‣Jessica Williams, gorgeous jazz piano. I can’t say enough good things about her work. Ms. William’s take on the Bemsha Swing is so witty and smart!

‣Kings of Convenience: What historian-activist wouldn’t love “Misread”? But there’s so much else to love on their albums.

‣Antony and the Johnsons: Try I Am A Bird Now.

‣Iain Morland: Iain’s a work-friend, and I wrote my last major work listening to his “Heliography”...over and over. Meditative and progressive at the same time.

‣Hem...a little sappy, but I really love it, especially when I’m out walking.

‣Midlake, specifically “The Trials of Van Occupanther.” I can’t explain why. I just know I got hooked on track 3 and had to be surgically removed from my iPod. (“Give me a day full of honest work, and a roof that never leaks, and I’ll be satisfied....”)

‣Fountains of Wayne, particularly “Welcome Interstate Managers.” (I’m spending the summer singing “Valley Winter Song.” And I’ve got my seven-year-old singing “Bright Future in Sales.” Don’t tell my mother.)

‣Think I should tell Guggenheim Grotto I wrote my Guggenheim Fellowship application while listening to their music over and over again for good luck?