Take Jack Horton, a Portland-based singer-songwriter whose path to folk-Americana included stops at Japanese law school, Tokyo piano bars, corporate boardrooms, and government offices. His latest EP, "Imperfections," feels like finding someone's private journal set to music. And that someone happens to write really, really well. The five-song collection opens with "Set Me Free," a piano-driven confession that might surprise anyone expecting typical breakup bitterness. Horton...

It's important to give yourself a break and regroup every once in a while. It's a period that everyone goes through, and you'll need it eventually. "Recharge" is Wavey Days' most recent hit, and it's a true, groovy, and rhythmic hymn for everyone. The record serves as a reminder of the significance of taking a break from the commotion and distractions that are part of everyday...