Music, everyone loves Music
So not everyone goes hunting for new music all the time. Personally I try to keep up, because I love new music. There is something deeply satisfying about finding something unknown or looked over. So in the spirit of looked over and not so well known music, here is a brief list of some great stuff you might be missing.
Nickel Creek-These guys are a three piece bluegrass outfit. Before you write them off as mountain music give them a listen. It has a very modern feel and a fantastic mandolin player. Some notable tracks: This Side, Helena, When in Rome, Speak, When you Come Back Down, and a fantastic cover of Bob Dylan-Tomorrow is a Long Time.
Morrissey-This man is a god to a lot of people, and yet not everyone knows who he is. Morrissey was the lead singer of the Smiths, a very influential 80′s band. Did you see the show Charmed? The theme song is a Smiths tune. Go see a Morrissey show and watch grown men weep openly. He sounds very British and regal. Check out Every Day is Like Sunday, We Hate it When our Friends Become Successful, Sunny, Sing Your Life, or Hairdresser on Fire.
The Raconteurs-I think people keep looking past these guys. This is Jack White’s band that isn’t the White Stripes. He is more impressive on every album with the Stripes, and the two raconteur albums don’t disappoint either. Intimate Secretary, Level, Salute your Solution, and Carolina Drama are fantastic.
Smoking Popes-These guys play a faster, punk themed music set with a smooth croon vocalizing over the top. The mix works wonderfully and I could listen to them for hours and be happy. More bands should be like this. I need you Around, Pure Imagination(yes, from Willy Wonka), No More Smiles, Megan all great songs.
Arrested Development-These guys were huge for me when I was 12. They were a positive, pro Africa, anti-gangsta, pro woman hip-hop group. Being white, from the burbs, and young in the 90′s we sure loved rap. 3 years, 5 months & 2 days in the life of… is in my top ten albums of all time. Fountain of Youth, Tennessee, People Everyday, Mr Wendall, and Mama’s always on stage still make me happy. Also Speech the leader makes solo music and is also worth checking out.
And Finally Coheed & Cambria, as far as I am concerned these guys are making some the most interesting rock music this decade. It’s fast, it’s falsetto, it’s involved. They have 4 albums out all telling one story, with one more album coming I think in it. It’s a sci fi story based on characters named Coheed and Cambria, all written by the lead singer Claudio Sanchez. The albums are great the first time through and very rewarding after repeat listens. They have about 4 hours worth of original tunes and you could listen all the way through and still want more. Just check them out it’s all good.
