Music to Create To - MGMT

MGMT (pronounced "management") is my new I'm-completely-obsessed-with-you band. There are more musical styles on their first full length album titled "Oracular Spectacular" than you could count, yet somehow it comes across as a unified sound. Since I've been struggling for days to figure out how to describe their sound I'm just going to throw some words out there that come to mind as I've been listening: physchedelic, lush, David Bowie, fun, disco, amazing, synth, "can I have some more please"? and Vampire Weekend. The thing I like the best? They're are creative and original, but still accesable to the listener. I'm probably going to get a lot of hate for this, but I don't understand Animal Collective. I've tried. Many times. I don't get it. I get MGMT and I love it. Download here, buy the CD here, visit their website here (which is a total trip and you must visit!).

Happy Listening!

Music to Create To - The Airborne Toxic Event

Another find from the Direct TV broadcast of the SXSW festival, The Airborne Toxic Event has quickly become one of my favorites to create to. I often get "stuck" with my music and will listen to only one band or, even worse, one album for two weeks straight. It's like I have a music craving and nothing else satisfies it, and this is how I've been for a few days with The Airborne Toxic Event. Lots of upbeat, creative rock tunes with catchy hooks that keep playing in my head even after the music has stopped. Having seen them "live" (on tv) I would also agree with many reviews that they are just as good if not better in concert. They are a group of true performers and are a lot of fun to watch. I discovered that they're coming in concert to my part of the world next month and I'm hoping to catch the show. Go here to listen to a few of their tracks for free and then go buy the full album on iTunes here. Enjoy!

Online Radio Addictions

What would I do with out Pandora and LastFM? Both of these online "radio stations" make sitting at the computer for hours on end a joy. No commercials!? The music I love!? FREE!? Yes, please. Both sites have a variety of similarities and differences and I've found that it really depends on my music mood as to where I go for tunes. The best part about both is that I've discovered so many great musicians that I doubt I would have heard of other wise. Next time you're stuck at the office and need some background noise, skip the Top 40 station and check out either of these great sites. To get started try the Sufjan Stevens station on LastFM or Laura's The Submarines station on Pandora.