What I'm Listening To

Michael Franti & Spearhead, Cry Fire (Anti) Propaganda's pretty out-front as usual, but Franti seems to have taken care of the music this time out with significant help from Sly & Robbie. In a just world, this one would blow up huge.

Lori Carson, The Finest Thing (self-released) The Golden Palominos' best, most heartfelt singer releases and album (like much of her music) about reaching out for love and spiritual uplift after huge emotional losses. This album is like David Crosby's first: saturated with grief, a third of the songs are just voices singing wordlessly over hushed, beautiful guitars. Not for parties, but perfect for dark nights of the soul.