Playlist

Wednesday’s music treat

Congratulations — you’ve made it to Wednesday! If you have managed to make it to work somewhat on time for the first three days of the week (and have only hit one item with your vehicle), you deserve a treat!

Here are some tracks that will help you get you through the day.

James Vincent McMorrow: “Cavalier” and “Gold”

Ever since his 2010 release, Early in the Morning, I have been eagerly awaiting another album from McMorrow. This Irish singer/songwriter has a unique raspy quality; his voice sounds like a small, heartfelt plea, begging you to listen. And when you do, you are not disappointed. When I heard his second album Cavalier would be less “folk” in nature, I was a little bit worried. But the result is a fresh take on R&B with smooth melodies and gorgeous harmonies.

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Jake Bugg: “Lighting Bolt” and “Two Fingers”

This 19-year-old London native has already released two successful albums. (Which makes me feel a bit bad about myself, to be honest.) Bugg is an accomplished singer/songwriter who often earns comparisons to the great Bob Dylan — and rightly so. If you find Dylan hard to digest, try Bugg on for size. His songs talk about the ordinary teenage shenanigans with such adult candor; you forget his age and get delightfully transported into some genuine, old school rock ’n’ roll storytelling.

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Dillon Francis featuring Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs: “Without You (The Rebirth).”

Confession time. I am obsessed with this song. I have never been a fan of electronic music, but if it sounds like this, sign me up. There are many elements that make it work: the beat, the melancholy lyrics, the catchy hook. They all come together to make a really solid break-up song. I am definitely adding Francis to my music radar.

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Happy Wednesday!

Flickr photo (cc) by Fey Ilyas

Kona