Mike Doughty

Soul Coughing disbanded five years ago, and frontman Mike Doughty seems sublimely content with the way his life has progressed since. He’s traded the psychotic sample stylings of Soul Coughing, as well as his moniker, M., for more traditional songwriting that he calls “small rock” and for collaborations with the likes of Dave Matthews and local fave Dan Wilson, who produced his new solo recording. It still sounds like Mike Doughty, but this is Dan Wilson-flavored Doughty. Haughty Melodic is consistently excellent, the music both upbeat and beat up. And really, who can match Doughty for lyrics? He and keyboardist Dan Chen will perform at Cedar Cultural Center on May 14. Be there or be lo-fi.