Obsessed By Music

In another listener request episode, Rob checks out the Frank Ocean album 'Blonde'. After hearing it when it first came out and not being blown away, Rob returns to it and ends up answering a few questions. Is it an evolution? Is it a revolution? Is it a solid record? 

In this episode, Rob Esse suggests a new artist he believes is well worth checking out, she is a musician from Australia and her name is Tash Sultana. The choice track is: 'Murder To The Mind'. Really looking forward to a full-length album in the future ;) 

Rob Esse sits down to listen to the new Fleet Foxes record 'Crack-Up', 6 years since they last released an album. Was the wait worth it? 

In this listener request episode, Rob Esse checks out the most recent album by Childish Gambino entitled 'Awaken, My Love'. This is a record that brings back that Parliament Funkadelic vibe and takes us on a weird, fuzzy and hypnotic journey. 

On an OBM Podcast first, Rob Esse talks about an album that one of our listeners wanted us to discuss - Nikka Costa's 2017 release 'Nikka & Strings - Underneath & In Between'. It's an album with Nikka like you've never heard her before. Dig it. 

Rob Esse misses a recent Fleet Foxes concert at the Sydney Opera House and then regrets it. Why do we go to some shows and not to others? Why did Rob decide not to attend this one? Whatever the case, life is short, so if your instinct is telling you to see an artist or band that interests you, go and see them live! 

Rob Esse is transfixed and emotionally impacted by a great U2 song called 'Kite'. This song has a quality that strikes at the core of childhood, adulthood, ageing, regret and relationships between children and their parents. U2 do a great job of tugging at the heart strings with this piece of music. 

In this episode Rob Esse talks about watching a concert recording of James Brown Live in 1988 and how even an average performance by James and his band can be a great thing to see. 

Rob Esse shares his thoughts on the music and most importantly, the voice of Gregory Porter. He is a unique vocal stylist and songwriter whose last two albums have won Grammy awards. So, what does Rob think of the music? 

Rob Esse pays tribute to the music and sounds of ex-Jamiroquai keyboardist/songwriter Toby Smith, who sadly passed away recently. Toby's impact on funk and electro-soul music in the 1990s and early 2000s cannot be understated, they'll be listening to you for light years Toby - RIP. 

To celebrate and commemorate the 10 year anniversary of Silverchair's incredible album 'Young Modern', check out the OBM Podcast's review of this seminal record. 

Rob Esse shares his thoughts about musician Harts' second album entitled 'Smoke Fire Hope Desire'. Rob delves into a track by track assessment of the music and highlights Harts' continued growth as a unique and exciting recording artist. 

Rob Esse shares his thoughts about Spoon, a band whose music he's been enjoying over the last few years. He first fell in love with their work upon hearing their 2014 album ‘They Want My Soul’. Now they have a new album being released for 2017 entitled ‘Hot Thoughts’ and he predicts it's going to be a further evolution of their unique sound.  

Rob Esse talks about his discovery and re-discovery of the multi-faceted work and deep artistry of George Michael, an artist who you may not fully know. 

Rob Esse shares his thoughts about choosing the best speakers, amps and 'transports' for your music listening. He also reveals his own home listening equipment and how it gives him an excellent listening experience. 

Rob Esse shares his thoughts about choosing the best sources for your music listening. He outlines the importance of getting your favourite music in formats that will ensure a high level of listening enjoyment!

Rob Esse shares three rules for choosing equipment used for music listening. This is not a technical overview, but more a philosophy of what is important when considering audio equipment in the context of actually enjoying the music! 

Rob Esse talks about experiencing the music of Anna Calvi: a unique singer, stunning guitar player and emotive songwriter. Listening to her work is often an eerie, exciting adventure that encompasses the many facets of love, mystery, desire and the outer edges of societal normalcy.  

Rob Esse talks about the incredible transcendent experience of watching or attending a live concert by Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band. After spending many years not quite understanding the full appeal of Springsteen as a musician, Rob started watching footage of Springsteen and his band in concert. He was impressed with what he saw. Then came the moment that changed everything and cemented Rob Esse as a true believer. He attended a 3-hour concert by Bruce and the band in Australia, suffice to say it was one of the greatest live shows he's ever attended. 

After the Cat Stevens episode, Rob Esse got to thinking - 'is there another interesting example of an artist who came out with a small number of amazing albums very early in their career, made a big impact on the music scene, and then disappeared?  Yes was the answer! And so here is it: a show about Cat Stevens and.....D'Angelo. Two artists who couldn't be more different, but somehow have many similarities and are incredibly linked from a career trajectory perspective.