Joshua Worden is an indie/alternative singer/songwriter from Atlanta, Ga. He’s a schooled jazz guitarist (although he later switched his major to English literature) who uses his education to create some of the most soothing and relaxing music you’ll ever hear. In September, he’s set to release his latest work of art, Into Fog. He also made MAGNET a mix tape, which you should check out below.
Elbow “New York Morning”
You’ve probably heard this song, but you should listen to it again. The chorus just builds and builds and builds, and it feels so goddamn good. It just makes me want to shout, “Raaaaa.” Guy Garvey has some serious pipes. Video
Robert Glasper “Dillalude #2”
Robert Glasper has been doing some really great things for jazz lately. This particular cut is special. They’re playing some of my favorite J Dilla beats as a live band and smashing the shit out of them. The pocket is so deep that even grandma would bob her head if she were still around and heard it. Listen to the whole thing when you have time. It’s nine minutes long, but they get to some great spots. Video
Plaid “Oh”
For me, hearing Plaid is instant nostalgia. This is from their brand-new album, but thankfully it is still unmistakably Plaid. I see late nights, yellow street lights, driving too fast, windows open, faded. Good feels. Video
Bombay Bicycle Club “Home By Now”
There’s something about this song that gets me every time. I can’t desensitize myself to it. Spine shivers and a blank stare. The chorus melody/harmony is impeccable. Video
Kendrick Lamar “Sing About Me, I’m Dying Of Thirst”
Kendrick is my favorite dude out right now. For me, in hip hop there’s a very clear line between music that’s timeless and music made for short-term consumption. Honestly, I like both, but the former is infinitely more rare. I’d put Outkast, Wu-Tang, Nas and a few others in that category. And Kendrick has joined their ranks. Music that comes from a deep well and addresses real shit but doesn’t take itself too seriously. A fine line. Video
Wye Oak “Logic Of Color”
There’s a lot to like here. Technically, I love the dynamics in the mix: the panned drums, subdued pre-chorus, the tasteful synths. Musically, it’s just a great song. Her voice has the perfect level of husk. Video
Blctxt “Blue Collar Anthem”
Anthony (blctxt) was one the first good friends I made when I moved to Atlanta, and he is ATL through and through. Great artist, always on the grind. Great photographer as well. He captures these amazing candid moments on the MARTA every morning and posts them on his Instagram. Video
Sea Cycles “Tomahawk”
These guys, besides being some of my best friends, embody completely unbridled creativity. I’ve always looked up to them for their seemingly bottomless wellspring of awesome artistic ideas. They’ve got a new album coming out soon, and it’s going to be amazing. Video
Hundred Waters “Sonnet”
This is a band of some seriously talented individuals. I caught them live before I really knew who they were, here in Atlanta a year or two ago (at 529, a small and perfectly shitty venue). They’re playing sold-out shows in front of thousands now, but when I saw them, it was me and maybe five other people watching. And they slayed it. The way the girls harmonize and get that weird flute-ish vibrato interaction going on is unique and very cool. Clever songs, odd time signatures, great musicianship. Video
