(Black Thought photo credit JOHNNY NUNEZ/WIREIMAGE)

So much good music was released this past month, including an instant-classic from the best MC (ever?) Black Thought and a reggae remake from the ages from Easy Star All-Stars. Here are my favorite albums (new and old) from April 2023.

Black Thought & El Michels Affair

My most-anticipated album (and now most-played) of the year from two of my favorite artists.

Easy Star All-Stars – Ziggy Stardub

A superb reggae remake of Bowie’s classic album. I’ve been playing their remake of Kid A, Radiodread, for years and this one is just as timeless.

Temples – Exotico

I don’t know how to describe this band’s sound (psychedelia meets surf rock?), but I like it. A lot.

Larry June – The Great Escape

“You can accomplish anything with a solid plan.” This album has such a cool vibe and I’ve been playing it constantly.

Thes One – Farewell, my friend.

An instrumental album from Thes One, one half of the hip-hop duo People Under the Stairs, as a remembrance of his friend. Beautiful stuff.

Also, RIP Ahmad Jamal

The piano legend sadly passed away. I was late to discovering him, only listening to his albums in the past year or two (in my July 2021 favorite albums notes), and they are remarkable. The Awakening and Poinciana are the two I’ve listened to the most.

A few others that I feel I need to mention:

• Herbie Hancock – Thrust
  I keep discovering new albums from the jazz legend. Like the title implies, this has so much energy.
• Brandee Younger – Brand New Life
  New album from the jazz harpist. Great morning music.
• Curren$y – For Motivational Use Only
  Jams for days.
• Hermanos Gutiérrez – El Bueno Y El Malo
  Acoustic guitar album, beautifully done.
• The New Pornographers – Continue as a Guest
  A really solid album from one of my favorite bands.

I love discovering new music and hope sharing my finds inspires you to check out something different (and support the artists you love). Happy listening. ✌️