There are some great new bands surfacing all the time and I can’t help but try and spread the word. Here are a couple examples:
Felice Brothers: My first thought when I heard a couple of songs from Felice Brothers – an Americana roots influenced band formed by a couple of Tom Waits’ nephews. I’m not exactly sure why I heard a Tom Waits influence or if anyone else would hear it but I knew I liked this band right away. Take a listen to “Frankie’s Gun” and I dare you not to stomp your feet, but I think this video of “Her Eyes Dart Round” captures a wonderful impromptu live performance.
Bon Iver: The first time I listened to Bon Iver, I wasn’t terribly impressed. It was a recording of a live concert and I was listening to it while I worked. At the end of the recording, I rated it 3 stars – good but not great. (Yes, I’m one of those lame music geeks who actually goes through his iTunes library rating his music.) A few weeks later I heard another live recording (this time from SXSW) and took the time to listen more closely. I got hooked. I’ve had this kind of initial experience with other music that has then, with more listening time, gone on to become some of my favorite stuff. We’ll have to wait and see if Bon Iver makes that same progression, but right now they’re growing on me fast. If you haven’t heard them before, I’d recommend starting with “Skinny Love.”
The Dodos: They got a lot of press during the SXSW madness, but from what I’ve heard so far they deserve it. There’s a touch of Andrew Bird, a touch of Modest Mouse, wrapped together with some nice harmonies. Although you can’t see anything in this video, check out “Fools” to get a taste of their sound.
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