… Requires at least three great songs to qualify …
…Listed by Release Date …
RING – Glasser [9-27-2010]. Especially “Home,” “Plane Temp” and “Mirrorage.” Debut album from Bjork-like, ethereal L.A. band is short and sweet like a gorgeous dream.
CATCHING A TIGER – Lissie [8-17-2010]. Especially “Little Lovin’,” “In Sleep” and “Everywhere I Go.” After an initial EP release last fall, this group is her debut full-length album and captures Lissie’s dusky, willowy folk-pop at its best.HOW I GOT OVER – The Roots [6-21-2010]. Especially “Dear God 2.0,” “How I Got Over” and “Walk Alone.” A poignant reminder of life on gritty, urban streets with cameos from Roots members who lay it down with smart & soulful hip-hop.
DISTANT RELATIVES – Nas and Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley [5-18-2010]. Especially “As We Enter,” “Africa Must Wake Up” and “Count Your Blessings.” With awareness of Africa pride and despair, this collection of reggae and hip-hop sees some high-profile cameos and a strong message of hope.
BACKATOWN – Trombone Shorty [5-11-2010]. Trombone Shorty – Especially “Neph,” “Hurricane Season,” “Something Beautiful” and “Buckatown” [5-11-2010]. Big, phat trombone tracks by 24’year-old, already MVP of New Orleans Troy Andrews on his first Verve release.
OYO – Angelique Kidjo [3-30-2010]. Especially “Move On Up,” “Monfe Ran E.,” and “Afia.” Inspired, exotic and often playful tracks offered by African vocalist from Benin ( -- the birthplace of voodoo!).
HIGHWAY RIDER – Brad Mehldau [3-12-2010]. Especially “John Boy,” “Don’t Be Sad” “At the Tollbooth” and “Highway Rider.” Chill, high art jazz music in the vein of melancholy George Winston with improvisational groove.
BOSTON’S FINEST – Sam Adams [3-10-2010]. Especially “Driving Me Crazy,” “Coast 2 Coast” and “You Girl.” Pop-oriented white-boy rap tracks load this debut album from local Boston college (Trinity) kid that will rock the cul de sac.
EL TURISTA – Josh Rouse [3-9-2010]. Especially “Duerme,” “Lemon Tree” and “I Will Live on Islands.” Inspired by Cuban masters, bossa nova and flamenco guitar, Nebraskan native and baroque pop singer-songwriter heads to Spain to generate this half-English-½ Spanish motherlode of ay-yi-yi tracks.
