Ambrosia Parsley: The Kindness of Strangers

In hopes of drawing attention to No Kid Hungry (an organization dedicated to ending childhood hunger in America), singer/songwriter Ambrosia Parsley released the video for her ode to generosity, “The Kindness of Strangers.” Produced by and featuring the backing vocals of Holly Miranda, the track radiates love and warmth. The stop-motion video, created by husband-and-wife duo Mark Lerner and Nancy Howell, amplifies the benevolent message.

Lena Hall: Piece of My Heart

Very few possess the vocal chops necessary to cover a Janis Joplin song; even fewer can imbue such a cover with the fire of the late icon. Actor and singer Lena Hall—Tony-winner and cast member of TNT’s Snowpiercer TV show—demonstrates both in her ferocious take on “Piece of My Heart.” Off her new covers album, The Villa Satori: Growing up Haight Ashbury (which she refers to …

STRFKR: Dear Stranger

Mellow and satisfying, “Dear Stranger” by STRFKR (Joshua Hodges, Shawn Glassford, Keil Corcoran and Arian Jalali) appears on the Portland, Oregon-based outfit’s fifth studio album, Future Past Life. Beginning with a familiar indie sound, the tune progresses to a psychedelic-inflected chorus and a sweeping, swirling, fluid outro that fully embraces the style.