I am trying to come up with ideas music-wise for Christmas for my husband, specifically something new and something he doesn't have. He's pretty open to new things but I can't think of anything without being too obvious. Here are just some of the bands he enjoys:
Breaking Benjamin Muse Moody Blues Pink Floyd Styxx Jethro Tull The Who Emerson Lake and Palmer Fresh Aire Evanescence Renaissance David Bowie Elton John Billy Joel
Any ideas of lesser known bands or artists that might fit into this eclectic list? He listens to albums by these artists the way a film music officianado listens to a score. He listens for every musical nuance, studies it and forms an opinion. As I said, he's very open to listening to new artists. I would love some new ideas as his library is quite full of the above.
Paul McCartney has a brand-new album arriving in December: McCartney III
Oh, wait. Lesser known.
Fitz and the Tantrums: Pickin' Up the Pieces. An album from 2010 that I only discovered last year and have been playing constantly since. A brilliant, tuneful collection of retro soul/rock.
Thanks for the suggestion Mark. I'll check it out. I didn't get many suggestions so I went digging on my own. I ended up getting him the 40th Anniversary Edition of Stormwatch by Jethro Tull, The Essential Bob Dylan and another copy of Twin Sons of Different Mothers by Dan Fogelberg and Tim Weisberg. I still miss buying him vinyl.
When I met my husband, he had an extensive vinyl collection and continued to collect it through the years. A house fire in 2004 took all of it along with his equipment and I could never convince him to start over with it. So, discs it is.
Interesting list. I must confess I don't know who some of those artists are. I can't stand the space rock soundings of Muse however, seems a racket to me. Does he not like Neil Young at all?
Unfortunate about the house fire, I'm sure he was upset at losing his collection.
I am trying to come up with ideas music-wise for Christmas for my husband, specifically something new and something he doesn't have. He's pretty open to new things but I can't think of anything without being too obvious. Here are just some of the bands he enjoys:
Breaking Benjamin Muse Moody Blues Pink Floyd Styxx Jethro Tull The Who Emerson Lake and Palmer Fresh Aire Evanescence Renaissance David Bowie Elton John Billy Joel
Any ideas of lesser known bands or artists that might fit into this eclectic list? He listens to albums by these artists the way a film music officianado listens to a score. He listens for every musical nuance, studies it and forms an opinion. As I said, he's very open to listening to new artists. I would love some new ideas as his library is quite full of the above.
I’d suggest Sparks, innovators since the early 70s and constantly striking out in new directions. Something to explore across 20+ studio albums and many fascinating compilations. Some great tunes and wise/witty lyrics. I don’t know if they’re “lesser known” per se, but they’ve never enjoyed the popularity they deserve.
Interesting list. I must confess I don't know who some of those artists are. I can't stand the space rock soundings of Muse however, seems a racket to me. Does he not like Neil Young at all?
Unfortunate about the house fire, I'm sure he was upset at losing his collection.
Thomas, yes he is indeed a Neil Young fan and has quite a few of his recordings. I would best describe my husband’s taste as eclectic. He’s willing to listen to any suggested music but always zeroes in on the quality and richness of the recording. He loves a true storyteller like Young and Dylan along with the unique and intricate sounds of so many others. He dissects each album. He particularly loves Bowie.
He was sad when he lost his vinyl and equipment but was more relieved that everyone was safe including our critters.
Face to Face Something Else The Kinks are the Village Green Preservation Society
Onya so funny you bring up the Kinks. I swear just the other day he was listening to one of their albums and commented how he gives them huge credit for adapting and changing their style over time. Maybe he was hinting. These are great suggestions. Thanks.
Face to Face Something Else The Kinks are the Village Green Preservation Society
Onya so funny you bring up the Kinks. I swear just the other day he was listening to one of their albums and commented how he gives them huge credit for adapting and changing their style over time. Maybe he was hinting. These are great suggestions. Thanks.
That is their classic run of albums. You can't go wrong.
TG, I asked my son today about Sparks and he metioned their lyrics first thing. He's listened to some of their stuff and likes it. Going to go through some of the releases on YT. Thanks.
Since he likes Jethro Tull there was a jazz flutist popular in the late 60s who pre-dated Tull--Jeremy Steig. He plays with that same breathy style.Something Else and Howling For Judy are two great examples of his music.
ELP -- Chick Corea's Return to Forever (Romantic Warrior, Where Have I Known You Before, No Mystery) was a fusion band that played in that grandiose style featuring extensive keyboards and synthesizers.
Fresh Aire -- One of my all-time favorite albums is Icarus by the Paul Winter Consort. The title tune is one of the greatest ever. Almsot all instrumental and featuring instruments from all over the world--from 1972, produced by George Martin and the tune Icarus--one of the first pieces of music played on the moon.
OK, first a few that are not so rare, necessarily, but that your husband should have in his collection, considering his taste:
The Alan Parsons Project - "Tales of Mystery and Imagination by Edgar Allan Poe" Supertramp - "Crime of the Century" or "Even in the Quietest Moments" Manfred Mann's Earthband - "Watch" 10CC - "How Dare You!" Rick Wakeman - "Journey to the Centre of the Earth" Jon & Vangelis - "Friends of. Mr. Cairo" Dire Straits - "Love Over Gold" Yes - "Talk" Genesis - "The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway" Electric Light Orchestra - "Out of the Blue"
More rare:
Mandalaband - "The Eye of Wendor: Prophecies" Junipher Greene - "Friendship" (legendary Norwegian prog band) John Miles - "Rebel"
Although I'm not that into their discographies, there are also bands like King Crimson, Golden Earring, Camel, Kansas, Procol Harum, Traffic, Fairport Convention etc. etc. that would fit the bill.
It's difficult to pinpoint your husband's taste exactly, as it is indeed eclectic - a mix of prog rock, soft rock, folk, blues and what-have-you. But the above is a start, anyway. I'll let you know if I think of more.
