99channels

And now for something completely different.  Alex Williams has a voice that's perfect for country music. So that's what he sings.  And he does sing well.  His newest album is a wonderful example of Outlaw-style country music with a very modern twist.  This is not music that I will seek out, let alone start to square dance on, but I came across this artist and couldn't ignore his authenticity. This is music that comes from the heart.  And that is rare enough to be treasured. Alex Williams - Waging Peace https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dtkWl5mLPrc Bonus track, just for fun: Alex Williams - Little too stoned https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KSHh4jj87fo

Progressive metal performed to perfection with a singer who starts to look more and more like James Maynard Keenan in profile (check out 2:19 in the video).  Does it sound like Tool or does good progressive metal share many traits?  I believe in the last.  And I believe in a catchy chorus as well. Soen - Savia https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nev5UJRr9TY

Every now and then I am in a mellow mood.  It helps to pour in a single malt and listen to this "samba meets mellow jazz voice" song. Life can be simple, sophisticated and oh so nice at the same time. I like to to do this at the end of the song: while the last soundwave evaporates, enjoy the silence and take a sip before putting some other music on. I believe the English term for this is catharsis. Stacey Kent & Jim Tomlinson - So Nice https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IzwHzAh7iyU

It has been over 2 years since my last venture into electronic music.  This song caught my attention because of its lyrics and the juxtaposing music.  In some way it reminds me of avant-garde 80s music (Anne Clarke) mixed with De Staat and produced to feature on the Deca Dance ride when it is town.  This is a young artist who has something to say and we will hear more from her for sure.  This song if from her first EP "Life is a vieze cirkel", a play on words which only makes sense if you are fluent in English and Dutch. Vieze Meisje - Vlees & Steen https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IzjwlLT0vJM