Best Personal Musical Discoveries of 2013

We all find new things through a variety of outlets, processes, and experiences. I know, personally, I have a lot of really great accidental discoveries. I turn the radio on to a weird station at the right time, I walk into a record store at the exact right moment, a friend of mine decides to share a side of their tastes I’d never known before. I find such accidents very satisfying, and I find the journey they can send me on pleasantly natural and easy to see through to the point of discovery. Here are a few personal firsts for me that popped up in 2013.

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club:

Big sounds…small band, you gotta love it! These guys remind me of a cross between Black Sabbath, The Cure, Jane’s Addiction, and Love and Rockets. Sometimes, they sound like none of them! So ambient, so driving, and utterly addictive to the ears! If you are susceptible to this sound, you’ll find a tendency to want to binge on it. The nice thing about this group, is they throw caution to the wind and they REALLY seem to explore the sounds that THEY are interested in.

The Flamingos (Doo Wop in general):

I have always liked doo wop. In times past I have referred to it as lookout point music, the music that us red-blooded Americans hear in our heads when we think about driving up to a moonlit point, looking down at city lights, and sneaking kisses and touches from our sweetheart. Well, this year I really got into doo wop and a handful of its most memorable artists and The Flamingos really made an impression on me. They have a haunting sound, that to me is the doo-wop equivalent of the Roy Orbison sound…spooky and beautiful. Take a listen and tell me whatcha think!

The Zombies:

Let me start by saying, even though I’ve gotten used to it, no band is SO misrepresented by its name than The Zombies!!! These guys made BEAUTIFUL music! They had quite a few hits and left the 60s scene with a mildly successful album of sheer genius Odyssey and Oracle. I encourage you to explore their early catalog and dig the songwriting, it’s darn good!

Luigi Boccherini:

No, I am not getting pretentious on you, I have a major soft spot for classical music, in fact, Jazz and Classical own the largest shares of my vinyl collection. Last year while exploring ComCast’s Light Classical and Classical Masterpieces I really developed a love for Boccherini. His style is so lyrical and melodic, and he cleverly and beautifully incorporates folk themes into much of his work…this gives these works an honest and wholesome feeling that I just love. Expect a lot more classical on the 2014 list!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J8icFr5stO8
http://www.classicalarchives.com/composer/2207.html#tvf=tracks&tv=about

Mariachi Music:

While working at a local rice processing operation I was fortunate enough to meet several people from Jalisco (regarded as the birthplace of Mariachi) that would become dear to me and leave me with two things that remain staples in my life.

1.) Chile Verde is heaven and demands to be eaten
2.) Mariachi is FRICKING AWESOME!!!!

The drama, the joy, the emotions, the pulsating and sometimes sporadic rhythm, and the lovely lyrical imagery make this music irresistable to me. Please, do a little digging beyond these links…Marichi is a wonderful art form.

No outro this week, saving my words for next week…Bye y’all!!!!

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When he’s not enjoying fishing, road testing cables with his band, or fielding musical/instrument cable questions over the phone/e-mail, Michael handles operations and purchasing and is simply loving life. You can also follow Michael on Twitter !