New Frontiers

I've always loved music, but I feel like for a long time, I sheltered myself from the real music world. Yes, I was one of those kids that threw their non-Christian CD's into the fire at camp* - I admit it. But since then, I've grown to listen to more and more genres of music. I think my biggest breakthrough in music occurred just a couple weeks ago when the new Coldplay cd arrived on my computer and I decided to stop hating Coldplay. Which, in a sense, is admitting that I was pretending to be too cool for school and tried to be cool by hating something that everyone else loves. Also, I don't listen to that music screamo anymore, which is a good thing. But here are some bands that I've really enjoyed listening to as of late and thus recommend to you.

Modest Mouse
Never thought I'd say that I like them, but I really enjoy their music. They may be existentialists, but I still like the music they produce, especially Float On.

Sufjan Stevens
I know, I know. I'm a late-comer to his stuff and I've gotten over my dislike of his incredibly long song titles. I just bought "Illinois" last week and love it. Very creative stuff.

Damien Rice
I wish I liked his stuff earlier, like when I was actually in Ireland because I had a couple friends go down to the pub near our place and hear him play under a cover name. I'm an idiot. Also, The Blower's Daughter is one of my new favorite songs.

The Decemberists
Great band. Also Irish. Shout out to T-Mac and J-Killa for introducing them to me so long ago.

Ryan Adams
Talented lyricist and songwriter. He's got a good feel to his music and his story is really amazing. Wikipedia that trash sometime.

The Format
I've only listened to a few of their songs but really like their sound. Great lyrics and awesome sound.

Mika
Interesting dude. I think he's Russian too. Grace Kelly is a great song. Reminds me of Ben Blake, who I'm going to send this song to. The song doesn't remind me of him, in a sense of the words, but I think he'd like it.

Damien Juardo
Never heard of him before but really like his song Never Ending Tide and Texas to Ohio. Good jokes.

The Black Keys
Interesting band. I've only listened to one of their CD's once, so I don't have much to say, but I look forward to listening to more of them.

Led Zeppelin
And from left field, here comes Andrew, a bit late to the game and kind of stupid for hating them for so long. I hated too many good things just so that I could say I hated them. Sheesh, I was such a noob. I really like Over the Hills and Far Away because I think of Bilbo Baggins for some reason - don't ask why.

Secret and Whisper
Really like their lead singer's voice for some reason - probably just because its so different. Good new band - not too hard and great guitar riffs. Thanks to Erik with a K for the tip.

Most of the new bands come from Travis Yoder, the man himself, so thanks bro.

*I did not, however, throw away my Newsboys CD. Now, I wish that I had. yes, they are a Christian band.