Record//Searchers

     Goodnight to the amazing Willie Colón, who popularized salsa music. His music has indirectly inspired me to make this account. This is my first non-issue post so I hope people understand that this is more of a personal kind of story I'm offering and one that I want to share with the people.      I was first introduced to his songs, “Oh Qué Será?” and “Cua Cua Ra, Cua Ra,” when I first heard Geordie Greep and his band cover this song back in 2025 (In my first concert). I remember listening to these songs for the first time and being mesmerized by the energy and mood of Colon’s music, even in a language I have never heard of.      His music, alongside the handful of other albums I was listening to, made me realize that there is amazing music to be found in other genres or countries or groups underrepresented in my music tastes as well as popular culture.      Without him, this blog wouldn’t have been made, and my relationshi...

Albums of the Week (Issue #16) February 22nd, 2026 - February 28th, 2026 1) Billie Holiday - All or Nothing at All      Vocal Jazz - 1959      At the end of her career, Billie Holiday delivers an exhilarating collection of songs signalling the changing direction of jazz. The amazing solos and Holiday's iconic voice makes for a melancholic yet sweet album. Though not her last, the record once more proves that her talent is a once in a lifetime greatness among the millions of musicians out there even at the edge of death. 2) Harmonium - Harmonium      Progressive Folk - 1974      Debuting from Canada, this French Canadian band came out at the peak of the progressive rock genre and blended it with folk/singer-songwriter elements to establish their placement. Though often overshadowed and forgotten by the other amazing acts, Harmonium is a band that shouldn't be disregarded so easily and their first album will grow on viewers after...

Albums of the Week (Issue #15) February 15th, 2026 - February 21st, 2026 1) Elizabeth Cotten - Folksongs and Instrumentals      Piedmont Blues - 1958      Known for her unusual playing style, Cotten's album has been included into the Library of Congress and its National Recording Registry. With the minimal use of vocals and guitar, Cotten made a folk album that's simple yet full of life. 2) Eddie Palmieri - Lucumí, Macumba, Voodoo      Afro-Cuban Jazz - 1978     Also containing Latin music influences, Palmieri's album is an exciting, heart-pumping jazz fusion classic. From its explosive title track to its strong closing track, "Highest Good," the record radiates impressive skill and energy from its amazing band. A must listen for Jazz Fusion/Latin Jazz fans. 3) Doopees -  Doopee Time      Art Pop - 1995      As a one-off project for Yann Tomita, Doopees has a small yet devoted fanbase that has surv...

Albums of the Week (Issue #14) February 8th, 2026 - February 14th, 2026 1) The Gladiators - Trenchtown Mix Up      Roots Reggae - 1976      A strong debut album of one of reggae's genre-defining bands. With two Bob Marley covers and two songs previously recorded with the band's previous label, this album is reggae at its finest with great vocals and meaningful lyricism. By blending both tradition and modern trends in popular music, The Gladiators made a debut that makes it one of the greatest albums in its genre and a fine starter for anyone interested in this genre. 2) Loreena McKennitt - The Mask and Mirror      Celtic New Age - 1994       Hailing from Canada, Loreena McKennitt utilizes medieval sounds of the Celtic and a little bit of pop with a hint of Arabic musical influences to create one of her finest albums. Though she is one of the best selling musicians in Canada, McKennitt's legacy remains somewhat forgotten in...

Albums of the Week (Issue #13) February 1st, 2026 - February 7th, 2026 1) Taj Mahal - Taj Mahal      Electric Blues - 1968      This debut album by a genre-fusion legend sees the musician starting his career with his primary genre of expertise: Blues. Though blues have become a forgotten genre of music in the popular hemispheres of today's music, Taj Mahal puts out a last hurrah of glory for the genre , covering a handful of classics and giving it an electric sound that would eventually pave the way for the rock music era that was slowly settling in. 2) Compagnia il Cerchio, Roberto De Simone & Nuova Compagnia di Canto Popolare - La Gatta Cenerentola      Canzone Napoletana - 1976      This operatta composed by Roberto De Simone reinvents the folk songs of southern Italy, bringing a new dramatic revival to these lost sounds. Though not particularly huge when it debuted in the 70s - the US and UK would have their debuts in ...