Josh Ritter is Fantastic.

Hello!
Ok I know. I’ve taken a ridiculously long break from blogging, but I’ll assure you that I’m now back for action! I have three or four albums to share with you over the next few weeks that I’m almost positive you (YES, YOU!) will love.

Josh Ritter: “So Runs the World Away”

I can’t get enough of this album. Trust me, just take a look at my Last.fm Profile
I won’t say too much about this album because I want you to explore it for yourself. Let me steer you in the right direction by sharing my favorite song from the album with you.

Good, isn’t it?
Other notable songs:
“Lark” – Upbeat and happy
“Folk Bloodbath” – The second-coming of Bob Dylan, complete with a three part harmony.
“The Curse” – Will make you cry

Listen to those songs. They’re great. Ok that’s all, more to come soon.

GO and LISTEN!
Chris Varela

Newest Addition to the LIB: The Microphones

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Not quite new, but new to me. Straight up outta the Northwest–apparently where all good music comes from–these guys, called The Microphones, have a very uniquely mellow style. The album i just got, called “The Glow, Pt. 2,” has captured my attention, especially this song (Called “Headless Horseman”):

It’s a shame that it took me 9 years to discover this album. The Microphones have since become known as Mount Eerie, whom I listened to and do not like as much. That’s okay though, I’m glad to have found this album. Let me know what you think.

Find them in this vast expanse known as the internet:

KEEP LISTENING!

Chris Varela

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My iPod is a Wonderland

I realized something yesterday: I’m obsessed with finding new music. I can’t even count how many times that I’ll get a new album, listen to it once or twice all the way through, then move on to the next new album. This is a problem.

I decided to confront my “album A.D.D.” by spending some quality time alone with my iPod. Now that finals are over and summer is here, how glorious it has been to dive into the giant pool of music that stands un-listened to on my ipod.

One such band whom I have indeed grown to love during this intimate time of bonding between my ipod and me is the Kings of Convenience.
It’s hard to pin this musical duo down to one genre because their style varies widely.

They’ve got some more upbeat, pop songs like this one:

They also have some super slow and mellow songs (Especially on their album “Quiet is the New Loud”, like this one:

The contrast is crazy. That’s why I like them. Give them a shot and let me know what you think.

KEEP Listening!!
Chris Varela

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Find the Kings of Convenience:

The Wild Hunt

Ok, Let’s address the elephant in the room: there is a YouTube video in this post. I know how it is (I’m guilty of doing this too!), you just want to skip past all this junk and play the video. You could do that if you want, but you’d be missing out on some quality information. For example:

1. You wouldn’t know that I’ve written about this artist before. Read what I wrote about him by clicking HERE. For that matter, you wouldn’t know that I used to have another blog!
2. You also wouldn’t know where to find this guy. Here’s where you can find him:



3. You’d also miss out on this little tidbit of info:

One of my favorite artists of all time just came out with this one. Folky, Bob Dylan-esque, banjo player (on occasion), and lyrical genius can all be used to describe Mr. Kristian Matsson on “The Wild Hunt.” Building on his widely successful–and critically acclaimed–album, “Shallow Graves,” TMOE sings some more unique songs. One warning, there’s a bonus track featuring the piano.. not his best work, but surely a valiant effort.

WARNING: The Tallest Man on Earth is an acquired taste, and no doubt, many of you won’t give this guy a chance because of the way he sings. Trust me though, listen to this song a few times instead of casting him to the wayside.

I’m about to share with you my favorite song on his new album, but before I do, I’d like to thank you for sticking with me to the end. For those of you who didn’t, but for some reason are reading this sentence, please know that our friendship is over… Just kidding.

Without further ado, here’s your youtube video:

Final Verdict: If you liked “Shallow Graves,” you’ll love “The Wild Hunt.”

KEEP LISTENING.
Chris Varela

PS – New Band of Horses album comes out this week!

The Next Animal Collective

I do not know much about this band, but boy have they captured my attention! My bet is that it won’t be long before their modest 800,000 plays on last.fm explodes to 2 million or more within the next few months, because this album is just that good.

Delorean is their name, and they recently came out with a new ablum titled “Subiza.“

If you liked Animal Collective’s “Strawberry Jam,” chances are that you’ll like Delorean as well.

Catchy beats, unique synth melodies, and smooth harmonies are all put together in this fantastic piece of indie electronic work. Pitchfork.com actually reviewed this album. They thought it was good.

Here’s a good one, called “Stay Close”

Get your hands on this album! you won’t be disappointed! Download the mp3 version here.

Keep Listening, friends!
Chris Varela

Laura Marling is 20..

..and already has a crazy big following in the folk community. I am quite the fan of today’s folk scene, and she has blown me away with her latest album, “Alas, I Cannot Swim.” I have a feeling you would like her too.

You just might be a fan of Ms. Marling’s music if:

1. you like folk, indie, singer-songwriter, or females
2. you like Noah and the Whale, The Rakes, Mystery Jets, or Mumford and Suns
3. you like this song: Laura Marling – “Ghosts”
4. you like these sites:

Keep listening!
Chris Varela

It’s All About the Breakbeat, Yo.

Want to explore a different genre? Check out the breakbeat genre. Some sick songs come from this genre and they are definitely worth giving a listen. I’ve been diggin it lately for sure. It has some techno roots, but don’t let that deter you! There are many forms of this broad genre, and i tend to like the super-sick hip hop/funk songs that fall under this genre. If you stick to artists like A.Skillz and Krafty Kuts and the like, you won’t be let down. That is, if you’re down with some funky beats.. but I’m sure you are.

Watch this video:

Other notable songs (Youtube links!):

A.Skills and Krafty Kuts – “Little Things”
All Good Funk Alliance – “Pete’s Sake”
Nas – “Nas is Like”
Fort Knox Five – “The Brazilian Hipster”
The Soul Searchers – “Ashley’s Roachclip” (A sick oldie for good measure!)

It’s a little out there, I know. If you’re not down with it, it’s all good.. At least you explored it.

Keep Listening, my friends!