Music

I find music to be inspiring. I enjoy all kinds of music for all kinds of reasons.

Here are some of my favorites:

“High Violet”
by The National

There is no other band who captures my personality as well as The National. Everything they have done since the “Cherry Tree” EP has had me smitten. There is a dark beauty to their music that I absolutely love! The lyrics are poetic, complicated, genuine and honest. “High Violet” is one of the most perfect albums I’ve ever heard. I would have a difficult time finding a single flaw. The two albums preceeding it, “Boxer” and “Alligator”, are nearly as good.

“Kid A”
by Radiohead

Radiohead captures the most glorious soundscapes ever! Their music is about experimenting with tones, chemistry and orchestration. This, to me, is the epitome of music as an artform. Sometimes subtle and beautiful, sometimes commanding and intense. In all cases, it demands your full attention. “Kid A” is my favorite Radiohead record, but I also very much enjoy “In Rainbows” and “OK Computer”.

“A Rush Of Blood To The Head”
by Coldplay

The first time I heard “Clocks” I thought it was the most beautiful song I’d ever heard. This album has become one of my all time favorites. It forever changed the way I listen to music. Coldplay are still a good band (I love “Viva La Vida”) but since this album they seem to have increasingly been trying to please the masses. “A Rush Of Blood To The Head” feels original. It’s passionate, edgy and delicately beautiful.

“Z”
by My Morning Jacket

My favorite songs on this album start off low or mellow with a beautiful guitar line and build into an addicting groove driven by guitars, keys and drums whose parts are quite different yet work together with incredible chemistry. There is a lot of diversity here, but My Morning Jacket take all of these various sounds and make them their own. This album both soothes me and pumps me up.

“Stories From The City, Stories From The Sea” by PJ Harvey

With this album, Harvey puts a bit of shine on her tough, raw edge. The high energy moments of intense rock and roll showcase her vocal powers. The instrumentation and slow crooning of the softer tracks are stunningly beautiful. The production sounds incredible on this album. “Stories…” is made of everything I love about PJ Harvey. She hit the nail on the head with this one.

“Before These Crowded Streets”
by Dave Matthews Band

DMB is one of those artists I believe actually deserve the hype they receive. These guys are incredible musicians and write really great songs. If all you know of this band are radio hits, then you are missing out. “Before These Crowded Streets” is my favorite DMB album. Whether dark or joyous, these songs are delivered with passion and talent. Dave definitely speaks his mind, which is something I admire in an artist.

“Yankee Hotel Foxtrot”
by Wilco

Wilco’s albums are just different enough that it makes it really difficult to pick just one. I guess it’s kind of cliche to choose this one, but overall, I do think it’s my favorite. I love the dark, eclectic weirdness that is well balanced with sophistication and great melodies. Sometimes it’s bright, sometimes it’s meloncholy, sometimes it’s experimental and sometimes well structured. By half-way through the record you feel like you have no idea what is going to happen next.

More Coming Soon