Hey music listeners, welcome to my latest “recommended listening” where I give you feedback on the albums that are currently in rotation on my playlist. For the past month I’ve been digging the latest Trews’ album; releases from three different Swedish artists, and some other cool stuff I’ve been checking out. These are my top picks, enjoy!

The Trews, The Trews, Universal – Release Date: Apr 22, 2014

This is easily gonna be the good feel hit of the summer for me. The Trews have really brought there game on this record, as they’ve released a pretty solid hard rock/folk album this time around. It’s not top heavy with singles, shadowed with filler. From start to finish, there’s so much to enjoy on this LP. From the rockin’ tunes of Rise In The Wake & Where There’s Love, to the gracious melodies of 65 Roses & In The Morning. You know, once Halifax gets some good weather, this is definitely the album where you’ll want to invite your friends over the BBQ, have a few beers, and sit back and relax to.

Must hear tracks: Age Of Miracles, 65 Roses, In The Morning (a killer cut featuring Serena Ryder)

Little Dragon, Nabuma Rubberband, Because Music – Release Date: May 12, 2014

Despite all the mixed reviews I’ve been seeing on the internet, I actually enjoy this album. It’s nothing groundbreaking for Little Dragon, as we were all hoping for, after the last release, “Ritual Reunion”, and the single “Sunshine” which pulled a lot of esteem. There’s a mix of styles between old school, and new pop/hip-hop music on this record which is evident on the track “Pretty Girl” which takes me back to the 90’s of trip-hop aka Massive Attack’s “Blue Lines”, but with a more sensual touch. Props to Yukimi Nagano for giving us these engaging vocals, which take the spotlight, as the beats drift away into obscurity. But, good thing there’s enough flavor on this album to keep you listening.

Must hear tracks: Pretty Girls, Paris, Killing Me

Royksopp & Robyn, Do It Again, Interscope – Release Date: May 23, 2014

Awhile back in 2009, the electronic duo Royksopp collaborated with Swedish pop singer Robyn to create the single, “The Girl And The Robot”, which appeared off of their album, “Junior”. The song was a big success, and I felt that there was great chemistry between the band, and the singer. Fast forward five years, and lo and behold, they are teaming up to make an album. The title of their latest release, “Do It Again”, (which I think refers to my own personal suggestion towards them getting back together), is a 5-track experience that is quite monumental. There’s a lot to like on this album. I mean, the opening track makes you feel like you are in the middle of a desolated desert, it’s such an intense listen. On the second track, it’s very trance like, and than into the club with the third, with the lead single “Do It Again”. If you are, or if you are someone who knows a DJ, tell them to put this through their rotation. You’re bound to turn some heads.

Must hear tracks: Monument, Do It Again, Every Little Thing

Lykke Li, I Never Learn, Atlantic – Release Date: May 2, 2014

I’ve always loved break-up albums, there’s just something about them, so personal, that really hits hard with me. It usually starts off with an interesting story, that fills up with so much emotion that literally drives an album from one song to another. Sometimes these stories can be about anger towards an individual, or even bitterness on one end of a damaged relationship. In this case, on Lykke Li’s “I Never Learn”, it’s about her life on the end of a broken heart. She takes a much more of serious approach, than the playful vocals & lyrics you’ll hear from her debut, “Youth Novels”. She sounds so defeated, as being to feel there’s absolutely no hope for her. Some tracks are heart-felt, and some can be unbearable. There’s some great instrumentation on the first few tracks; and a lot of sincerity in her lyrics which makes for a good story.

Must hear tracks: I Never Learn, No Rest For The Wicked, Love Me Like I’m Not Made of Stone

The War On Drugs, Lost In The Dream, Secretly Canadian – Release Date: Mar 18, 2014

My last recommendation, but not the least, comes from an American rock band, The War On Drugs. I’m a bit of a late bloomer to this album, but it’s definitely getting a lot of spins on my music player now. Just picture if Tom Petty were to somehow mutate with the band, The Cure back in the 80’s, this is what you would get. You’d get a roots rock album, with dreamy guitars that give you the feeling of sitting out in the night sky, and watching the stars. The feeling is a good one too, an almost spiritual journey as you listen from one track to another.

Must hear tracks: Under The Pressure, Red Eyes, An Ocean In Between The Waves

These are my recommendations, you’ll probably hear me make these every few months are so. I’m also thinking about splitting them up into individual album reviews, but will see. Cause when you have so much music to bring up, and it all becomes boggled up, you just want to let it all out in one big post.

Anyway, tell me what you think, did you like my recommendations, what albums would you like to see me post up. All of your suggestions are welcome in the comments below…