“The creation of music is a rare right of passage binding impression to melody, flesh to soul, the tangible to the intangible. For the next twelve months, I seek to write, play and experience music with people in the context of other cultures I do not know as intimately as my own.” Four years ago, Wheeler Sparks submitted these words to the Watson Foundation in what proved to be a successful endeavor to obtain a Thomas J. Watson Fellowship. He then embarked upon a trek across the globe to study the distinct musical cultures of Ireland, Spain, Morocco, Egypt, South Africa, India, China (Tibet) and Mongolia.

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Okay skeptics… here’s what I want you to do. Regardless of what mood you currently find yourself in, go home and listen to this, Vampire Weekend’s self-titled debut album, and just try not to grin from ear to ear. Go on… I dare ya.

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If you're looking for the perfect album to bring you to a peaceful and meditative state of mind... On Promenade is just that. With his lilting melodies and poetic sincerity, Doug Burr is truly timeless, and this has quickly become the first thing I reach for after an exhausting day at the office.

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The first time I heard "White Winter Hymnal," it literally took my breath away. And then I proceeded to listen to the song at least a dozen times more that very same day. With their debut, self-titled album, the Fleet Foxes have set a precedent I pray they can hold to for years to come.

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This, the fourth album by international phenomenon Kings of Leon, blends the raw emotion of genuine rock and roll with the kind of epic appeal not found in the work of many modern artists.

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