It's been a long time since I was really excited about music -- roughly a year, in fact, if you figure it based on the free release of Radiohead's "In Rainbows." Since then I've had a few flirtations (an old song by The New Pornographers that was new to me... and totally not like the rest of their catalog... some odd bits and pieces that were on my computer at work but didn't make it onto this one, etc., etc.), but no true love.
So before I go wandering back into Internet radio in search of something great -- and yes, I want great, not "OK," not "meh," -- let me just post this desire here, too: If you know some new music that's worth getting excited about, worth lovin-up-on, the kind of music that changes the way you look at th world, man, that's the kind of music I'm looking for.
It's such a new world. Where's the soundtrack?
I'm sort of into Saul Williams right now.
Posted by: newscoma | Sunday, December 07, 2008 at 08:41
Avett Brothers--Emotionalism or Second Gleam
Josh Ritter--The Historical Conquests of Josh Ritter
Posted by: kristen | Monday, December 08, 2008 at 15:08
I am hesitant to make these suggestions. These are bands that have been around a while (as in 15 or 20 years), but I just discovered them in the last two or three years. I'm scared you'll say "those are the bands I'm sick of", thus demonstrating that you are vastly more cool than I.
A couple of years ago, Poi Dog Pondering was in town, and my friend Walt told me I should see them. He was absolutely right. There cannot be a group of people that show more pure joy on stage. And it's infectious.
I haven't heard all their recordings, but you can't go wrong with their first album (self-titled), Pomegranate, or last year's 7.
Then there is Guided By Voices. I found them on Austin City Limits. I was completely blown away, somewhat stunned I had never heard of them. It turned out that show was their last as GBV.
Robert Pollard, the driving force behind GBV, is a prolific writer who seems unafraid to record every song he writes, regardless of quality. That makes their studio albums a bit hit-or-miss. I suggest you start with their greatest hits album, Human Amusements at Hourly Rates. For a taste, check out the video of the quintessential GBV song I Am a Scientist.
Finally, there's another band I discovered on Austin City Limits, Ozomatli. I don't feel as strongly about them as Poi Dog or GBV, but they're worth listening to. They play a blend of latin, rock, hip hop, funk: if it's a genre you might hear in LA, Ozomatli's hometown, you'll probably hear it in their music. Play it at your next party.
Posted by: Huffman | Monday, December 08, 2008 at 20:24
The one thing in life you can count on? I'm not cooler than you are.
Posted by: Dan | Tuesday, December 09, 2008 at 09:02
http://www.last.fm/user/windhamdavid
Posted by: david windham | Tuesday, December 09, 2008 at 12:49
It's hardly the Hatfields & McCoys, but I'm partial to Pandora over last.fm. Buy American! ;-)
Also, can't say I have a favorite album figured out yet but Joe Pug wrote and sang my favorite song of the year: http://www.3hive.com/2008/05/joe_pug.php
Posted by: EssDogg | Tuesday, December 09, 2008 at 12:56
Meant to send this recommendation sooner: the Waybacks.
http://www.waybacks.com/
Not every bluegrass band gets the crazy idea to cover Led Zeppelin II all the way through, then goes ahead and does it.
Posted by: Brian B | Tuesday, December 09, 2008 at 12:59
You can also check out the various MP3 blogs out there (some bookmarks: http://delicious.com/exposur3/mp3blog) including http://elbo.ws which aggregates them all to include hot tracks, hot artists, etc.
Grab the playtagger bookmarklet (http://delicious.com/help/playtagger) which will add a nifty little inline player next to the MP3 samples on the blogs...
Posted by: chrys | Tuesday, December 09, 2008 at 13:12
Have you tried buddying up to a DJ or two? They have access to lots more music then they can actually put on the air.
Posted by: Jean Mcgreggor | Tuesday, December 09, 2008 at 14:19
And then, here's Fred Wilson's list (not a response to my appeal, but interesting nonetheless)
Posted by: Dan | Thursday, December 11, 2008 at 08:41
Dan...
It's been awhile since I wandered this way (for too many reasons... but suffice it to say when I do read blogs... you are still at the top)... but I couldn't resist putting up a link to some suggestions.
First, although I think a release like "In Rainbows" doesn't come along every year, you can see my Top 10 list for 2008 here.
Also, you can find our weekly podcast here. You'll find plenty of suggestions for new material on our playlists.
Posted by: Rockwell | Sunday, January 04, 2009 at 23:57