Octo Octa and Eris Drew – Fabric Presents Octo Octa and Eris Drew: A good soulful mix that takes me on a journey through a lot of different vibes of dance music that I’ve loved over the years. By the end, though, I was bored.
The Joy Formidable – Wolf’s Law: I was falling asleep while driving so I put this on. It was like a shot of caffeine, I was completely awake within two songs. The lyrics don’t do much for me but the music is incredible. My favorite rock (I use the word loosely) band of the past many years.
Hieroglyphic Being – There Is no Acid in this House: I had to listen a few times before I appreciated it. I don’t hear the free jazz influences that reviewers latch on to, but it brings both an experimental and reflective spirit that I like. Not sure it’ll make it into my regular playlist though.
Fela Kuti – He Miss Road: Why do I hate Jon Lord but the organ on this title track gets me pumped up? Maybe because these solos feel like they were vehicles to make the song better, while Jon Lord’s performances always felt like the songs were vehicles for his ego.
Valerie June – Under Cover: Someday I will learn to stop listening to cover albums expecting them to be amazing. This has its moments, but the cover of “Imagine” is so unnecessary that it pretty much kills the record for me.
Sault – Untitled (God): After finishing Prince’s first four albums, Bob and I are starting a conversation about Sault’s latest release.