Don’t you miss those albums where all the artist’s songs were good?

Like, you could just tell they tried their hardest to pour their heart into every last track before shoving it out into the world? Lately, it feels like most of my former faves’ll produce a few gems (assuming they wrote them at all) and then simply shit into the rest of the record’s empty track gaps. And while it’s nice that we have things like itunes to let us cherry pick the good’nes (usually – not always), it’s still short of satisfying. Plus, if you’re like me and your antique Volvo’s sound system crapped out on you last summer, buying CD’s is the cheapest cruise ‘n tune experience you’re gonna get. Thus, lately, I’ve been reviewing some of my favorite, most fluid albums to purchase – the ones that come together nicely enough to create a seamless song experience. No track skipping required. I figure I’ll share ‘em with you as I come across each (or remember them – as some are retro). Because… who doesn’t love a record that rocks all the way through?

Let’s begin, then:

1.) Sea Oleena and Holobody – (Everything)

Genre: Ambient

I think I’ve mentioned Sea last spring – but it’s worth a second mention. Especially since I’m not sure if I acknowledged how awesome her collab band Holobody also is. As a review, any three of Sea Oleena’s albums are excellent for hitting the yoga mat or launching yourself into a creative mood in the A.M. It’s like awaking to a muse-siren. And when your inner imaginative genius needs a catnap several hours down the day, Holobody is an ideal segue into those siesta-esque afternoon hours when you just wanna take a break, lay in the sun, or stroll down “by the riverbed”.



*Full album not available on Youtube

2.) Ulrich Schnauss “A Strangely Isolated Place”

Genre: Shoegaze; electronic

Good, high vibe, driving music and morning wake-up tunes on this C.D. All Ul’s stuff is great, but I feel like “A Strangely Isolated Place” is the album whose tracks integrate nicely into one another the most. The effect is really a mood elevator. Especially if your mandatory news check on the traffic managed to launch you into an emotional deficit already.

3.) Jack Johnson (Everything – starting with “Between Dreams”)

Genre: Folk-Rock

You know those sunny summer afternoons where you’re driving with the windows down and nothing could make it better? You’re wrong. ‘cause Jack Johnson makes everything better. Not kidding. This dude is valium to my tympanic membrane. While “Between Dreams” might be my all time favorite, it’s definitely tied with “Brushfire Fairytales” (imbued with a bit more “mood”, which is nice) and From “Here To Now”. The Hawaiian ukulele pairs perfectly with his deep, soothing, melodic voice. Bonus? He’s one of those family-friendly rare artists who can infuse a good message for everyone without sacrificing style (BTW did you know it’s pronounced oo-koo-lay-lee? Not you-koo-lay-lee? ‘cause I should’ve, being part Hawaiian myself. But I didn’t. #themoreyouknow)

Definitely add this one to your shopping cart. There are zero tracks you’ll wanna skip over.

4.) Lotte Kestner and Trespassers William (Everything – starting w/ “Stolen” and “Different Stars”, respectively)

(Genre: Indie folk-rock)

Lotte Kestner is kinda like the opposite of what Sea Oleena is to Holobody. I say opposite because Sea’s almost better on her own – and while Lotte is pretty great on her own too, I feel like it’s next-level magic once she teams up with whoever the rest of Trespassers William is (I dunno, I just listen – not watch the IndE! True Hollywood Story on ‘em). Maybe that’s because while TresWill is just the right level of melancholy-meets-Mazzy-Star, Lotte’s solo work makes you feel a bit like she might have hidden in a tree outside her ex-boyfriend’s house with binoculars a few times in her life.

And by ex-boyfriend, I mean crush who didn’t know she existed.

Still love her though – and both albums’ tracks blend seamlessly into one another.



*Full album not available on Youtube

5.) Radiohead (Everything – but mostly “Kid A” and “OK Computer”)

(Genre: Post-darkwave-British-rock?)

I remember falling in love with this band in high school (unfortch, that def doesn’t qualify me for “before it was cool”) when I was on this kick where I was addicted to reading but in hate with those in-between moments where you lose focus of the narrative and suddenly become painfully aware of the deafening silence surrounding you. But most of the music I had (still all on CD’s; kinda like I’ve cycled back to now that that’s the only functional sound-player in my car) was too lyrical to pair with my library finds. Conundrum. Until one day I came across Radiohead at the library (not sure if they still let you rent CDs, but they did back then) and took a chance on it. I put on the album and finished my novel by nightfall. These two albums not only meet my fluidity requirements, but they also are ideal focus-music – especially for studying or reading.

That’s all for today – but I’ll be adding to this list.

And if I seem to be racist against your fave genre, don’t worry.

It’s probably just ‘cause I hate it a little.

(But I’m openminded – couldn’t hurt to offer a suggestch in the comments).