Desert Island Albums - The Past 25 Years

[Grant Green]

I disagree that it’s easier than ever to find good music. I used to watch MTVs 120 Minutes religiously. And record stores at the mall. That’s where I found much of the music I listened to. Now everything seems so all over the place. And nobody has given me any ideas to help.

I do, however, agree that there is still a lot of great music out there. Death Cab is incredible. I got to see them last summer on the river in Harrisburg. Fantastic show.

I do agree somewhat. You used to be able to turn on your favorite radio station (or certain MTV shows) and be exposed to good music. Not so much anymore. You may have to do a little more digging these days, but there is a lot out there. I would argue that there is so much more because of the ability for bands to self produce and release. I've released a number of songs that can be heard on spotify, youtube, bandcamp, etc.

For instance, searching for certain bands on youtube led me to the KEXP live performance page. It is loaded with good new music performed by actual people (not freaking computer beats and synthesized crap). You can then follow the youtube rabbit hole to all sorts of music.

On spotify, go to the "Discover Weekly" playlist. You have to first search and listen to some bands on spotify, but then spotify will fill this playlist with similar artists. I can't tell you how many great songs and bands I've discovered this way.

 

[Still in State College]

I do agree somewhat. You used to be able to turn on your favorite radio station (or certain MTV shows) and be exposed to good music. Not so much anymore. You may have to do a little more digging these days, but there is a lot out there. I would argue that there is so much more because of the ability for bands to self produce and release. I've released a number of songs that can be heard on spotify, youtube, bandcamp, etc.

For instance, searching for certain bands on youtube led me to the KEXP live performance page. It is loaded with good new music performed by actual people (not freaking computer beats and synthesized crap). You can then follow the youtube rabbit hole to all sorts of music.

On spotify, go to the "Discover Weekly" playlist. You have to first search and listen to some bands on spotify, but then spotify will fill this playlist with similar artists. I can't tell you how many great songs and bands I've discovered this way.

I check out No Depression magazine. It mostly fits in with my sensibilities. Back in the 90's there was a guy from New Orleans that had a radio show that turned my on to a lot of good bands (Uncle Tupelo, Cordiliela's Dad, Yahoos, Bottle Rockets, Blue Mountain, The Blood Oranges, Cowboy Mouth, Subdudes, the Old '97 and many others). There are always people out there making great music. The problem now is there are so many you need a clearing house.

 

[not so fast my friend]

Dookie came out in ‘94. I looked it up because I would have had to amend my list to include it.

Wow Dookie in '94....I'm old.

 

[Grant Green]

I check out No Depression magazine. It mostly fits in with my sensibilities. Back in the 90's there was a guy from New Orleans that had a radio show that turned my on to a lot of good bands (Uncle Tupelo, Cordiliela's Dad, Yahoos, Bottle Rockets, Blue Mountain, The Blood Oranges, Cowboy Mouth, Subdudes, the Old '97 and many others). There are always people out there making great music. The problem now is there are so many you need a clearing house.

I agree. There is no shortage of people playing great organic music. You just won't hear them on a lot of mainstream radio stations.

You ever hear the story of when Jeff Tweedy met Jay Farrar on a beach in Mexico?


Did you happen to work in a record store in state college in the early 90s?

 

[Still in State College]

I agree. There is no shortage of people playing great organic music. You just won't hear them on a lot of mainstream radio stations.

You ever hear the story of when Jeff Tweedy met Jay Farrar on a beach in Mexico?

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Did you happen to work in a record store in state college in the early 90s?

I did not but I used to open the Phyrst a couple of shifts a week and would go to Arboria and but at least 4 albums (Cd's) a week. So I was in there with Josh and Matt constantly.

 

[Grant Green]

I did not but I used to open the Phyrst a couple of shifts a week and would go to Arboria and but at least 4 albums (Cd's) a week. So I was in there with Josh and Matt constantly.

Ha! I thought you may be Matt. He turned me on to Uncle Tupelo. Met him through a mutual friend, Doug G.