People lamenting the disappearance of good music seem to be attracted to me. I cannot tell you how many times I have had that conversation lately (or read that in the latest article from some pundit). Perhaps folks sense I’m a music nerd who will lend a sympathetic ear, or maybe they just need to vent. Invariably they refer to the 1970s – ‘when craft was king’ and then point to modern pop music and decry “Where has it gone?”
To be fair – pop music these days does suck. Much of it is little more than formulaic drivel exhaled through a synth to mask an off-key voice, but that misses the point. Pop music was never the point.
Good music is out there in every decade if you are willing to look. It may require scouring Indie, Ambient, Jazz or other stations – but it’s out there. Full disclosure – I grew up in the 70s listening to amazing artists. I just happen to think they are still out there. I listen to YouTube music while I work, so I get frequent opportunities to go down the rabbit hole. The list below contains music I’ve found during those jaunts – across the spectrum of genres (at least the spectrum I listen to) that each embody something for me. The musicians play their own instruments and sing with their own voices. My goal is to create an ‘aha’ moment that illuminates elements of the craft that are still present. Even if none of these is your favorite style of music, hopefully they will at least evoke some respect for the artists. Enjoy.
— Craft —
Before diving into the whole list here is a cross-section of a few disciplines to get started.
Vocals
London Grammer – Hey Now (live at KEXP, 2014). This one is worth playing through good headphones or in a quiet room with good speakers. I’ll just share 2 adjectives for this one – grace and power.
Piano
Hania Rani Live from Studio S2 (2021). For this whole session she is in her own world, tuned in to signals that she translates through the keys. The intro is experimental, almost ambient but on a real piano. For more traditional piano playing jump to time code 7:19. The label Gondwana Records has some amazing Jazz from various artists. Sample: Equanimity.
Guitar
Vasudeva, Turnstiles (live, 2018). This genre is sometimes called ‘Math Rock’. It is instrumental, highly skilled and melodic. Other songs of note: Take Away (2020) Full Album No Clearance.
Superhuman Guitar
Buckethead Soothesayer (live, 2010) – showcase of superhuman skill. Unlike other super-skilled guitarists that play impenetrable ad hoc solos ad infinitum (Yngwie) this song has a melody that you can follow, in addition to solos that defy description. I have watched this 9-minute anthem multiple times and every time I get blown away by his skill. Notable solos at 4:20 and 8:20. Try to follow his fingers on either.
(Note: his odd attire is because he values anonymity – he genuinely does not want to be recognized in public thus the mask and literal bucket hat, which I would guess is a dig at image-based musicians)
Blue Notes
Each of these songs transport me somewhere else, all with a common thread.
Fenech Tame (2022) Soak in the ethereal opening melody, then feel the guitar that comes in at 14 seconds. It touches a nerve then tracks its own course, setting the mood for the song. The tone accompanies the lead singer’s understated vocals seamlessly.
The Caseworker Sister Song (2011) This is another song that must have beamed in from a similar universe as Tame. At 58 seconds they unleash their blue notes into this song, and again at 2:20. At 2:34 I hear Moody Blues in those riffs.
Robin Trower Somebody Calling (1977) The notes he plays at 41 seconds still give me chills. The style is different, but the emotional wavelength for me is the same – blue notes. I doubt the previous 2 artists ever heard this song, but I think all 3 captured the same lightning and put it into a bottle.
Jazz
Jazzbois Live at Studio Fast Forward (2025) Let this one put the nail in the coffin on the thought of craft being dead. These guys can play.
Sean Lee’s Ping Pong Orchestra Moodbender (2015) Ok so this is more ambient than jazz, I didn’t want to add another category. Plus they play real instruments (ambient is often sampled). I love the vibe of this song soo much. And while we are here you Have to hear Chuva by the Getaway Dogs. OMG.
— The List, In No Particular Order —
Swervedriver – These guys have been around since the 90’s but are still putting out new music. They have 2 guitarists that weave melodies together into full-blown tapestries (sometimes even in the parts that sound like gain or feedback). Autodidact (2015) I’ve heard this one described as having ‘cascading arpeggios’. Based on my limited knowledge of music theory (i.e. I looked it up) this seems appropriate. English Subtitles – perhaps my favorite song of the ‘teens. Impossible to play too loud. I play this every time before I surf.
Men I Trust (late 20-teens) – Mellow and evocative, she plays music that seems to go with everything. Show Me How – a dreamy song that blew up huge. This one gets played everywhere – you have likely been somewhere and heard this, even if you didn’t know who it was. I think I even heard it overhead in a department store once. Lauren – funky bass. Seven – has 70s vibe. Full album worth playing Oncle Jazz. Subtle similarities to Nora Jones, style-wise.
Far Caspian Let’s Go Outside (2019), Blue. A band I can’t believe does not get more airtime on more mainstream media. Their sound is so inviting.
Real Estate Had to Hear (2014) Another of my favorite songs from the teens. Shares a common parent in the Tree of Music with It’s Up to You by the Moody Blues. Popular by Real Estate – Darling, another great song and one that you might have heard.
DIIV Under the Sun. (2016) Human
Still Corners The Trip (2018) You’re driving at night through the desert. This is what you hear.
Mac de Marco Another Love Song (2017). A laid-back Canadian and admitted fan of Neil Young he plays guitar and sings lilting vocals that feel like they’re just a few feet away. He defines authenticity for me. When listening to Mac de Marco he seems to just play right in your living room. Full album This Old Dog. My personal favorite of his (disclaimer – lots of synth in this one) On The Level. I love the lyrics and the entire vibe of that song.
King Gizzard… Honey (2020) Listen to the vocals in the chorus. Just sewn into the music as one thing. This kid is very talented and plays music that defies genres. I don’t jibe with all of it, but I deeply respect his talent and penchant for exploration. On his album Flying Microtonal Banana he even explores the notes in-between the notes. Dude is out there.
Beach Fossils Tangerine (2017) The best word I have for the intro guitar section is ‘bright,’ but that falls short of how this song makes me feel. St Ivy got moderate air time. It has a great riff at the end that evokes George Harrison.
Vampire Weekend Sunflower (2019) Irresistible tempo. Vocals as an instrument, a jazzy accompaniment to the music in the chorus.
Glitter Party Time Waits (2023) Ok, so this could be a pop song. I just like it.
Nabiha Iqbal – Dreamer (2023). The video is beautiful musically and visually. I love the rhythm she creates on the guitar. Here she is doing other songs Live on KEXP.
Nation of Language – This Fractured Mind (2021) (Intro is like a minute long, fyi). This guy is out there doing his own thing. Huge respect for just being yourself. I get a strong OMD vibe from his voice, with moments of Roland Orzabal (Tears for Fears). I don’t get the sense he is trying to copy anybody, that’s just his voice. Live on KEXP in 2023. The song of theirs that is closest to being a hit was Weak in Your Light.
Radiohead In Rainbows (live from The Basement, 2008) This whole set blows me away. They just set up and play without a hitch for like an hour. Weird Fishes (first track) is just off the hook. This solo just seems to sum up the vibe for me.
Boy and Bear – Southern Sun. (2013) This song is almost timeless to me. I hear hints of The Allman Brothers.
Damien Jurardo Silver Timothy (2014) Hints of psych rock from the 60’s mixed in with haunting vocals.
Chastity Belt Trapped (2019) Edgy, intense, moody.
Kodaclips Drowning Tree (2022) Enchanting rhythm guitar, heavy riffs in the chorus. Undertones of Jane’s Addiction.
The Myrrors Mind’s Eye (2010) Distinct psych rock feel
A Beacon School Fade in Nylon (2019)
Reverie Sound Revue An Anniversary Away (2009) Beautiful vocals and melody
— Further Listening —
My Cosmic Girl Psychic (2024)
Voight-Kampf Versing (2017) Psych rock vocals with almost punk vibes
The Prids Let It Go (2010) Actual punk music, but interesting
Talking Violet Sparjammer (2018) Lush meets Cocteau Twins
Sasami Not The Time (2019) Vulnerable song about loss, but with an upbeat vibe somehow.
Airiel Sharron Apple (2021) Riffs of pure emotion. Like stepping into someone’s daydream.
[more to come]
— For Fun —
During the first song in Spinal Tap (Big Bottom, which in name is a play on queen’s song) I kept thinking ‘this chorus really rocks. i kind of like it. but it feels familiar.’ a couple hrs later on my ride home it hit me.
Spinal Tap – Big Bottom – listen to the first chorus. keep ‘big bottom’ in mind
Wishbone Ash – Mother of Pearl – at the first chorus (1:08 in) replace ‘somebody’ with ‘big bottom’. This album was released in 1976, about 8 yrs before the movie. Coulda been an influence…
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