John Butler- Ocean

John Butler is an amazing musician, he started busking on the streets of Southern Australia as a teen. When he was there he wrote many of instrumentals. One stood out, Ocean. John Butler describes this song as part of his "DNA" , and says that as he changes, so will Ocean, Ocean isn't just about his life, it is his life and it is one hell of a beautiful song.

Check it out here:
http://youtu.be/jdYJf_ybyVo

Music Videos

I've never been a huge fan of music videos. When you make a music video, you are creating an image that with be synonymous with a piece of music and that is very difficult thing to pull off. Street Spirit by Radiohead, is one of the few music videos that I actually like, the thing that the Thom got right was simplicity, they didn't try to twist some sappy story to the tune of the song but instead created something more abstract that was a perfect match.

80's Rap

I have never been a huge fan of Rap or Hip-hop, I have nothing against the style of music, but the artist that pollute the genre are where my problem lies. I was surprised by the timidness of the 80's compared to now, unfortunately is still view the style as more of a novelty than anything lasting.

OX- Elliott Smith

Many fans of Elliott Smith tend to shy away from the music he recorded when he was with Dreamworks Studios. I for one really, enjoy OX by Elliott Smith, it is in my opinion, one of his most consistent albums. Since this is his first album under a major record label, the production values a high. Elliott makes use of all the tools he is provided with and creates a masterful work of art.

Hair Metal

This isn't going to be a very long post. I hated "hair metal day" the musicianship of the period was saccharine and self-indulgent. Don't get me wrong, I would have a ton of fun being in a hair metal band, I just wouldn't want anyone to see me!

Kevin Devine

Kevin Devine is an amazing artist. It doesn't matter whether you enjoy his music, you can always appreciate his amazing work ethic. Since appearing on the singer/songwriter scene in 2002, Kevin has toured almost endlessly, while simultaneously releasing 6 LP's each one a steady improvement over the last. His criminally underrated lyrics are about everything from fighting his cocaine addiction to the war in Iraq, his melodic acoustic guitar strumming all the while. His soothing vocals conjure up images of Elliott Smith, to which he is commonly compared to. His latest album, Brother's Blood (mistakenly added in spotify under the artist KevineDevine), is the pinnacle of his career. Each track is artfully crafted and gives the album a wonderful flow. It climaxes at the title track, a definite must listen. With soaring guitars as Kevin's voice builds from a whisper only to return to a whisper. Kevin is a humble and seriously accomplished songwriter who deserves more credit than he receives. He is working on 2 new albums after a successful Kickstarter campaign. He raised just over $115,000. The albums should be out later this year and I can't wait to hear them.

More Modest Mouse

I have continued exploring Modest Mouse, and what I have found is great. They are not given much recognition in the mainstream but they definitely deserve it. While you sound a little chaotic, they have this underlying magic to it that brings together the near yelled vocals and clashing drums. Modest Mouse, like most good music. Is like coffee, at first you can't understand how anyone can like it, but eventually, you can't live without it. I hope everyone can find music they feel the same way about.

The Police

The Police changed the way I thought about punk. The whole album sounded like a strange groovy reggae-rock fusion. I personally think Sting has the perfect voice for a reggae band. That made me realize punk isn't about what you are playing, it's about playing it with your middle finger! I can't wait to hear more punk as we move into the later 80's.