Music I Like

Music is very important to me.  When I listen to music that really moves me, it's like it's speaking to me in my native language.  Nothing else evokes emotion in me the way music does.  The irony of it is that I'm not much of a musician.  Sure, I've played around with the guitar off and on over the years and I know how to play some chords and the E minor pentatonic scale, but I've never been able to devote enough time to it.  And, if I'm honest with myself, I'm not sure that any amount of time would make me play the way I would like.  The fact is that I'm just not a natural.  I've always known that and I've tried to overcome it, but that's a pretty powerful obstacle.  I guess I should resign myself to the fact that I'm just not meant to make music.  I'll just feel it.

Here are some links to the artists who really make me feel it:

Wilco  Probably my favorite band of all time.  Unbelievable musicianship.  And, Jeff Tweedy has written some of the best songs ever recorded.  Yankee Hotel Foxtrot stands out as one of those timeless records that really grabs you.  In recent years, it's become my favorite album ever.  Sorry, Trace.

Drive By Truckers  Possibly the best pure rock band on the scene today.  Great songwriters, three guitars and a boatload of soul.  Mike Cooley should go down in history as one of the great songwriters of all time.

Flaming Lips Trippy and beautiful music from the slightly demented mind of Wayne Coyne. Great stuff!

Son Volt  Some of the best American music of the last 20 years, Jay Farrar is a true wordsmith. The debut album, Trace, is one of the best records ever. Seriously, ever.

Counting Crows  This band never ceases to amaze me! Smart lyrics, catchy tunes and that little something extra that just makes you feel...well, it just makes you feel.

Josh Rouse  Whether sounding like a throwback to 1970's soft rock or a modern pop genius, this guy is a truly gifted songwriter and musician. He's a regular on my ipod.

Harry Chapin  And speaking of master songwriters. It just doesn't get much better than this guy. Cat's In The Cradle was only the tip of the iceberg.

Townes Van Zandt  I'll go ahead and warn you. He couldn't sing. But, the pain in his voice makes you believe the poetry of his lyrics.

Nick Drake  What is my deal with singer/songwriters who died too early?  Nick Drake had a truly unique and haunting sound that has never been duplicated.

Old 97's  Smart lyrics, fun music and a high-energy live show.  What a great combination!


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