My Glass World and their new album, “Stranded Assets,” have barged into my ear-space, rather like that one uncle at a wedding who insists on telling you about his model train collection, but then, confoundingly, reveals a profound truth about the human condition just as you’re reaching for another vol-au-vent. This isn't background music; it’s foreground chaos, beautifully arranged. https://open.spotify.com/album/3gpEQRokHZeUiqcVowd6ie?si=SsoiuiuwSvmQSWcX2K06_Q The British duo, Jamie Telford and...

Okay, let’s tumble into Apryll Aileen's “Under My Tree,” shall we? It’s not your grandma’s sleigh-bell jingler, not by a long shot. Aileen, this classically-trained pianist, decides to cloak herself in a Christmas-themed R&B haze, like wrapping a finely-made watch in soft flannel. It’s the kind of thing that makes you tilt your head. https://open.spotify.com/track/6BBE2fTRte3f7HW7NZkTwm?si=JDkhIyolRLeIJS9r8m7PVA The song feels like staring at a snow globe, the tiny...