot club-like beats with the sultry vocal background of Tracey Thorn. Yes, I want her.
