I’ve wanted to write this post for a while but haven’t made the time for it. Since the beginning of the summer I’ve been trying to expand my horizons when it comes to my choices of music. I had gotten myself into a bit of a rut, only listening to the bands and singers I already knew about. You see, I don’t listen to the radio because I can’t stand it. Even Christian radio. Especially Christian radio.
I’ve really soured on the Christian music industry in recent years. I guess I’m just sick of songs fitting into one of two categories: (1) Christian pop that is musically inept and lyrically shallow, or (2) worship music, much of which is either poorly made or just a rehash of a song that’s been recorded by a dozen other artists. Plus when it comes to worship music I don’t like to listen to it unless I’m actually going to be concentrating on God and His character. If I’m just typing away at my desk or I’m hanging out with friends and want some music in the background I don’t want worship music because my attention will be elsewhere.
I’ve recently rejoined the world of secular music. I know, I know. Blasphemy. Don’t worry though, I’m not listening to anything too sketchy. I wanted to blog about some of the great artists I’m now listening to. I’ll give you three names today with more to come later.
Joshua Radin (Official Site | MySpace | iTunes) - I was watching Scrubs, the episode “My Best Laid Plans,” when I heard a song at the end (watch it here, about 2:30 in) that was incredible. Wikipedia told me it was by some guy named Joshua Radin. I later found out that he and Zach Braff are tight, that he actually got his first big break on Scrubs (watch it here, about :30 in). All told he’s had his music on Scrubs six times, along with two songs played on Grey’s Anatomy and one on some show called North Shore. His voice reminds me of a whispery Sufjan Stevens, maybe even Art Garfunkel. I’ve had his CD “We Were Here” playing in my car for about two or three months now. It’s one of those CDs where a couple of songs will attract you initially, then after you’ve outplayed them a song or two that you initially dismissed as being filler strike you as incredibly deep. He also has a iTunes exclusive release which includes one song not found on his CD release. My favorite songs by him are “Winter” (the song in the second Scrubs video) and “Closer” (the song in the first Scrubs video; also here).
Ingrid Michaelson (Official Site | MySpace | iTunes) - You may not know the name, but you’ve probably heard her without even knowing it. Her song “The Way I Am” is currently being used in an Old Navy commercial (here is a live performance of that song). If you’re a fan of Grey’s Anatomy you’ll remember her song “Keep Breathing” from the third season finale. Although those two songs are easily her most popular songs, my favorite song of hers is a song called “Die Alone,” which can be found at her MySpace. I like her because she can pull off both folk and rock well. She has a heck of a vocal range, as you’ll find out when you listen to the song “Overboard.” Most of her newest songs are about relationships, hence the title of her most recent CD “Girls and Boys.” Lyrically she is very talented. Have you ever heard someone sing a line about Rogaine and thought it was cute? Well, she pulled it off.
Brendan James (Official Site | MySpace | iTunes) - The fact that I know about this guy is incredible. I was surfing Facebook one day and I saw a Facebook Flyer advertisement on the left side of my screen that was titled “If You Like Joshua Radin…”. I mean, seriously folks, who is that ad going to stop in their tracks? I bet I’m the only guy who clicked on it. But I sure am glad I did. He has an amazing voice. It’s as though he’s not even trying. Add to that the fact that he’s a dang good pianist. I think what I appreciate most about his music though is the fact that he’s a great storyteller. My favorite song by him is a track called “Green,” with his song “The Other Side” finishing in a close second. I also really like the song “Early April Morning,” especially this video of him performing the song. He doesn’t have a full CD out just yet, but he does have a four track iTunes release available (although it does not include the songs Green or Early April Morning). I can’t wait until his full CD is released.
Do yourself a favor and check these three out, then leave a comment and let me know what you think of them. If you like my taste in music keep your eyes open for my next blog about musicians. It should be coming in a couple of weeks. Also, if you know of a relatively unknown singer/band that you think I’d like leave a comment and let me know.
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