In My Earholes, Volume 1
The music, podcasts, and audiobooks that are currently filling my listening time
I love audio: I listen to audiobooks, podcasts, and music constantly. Sometimes, when I need to concentrate on something besides what I’m hearing, I even play various “white noise” apps.
Sound means a lot to me, so I thought I’d start sharing some of the sounds dominating my listening time.
For The Life Of Me
Will Kimbrough
Will Kimbrough is a prolific songwriter and recording artist from Nashville. His songs have been recorded by Jimmy Buffett, Little Feat, Todd Snider, Jack Ingram, Gretchen Peters, and many others — and he’s produced many of these artists as well.
His latest record, For The Life of Me, is one of his best — sometimes sad and sweet, sometimes forceful and strong, and sometimes bouncy and bubbly, every song is worth your time.
Hidden Treasures of Taj Mahal
(1969-1973)
I’ve been a fan of Taj Mahal for years, but I just discovered this compilation of early recordings, released in 2012. These are the performances that made him a favorite of The Rolling Stones, Howlin' Wolf, Buddy Guy, Lightnin' Hopkins, and Muddy Waters. If all you know of Mahal is “Statesborough Blues” or “She Caught the Katy,” spend some time with these gems.
The Complete Sherlock Holmes Collection
Audiobook read by Stephen Fry
I love Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes stories. They are some of the most creative stories in literature, ranging from engrossing mysteries to down-right horror stories. Check out Stephen Fry's audio versions if you’ve never read the full canon. His ability to explore the nuances of Doyle’s characters — including every British accent and more from the Western and Southern US — while keeping Holmes and Watson completely separate through more than 60 hours of audio. In addition, Fry shares his own stories about his discovery and love of Sherlock Holmes, which are touching and engaging.
https://www.audible.com/pd/Sherlock-Holmes-Audiobook/B06WLMWF2S
Shadow On The Day
Jeb Loy Nichols and Jennifer Carr
I first heard about this album from Ted Gioia, and it has become an obsession. The sweetness of Carr’s piano, plus the roughness of Nichols’ voice, fills every part of me with emotion. It sinks into my bones.
Every Single Sci-Fi Film Ever (almost)
A podcast from Ayesha Khan
I love sci-fi. I love movies. I love Ayesha Khan’s discussions about these classic films. And, since it comes out bi-weekly, I have time to stay up-to-date!
Tigers Blood
Waxahatchee
Katie Crutchfield’s last Waxahatchee record, Saint Cloud, was outstanding. I don’t know how she managed to top it, but she did. I keep coming right back to this one again and again.
That’s all I’ve got in this edition. If you have music, podcast, or audiobook recommendations, share them in the comments!