"Free" by VAST
“Free” feels massive from the first bars. Thick sub bass, a punchy rhythm section backing reverb-drenched vocals, and fuzzed out guitars all build to a surprising end.
Weekly Track
Thoughtfully curated weekly deep dives on a single track worthy of your time and attention (and your hifi gear.)
"Cecilia" by Simon & Garfunkel
An astounding stereographic image that puts you right in the middle of a drum circle. This one feels like home.
"Garden Grove" by Sublime
Riding shotgun in my friend's crappy car in 1996, listening to Sublime cracked something open for me: emotionally, musically, even spatially.
"My Sharona" by The Knack
Lead guitarist Burton Averre’s full-length "My Sharona" solo doesn’t just cut through the mix. It burns a hole in the track.
"Lean on Me" by Bill Withers
There’s no flash here. Just weight. “Lean on Me” moves slow. A steady piano, a dry snare, claps that surround, and a jaw-dropping vocal performance.
"Fever Dream" by Iron & Wine
This song doesn’t rise or fall. It just appears, quietly, closely, and stays there. A minimal, intimate production completely sure of itself.
"Two Deliverances" by The Hotelier
There’s a snap and punch to the drums that feels almost too close. Neither glossy nor lo-fi. Just freakin' real.
"I Want You Back" by The Jackson 5
Some songs are just built to move. "I Want You Back" by The Jackson 5 is one of them. It’s sonic catnip from the first bar.
"Hey Now" by London Grammar
“Hey Now” by London Grammar completely took over audio-show demo booths when it was released in 2013 for good reason.
Far Beyond The Yellow Sea
"Orinoco Flow" by Enya is a tidal wave of lush synthesizers, layered vocals, and shimmering melodies that feel both ancient and futuristic.
Baa Baa, Baa Baa, BOMP
"Warriors" by Too Many Zooz is a funky, jazzy, ballsy full-range explosion that’ll have you tapping your feet as soon as you pick your jaw up off the floor.
Where's That Higher Love I've Been Thinking Of?
"Higher Love" by Steve Winwood is blue-eyed soul synth-pop gospel fusion and a shimmering example of meticulous studio craft meeting spiritual yearning.