Occasionally, folks ask me what I'm listening to. Since music is my favorite topic, I'm always (too) eager to oblige. Here are five songs I'm currently loving:

Garrison Starr, "Halleluja, Come Together"

Fans and friends know my longstanding love for Garrison Starr, one of my favorite songwriters, voices, and people in the music world. Growing up in Mississippi, Garrison was outed and shunned by her evangelist church. Her recent album has taken this trauma head-on, combining gospel influences and themes of hard-won hope, resilience, and enduring love. If this is the Gospel of Garrison, sign me up.

It's a good week to be from Mississippi.

Dan Reeder, "Stay Down, Man"

A song (and album) from 2020 that I can't stop spinning. The reigning Vignette King, Reeder's songs are wondrously short, dense, idiosyncratic, wry, and full of misfits--deceptively backdropped by lush harmonies and gentle production.

"Stay Down, Man" does more in 2 minutes than most novels do in 200 pages.

Laura Elliot, "Grass Stains"

Still late to 2020's (Zoom) party, I can't even tell you how this song found me. I'm happy it did.

Gorgeous melody, killer drums, smart production. In a song about escape vs reality, the vocal soars while the band (beautifully) plods. Bluebirds vs grass stains--a tension teased throughout. This song methodically rocks.

Cory Branan, "Ricochet"

No shock here--one of my favorite living songwriters just released another razor-sharp album. I love the decision to nest a song about actions and tough consequences within such an inviting sound. The words say heartache; the music suggests resignation.

Oso Oso "4am redemption"

A band I've followed since 2019's basking in the glow, Oso Oso's best songs channel Teenage Fanclub, subbing a bit of pristine for a bit of (delightfully) ramshackle.

Their new album is out now. Crank this track in your car while the sun's out and the sky's dropping leaves and try not to hit repeat.