Of Music Discoveries and Rediscoveries
With the influx of people in my life, I am getting exposed to more and more Artists. The process of being open to new ideas and new genres and new approaches is very exciting for me.I should point out that my musical appreciation is more technical than lyrical. It always has been. I love a soaring guitar solo. I love a singer whose voice cuts through as an instrument in its own right. I love rhythm and feel and mood. I love the way you can manipulate emotion through music.Important information: In the past people have said to me “You need to listen to this song, it expresses what I feel”. I listen. I hear an inaccurate bassline. I don’t listen to the lyrics. So the point that is trying to be made is lost on me..!I know this can be frustrating for people and I am trying, but after the first couple of lines I’m back listening to the production...Anyway, I thought I’d list my most recent purchases. These are albums/artists that have been recommended to me by people, or albums/artists from my past that I have rediscovered. Or albums/artists that I've read about. It is amazing to me how strongly my memories are triggered by some of these.I have many gaps in my collection to fill. What fun.Flyleaf - Flyleaf. Stunning album. I absolutely love the lead singers voice and performance. And there are some killer tracks on it. Also check out Memento Mori. It is just as strong and enjoyable.
A Fine Frenzy - One Cell in the Sea/Bomb in a Birdcage. Two nice albums. I really enjoyed this recommendation.
Skid Row - Subhuman Race. I wasn’t aware that this album existed. Skid Row is one of the best of the late 80’s Hair-Metal bands. This was recorded about the time they were going to split up. There is angst and passion. I love how technical it is. You want great guitar work? Great rhythm section work? Here it is. Also, in my opinion, Sebastian Bach has/had? one of the best voices in rock. Of course, he then acted on the Gilmore Girls. Slight credibility drop there.
The Best of Talking Heads. I remember playing ‘Stop Making Sense’ on endless loop on my High School Mountain Trip. I’m pretty sure that action scarred my classmates for life. Totally worth it though.
Kate Bush - The Whole Story. A truly unique and fabulous artist. I’d forgotten how cool she is. This was a nice return to years gone by.
Katy Perry - Teenage Dream. I love her voice. I listened to this a lot when on holiday. I felt very empowered as a woman after two repeats. This scared me.
Black Label Society - Order of the Black. This was needed to offset the Katy Perry effect. It’s redneck, testosterone-full, beer-fueled rock. One of my favourite guitarists, Zakk Wylde, is the band leader. If you want to rock hard, this will do it for you.
Beastie Boys. Hot Sauce Committee. Still cool after all these years.
Deadmau5 - 4x4=12. This was discovered due to a remix he did on the new Foo Fighters album. It's a new direction for me as I've not really ever spent much time in Clubs. I'm really enjoying the ambience. I like that you can listen to the entire album as a seamless mix. Now it’s a party!
So, as you can see, I’m branching out. Feel free to let me know of your discoveries.- Simon