I seem to be on a good run of finding new, really good music.
Micah, my son, has recommended The Script, a three-member band from Dublin, Ireland. Good songwriting, very catchy songs. I bought their entire recently released project. Most of the time I pick a song or two but this is worth buying the album.
Ian Cron recommended Estonian Composer Arvo Part and played me a couple
of his pieces. I’ve always loved classical music. Part’s music is celestial. Check out 7 Magnificat Antiphons: IV. O Schlussel Davids and Berliner Messe: VIII. Agnus Dei.
On a break during the Reclaiming Paul Conference Tim Bridgham and Micah Thomas were playing Max Richter. I’m stricken by On the Nature of Daylight from his 2004 album The Blue Notebooks. Here is the video from YouTube
NPR recently highlighted Adele and School of Seven Bells. Adele is twenty years old and describes her musical style as “heartbroken soul.” Even though Adele attended the famed BRIT School in Croydon, UK, it was her MySpace that actually catapulted her career to stardom. Get Adele’s entire project 19, great stuff. Her video Chasing Pavements is worth a watch - here.
I was telling Youthfront staff member Erik Leafblad about Kristen May, a friend and
student who was involved in Youthfront and has a band called Vedera. I recently connected with Kristen and her husband Jason at Starbuck’s. They are currently opening for The Fray on their current tour (I will come back to The Fray). I watched Kristen sing publically one of her first times during a trip I led to Hungary and Romania. She was really shy then, not anymore. They play in KC on New Years so I hope to catch them.
OK, back to Erik. Erik followed up my story about Kristen told me about his high school buddy Justin Vernon, who fronts the group Bon Iver. Justin has a very unique voice and style. Erik said to watch for him on Letterman, here it is
Now, back to The Fray – their new song You Found Me pre-released ahead of the album is a great preview hopefully of more good music to come.
Finally, while I was hanging out with the Affeldt’s in Spokane before Christmas we exchanged several music interests. Jeremy turned me on to Mat Kearney. The Nothing Left to Lose album is all good.
So what have you discovered that you would like to pass on?

You should definitely check out Sara Swenson. Her album is just Sara Swenson on itunes. I really enjoy listening to "Yesterday is Gone" but her vocals on "Say my Name" are incredible. Her and I have been friends since college and it's always fascinating to speak with someone, hear and know his or her voice, and then discover that same voice unleashed by the gift of music... you're always taken back and enchanted.
Worthwhile listen I think. Oh, I almost forgot! I thought the song "My Little Girl" was a great one for you and Lexi! The lyrics are incredible!
Posted by: Ty | December 31, 2008 at 09:39 AM
Thanks Ty, I will check her out.
Posted by: Mike King | December 31, 2008 at 01:05 PM
Good recommendations. I love Bon Iver, but not familiar with most of the rest. Will check them out.
Posted by: moe didde | January 03, 2009 at 03:32 PM
Hey Moe,
Happy to hear you made it back from Sudan safe.
Mike
Posted by: Mike King | January 04, 2009 at 09:40 AM