So I’ve come to a conclusion. I know everyone thinks their favorite bands are the best bands in the world. That no one understands how good they are but you. I know I feel that way. And I guess you can’t really say at all that you’re right, or he/she’s right… because it’s a matter of opinion. And to borrow an old adage, opinions are like assholes, everyone has one and they all stink. What I want to say to you is this. And you probably know it. A lot of music is fodder. A lot of people think they are making great music, and people seem to like it… but… numbers don’t mean a thing; especially when you look and see who they represent. Most of the bands I listen to you’ve probably never heard of. But I do also enjoy many popular artists too… it’s about how the music is written, how the vocals fits over it, and the actual voice itself… the emotion… the story that has to win me over. Needless to say stupid music is abundant. And I’d just like to add that if you’re not playing a damned instrument then you cannot be considered. PERIOD. I don’t care how great your voice is. And this is where my opinion (though I’m convinced it’s fact) comes in. I am of the opinion that my favorite artists are indeed SOME of the greatest that have ever lived. But enough about who is better and who is right. I only have one real agenda here. All I ask is that sometime before you are too old, and cannot hear so well, you have taken a listen to some songs by these artists. Because the words they have for you, the stories, the pain, the love, the familiarity… is just that. Familiar. I guarantee you will find something in each of them that you find in yourself. And if nothing else it never hurts to try out a new artist you’ve never heard of does it? If you don’t like it you never have to listen to them again! But I have a sneaking suspicion if you give these guys a try you will like them.
Eef Barzelay of Clem Snide
Jeff Mangum of Neutral Milk Hotel
Colin Meloy of the Decemberists
John Darnielle of the Mountain Goats
