THE PULP: Music You have To Hear

Latest Music You Have to hear for issue #3 of Pulp...

Its official: I tend to jump on band-wagons a bit late. Below are a roster of artists that, yes, have definitely made some mainstream and critical noise. But have you given them a listen yet? Scanning through my iTunes recently, I realized just how many musicians I have discovered way past the ‘did you hear about so and so’ phase.

Although Ray LaMontagne has had material out since 2003 – and apparently also made chart waves – I just discovered him. LaMontagne, a former shoe-factor worker, sings in a particular fashion that can swoon ladies and men alike – I know at least one couple using his track “Shelter” as their wedding song. His rough-and-tumble soul is striking, and makes for a delightfully different sonic effect when mismatched with the sounds of folk music.
Album you have to hear: “Trouble”
www.myspace.com/raylamontagne

After hearing their catchy tune “Caring is Creepy” on the Garden State soundtrack back in 2004, I somehow managed to let The Shins remain stagnant on my to-do list of music. Thankfully, a friend of mine recently attended a concert of theirs and implored me to get their record. This Oregon band does not disappoint – their recent venture “Wincing the Night Away” shines, maintaining an accessible yet creative and diverse display of songs. Despite their indie roots, their sophomore release debuted at number 2 in the US and Canada, and 16 here in the UK. This is the fun, go-to-their-concert-and-sing-along type of rock that everyone can appreciate.
Song you have to hear: “Australia”
www.myspace.com/theshins

Finally, I’d like to embarrass myself slightly and put shame to my self appointed title of “music lover.” I just got “Dark Side of the Moon” by Pink Floyd. I almost feel like it would be inappropriate (or maybe even blasphemous) to attempt to write some interesting facts and positive points about this album; its Dark Side of the Moon people. The album has become the Che Guevara of music – not everyone may know exactly what it is, but there are a whole lot of look-at-how-indie-i-am posers wearing a shirt laden with the now infamous image of a prism. If you are anything like me and have managed to miss out on the magic that is Pink Floyd, I suggest you pick up a copy of Dark Side of the Moon asap.