What I'm Listening To #123

Yes, starting with #123 might seem odd, but I remind you that this is my second blog and in the 11 and a half years that I kept the first one, I recorded thoughts about 122 CDs that I enjoyed listening to.  So this is just a continuation and also a great way to connect the two blogs, since the previous blog still exists even though I can't access it (thank you, Blogspot...)  You can get to that archive view this link: Randuwa: What I'm Listening To. 

To the work at hand.  This is my introduction to Serpentwithfeet's genius.  A Baltimorean who brings so much amalgamated talent to the table.  He has a cool R & B voice in an upper range.  He rhymes simply but profoundly.  He imbues each music with a pulse, like the human heart.  He understands the transcendent power of Gospel with it's traditions like call and response.  Put all of that together with a tender, vulnerable queer sensibility and wow--you get this amazing work.  The songs grab you at the nexus of your inner self and slowly transport you to someplace ethereal and sensual like losing yourself in the sound of another's heart beat.  In another song the heartbeat becomes the rhythmic chant of black men driving spike into railroad ties in unison.  The is an overriding sense of intimacy, of a raw gift from his core.  I love it.  Soundtrack of my summer.