I realize I am a far cry from being hip on the music scene, so most of what I am about to share is probably very stale-dated to my more musically aware friends. But here goes…
My favorite song of the past 12 months: "Dashboard" by Modest Mouse. Most songs/artists take me 3 or 4 listens before I am ready to pass judgment, yea or nay. This song was immediately likable.
Runner up: "Four Winds" by Bright Eyes. (Conor Oberst’s guest DJ appearance on All Songs Considered was interesting (link also takes you to streaming “Four Winds”)
My favorite recently discovered song: “Cap Cod Kwassa Kwassa” by Vampire Weekend (download free from their website 3/4th of the way down the page)
Favorite "new to me" artist of 2007: Sufjan Stevens. “Casimir Pulaski Day” is a good place to start with him. His Austin City Limits performance was unbelievable! Look for it to be re-run sometime. Amazing. I want to learn to play the banjo now.
Runner up for “new to me” artist for 2007: The Decemberist. Start with “The Crane Wife 3”. Check out their interview on Fresh Air here.
My favorite "new to me" artist for 2006 was: Jamie Cullum. I like “Photograph”, “London Skies”, and “My Yard” from Catching Tales and “All at Sea” (his biggest hit) and “Next Year Baby” from Twentysomething. His performance on Austin City Limits was also a lot of fun.
Favorite music podcast: NPR’s All Songs Considered
Runner up: MPR’s Current Song of the Day (Minnesota Public Radio not NPR) has some occasional gems.
Fresh Air also frequently features musicians. The Arcade Fire interview was interesting. Gene Simmons’ (KISS) was one of the weirdest of all time.
Favorite music related TV show: as evidenced by multiple references above, Austin City Limits on PBS. In addition to Sufjan Stevens and Jamie Cullum, the Coldplay, Ben Folds, and James Blunt episodes were all very good. Norah Jones, The Decemberist, and Arcade Fire are all coming up in the next 4 weeks. Set your DVRs.
Please share some of your recommendations via the comments section below.
9 comments:
Rich, I have never heard of any of these groups. Im always envious of other people who can ramble off a list of groups that are not the norm you hear on the radio everyday. You have researched deep into a place I like to call "the red hot underground music scene." Now im going to go buy a kite from the hobby store, tie it to my back and play the basoon.
Rich, Have I ever mentioned that I love your taste in music? And you, too?
Randy, Has anyone ever mentioned that your kinda funny? Kinda hysterical? I look forward to your bassoon concert with much anticipation. You're back up artists could wear butterfly wings.
I always like your recommendations. Thanks! Keep them coming.
Richard, Patrick and I love lots of the same artist you do.
Arcade Fire we absolutely love. Patrick saw them in Red Rocks just recently. Sufjan Stevens also a huge fan. He was fantastic on Austin City Limits.
How great that you know about all of these artist. I am so excited Patrick will love that a grown up like himself, Has the same taste.
People never know who he is talking about. What ever you are so cutting edge, Do not sale your self short.
That Sufjan performance on ACL was pretty great. Rissa got hooked on him after I made her watch a few songs.
Have you ever seen Ryan Adams or Calexico on ACL? Both of their recent performances were incredible.
All hip. All the time. Tune in to Rich Radio, weekdays and weekends, here on The Rich Life.
Serious, though, Rich, those are all really cool artists. Solid post.
Also, I like the blog's new look.
Hey,
You’ve mentioned All Songs Considered on you blog before and we thought you or your readers might be interested in our poll.
All Songs Considered wants its listeners, not the critics to choose the best albums of 2007. Was it Radiohead's In Rainbows, or something more off the radar like Loney Dear's Loney, Noir? We want to know what you think.
Go here http://www.questionpro.com/akira/TakeSurvey?id=833977 to vote for the best album of 2007.
We'll post the results on All Songs Considered http://www.npr.org/templates/rundowns/rundown.php?prgId=37&agg=1 December 20th.
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