I liked the idea of sharing seven or so songs per week, but I got a full month behind! May brought a sleeper from St. Paul & The Broken Bones, Joshua Hedley’s country party, new to me New Edition, Diana Ross and Tame Impala on a Minions soundtrack, and I need to listen to the rest of this new Jukebox the Ghost!
Plus: Yo Yo Ma and Tunde Olaniran, Yebba, Joan Shelley with Bill Callahan, Phosphorescent, and Randy Houser.
St. Paul & The Broken Bones
I didn’t like the singles as they came out. It’s quite dark, which I don’t mind, but it’s also kind of spiky and unfriendly. This is not dance-around the-kitchen music. But I might anyway! Gosh, they’re good.
Joshua Hedley
A splendid album to sing in whatever car or bar you’re in. Songs reverentially smash some nostalgic sweet spots while feeling wholly his.
New Edition
Sometimes the algorithm really works to surface great tracks. I’ve been listening to an 80s R&B list lately and who am I to deny a great track? Plus, I can’t help but see the connections to K-Pop acts who aren’t shy about their love for this music.
Diana Ross with Tame Impala
Unimpeachably talented superstar makes an actually-good comeback song with a festival-rocking contemporary artist. The Academy will be interested! It’s got Pharrell “Happy” vibes but hits a little harder and weirder. So cute!