Quiz time?

[feren]

Well no, not really. It's something better than a quiz!

You see, a few months back I realized that my music collection has grown somewhat stagnant -- it hasn't been expanded in quite some time, and the few additions I have made were just new releases by artists I already follow (like Neil Young). To rectify the situation I solicited the suggestions of the #watertower folk, asking them what albums I should buy to help correct this problem.

Now it's your turn.

[Poll #154089]

I am willing to listen to anything. I'm not looking for "wild" suggestions, though, where you try to hint that I should buy the most off-the-wall thing you can think of just so you can see if you can shock me. I want honest recommendations. I was introduced by my friends to things like Juno Reactor and The Nields, and I want to see what else you people can show me... so if there's a group you really enjoy listening to now is the time to share them!

Comments

[duncandahusky.livejournal.com]

If you like The Nields, then definitely check out Moxy Fruvous (http://www.fruvous.com/). "Live Noise" (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B000006PCW/qid=1057612109/sr=8-2/ref=sr_8_2/002-2766311-9974444?v=glance&s=music&n=507846) is the best introduction to them - it gives a really good sampling of their catalog and an idea of their excellent live shows.

Just to add to the list (and keep in mind I lean toward alt-country and Celtic/Celtic rock music):
Whiskeytown - Stranger's Almanac (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B000002RBZ/qid=1057612218/sr=1-2/ref=sr_1_2/002-2766311-9974444?v=glance&s=music)
Patty Griffin - 1000 Kisses (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000063DG3/qid%3D1057612312/sr%3D11-1/ref%3Dsr_11_1/002-2766311-9974444)
Great Big Sea - Road Rage (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000050HZL/qid=1057612255/sr=2-3/ref=sr_2_3/002-2766311-9974444)
Carbon Leaf - Echo Echo (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00005B5IO/qid=1057612272/sr=2-1/ref=sr_2_1/002-2766311-9974444)

BTW, good call on the Afro-Celt Sound System, Mwalimu!

[jingle.livejournal.com]

Here's my two cents' worth (which will get you a few seconds of a song at iTunes *heh*). It's hard to tell, since I don't know a lot about what you listen to, but I'll take a shot. First, if you don't already have them, how about a couple classics:

America - 'The Complete Greatest Hits'... one of the nicest birthday gifts I've received. Lots of classics here... 'Horse With No Name', 'Sister Goldenhair Surprise', 'You Can Do Magic', and so many others.
Boston - 'Boston'... a classic album if ever there was one. Every single song on the album was a hit. 40 minutes of listening enjoyment.

Now for a few minor curve balls:

Frank Zappa - 'Joe's Garage'... Don't be afraid of Zappa. =) As twisted and crude as he could be at times, he was a musical and storytelling genius. And 'Joe's Garage' is one of my favorites... a funny odyssey from beginning to end.
Craig Chiquico - 'Acoustic Planet'... Craig Chiquico was the former guitarist for (Jefferson) Starship. He's quite a talented guitarist, and the album is very relaxing if you like instrumental pieces.
The Thorns - 'The Thorns'... A new collaboration between Matthew Sweet, Shawn Mullins, and Pete Droge. I've only heard a couple of the songs from the album, but they smoke together. It's like classic early 70's soft rock like CSN or The Eagles.
Transatlantic - 'Bridge Across Forever'... I know a lot of people are scared off by progressive music especially because of the ungodly song lengths (5 minutes would be considered a short song), but if the music is good, should it matter? Transatlantic, a super-group featuring musicians from different progressive bands, including the incomparable drummer Mike Portnoy from Dream Theater, unfortunately broke up earlier this year with only 2 albums to their credit (their debut 'SMPTe' and this album). But their last album is wonderful.. a mix of powerful, passionate rock with dashes of 70s-ish progressive thrown in, along with great vocals. All the songs are great, but my favorite has to be the last track, 'Stranger In Your Soul'. It easily became my favorite driving song when commuting to work.

[geloe.livejournal.com]

Placebo - Without You I'm Nothing

I don't know if it's your kind of music, but it's worth a shot. I've fallen back in love with them after seeing them in concert in Montréal (which is a beautiful city, by the way). They're a bit gothic, and usually melancholic musically, but there's a time and a place for that. But you already know a song - 'Every You Every Me', which is the opening song from Cruel Intentions. So that's as good an introduction as any, and it's on this album (which is my favorite).

Anyway. Just thought I'd chip in two cents.