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I've rediscovered how cool the Ben Folds Five album "Whatever and Ever Amen" is. I listened to it on repeat as I was driving aimlessly around Ewing and Trenton, and that piano was so grabbing and energetic that I just kept going and going. Not even quite sure were I was, but I did eventually make it home. Great afternoon, friends, listening to some great tunage.
Which brings me to some of the music I've been listening to lately...I highly recommend:

• Ray Lamontagne -- Trouble. I heard the title song on the radio a few times, but at first it didn't grab me. Then, I listened closer, and it hooked me. The rest of the album is just as strong. A mix of folk, blues, and rock, just like I like it.
  
• Aqualung -- Strange and Beautiful. The first time I heard a song off the album, I wasn't sure who it was. I was listening closely to the lyrics, and I thought, "Hey, that's me!" I love it when I can relate to music that closely. That's the beauty of it, I s'pose.
  
• Rilo Kiley -- More Adventurous. Wanted to get this album for a while, and once I saw them in Knoxville, TN for their free show, I had to get the album. It's not their first, so I'll be able to go back a few albums in the catalogue. Woohoo! Reaffirms the fact that I have a thing for women with guitars.
  
• Jack Johnson -- Brushfire Fairytales. Whenever I hear this dude, it reminds me of the beach. It's got a laid-back surfer vibe. I'm pretty sure it was he whom I was listening to when I had brilliant brainstorm of learning to surf, and then going to california next year to follow the cities cited in surfin' USA. Nothing like a couple of shark attacks to kill that idea.
  
• Joseph Arthur -- Our Shadows Will Remain. WXPN just loves this album, especially the song "Even Tho." I swear that we are on the same wavelength. I consider it a new generation of folk music, and I so dig it.
  
• Amos Lee -- Amos Lee. I've only had a chance to listen to this album once, but it was quite good. Plus, I think he's a Philly local, so rock on Amos!
  

Right now, iTunes popped up Otis Redding's "Nobody knows you when you're down and right."
Excuse me while I listen to greatness.