I was just preaching awhile back how I love physical cd’s way more than digital cd downloads. While that’s still true, how can you not download great music when Amazon practically gives it to you for free? Thanks to all of the deals Amazon offers and coupon codes they give out, I’ve bought 10 albums over the last month for a total of $15. I’ll still buy a hard copy of a cd if the prices are anywhere close, but if they’re going to practically give me a cd for free, I guess I’ll deal with not having the artwork. Here’s a quick look at what I’ve gotten…
1. EVERCLEAR: Invisible Stars
Everclear can sound repetitious at times, but as a child of the 90s, I love them. This album is great, a return to their prime. Love the first single too…Be Careful What You Ask For.
2. JUSTIN TOWNES EARLE: Harlem River Blues
I’ve always heard the name but never the music. I’m embarrassed. This is great stuff. It has a cool retro-Americana-singer-songwriter feel mixed with a gritty-NYC-Lou Reed vibe.
3. NORAH JONES: Little Broken Hearts
I’ve always liked Norah Jones’ stuff as a guilty pleasure, but his album is outing me as a Norah fan. It’s full of dark and scorned-lover lyrics but not in a depressing way. Great songwriting.
4. BLUES TRAVELER: Suzie Cracks The Whip
Here’s another great new album from one of my 90s bands. You can’t get better than Mr. Popper’s harmonica either. Love the video for the new single…You Don’t Have To Love Me.
5. BLACK KEYS: El Camino
These guys are just plain cool. Everybody knows it by now. Garage rock mixed with blues mixed with awesomeness. This album has such a huge kick-your-face-in sound to it.
6. THE SHINS: Port Of Morrow
I fell in love with the Shins because of Garden State, of course. I’m not sure how you categorize their sound and style. I feel like they were the originators though, with a lot of bands copying them. They always have cool videos too.
7. EDDIE VEDDER: Ukulele Songs
Who would’ve thought 20 years ago that the Pearl Jam frontman would still be around and putting out a ukulele album. This album is a perfect follow-up to Into The Wild. Such a cool sound and great songwriting. He’s became a really good singer too. Love this stuff.
8. BEACH BOYS: That’s Why God Made The Radio
The Beach Boys are celebrating their 50th year this summer with a tour and this new album. It’s good, but eh. It still has great harmonies, but it feels more like the watered down latter day Beach Boys as opposed to the early (and better imo) Surfin’ Safari days.
9. OF MONSTERS AND MEN: My Head Is An Animal
I had never heard of these guys but it was recommended and it was only $1. Come on! I’ve also been wanting to get some new music by new artists, not just new music from my old 90s cronies, so I gave this a chance. Turned out to be REALLY good!
10. THE LUMINEERS: The Lumineers
Same as number 9 description.