darynalexander

The Tears, featuring former members of Suede, probably have one of the strongest debuts of 2005 and the b-sides are just as good. No American recognition aside from a blurb in Spin and a display at Waterloo Records in downtown Austin. Also digging Decemberists, but they just signed to a major label so I guess that's pretty close to being discovered. Josh Joplin, singer/songwriter/Michael Stipe impressionist, released a great album last year called Jaywalker, a follow up to The Future That Was. I don't think it was as accessible as it should've been to new fans, but he writes really great folk/pop stuff. Heard him once, just once, on a local radio station that's now kaput. Hooked since. Can't wait for two new albums this year by one Sondre Lerche, who gets recognition in Spin and GQ but only for the fact that he's so young to have such a classic voice with a wide knowledge of music and influence. It irks me that people read the music mags and know the artists, know the songs, but have never heard them. The same can be said for... The Dears. I don't know their status in Canada, but they should really be more popular here. The dark, grand pop sound would really make them a contender with other acts that have been blown waaaay the hell out of proportion. Found "End of A Hollywood Bedtime Story" at Waterloo, and bought the import of No Cities Left (U.S. doesn't come with Don't Lose The Faith). Awaiting new album, being recorded now.