The music of My Brightest Diamond has always been a bit out there. It features a very non-traditional sound when it comes to pop music, oft with orchestral movements much more suited for classical music than popular. Add to that the eccentricities of front-woman Shara Worden, who’s blood runs with music – both mother and father were musicians as was a grandparent, all of whom seemed to have a bit of gypsy in their blood.

On a recent drive to Seattle from my new hometown of Mount Vernon, I picked up my iPod Touch and changed the song to Royal City’s “Bad Luck”, putting it on a one-song repeat. The song clocks 3:04 and is only the palest shade less impressive than album opener “Here Comes Success”. Both songs are absolutely stunning, blending a gritty folk-rock with freak-folk and noise.

World Premier. You could call Hermas Zopoula, a West African musician whose songs reminisce of Seu Jorge, a premier world artist. There’s a double meaning here; this is also the World Premier of Zopoula’s video for the outstanding “Alpha Et Omega” off his upcoming double LP Espoir.