Rocking My World
I can’t imagine working without music. Nor can I imagine driving, drinking coffee, contemplating, or living for that matter without music. Like food, music is sustenance and I am always on the lookout for inspiring shows, albums and artists.
I must have accumulated good karma with the music gods for lately I have been showered with introductions to great artists and albums. You ever notice the ebb and flow of such luck? I will find myself listening to the same record or song for that matter for a while then explicitly set out to discover new material or artists to no avail. Then, without effort new albums trickle into my world and fill me with renewed inspiration and excitement. Music is amazing in its ability to transform my perception. Songs are like elixirs each with a unique effect on the senses. Sort of an emotional equalizer. I can literally reprogram my mood and thought processes by changing my soundtrack.
But I digress. As you are most likely a creative I am sure you relate intimately to the concepts described above. Before I get into some of the albums I have been listening to I have to share with you my experience with two amazing technological enhancements to my listening experience.
- The iTunes audio plugin Volume Logic by Plantronics. I cannot say enough about how the algorithms in this software do much to improve the audio reproduction of digital music. This plugin, available for Mac and PC brings music to life. The difference is stunning. I hear subtleties in songs I knew not existed.
- Grado Labs SR125 Headphones. Their website is god awful so don’t be put off by it. I did much research and went through numerous styles, models and brands of headphones to arrive at these. They are unbelievable. Coming from a musical background including a degree in violin performance, playing in numerous musical projects and bands I fashion myself somewhat of an audiophile and am blown away by the quality of these headphones.
The combination of the Volume Logic plugin and the Grado Labs headphones will enhance your listening experience incredibly. I have nothing to gain in my recommendation of these products than to know others share in the experience.
Now for some music recommendations. Following is a list of albums I have had in heavy rotation lately and I highly recommend your checking them out and picking them up:
- Radical Face | Ghost. Amazing record which I believe was written and recorded singularly by Benjamin Cooper.
- Vietnam | Vietnam. (Friends from Austin, Tx – they are now in Brooklyn, NY).
- Jamie T | Panic Prevention. Good times.
- Dr. Dog | We All Belong. Excellent record at times Beatlesque with an avant-guard edge.
- Portugal the Man | Its Complicated Being a Wizard. I can’t recall how I ran across this band but they rock. Dirty guitars, 70’s rock and roll aesthetic.
- Tokyo Police Club | A Lesson in Crime. So much fun. Packed with good times.
- The Cinematic Orchestra | Ma Fleur Beautiful record that is excellent for relaxation, brainstorming, or a walk in the park.
- Last of all and mainly because I have been a fan for years and watched Jack and Meg grow to where they now are, White Stripes | Icky Thump. What can I say, I love the White Stripes.
Well, there are some excellent recommendations you should definitely look into. Oodles of inspiration provided in the above list and you should definitely download the Volume Logic plugin and if you have some extra cash and enjoy the listening experience as much as I do pick up a pair of Grado SR125 headphones. Enjoy and do share your recommendations with me.
Portugal the Man is awesome. I came across them a little over a week ago on Virb and can’t get enough of them. I’m going to be seeing them next week when they come to L.A. Can’t wait. Icky Thump is amazing too.
Glenn
Hey Glen, no kidding … as I mention above I can’t recall how I ran across them but they are a really good band. I would love to see them play.
Jeremy