Anybody stumbled across any interesting bands/records lately? These are a few I've listened to recently:

-Local Natives
Independent band out of Los Angles. First heard their stuff on Aquariumdrunkerd blog several weeks ago. Really cool sound. The album, Gorilla Manor is pretty damn good the whole way through. I didn't listen to it to closely (I was working on some stuff), but it's one of those albums that keep you engaged even if you're distracted by other things. I look forward to listening to it again.

-Dead Man's Bones Never Let A Lack of Talent Get You Down
This is actually a two-man band featuring Ryan Gosling, his pal Zach Shields and Silverlake Conservatory Children's Choir. I've only listened to it once - it didn't keep me nearly as engaged as The Local Natives - but it's a supernatural concept album, which deserves a much more observant listener. From one listen, all I can say is that it has some really cool sounds and I love the Children's Choir - it adds a level of freakishness to the whole thing. Check out the single Pa Pa Pa Power.

Pitchfork Interviews Dead Man's Bones

I'm also in the process of listening to Manchester Orchestra's new (relatively) album and the Crash Kings.

So what say you free huddle, what cool new groups or records have you've been listening to?

The best "new to me" group I have been exposed to are The Black Keys. Outstanding. And from Ohio.

justincredible wrote: The best "new to me" group I have been exposed to are The Black Keys. Outstanding. And from Ohio.

Agreed. I heard "Strange Times" on the radio and bought their new(est) album. Really terrific stuff. It has such a great, classic rock feel to it. I've been meaning to look at their earlier stuff but they've got a ton of records and just don't have time to sit down and listen to them all.

Justin, you should check out Dan Auerbach (the lead singer). He released a solo album a few months ago, I haven't heard it, but everything I've read claims that it's even better than the Keys stuff.

KevinJr wrote:

justincredible wrote: The best "new to me" group I have been exposed to are The Black Keys. Outstanding. And from Ohio.

Agreed. I heard "Strange Times" on the radio and bought their new(est) album. Really terrific stuff. It has such a great, classic rock feel to it. I've been meaning to look at their earlier stuff but they've got a ton of records and just don't have time to sit down and listen to them all.

Justin, you should check out Dan Auerbach (the lead singer). He released a solo album a few months ago, I haven't heard it, but everything I've read claims that it's even better than the Keys stuff.

It's hard to pick their best album, but I'd have to say I enjoy Magic Potion the most. Followed closely by Rubber Factory.

I am going to see him (Dan) in concert in Newport, KY in early/mid December and then hopefully I'll be going to Chicago for New Years where the Keys are performing on NYE. I haven't listened to Dan's solo stuff yet but I am just assuming it's good.

For anyone who's into the more extreme forms of metal, Hypocrisy has a new album out. I've listened to a couple songs on last.fm and they're pretty kickass.

ttt

Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears make freaking incredible music. Every one of you should check them out.

PremithiumX wrote: Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears make freaking incredible music. Every one of you should check them out.

Agreed, their album is terrific. It has such a great soulful rock sound. However, I had a friend of mine who went to their concert when they came to Columbus (I believe it was Summerfest. Matt & Kim were there as well) and she said their concert was terrible. She said they sounded alright, but the lead singer had absolutely no stage presence whatsoever.

I know in the end that doesn't hold any bearing to enjoyability of their music, but their music deserves a charismatic showman to front them.

Red, Skillet, Flyleaf, Creed, and Stryper for me