On music: Five songs worth hearing this week

Discovering new music provides me with much joy – a moment of zen, maybe? – and listening to good music is a blissful, aural pleasure. Today, there’s so many different avenues for discovery, including Spotify, NPR Music, and through binge-watching shows on Netflix – even conventional FM radio. Never underestimate the value of your Shazam app to help identify new sounds, too.

Whether you’re still digging out of a winter storm or have already escaped to a sunny, warm beach on a Caribbean island, here are five songs I’ve recently discovered – some through serendipity – that are worth adding to your playlist:

1. Zero 7 - “Aurora,” featuring vocalist José González.

Famous for their downbeat jazzy rhythms, Zero 7 returns with a new single, “Aurora,” featuring Swedish vocal contributor José González. I’ve been a longtime fan of this European electronica duo, which helped launch the solo careers of not only González, but also Sía and Tina Dico.

2. Hatchie - “Without A Blush”

Stereogum described Hatchie’s music as a “cosmic concoction of dream-pop and shoegaze.” I would have to agree. Born Harriette Pilbeam, the 25-year-old Australian singer/songwriter’s music has been influenced by Mazzy Star, the Cocteau Twins and the Cranberries. “Without A Blush” is from Hatchie’s forthcoming June 2019 album ‘Keepsake.’

3. Jungle - “Heavy, California”

London soul collective Jungle (Josh “J” Lloyd-Watson and Tom “T” McFarland) caught my attention with the groovy disco-funk rhythm of “Heavy, California” from their newest album ‘For Ever.’ It’s full of excitement and guided by a funky ‘70s rhythmic and bass soundtrack. The video for the song is a must see as it’s filled with some outstanding dance moves.

4. Jessica Pratt - “As The World Turns”

“As The World Turns,” by Los Angeles-based singer/songwriter Jessica Pratt is quiet and subtle, a great song to listen to while going on an evening walk or caught up in pensive thoughts. Her new album, ‘Quiet Signs,’ reflects a sense of quiet meditation and calm. NPR Music called Jessica Pratt’s music “cosmic brilliance.” Indeed, this is a very soothing listen after a hectic day.

5. Real Estate - “Darling”

It’s been said that the members of the Brooklyn-based group Real Estate look like a bunch of school teachers who decided to quit their day jobs and form a great indie band. After listening to “Darling” from their 2017 album ‘In Mind,’ their dream pop sound reminded me of great indie groups like Phoenix and Tame Impala.

My songs eclectic ~ the playlist

I am a devoted listener of the music program "Morning Becomes Eclectic" which airs weekdays from 9 a.m. -noon (PT) on KCRW-FM, the NPR affiliate in Santa Monica, Calif. and via the Internet on kcrw.com. Also, I keep an ear pressed to "Eclectic 24" ~ kcrw.com's companion to "MBE" ~ which is the station's 24-hour music channel that blends the collective tastes of all of the KCRW DJs into one single voice. I have the Internet to thank for what commercial radio doesn't choose to provide ~ eclectic, cutting-edge music.

My gratitude goes out to Jason Bentley, the host of "Morning Becomes Eclectic" and his predecessor, Nic Harcourt, for helping shape my current indy pop/indy rock/world music "eclectic" taste which has evolved over the past couple of years. I've always been fairly open-minded ~ always appreciative of certain kinds of pop and rock as well as jazz, alternative and reggae (for those who remember me as a college DJ). And, occasionally, I enjoy listening to classical piano concertos while relaxing at home. Hey, I'm a believer that life goes better with music.

Now, thanks to iTunes, I have been amassed an ever-growing playlist of over 500 songs that I heard through regular listening of "Morning Becomes Eclectic" and "Eclectic 24" ~ songs in the key of life. Thanks to "MBE", I've become tuned to the sounds of Vampire Weekend, Koop, Sigur Ros, Neko Case, Calexico, Pink Martini, Tina Dico and the Swell Season, among many ~ all who produce a brand of very enjoyable, melodic and hip music that's not only easy on the ear, but also none of it very likely to find its way onto commercial radio anytime soon. Too bad for commercial radio ~ great for kcrw.com and public radio listeners.

10 songs I have been listening to on my iPod this week:

1. "Tel que tu es" by Charlotte Gainsbourg from 5:55.

2. "Sing Sang Sung" by AIR from Love 2.

3. "Two by Two" by Animal Kingdom from Signs and Wonders.

4. "And Now We Sing" (featuring Holly Brook) by Duncan Sheik from Whisper House.

5. "Swim Until You Can't See Land" by Frightened Rabbit from Swim Until You Can't See Land.

6. "Boa Sorte (Good Luck)" by Vanessa Da Mata and Ben Harper from Hotel Costes, Vol. 11.

7. "White Sky" by Vampire Weekend from Contra.

8. "Alone" by The Morning After Girls from Alone.

9. "You and I" by Wilco from Wilco (The Album).

10. "Debra" by Beck from Midnite Vultures.