Artist of the Week: Ben Folds

   Ben Folds.  What can I say?  He's a living legend.  I've grown up listening to Ben Folds (and thank goodness for that).  He was the first good artist I listened to, and I'm sure he'll maintain his place in my top five for most--if not all--of my life.
   It's hard to put Ben Folds' music into words.  Besides being ((great)(magnificent))(), Ben Folds brings something to the table that no one else even thought to bring.  His style is unique and concise.  The main instrument in most of his songs is piano, which he can play better than Jesus--I mean that in the most respectful way (we're talking beyond perfection here).  Before he went solo, he gained popularity with his band "Ben Folds Five" (who would have guessed there are only three of them?), which is almost a mix of Earth, Wind & Fire (with the back-up singing) and Elton John, but has that great Ben Folds twist on it.
   One of my favorite things about Ben Fold's music is his bitterness and wit.  He's not afraid to offend anyone: he's going to say what he wants to say whether you like it or not.  Oh, and he's gonna make it sound beautiful too.  His voice is clear and always on pitch.  He doesn't use vibrato, but he pulls it off well and it sounds amazing and clear.
  I haven't talked to one person that doesn't like Ben Folds.  His talent is astounding, and if you can't recognize that, go see a doctor.  A very good doctor.  
  I admit it, I'm in love with Ben Folds.  But I bet you will be too once you give him a listen.


Check out some of my favorites, they're great.

Band of the Week: Neutral Milk Hotel

   Neutral Milk Hotel, in my opinion, is a fantastic band.  If you haven't heard of them before, I highly suggest you download some songs before your mind blows from lack of magnificent music.
   I've never heard a band sound even close to what Neutral Milk Hotel sounds like.  They're unique in their music and Jeff Mangum is an excellent singer who isn't afraid to experiment with his voice.  They even have bagpipes sometimes.  One of the things I absolutely love is that the whole album "In the Aeroplane Over the Sea" is based on the story of Anne Frank.  He's not afraid to be spiritual and blunt.  I never get bored listening to them.
   Neutral Milk Hotel dominates about every 90's band out there.  It's just a shame it was in the 90's, not now.  I'd pay good money to see them.  They're that great.


And now, I give you Neutral Milk Hotel!






   

Band of the Week: Noah and the Whale

I can't even go a week on this blog without mentioning the best band in the world. And that would be... NOAH AND THE WHALE!

Before I discovered the magic genre (a.k.a. folk/indie rock) I listened to really crappy music. Seriously, the music I listened to was utter CRAP. My favorites were Basshunter, Britney Spears, and every single popular song played infinity times on my 99.5 or U92, just to name a few.

But then... ah. I was given a breath of truly fresh air. Listening to Noah and the Whale was like going to an oxygen bar after swimming in rotten human flesh.

Noah and the Whale is my first favorite band in the history of my life. The lyrics are astounding and deep, the instrumentals in their songs are magnificent, the lead singer, Charlie Fink, has a unique, gorgeous voice, and in their first album "Peaceful the World Lays Me Down" Laura Marling's backup singing adds a whole new dimension to the music.

Another great thing about NATW is their second album, "The First Days of Spring", isn't only an album, it also has a super neat indie film the band created to go with it. It's amazing work and a lot is said with just the lyrics and barely any dialogue.

I've never loved a band this much, I can tell you that. They've been my favorite band for a while, and I'm positive that's not going to change anytime soon. They're SO GREAT!

And now, I give you Noah and the Whale.

The first video is the song that got them really going. And oh boy, did it get me going. The one I originally put up had the sound totally off, and the official one won't let me embed it. So here's the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8YCSJpF4g4

The second video is the trailer for the first days of spring film and album. It's a little lengthy, but you won't regret watching it.

The third video is part one of a three part webisode. Please bask in their greatness and notice how amazingly good they sound live.