Maybe this is better for IMHO, but since it’s music related, I hope it’s OK if I ask it here.
I’m a pretty old guy (I saw the Beatles live ) and most of my friends aren’t even into music anymore. And, those that are, tend to like more of the latest ‘pop’ chart stuff which usually leaves me cold. From time to time, though, some of the interns and residents I work with will suggest a new band or two, but, truth is they’re usually too busy themselves to be ‘discovering’ new music. So I’m hoping you can help me. I should make clear at the outset that I’m not looking so much for ‘new’ music, just stuff that’s new to me. And great!
To give you a sense of my taste in music, I can tell you that in the last six months or so, I’ve gotten to know and absolutely love Elbow and to a somewhat lesser extent, Grizzly Bear and Blonde Redhead. I’ve just discovered Fang Island and really like them (but, generally, I’m no longer a huge of fan of guitar anthem type things). Going further back, I never tire of listening to Sigur Ros, Radiohead (especially Amnesiac and OK Computer), and The Doves (I think * Kingdom of Rust* is amazing, but also like Lost Souls a lot).
So, there’s your challenge. Go for it! And thanks in advance to all who take the time to help me. You can be sure I’ll be much obliged.
Well, as I like Sigur Ros and Elbow, you’ve given ME some new stuff to try out
I don’t have much new though, to offer, as most is a little older, a’la Tom Waits, Richard Thompson, etc. If you haven’t heard of THEM by now, well…there’s no helpin’ ya!
I didn’t really care for the Shakers, thanks, and it’s been a while since I was reminded that we aren’t allowed to get Pandora up here (Canada). A real piss off. Same for Lala btw, as well as another one like that I’ve forgotten.
Any particular cuts you’d suggest for Leon Redbone? Is “Sweet William” one? I couldn’t find it even at allmusic. I will check out your suggestions, and note that I actually know a little bit of his music (from, like, 1974ish, IIRC). But, if memory serves, I don’t think he’s gonna be what I’m looking for.
Karl, you don’t exactly sound totally out of it.
I am probably close to your age. Thanks for turning me on to Fang Island.
Pandora, Lastfm, or Spotify would help you find new tunes.
Looking at what you like, I wonder if you might enjoy:
One of my favorite Redbone tunes was My Walking Stick.
I saw him perform many years ago and he was quite the enigmatic guy, but he knew his stuff, that’s for sure.
Excellent, I will definitely check out your suggestions (mostly tomorrow, though - VERY early morning ahead).
BTW, I love Frightened Rabbit, and ever since I asked who was that singing ‘Do You Realize’ for a Mitsubishi ad (I think), I’ve been into The Flaming Lips.
I am a big fan of Doves and Elbow, two bands you mentioned, and I also adore the first two of Expano’s suggestions and like the third.
A lot of Doves and Elbow fans in the UK also seem to like Teenage Fanclub (and they just happen to be my favorite band). A lot of their stuff will remind you of the Beatles if they’d spent even more time on vocal harmonies. And if I’m going to suggest the Fanclub I might as well also suggest the Pernice Brothers and Nada Surf, who remind me of them for different reasons.
Teenage Fanclub and the Pernice Brothers are coming out with new albums in the summer, but going through their back catalogues is definitely recommended: I’d start with Songs From Northern Britain for the Fanclub and Yours, Mine and Ours for the Pernices.
While not as old as KarlGauss, my first loves in music were the Beatles, Moody Blues, and Pink Floyd… and my iPod these days is pretty much 60s to 80s music.
A young chap I was working with recently loaned me some of his new-fangled modern music… and while most of it didn’t appeal I really took to Muse… their more recent albums particularly, and I have since bought and listen regularly to Black Holes and Revelations and the H.A.A.R.P live album (which also came with a DVD of the concert; well worth watching).
Some of the stuff I really like keeps turning out to be from Scotland, often Glasgow (home of Teenage Fanclub).
This one rocks: Sons and Daughters ~ Dance Me In
Another old fart here. Things I have picked up over the last few years that have at least a nodding acquaintance with things you like and maybe aren’t very prominent:
The Airborne Toxic Event
A Place To Bury Strangers
Trashcan Sinatras are my favorite jangly Scottish guitar band. Oddly enough though I think they are legendary many young Scots have never heard of them when I introduce them.
-Arcade Fire (CA)
-Arctic Monkeys
-Broken Social Scene (CA)
-Fiona Apple
-Keziah Jones
-Howe Gelb (CA)
-Starvin’ Hungry (CA)
-White Stripes
-Willard Grant Conspiracy
-Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Are you familiar with Wilco? They started out as an alt-country band following the breakup of Uncle Tupelo but have become more of a straightforward (if somewhat experimental) rock and roll band over the last several years. And they are a blast to see live if you have the opportunity. My personal favorite albums of theirs are “Being There” and “Yankee Hotel Foxtrot”. The “Mermaid Avenue” albums they did with Billy Bragg (putting music to Woody Guthrie lyrics) are also worth checking out.
I really appreciate your interest and your suggestions. I actually know a number of the bands you’ve mentioned (Frightened Rabbit, Flaming Lips, Muse, and of course Trashcan Sinatras - all terrific).
But, I was also totally unaware of many and have still not yet been able to go through all of your recommendations. To this point, though, I can say:
Feist - wow, just wow, she’s amazing
Ratatat - how could I not have known this band? Mirando!!
Freelance Whales - spectacular, definitely gonna be a favourite. Again, I’m amazed I never heard (of) them. Damn local radio stations.
Vampire Weekend - unbelievably terrific video, LOVE the guitars
Pernice Brothers - another one that will clearly be a fave (Somerville, Baby in Two - all wonderful stuff).
Midlake. I love the songs Young Bride and Acts of Man
The Dodos. Really only heard the song Walking but I really dig it.
Broken Bells. Been playing The High Road a lot lately.
Cory Chisel. Saw him open for Brendan Benson (whom I am in love with) last fall and I was recently spending an iTunes card and picked up the song Born Again. Good stuff.
Fleet Foxes. White Winter Hymnal is a beautiful song.
Sufjan Stevens. Jose Gonzales. The Whitest Boy Alive. Pinback. The Shins. Spoon.
) and most of my friends aren’t even into music anymore. And, those that are, tend to like more of the latest ‘pop’ chart stuff which usually leaves me cold. From time to time, though, some of the interns and residents I work with will suggest a new band or two, but, truth is they’re usually too busy themselves to be ‘discovering’ new music. So I’m hoping you can help me. I should make clear at the outset that I’m not looking so much for ‘new’ music, just stuff that’s new to me. And great!
