A few things I was looking forward to obsessing over didn’t work out — the new IDLES album isn’t for me, and a few other contenders didn’t hold up to multiple listens. This is a pretty eclectic collection. I hope you find something you enjoy here.

As always, I’ll include the Spotify and Apple Music playlists at the bottom.

Streams

Riff Cohen – A Paris

Thanks to Kat Koan for the reco here. This doesn’t exist on LP, which strikes me as a prime opportunity for a RSD special edition. Cohen sings in French, Hebrew and Arabic on this album, and it has a loose, live-sounding vibe to it.

It’s hot weather music. In my late 20’s I spent 2 weeks in Israel and Jordan – a friend and his diplomat spouse were posted in Tel Aviv, so we had some help staying safe and making good decisions. It was a trip I’ll never forget (for good reasons and less-good ones), but I think about it all the time. We spent many nights in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem listening to live music on the street and in bars. This album brought me back there.

Madame Gandhi – Vibrations EP

First heard her when she played the whole EP on KEXP:

She’s drummed for M.I.A and Thievery Corporation, but this EP was much more my speed. It’s a couple years old, but the KEXP thing is new and her Instagram is very active (including an upcoming boxing match!), so here’s hoping there’s more on the way. It’s catchy, warm and chill, with unique lyrics and arrangements.

After the performance in the video, stick around for her interview, she’s accomplished, thoughtful and interesting.

Glass Beams – Mirage EP

This is from 2021, but they’ve released a new track today, and announced a new album on May 22!

If I understand the Bandcamp page properly, their debut EP was just pressed and released on vinyl last month (and sold out, dammit). A moody, atmospheric 3 piece who performs in masks. Every song starts up and I’m like, “…that’s the one.”

Spins

Went on a bit of an electronic music binge this week. Three records, two of them classics, one destined to be.

Sofia Kourtesis – Madres

Took me a while to find it, but it’s just beautiful. I’m not a house music guy but this scratches an itch. It has been a go-to for months while I’m driving or doing work that requires concentration.

Check out the interview she did with KEXP here.

Four Tet – There is Love in You

Another EDM classic, this one is from 2010. I haven’t listened to this since it was new. I’ve gone down a Four Set rabbit hole after his set with Fred Again.. and Skrillex at Coachella (after Frank Ocean pulled out), and he also does some pretty incredible immersive work with Squid Soup Lighting. Plus the new track is great.

The Avalanches – We Will Always Love You

It’s not quite the out-of-left-field stunner that Since I Left You is, but it’s a joyful, warm, and uplifting record. And it was in the used vinyl rack for $20. Steal!