Do you remember the opening moments of Ghost World starting Thora Birch? She's in her bedroom watching the iconic dance number (Jaan Pehchan Ho) from the movie Gumnaam?

Thora Birch's character is letting is in the privacy of her bedroom, wearing a graduation gown and bedroom dancing like no ones business. That's what I feel like on the inside when I listen to this album.

It's equal parts Ramones & Sleater-Kinney... 11 tracks weighing just under 30 minutes that will win you over in one complete listen.

I learned about the album, by way of a friend (Sonia, where the hell are you? We need to get coffee and catch up) earlier this year and I instantly hooked when I heard the song: I Got the Moves.

I noticed a song on the album titled Detroit Baby and wondered why they name checked so many familiar locations such as Woodward Avenue. Turns out the band originated from Dearborn, Michigan - a small city that neighbors the Motor City.

I've been singing their praises throughout the year so it's truly no surprise to see this album sneak into my top 20 releases. I've been listening to it a little more regularly in recent days before taking time to pen this entry. I forgot how infectious this album was to have on in the background.

Highly recommend having this on when getting ready to go out for the night and getting your pre-drink on in your home. It's also really great for Ghost World/Bedroom Dancing too.

Standout Tracks:

Artist: Habibi
Produced: Jay Heiselmann, Eric Cambell
Recorded: Death by Audio
Label: Burger Records

Got tipped off to an incredible record this past week by my friend Sonia. She saw them featured on LA Remezcala Today and thought I would dig their stuff.

I clicked on the link heard one track and instantly fell in love with the album. I've been living with the album all week and spent a good part of Saturday listening to it while my niece was over.

She took to it instantly. A number of the tracks are pretty danceable, so it was great to see my niece dance in place while we listened to it together.

One (or two) of the band members were originally from Detroit, before they moved to nYc where the band formed and began recording music together. I apparently missed them at SXSW a couple of weeks ago, but hope to catch them the next time they roll into town.

This is one of the best debut albums I've heard in a very long time. I can't recommend it enough.

Stand out tracks: