As promised in a prior post, here goes a piece on music I’ve recently started liking.

Let me go artist-by-artist in no particular order.

1. Porcupine Tree

These guys are British and they make Art/Experimental/Prog Rock. I seem to have an affinity for Prog Rock and Porcupine Tree grabbed my attention from the very first song I played: Blackest Eyes off their 2002 album, In Absentia. I’ve been playing their stuff over and over again in the past 3-4 days and I love it! Their music reminds me of Pink Floyd and A Perfect Circle, both bands I like. Their music is vibrant and they incorporate a variety of styles into their songs. Must Listen! They are poised to dethrone Tool from the top position on my weekely charts - the first time since around April. Of course, that doesn’t mean another artist will best Tool in my eyes (or ears).

Recommended Tracks: Blackest Eyes, Trains, The Sound of Muzak, Pure Narcotic, Piano Lessons, Lightbulb, Strip the Soul, Stop Swimming

2. The Mars Volta

I just started listening to them today so I don’t have a concrete opinion yet. But from I’ve heard so far, they seem interesting to say the least.

3. The Living End

If you like Green Day, you are certain to love The Living End. This Australian Rockabilly/Punk Revival trio turn in energetic music that will put a smile on your face even if a lot of it is serious in tone. Their 2006 album, State of Emergency, has been refered to as American Idiot Part II and that is true to some degree. These guys have their own style what with the stand-up bass and Australian accents. The lead singer does sound somewhat like an Australian version of Bill Joe Armstrong and on the track “Wake Up,” the children will remind fans of Pink Floyd’s “Another Brick in the Wall.” All in all, a good band and definitely worth your time.

Recommended Tracks: ‘Til the End, Wake Up, What’s on Your Radio, State of Emergency, Into the Red

4. The Supersuckers

Take this sample:

someday someone will ask
yeah this one’s for the kids
well if you look back on the days
and they ain’t got time to waste
with that mopey dopey shit
so cut the crap and bring the hits
and everywhere I go
all the motherfuckers know
that I’m ready

are you ready
I said I’m Eddie Spaghetti
here to rock your ass steady
are you ready
(yes we’re ready)
then grab a drink and chug a lug
have some sex and take some drugs, alright

Recommended Tracks: Rock n’ Roll Records, Rock Your Ass, Pretty Fucked Up, Bruises to Prove It, She’s My Bitch

5. The Riverboat Gamblers

These guys are pretty good. Their albums are around 30 minutes but it’s balls to the wall rock for those 30 minutes. The music is an excellent blend of garage rock and punk revival and is fun to listen to. They just don’t seem to wanna let up on the sonic assault until the album is done.

Recommended Tracks: Just listen to the entire albums…they’re only 30 minutes.

Among other new music by artists I have been listening to for a while, there’s Switzerland by Electric Six and Blood Mountain by Mastodon. Both are excellent albums and certainly worth checking out even if you haven’t heard of either artist…ever. This is as good a time as any to start!