Spotify recs - TTLG Forums

Risquit on 25/7/2011 at 23:42

Like the rest of America, I'm late to the Spotify party. So far I'm loving it and finding less holes in the library than I thought I would. I wasn't expecting to find The Beatles, but no Meshugga though? Ouch...

So, what I'm looking for are your very best recommendations. No genre restrictions. Old or new. They just have to be dear to you and up on Spotify. I do prefer whole albums, but songs are cool too.

Aerothorn on 26/7/2011 at 00:09

I'll get back to you as soon as I install Spotify and see what they have in the library!

I took advantage of it during my stay in London and quite enjoyed it. And ended up listening to R.E.M.'s cover of "First We Take Manhattan" more times than is healthy. So, uh, there's a recommendation!

Edit: And I just realized they're currently on an invite system for Americans, but my login from London still works. Booya!

Edit 2: Okay, ready. With the typical "musical taste is subjective, I make no promises" disclaimer, I'd recommend:

1. The collected work of Yoko Kanno, which never cease to amaze me, but particularly the soundtracks for Cowboy Bebop and Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex. If you want to sample just one of each, I'd recommend Cowboy Bebop: Blue (the third OST) and GITS:SAC OST 1, though they're all fantastic.

2. R.E.M.s Automatic for the People. Hardly an obscure album (no hipster cred here) but still my all-time fav.

3. Pinback's "Summer in Abaddon." While lacking the thoughtful lyricism I prefer in much of my music, it has amazing texture and is perfect driving/background music. The single, Fortress, doesn't really sound like their other stuff but is absolutely fantastic nonetheless.

4. Weird Al's "Bad Hair Day." The man has many great albums, but this may be his greatest. If for some reason you've missed it, or just haven't heard it in a while, give it a spin.

5. Oh-OK: The Complete Recordings. The Athens band's output consists of two EPs and a bunch of hard-to-hear b-sides, but it's well worth a listen. There are few things I've heard that are just so full of energetic FUN.

6. Crash Test Dummies' "The Ghost that Haunt Me." Still one of my favorite debut albums.

7. Loundon Wainwright III's "History." Again, it's really hard for me to pick a "best album" of his, but this is certainly one of them. Humorous and confessional folk songs that never seem to age.

I could keep going but I suspect that's enough for now. Yeah, Spotify's selection is amazing. If anyone wants to do some playlist-swapping later on, I'm in.

henke on 26/7/2011 at 12:18

(http://open.spotify.com/user/leemajorz/playlist/2H9eadrozgPXppOcm9y0Ey) 10tracksfromthefirst½of2011

Playlist, compiled by me. Woodkid, Adele, EMA, PJ Harvey, Cults, Battles, etc. All that good (hipster-approved) stuff.

edit: also ALSO here are some fantastic stand-up comedy albums which I like to listen to while making dinner. Perhaps you would like to do the same!

(http://open.spotify.com/album/7yRSwhsg0j78Ed8JIOoEfb) Patton Oswalt - My Weakness Is Strong
(http://open.spotify.com/album/60d5jjea3KTzkxZtcJG8Uq) Todd Barry - Falling Off The Bone
(http://open.spotify.com/album/0vAftMiQxf7PIiNE7XUMaa) Maria Bamford - The Burning Bridges Tour
(http://open.spotify.com/album/4ujJULlc8Un8ompFvI1QoJ) Doug Stanhope - Something To Take The Edge Off

Risquit on 26/7/2011 at 17:35

Quote Posted by Aerothorn

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2. R.E.M.s Automatic for the People. Hardly an obscure album (no hipster cred here) but still my all-time fav.

I'll give you hipster cred for that one. And with that recommendation alone, you swung the door wide open for me :)

"Find the River" is easily in my Top 10 songs ever. Still trying to decipher the lyrics...so wistful...