Paul Watson and Jonathan Vassar at Globehopper

Thursday, Sept. 18. 7 p.m.

My vote for album of the year is “My Secret Effect” by Paul Watson. Why? The goose bumps don’t lie, and this one gives ’em to me every time I even think about hearing it. The first solo album by longtime Richmond musician and former member of the Orthotonics, Sparklehorse, Cracker and others is a pop masterpiece. From the first time I put it on, I was entranced and that all-consuming sense of awe hasn’t abated through dozens of listens. From the striking, subdued beauty of “Yours” to the Lou Reed-esque rock ’n’ roll romp of “These Words,” this is a special collection of songs that satisfy individually but carry the most potency when heard as a whole. Paul Watson brings his twilight sounds to Glopehopper on Thursday, Sept. 18. Jonathan Vassar opens. The music starts at 7 p.m. Free. globehoppercoffee.com.

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