2012 Discoveries

I too really like the Alabama Shakes!A breath of fresh air!

Alabama Shakes didn't impress me at all. They sound just like a thousand other bands trying to make it in the music business. Just my opinion, you know, different strokes for different folks.

Mike , have you heard Damien Jurado's new album called Maraqopa? It's a masterpiece IMO. It's a concept album of a dream he had. Best to listen to it in its entirety if you can. I would call the style of music for this album to be psychedelic folk.
Todd

Have not heard it but will try it when i get the chance.

my recent discoveries are dated, but there are no rules on the internet, so:
1. cotton mather, kon tiki (2012 reissue of 1997 cd)--quite brilliant power pop with monster hooks and unusual depth. alternatively elvis costello-ish or beatlesque, but not slavishly so. in a parallel universe the lead guy would be a superstar.
2. dylan: a biography (book) by bob spitz)--i'm digging this; it's really well written and incisive. seems to have garnered a lot of negative reviews, who find it mean-spirited or a hack job, but i disagree--it seems balanced and gets inside the guy's head. according to this book, dylan's tested iq was a very average 106, which suprised me.