Just got my new (well, used) vehicle and got Sirius. I am liking XMU for indy stuff that otherwise, wouldn't be heard on the radio (for the most part. Some stuff crosses over from Alt Nation to XMU).
Help, Revolver, and Rubber Soul are all in my top 10 albums. Nothing against their other work before and after, but the evolution through those 3, not to mention the more mature songwriting, just blows me away.
I'm also a big, big fan of the Beach Boys through roughly the same period. Pet Sounds and the aborted SMiLE album are such a leap forward for the band, and pop music in general. I still pick up new bits here and there when listening through headphones. The SMiLE box set is such a revelation to hear how these songs came together. I also strongly recommend the Brian Wilson biopic "Love and Mercy" to get a (fictionalized) glimpse into the making of this music.
The Beatles Live at the Hollywood Bowl was just released, and is such an upgrade in sound over the vinyl version released back in the 70's. You can really hear the band and realize that what they were doing in the studio at the time couldn't possibly be replicated live in the conditions they played in.
Muse-Madness --- I know it's newer buts it's catchy and never got enough airtime when it first hit the radio.
Anybody paying attention to the Grammy's tonight? Sturgill Simpson just laid down a great performance. Really pulling for him for Album of the Year.
He's the real deal.....the future of country music.
Another favorite of mine, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, is releasing his next album "The Nashville Sound" on June 16th. Sturgill opened for Isbell on one of their more recent tours.
Another favorite of mine, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, is releasing his next album "The Nashville Sound" on June 16th. Sturgill opened for Isbell on one of their more recent tours.
Isbell is terrific. "Southeastern" is one of the most heart-wrenching emotional gut-punch set of lyrics I've ever heard. "Elephant" in particular can make me weep if I'm in the wrong mood and I hear it.