Introduce me to some new music ...

15 years ago

For Christmas I got a number of iTunes gift cards. I have nearly 5,000 songs on my iTunes folder right now. I've basically added every CD I own and have purchased several that I didn't already have. I have no idea where to start looking for new artists and songs so I thought I'd start here.

I like acoustic guitar, piano, country, epic orchestra works like soundtracks and backgrounds, new age and dance music. I prefer male singers over female but there are certainly exceptions like Eva Cassidy and kd Lang.

Suggestions anyone?

Jodi-

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Comments (46)

chloecat
15 years ago
Have you heard Pink Martini? They're pretty cool...
Jodi_SoCal
Original Author
15 years ago
Yes, I have some Pink Martini ... I do like them and perhaps should explore that option a bit more. Thanks for reminding me Chloecat.

Jodi-
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sleeperblues
15 years ago
I like rock, so here are some of my favorites:

Arcade Fire-Funeral
Frightened Rabbit-Winter of mixed drinks
Mumford and Sons-Sigh no more
Coldplay-Viva la vida
Talking Heads-Little Creatures
The Decembrists-The Crane Wife
Fleet Foxes
Sufijan Stevens-Illinoise
Black eyed peas-the End

Don't know if this will help. Most of that stuff is indie music, the Talking Heads was my favorite album back in college that I used to run with on my walkman, lol.
nicole_ont
15 years ago
Oooo, if you like guitar, do you know John Pizzarelli? You didn't mention jazz, but he is an absolutely incredible guitarist (I love his singing too)! Here he is with his father, Bucky....

Here is a link that might be useful: John and Bucky Pizzarelli
lunchlady1948
15 years ago
I am not a music buff at all~~~I just got a SugarLand CD for Christmas and love them esp 'Stand Up' which they played on the CNN Heros Award show~~I loved it and I want that gals hair cut!!!
Charlee_MO
15 years ago
Country: Jason Aldean, Josh Turner, Jamey Johnson, Jewel,
Sugarland, Little Big Town, Toby Keith, Alan Jackson, Levon Helm.

Saphire-(Those Uppity Blues Women) I think you might like that one cause it is kinda like show tunes-Live.

I need to go get my cd's out and look through them. Those are just off the top of my head.
ravencajun Zone 8b TX
15 years ago
I don't know if you know or like Garou but I think he is fabulous here is one of my fave videos of him you can see more of him there, fantastic voice. Any time I am in a bad mood I go watch and listen to this video and I end up dancing in my chair and smiling LOL
Garou Paris-Bercy 4 (You can leave your hat on)
this one is a must see too amazing voices
Belle, the original cast(Garou, Daniel, Patric)

In country one of my faves is Toby Keith he is a very close personal friend so I am prejudiced LOL but still love his work.

I love good blues too and one of my faves is a very young guy that is truly gifted Jonny Lang
Jonny Lang - Lie To Me
Pooh Bear
15 years ago
Goose Creek Symphony
Country/Bluegrass

To get a really good idea of their music go to their
MySpace page and listen to the songs "Don't Classify Me"
"Fitful Sleep" and "Working For The Devil."

Pooh Bear

Here is a link that might be useful: GCS on MySpace
casey_nfld
15 years ago
James Blunt....his first CD and his latest one are the best.
Jasdip
15 years ago
I love Flamenco music. The guitar-work is mesmerizing.
Alex Fox, Govi, Pavlo, Gypsy Kings, Johannes Linstead, and Oscar Lopez to name just a few.
Jasdip
15 years ago
Jodi, a fantastic flamenco band is from California called Nova Menco. Check them out as well.
jennmonkey
15 years ago
*Jolie Holland (female, accoustic, very unique voice)
*Justin Townes Earle (Country/Bluegrassy)
*DeVotchka (sort of epic orchestra, did the soundtrack for Little Miss Sunshine)
*Cat Power (female, a lot of piano and guitar)
*Ani Difranco (female, accoustic guitar)
*Old Crow Medicine Show (rock/bluegrass/country-ish)
*Portishead (sort of new agey-orchestral, interesting female vocals)
*Bright Eyes (male singer, indie rock)
*The Felice Brothers (indie rock, my latest favorite...they play lots of interesting instruments and the lead singer sounds a lot like Bob Dylan, so that might either make it or break it for ya.)
*Pete Molanari (a guy I just discovered from the UK, very interesting mix of songs)
*Sigur Ros (epic orchestral type music, they are from Iceland, none of their lyrics are in English, but they are pretty amazing).

I'll probably think of more to add later. :)
3katz4me
15 years ago
David Gray (or is it Grey). Someone introduced me to his music recently and I was pleasantly surprised. I've found Shazam on the iphone and a good local radio station have introduced me to some other new to me artists that I like but haven't gotten around to downloading any of these new tunes yet.
alisande
15 years ago
For your piano side, here's my favorite Keith Jarrett CD. Very soft and romantic. (He made this album for his wife.)

I also like Liz Story.

I tend to like female singers more than male, so I'm not much help there. But you might like Lizz Wright.

As for soundtracks, do you have The Road to Perdition? It's a great one.

Oh, and Kala Rupa: Explorations in Rhythm might be something you'd like.
User
15 years ago
This is my nieces husbands band. He's the only one in the band with short hair. He plays bass.

Word of warning: the video is a little riske.

their music is available on iTunes. I have a hard copy CD, which I need to get autographed by the band. LOL

Here is a link that might be useful: KILLINGER: Holding On video
pam_25f
15 years ago
Great thread-I need these ideas. Some names I haven't seen here: Danny Wright-wonderful soft piano music; Nanci Griffith-folk rock?; Alison Kraus, Nora Jones. Would you have loved to see James Taylor and Carly Simon? I think they toured or did a show together last year.
Jasdip
15 years ago
Oh Raven Cajun!!! You have great taste in your friends!!!!
Who cannot like Toby Keith??? I love his no bull*** attitude, and he tells it like it is, in his songs.

He's such a BIG honkin guy. Huge. Love him!!! LOL

Hmmm an autographed picture hanging on my wall would be cool.....
jae_tn2
15 years ago
try a piano/keyboard player named sam struyk. he was a good friend of my son in high school and is very talented. he has done several commercials and was even on the playlist of a major airline several years ago, maybe still. all original and pleasant to listen to.
sleeperblues
15 years ago
Ravencajun, If you like Lie to Me you should listen to Wander this world. That is truly a classic. I remember when Johny Lang was singing in bars when I was in grad school in Minneapolis. He turns 30 this month. I think he was 15 when he released his first album. Thanks for the reminder, I love him.
kim_okla
15 years ago
Canadian Tenors and Il Divo. My friend calls them my boy bands.
danihoney
15 years ago
Crystal Bowersocks' first CD just dropped and it's really good (IMO)
She was the runner up from AI last season.
jae_tn2
15 years ago
correction.....sam stryke
danihoney
15 years ago
I was just thinking about Johnny Lang the other day. We have a couple if his early CD's. I wonder if he still plays barefoot. He's so talented.
nodakgal
15 years ago
Jonny Lang is utterly fantastic!
He was from Fargo,ND and that is where he started his music at. Everyone was astounded by him! He was sensational at 15.
Lie to Me is a favorite of mine too and Hit The Ground Runnin'
If you enjoy Stevie Ray Vaughan (I love Pride & Joy by Stevie) you will like Jonny Lang.

KidRock Born Free, is great! I adore All Summer Long!

Lots of my favorites aren't always new releases.
AC/DC Rock and Roll Ain't Noise Pollution, Jail Break, T.N.T., Stiff Upper Lip.

Eric Clapton's Layla and Cocaine are two good ones.

Here is a link that might be useful: Jonny Lang
gardenspice
15 years ago
Rodrigo & Gabriela - check them out on youtube - amazing guitar work.
ravencajun Zone 8b TX
15 years ago
oh I have several of Jonny Lang's cd's absolutely love him have been listening to him since he started and watched a tv concert by him just last week on direct tv, he has grown up a lot.

Jasdip, I used to live in Norman, OK, Toby and his family were good close friends of ours, lived not far from us. Several members of the band actually lived at our house because they were on the road so much when they first started out they could not afford a place, we had plenty of room. They would set up the entire band in my living room and practice most nights they were not playing. I traveled on the road with them a LOT back in the day because they had to use my Van and trailer LOL. It is so awesome to see him up on the big stage today and remember back to him playing and singing those songs in my living room. He is a great guy and has a heart as big as he is.

Jasdip Speaking of signed pictures I have one right here on my desk of him framed and what he wrote on it is
"Here's to rehearsing in your living room and many years of support" Love Toby Keith
sorry you can not have it LOL
debo_2006
15 years ago
Jack Johnson is a male singer I just discovered. You can hear short clips of this music linked below. His music is classified as American Folk, and his sound is unique. Very catchy and gets you grooving.

Here is a link that might be useful: Jack Johnson
Jasdip
15 years ago
Oh Il Divo!!! For sure!!! "The Boys" are just the best, and so very good looking..... sigh
They sing in all their languages, English, Italian, French and Swiss. Just wonderful.

Raven....that is so wonderful that you "knew him when" and that he never forgot you and your family for it.
lydia1959
15 years ago
I agree with Casey about James Blunt, he's got some excellent songs out. He's one of my favorites!

Jack Johnson has a unique sound.. worth checking out if you think you might like soft rock with an 'island' flair.

Are you a American Idol watcher? Lee DeWyze's new cd (Live It Up) looks good.
Charlee_MO
15 years ago
Jodi, I forgot to mention my favorite, Trace Adkins!
kiwidj
15 years ago
Here's a few kiwi tunes for you Jodi -

Op Shop - One day, Maybe

Dave Dobbyn - Loyal, Slice of Heaven, Welcome Home, Be mine tonight, You oughta be in love ... to name a few of his best

Split Enz/Crowded House (Tim & Neil Finn) ... History never repeats, I got you, One step ahead, Don't dream it's over, Better be home soon.

Fourmyula - Nature
Patea Maori Club - Poi E (brings tears to the eyes of every homesick kiwi)

I can also recommend Jack Johnson and other faves of mine are Chris Rea, Little River Band, Jimmy Barnes oh the list goes on and on haha!
nicole__
15 years ago
My favorite guitar music of all time.....Johannes Linstead. I like his Sol Luna Tierra cd. WOW!!!!

{{gwi:1578418}}

Here is a link that might be useful: Play a sample by pressing arrow keys....
Jasdip
15 years ago
Nicole,
Check out the artists that I mentioned as well....Nova Menco, Alex Fox, etc. I like Johannes because he lives about an hour from me! LOL
debo_2006
15 years ago
One of my favorites is a jazzy blues singer from TN named Stacey Mitchhart. He's EXTREMELY under-rated. Everyone we introduce to his music wants us to burn a CD; they immediately take a liking to his sound. We've given out (free) more of his CDs than we can count, and his live DVD is even better. He's fantastic.

Here is a link that might be useful: Stacey Mitchhart
gardenspice
15 years ago
debi - I gotta say, if you are giving out copies of his cds for "free" you are actually taking money out of the artist's pocket and breaking the law. You might want to reconsider.
Jodi_SoCal
Original Author
15 years ago
Yikes! I didn't have a chance to log in last night. Had no idea there were so many responses.

I know most of the big name country stars (Trace and Toby to name two) but have never heard of Jonny Lang. I checked him out and agree he is great. Will be buying some of his songs.

Also checked out Rodrigo & Gabriela and loved them too. I bought their song Diablo Rojo and will most likely buy others today. I am very partial to acoustic Flamenco music.

And Sam Stryke, wow! Will be downloading some of his piano works.

I have two Il Divo CDs and am well aware of those awesome and handsome guys. Swoon.

There are so many others to explore today. THANKS!

Pam, I had the opportunity to see James Taylor and Carly Simon last year when they were touring together. I had won a night out on the town through an ad agency I work with. I could select any stage venue in Orange County (where I live) or Los Angeles. I believe James and Carly were in LA at the time and we would have to leave work early fight traffic for an hour or more to get to where they were playing so we chose Dreamgirls in OC.

Busy day for me so I may not check in as often as I'd like but keep those suggestions coming. I'm taking notes!

Jodi-
nicole__
15 years ago
jasdip....without making myself sound shallow...:0)..is Johannes Linstead really good looking in person? I think he looks like Yanni on his album covers.

Yes....I own Yanni and Enya.....and I'll take a look at the ones you mentioned.

Here is a link that might be useful: Listen to Yanni.....Rainmaker........
ravencajun Zone 8b TX
15 years ago
I love men in kilts! I first discovered this band on Garage Band site, love them and downloaded several of their songs from there where the band was providing them for free download to get their name out.
Enter The Haggis - Gasoline

and from the great state of Louisiana one of our awesome Cajun fellas Tab Benoit
Tab Benoit - Bayou Boogie (live)
tab benoit

Nothing gets you moving like good zydeco
Buckwheat zydeco
Beau soleil
Wayne Toups
and this group of ladies that my sisters and I went to school with.
Les Amies Louisianaises
Cajun - Les Amies Louisianaises - La Grace du Ciel
them singing Amazing Grace in Cajun French
User
15 years ago
Pandora.com is a good site to check out new music. For instance, you could go there, type in "Johnny Lang" and it would first play you a song by Johnny Lang, then would branch off into songs that are somewhat similar, so you might like them too. It's really well done.

My own recent musical discovery is Eilen Jewell. (Her first name rhymes with "feelin'. ") She does sort of roots/county/blues, and her vocals have a distinct Billie Holliday rhythm. "Rain Roll In" is one of my favorites of hers, but all her songs are good.
terilyn
15 years ago
On Tuesadys, Itunes store offers at least three free songs, I've found great music that I would have never bought on my own.
User
15 years ago
Tom Russell, Andrew Hardin (Blues/Folk guitar), Gretchen Peters, Brian Burns, and seconding the new Kid Rock album.
Jasdip
15 years ago
LOL Nicole!
No, you're not shallow! I'd want to know too!!!

He looks so sensual on his covers......in reality he's a little guy, slight, and has long hair as you know, which does suit him.

But he can play like the devil!! :D

Yanni, he's sexy (at least he was!) Wonder if he still has his awesome moustache.
Charlee_MO
15 years ago
I agree w/Deb abt Stacy Mitchhart. I really like the song, Grown @ss Man. Saw him at B.B. King's in Nashville.
samkaren
15 years ago
Jodi
You gave me a lot of great music over the years so let me give you some.

For toe tapping....Look for The Kingston Trio Greatest Hits
"Worried Man"
"Tijuana Jail"
and my favorite..."MTA"

Early Fleetwood Mac "Bare Trees" album and "Future Games"

SamKaren
your resident DJ
Jodi_SoCal
Original Author
15 years ago
I haven't forgotten this post, just been very busy with work. I'm hoping to spend a while this weekend exploring all the suggestions!

Jodi-
workoutlady
15 years ago
Be careful if you decide to download any Kid Rock songs. I have heard he doesn't allow his songs to be downloaded from Itunes. If you find a Kid Rock song, be sure to give it a sample listen first.

Introduce me to some new music ...

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