Music I Like Right Now

I've been listening to a pretty diverse mix of music lately, not all of it new releases - here's what's been shakin my iPod.

Kaskade - Strobelight Seduction

Categorized in iTunes under dance - hard to imagine anyone dancing to anything this chilled out though. I've liked Kaskade's last two albums as soon as I put them on. Their first album had "Steppin Out" which is one of my all time favorite techno songs. Not exactly sure who they are or the composition of the group, or if it's actually a DJ who gets singers. Pretty sure there used to be a guy singer who doesn't seem to be on this one. Great late night chillout music

Collie Budz - Collie Budz

Stumbled across this guy on an old friend's myspace page. Don't think he was very commercially successful, and I don't usually seek out reggae music, but I love this guy's tunes. Favorites - "Blind to you," "Movin' On," "Tomorrow's Another Day," and "What a Feeling." Actually I like the entire album. Maybe just because it's been so long since I've listened to reggae.

Three Six Mafia - When the Smoke Clears

If there was ever rap that was so bad it's good, it's Soulja Boy, but before Soulja Boy there was Three Six Mafia. The beats and lyrics are so generic, monotone and horrible that they're unbelievably addictive. I can't stop cracking up when I'm listening to them. And I can't stop listening to them. Reminds me of movie theatre popcorn - you know it's bad quality, terrible for your health, and even starts giving you a headache before you've finished even a quarter of the tub, but you keep on reaching for more.

The Roots - Rising Down

They don't miss often. I think that Birthday Girl song is hilarious, but I guess it didn't review well. I like the instrumentals on this album better than some previous albums, and it's nice that their lyrics are always interesting to listen to when I happen to pay attention to lyrics.

Phoenix - Alphabetical

This one's from back in 2004 but I just discovered it. Originally heard of these guys on a compilation disc by Erlend Oye in a track called "If I ever feel better." Their more recent album got better reviewed but I like the more laid back tracks in this one - favorites include "If it's not with you," "Everything is Everything," and "I'm an Actor."

Chris Brown - Exclusive

I haven't listened to this album for very long and I have a hunch I'll wear it out quick, but I really like it for the moment. I liked that "Kiss Kiss" single when it first came out, I like "Damage," and the song "Down" feat. Kanye West. Few other songs I like but I don't know all the names.

Jamie Lidell - Jim

Reminds me of Al Green. You would NOT BELIEVE what this guy looks like if you heard him sing first, then looked up a video. Then again, those Brits seem to have a knack for really "getting" what makes soul music work, and this guy takes it even further than Joss Stone in that respect. Think Robin Thicke, but more organic, live band backup.