M. Ward

M. Ward has become one of my favorite artists. His 2-3 part acoustic instrumentals are absolutely fantastic. These wonderful melodies wander into many of his songs and create a feeling of calm peaceful revelation. His playing style is one i can only dream to emulate one day.

Elliott Smith- I didn't understand

Every once in a while I stumble across a little gem by an artist I already listen to. I didn't understand is a beautiful song that closes out Elliott's OX when he was with Dreamworks. It is a piece with no instruments, Elliott's voice is multi-tracked to create an amazingly harmonious a Capella piece.

The Killers

In all the various album reviews I've read of The Killers, the consensus has been generally the same, good pop, but forgettable. I feel The Killers aren't getting the credit they deserve. While they utilize the same classic pop progressions, they use them with such flair, you almost forget you've heard them a thousand times. lyrics like:

"I just want to show you what I know
And catch you when the current lets you go

Or should I just get along with myself
I never did get along with everybody else"

when paired with the right melody strike the perfect balance of being not to brooding but being thought provoking. After giving their first 2 records another spin, I realized that there was something special in many songs, the whole throwback techno mixed with roaring guitars thing really works for them, and they've created some great art that's worth a second listen.