Best album of the summer probably seems a bit hyperbolic, but it really is the best.

Confession. I am an NPR Junkie. I love their cultural pieces. Interviews with authors, with artist, and musicians. The news is alright, no where near as fun as finding a new album to be completely obsessed with. My most recent obsession is Ala Ni, and her album You & I. NPR has featured her several times since the first interview I heard in June.

You & I is a narrative in song form, of new love, to its tragic end. Both modern and timeless. The perfect album to accompany a lazy day with a book, or an afternoon in a sun filled garden, or a walk along the river in the chilled autumn air.

Or the clacking of keys, and the indulgence in a pot of Oxford Blend Tea.

If you will only listen to two songs (Which I think is an unnecessary personal sacrifice on your part.) I would pick Cherry Blossoms and To the River. Diverse enough in their tempo and tone to offer a full vision of the scope of her talent, yet coherent in their place in the story.

What’s your best album of the summer?