Phosphorescent’s sole member, Matthew Houck, is from Alabama, so it isn’t necessarily surprising that one online publication from the state is calling his latest album “one of the best of 2013.” Possible bias aside, Houck’s latest, Muchacho, is really terrific and includes songs like the spacey “Song for Zula,” which mixes minimalist melodies and beats to create a much more complicated work. The songwriter will show off what he’s been up to with a performance outside the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame today as part of the hall’s free Summer in the City concert series. Strand of Oaks will open the show, which takes place at the museum’s outdoor stage at 7 p.m.; admission is free. Food and drink will be available for purchase. (Jacob DeSmit)
Africa & Byzantium considers the complex artistic relationships between northern and eastern African Christian kingdoms and the Byzantine Empire from the fourth…