The Last 5 Albums I Bought

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In my 10 months of being a columnist for Metro, I don’t think I’ve ever written a list of what I’m currently listening to. Since we’re now in the thick of summer, it’s feels like the right time to share what I’ve been into lately: mostly mellow grooves and poolside jams, perfect for the season.

Here’s the five most recent new releases I’ve purchased. (I also recently bought a couple dozen records from the Hawaii Record Fair, all used stuff, but I’m not including any of these in the list.)

1. Lucas Arruda – Solar

I hadn’t bought any new Brazilian music lately, so I’m so happy to have found this. Instantly one of my favorite recordings of the year (coincidentally, the label also is called Favorite Recordings), Solar perfectly captures the cool sounds of Brazil fused with jazz-funk, never letting the listener down as the music progresses. A timeless album. favoriterecordings.bandcamp.com

2. The Breeze – Cocktails By The Pool

I got this one because it’s summer, and the album’s description reads as so: “A lazy afternoon. Two lovers kissing. Cocktails by the pool. A white yacht down in the harbour. Mischievous whispers — or is it the sound of a saxophone carried over by the wind? Four smooth edits for the summer, gently crafted and wrapped in amazing cover art.” I couldn’t resist. growingbinrecords.com

3. Hiatus Kaiyote – Choose Your Weapon

Admittedly not my purchase, but my fiance’s. She has impeccable taste in music, and anything she shows me becomes an immediate favorite. Hiatus Kaiyote is a near uncategorizeable band from Melbourne, their innovative, complex and psychedelic fusion of funk and jazz with polyrhythms and soulful singing is difficult to describe, but instantly mesmerizing. If there’s one group that’s going to write the future of music, it’s Hiatus Kaiyote. hiatuskaiyote.com

4. Various Artists Henry Stone’s Miami Sound

This compilation showcases an excellent slice of music from the 1970s Miami funk scene, revolving around the legacy of record producer Henry Stone. I’m a sucker for anthologies like these because they offer a look into a world few of us know. Start to finish a solid soul/funk compilation that’s best heard over loud speakers at a backyard BBQ. aotn.co

5. Quantic and His Combo B rbaro Tradition In Transition

Here’s one I should’ve bought six years ago when it first came out. I hesitated, even though I loved the album to pieces when it was released in 2009. I’ve been kicking myself ever since, but luckily Tru Thoughts decided to re-press this album, the first from Quantic and His Combo B rbaro. Recorded in Colombia, the music explores the rhythms of Latin America, the Caribbean and Africa and fuses them with deep funk. Probably Will “Quantic” Holland’s best work to date. tru-thoughts.co.uk

Roger recently turned his blog into a record label: alohagotsoul.com