My first official blog-and if you know me, you know it’s only appropriate that it be about my other passion…music.
If you haven’t already, take a look at these five bands that I can’t get enough of. Several of them owe us new albums, which I am waiting for with bated breath, but they’ve all still got great material out there that most of you have never heard. So that’s new, to you, right?
Enjoy!
The Arctic Monkeys
Okay, you may be listening to them. But if you aren’t, boy, are you in for a special treat. Creepy, cool, quirky, eerie, playful, and above all, one of the most unique sounds to ever ooze through your speakers.
Check out “R U Mine?”, a lone single released last fall to keep us longing for their next studio album, which is hopefully forthcoming (please, please please).
Kasabian
When I listen to the Alternative radio station on Spotify, it seems like every time I think I like that song, who is that? it inevitably is Kasabian. This is groove music. It’s impossible to listen to them without bobbing from side-to-side. Tom Meighan’s vocals are powerful, like his heart is pushing them up through his vocal chords. He seems to want us to feel the music like he does. I’m on board, Tom!
Check out “Days Are Forgotten” from their 2011 release VELOCIRAPTOR!
The Duke Spirit
While many female fronted bands can sound interchangeable (Yeah Yeah Yeahs, The Sounds, The Joy Formidable, Metric-which by the way, are all bands I enjoy), there is no mistaking the sound of The Duke Spirit. I’ll classify them as epic rock. I have no idea if that’s a real term, but that is the one that comes to mind when I hear the larger than life, full, fat sound of The Duke Spirit. It’s rock. It rocks.
Try “Procession” from their 2010 release BRUISER until they decide to grace us with a new album. But my favorite tracks are actually from their 2008 release NEPTUNE.
Civil Twilight
I’ve often referred to them as my favorite “newer” band. Originally from South Africa, the guys now call Nashville home. 
The band has a sound that is reminiscent of early U2 (think WAR and BOY), but with a more chilled out vibe. I usually prefer harder rock, but I get lost in the passion of this band’s heartfelt lyrics and the soothing sound of Steven McKellar’s sincere vocals.
Try “Fire Escape” from their 2012 release HOLY WEATHER, although it will confuse the hell out of you based on my above description. Can’t help it, I love that song. But for the real Civil Twilight experience, try “Letters from the Sky” from their 2009 self-titled release.
Fire Escape Letters from the Sky
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
You wanna rock? Turn ’em on. They are different, interesting, but somehow soothingly familiar. When I am graced with one of their tunes on Spotify radio, I want to stop working and kick back with a cigarette and a smile, and I don’t even smoke.
Try “Let the Day Begin” (a remake of the original song by The Call in 1989) from their 2013 release SPECTER AT THE FEAST.