Thank you, Johnny Marr. That's electric guitar, right?

Think of it: In 2013, a rock and roll album with electric guitar. The Messenger is good stuff, indeed.

Granted, Marr's a veteran even if his solo debut is brand new music. Donald Fagen's another old-timer, but his Sunken Condos album from late last year is an excellent jazzy fix.

After a January spent listening to classical music, February brought belated motivation to seek inspiration. Houndmouth has been part of it. Other albums that have scored highly thus far:

Jim James ... Regions of Light and Sound of God
Imagine Dragons … Night Visions
Foals … Holy Fire
Psychic Friend … My Rocks Are Dreams
Bryan Ferry ... The Jazz Age

Ferry's effort is noteworthy because the erstwhile Roxy Music sings nary a note. Rather, a big band performs arrangements of his music in period monaural.

Lastly, a mile marker: U2 might finally release a new album later this year.