Aurora

A colleague stopped by my desk recently to tell me about this show she’s been watching that she thought I’d like. I somehow knew before she even said which show. As I nodded an enthusiastic yes, I’m obsessed with it, she went on to mention the book on which the show is based. Had I read it? Sure have! Did I know there’s an album? It’s in my car (because yes, I bought the c.d. See Exhibit A above).

As Daisy Jones & the Six frontman Billy Dunne says of Aurora: “The whole album…it’s a great ride. Start to finish.” I couldn’t agree more. Aurora will undoubtably be one of my favorite albums of the year. That’s no small feat, given that the actors who portray the 1970s fictional band and perform on Aurora learned how to sing and play their instruments while preparing for the show.

Aurora is more than a soundtrack. Its original songs—which sound as though they were recorded in the ‘70s—tell the story of the complicated relationship between lead singers, Daisy Jones and Billy Dunne. Even the album cover itself captures a pivotal moment in the storyline.

There are “rumours" that Daisy Jones & the Six will tour. Until then, I’ll be singing along to this ditty…and this one…and this one…   

Lucius

I happened upon Lucius by accident. There I was, at home one evening with Sylvan Esso performing on Austin City Limits as my soundtrack. I was buzzing about before I had a chance to cue up the next musical selection of the evening. That’s when I heard them—the second band performing on that fateful episode of ACL. I stopped what I was doing, walked over to the tv, and asked who is that? Lucius, that’s who. 

I was mesmerized by the danceable pop beats, the powerful lyrics, and the fashionable lead singers whose synchronized outfits and choreography harken back to the days of Motown. And the harmonies. The harmonies. If Lucius was a guy I’d just met, I would have proposed.  

P.S. You may be wondering is that really a cd in the picture? Why yes, yes it is. I still buy cds without embarrassment or shame. Sure, I listen to Spotify, but there’s just something about having music in physical form. I’ve heard that cds are making a comeback, so maybe I’m ahead of the curve??