Best of June

This is quite a bit behind - June was a busy month! There was also quite a bit of good music coming out, including several picks for what will most likely be some of my favorite albums of the year.

Last Days at the Lodge - Amos Lee (Full album stream)
I was blown away by this album. I felt that this is Lee's strongest and most refined work to date, with his style branching out a little, but with some of his fantastic sound from his earlier albums. Easily going to be in my top ten for this year.

Strawberry Swing - Coldplay
Cemeteries of London - Coldplay
I've already gushed at length about Viva La Vida. I like a lot of the tracks on there, but these are two of my favorites. Also a top contender for the ten best of the year, I think.

The Hard Way - James Hunter
James Hunter is back with his fantastic 50s era sounding R&B, swing and Rock & Roll. This album's just as much fun to listen to as his last one.

They Were Wrong - Matthew Ryan
I've just gotten hooked on Matthew Ryan with the release of his latest album, Matthew Ryan vs. the Silver State, which has a very laidback, rasp to it that you don't hear that often. The lyrics are fantastic, and I think this is my favorite cut from this album.

Her Morning Elegance - Oren Lavie
The Opposite Side of the Sea - Oren Lavie
Oren Lavie was an artist that I fell for on the spot with a GM commercial, of all things. He's got a smooth, silky sound that is just fantastic and easy to listen to. Her Morning Elegance is a great song, and Opposite Side of the Sea is just as good.

Red Cape - Priscilla Ahn
Astronaut - Priscilla Ahn
Ahn is an artist that I've been waiting for since I first heard her perform with Cary Brothers last year. I loved her EP to death, and this new album brings new songs, and some slightly new sounds, with songs that don't force any sort of message, agenda. It feels like she's singing for the sake of the song, and in a refreshing, light and wonderful manner. Also a top contender for a top ten slot.

Old Enough - The Raconteurs
These guys are also a new favorite of mine, with a great energy blending blue-grass, country and rock all together. This is a great cut from a fun album.