I've always been a music lover -- it's something that I think just came naturally, since my dad was always so infatuated with music. As I talked about in one of my previous posts, I've never actually been very musical myself, but I appreciate good music (good music...that phrase just made me chuckle out loud, because I know how subjective that description can be!)
I seem to take listening to music in spurts though -- sometimes I'll listen all day at work or while I'm working on my laptop at home, and other times I won't listen to any music for months at a time. Right now, though, I've hit one of those listening modes, and I thought I'd share some of the CDs that are in heavy rotation right now.
Paper Empire, Better Than Ezra
Truly one of my favorite bands. I think their first album, Deluxe, is still one of the best albums ever made, although that's probably more for the memories I have associated with it than for the actual quality. And it doesn't hurt that Kevin Griffin, their lead singer, is still so gorgeous! I've seen these guys in concert close to a dozen times now, and they put on a fantastic show. So excited to hear new stuff from them after several years of solo work and no touring.
Middle Cyclone, Neko Case
This woman has one of the most stunning voices I've ever heard. I came across a clip of her singing "Maybe Sparrow" (my favorite song by her) on dooce.com and was instantly smitten. There's a tinge of Appalachian balladeer in her voice, as well as a tinge of alt-country, and a nice dollop of modern folk.
Blue October, Argue with a Tree (Live)
I love live albums. If I can get a live album by an artist, I'll choose that version any day over a regular studio version. There's an energy, a vibrancy, that live albums contain that you don't get in a studio -- it's the interaction, the give and take, with the crowd that really comes through on good live albums. I love seeing artists live; in fact, that's how I became a fan of Blue October. They opened for Better than Ezra in St. Louis several years ago; I had never heard of them, and wasn't too impressed with what I had heard on their website. But then, when I saw them, several of their songs really caught my attention. I was a fan from that point on, and it makes me so happy to see that more and more people are finding out about their music. I'll warn you -- there's a lot of cursing on this album, and their music is dark, so this isn't for everyone.
What about you -- what are you listening to over and over these days?
cool, thanks for sharing!
Posted by: jen | May 15, 2009 at 07:40 AM
Thanks for all the info, have to check them out.
Posted by: Melissa | May 15, 2009 at 07:55 AM
i always love new music leads.. thankls... and I seem to be listening to American Idol because of my kids, aaaargh
Posted by: beth (20birds) | May 15, 2009 at 10:19 AM
Dude, I love Neko! Definitely still need to pick up the new album. Right now I can't stop listening to Adele, that girl works magic with her voice. Her CD is a nice mix of styles.
Posted by: Trude | May 15, 2009 at 12:13 PM
I am SO a music lover! :) Great list.
Posted by: Pamela Young | May 15, 2009 at 01:48 PM
Thinking of checking out blue october, thanks for the suggestion.
Posted by: Danielle (vtpuggirl) | May 16, 2009 at 05:43 PM
I love all kinds of music, but like you, I'm a big fan of Blue October!!
Posted by: Linda Rodriguez | May 17, 2009 at 11:13 AM