Artist: Beck
Album: Sea Change
Yeah, ok, you may have known that I like Beck. But betcha couldn't guess that my absolute favorite album by him is his radical departure from the typical 'Beck style.' You're not going to find any upbeat electronic ironically lyric(ked?) songs on this album. It's almost completely acoustic, and much of it is almost sadly pathetic. (In a good way!) You may not even have to listen to realize the latter- here are a few song titles from the album: 'Guess I'm Doing Fine,' 'Lonesome Tears,' 'Lost Cause,' and 'Already Dead.' Probably not going to be dancing to much of these tunes. Where'd this album come from, you ask? Mostly from a break up from a 9 year relationship. Intense. The album was also produce by Nigel Godrich, Radiohead's main producer. Give it a listen, great to go to sleep to. Not in a bad mood though- it's maybe just a WEE BIT depressing.
Artist: Live
Album: Throwing Copper
Wow. One of my all time favorite albums. Have my sister Sharon to thank for this one- she dropped this one on me about the same time I started driving, which resulted in me very (un)safely driving with studio headphones listening, due to my lack of a CD player in my truck (and more reasonable headphones.) I'm not much for alternative or the grunge scene, but this album is pure gold. And that's just it- it's an ALBUM. The songs naturally progress, and I don't skip around. In fact, I rarely just throw on a Live song, I oftentimes just listen straight through. It's just... an experience. Don't know how else to describe it. Unique instrumentation, great guitar orchestration, powerful lyrics. Give it a shot, it may surprise you.
Artist: Nicole Atkins
Album: Neptune City
This girl blindsided me. I'm a sucker for Roy Orbison, and this is his female counterpart. Quick, does anyone know if Roy froze some sperm somewhere? If we impregnate her, the music world may be turned upside down in about 20 years. Inappropriate overreactions aside, this girl has a VOICE and massive songwriting talent to boot. This is her only full length album out to date, but it's a must have. Go download it. Powerful sweeping melodies, and ridiculous power in her voice. The production is top notch as well. I saw her live, and she was just as impressive. Not to mention hella fine.
Artist: Eminem
Album: The Marshall Mathers LP
Everyone assumes I hate all hip hop and rap. Not true. I always respect talent. And there aren't many people on this world more talented in their trade than Marshall. He's an asshole, he's beaten his wife, he trashes anyone he feels like in songs- and he is fucking awesome. This album is a work of art. Each song is a story, and he's one of the very few artists that I can't recall EVER skipping if a song of his came on my shuffle. Music doesn't get much more interesting than this, folks. If you've never listened, or have claimed to hate him having only heard a few songs, give this album a full listen. People also tell me "man you know he didn't have as hard a life as he raps about. He had it easy compared to others." Uh, this makes him less talented how? Whatever.
Artist: The New Pornographers
Album: Challengers
This is definitely a group I am supposed to hate. One that people make fun of me for loving. One that I actually wanted to hate, and gave very little chance to make it for me. And uh... they did everything right. This band is compiled of several groups in the Canadian emo(ish) indie scene. I refer to it as the Canademodie scene. Unfortunately, all those groups suck, but when they join together, they make music I love and have almost danced to. I was driving so I decided not to, but the end of "The Bleeding Hearts Show" almost sent me into a tribal mating ritual or something. Wow.. So off topic. Istrumentation is incredible. Challengers is currently their newest album, and is way more mature than previous albums (The Bleeding Hearts Show is actually on the album Twin Cinema, also a must-listen.) The songs build and flow and so seamlessly change and shift. There are several singers, male and female, with distinct voices that work together very well. Try it out. It doesn't make you gay. Just bi.
Next four coming soon. If you can guess one, I'll award a prize. And it will be something good, I promise.
