I worked at a little college in the mountains for several years, mostly working with a student crew to book shows and other programs into our little coffeehouse. Those students definitely had their favorites, and, because they had excellent taste, their favorites became my favorites, too. And there were few artists who crossed our modest threshold who inspired more fervent devotion than Mal Blum.

“Nobody Waits,” the new song from Blum, features exactly the sort of smart, inspired songwriting I expect. The lyrics are full of clever phrasing that peel back tough emotional truths, and they’re operating in tandem with an inspired, hooky melody. I can practically hear a roomful of bright young things singing along, putting every ounce of their hearts into it.