Sorry, I've been tied up on the job-search front, among other things.
Anyway...
Artists to watch:
MGMT- Brooklyn-based Ben Goldwasser and Andrew VanWyngarden have definitely tipped the scales for new and exciting stuff. I've got a couple friends who just adore MGMT, telling me nearly every chance they get that I should really be listening to them. I agree. Their electronic pop displays the technological trend of today's music, but you will be hard-pressed to avoid bopping your head or tapping your foot along with their catchy, groove-able tracks. I recommend "Kids" and "Love Always Remains" from Time to Pretend - 2005, Cantora Records) to get yourself acquainted with the absolutely addicting melodies.
Staind- I know, I know, they've been around forever. But- two things I didn't know- they're from my mom's hometown of Springfield, MA; and their song "Epiphany" (Break the Cycle -2001, Flip Records & Elektra Entertainment Group) has got to be the most heart-wrenching track I've heard in probably months. Couple that with the fact that I've been reading Stephenie Meyer's Twilight saga this week (started the first book Monday, finished the fourth & final on Saturday night), and I've found the perfect sad-song, high-school-emotion-laden soundtrack for a week of introspection, evaluation, and probably too much mental digging for my own good. But hey, the melody of "Epiphany" is simply beautiful, hummable, and crystal clear.
Trey Anastasio- Yes, you know him as the lead singer for the groovy jam-band Phish, but did you know that he had a few solo albums? The only one I have is his self-title, Trey Anastasio (2002, Elektra Entertainment), but this album's still got to be one of my favorites for an instant mood-lifter. Its jazzy, jumpy melodies and contemporary, yet cool, vocals can make even the longest, grayest, wettest day seem like summer on the beach. The harmonies on this album, I'll pick "Drifting" as an example track (though the album is full-to-brimming with more), are sumptuous and smooth, perfectly matched to Anastasio's easy, everyday vocals. This album is just delicious, and so inoffensive, you'll think it was made for your kids. And yes, they'll probably like it too. Equally as flooring might be the majestic instrumental "At the Gazebo," with its regal horns, fluttering guitar, and dramatic strings, which makes me want to clap my hands and request the band play it again. Chills, friends. There are chills tickling my spine.
That's it for now. I'll try not to be such a stranger.
