First up for me this morning is the brilliant Sahara Blue by Hector Zazou and the Sahara Blue Orchestra of luminaries. Already 15 years old, hard to believe, but one of my favorites of those last 15 years. Very inventive, based on and celebrating the poetry of Arthur Rimbaud. Sadly, just saw the news today that Hector passed away on Monday at age 60, but the music lives.

Mentioned a few days ago in the ongoing what's spinning thread, been spending a lot of time with the last Flaming Stars record, Born Under A Bad Neon Sign. It's a good one, maybe gonna be my favorite in place of Sunset & Void, though that one does have some pretty cool tunes. But this one has the mood.

Some Neil Young popped up a couple times last week by way of After The Gold Rush, surprisingly fresh sounding after oh so many years of hearing it.

Have I mentioned yet how great that Shearwater Rook CD sounds on the car system? Wow, "Home Life" is one of the most amazing productions I think I've ever heard, just sounds brilliant, moving, soaring vocals, the strings and woodwinds so vibrant, dark and thoughtful lyrics on our strained coexistence with nature, especially in regard to the disappearance of beautifully wild creatures like the tiger.

Just got the new Woven Hand Ten Stones, so can't say much yet. But it is one of my favorite artists, and it will be good.

Soaked in the new Willard Grant Conspiracy Pilgrim Road for a few somber listens too. Very good album, though not recommended for parties. Verdict not yet in, one of those records that you gotta give time for, more complex than it sounds at first, once the stories start to unfold, and the cinematic mood takes hold. He worked with a film soundtrack guy on this one, and it does have a very cool feel to it, moreso than some of the previous records, though not starkly different. I like it, just don't know how much yet.

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