Over the last three "seasons" of American Idol, I've been exposed to various "singers" and have always wondered, what the hell people are thinking? I don't watch the show, persay, but several people I know follow it like their worlds depended on it.
But seriously, I've seen enough to get the idea and, while catching five minutes of tonight's show before I fled the premises for the comfort of my own, American-Idol-Free home, I was struck by the desire to help lesser known artists (similar to the kids on American Idol but with actual CD's under their collective belts) get some deserved recognition.
SO, here's the deal ... consider it a poll, if you will. If you could introduce the world, or at least the handful of people that regularly visit this blog, to one artist that you feel has not gotten the recognition that he / she deserves, who would it be? This doesn't have to be an unknown performer either. It could be someone that you feel doesn't get the credit or respect he / she deserves regardless of what success has been acheived in the past.
I know my pronouns were singular above but groups are acceptable too.
Posted by languorous at February 2, 2005 08:50 PMRockapella... never hear about them... but that damn "Where in the world is Carmen Sandiego" runs through my head all the time.
Posted by: Karen at February 2, 2005 09:39 PMGee THANKS Karen, now it's stuck in MY head, too.
Great poll idea, though. I'm going to have to think for a bit to narrow it down to just one.
Ah, yes, Rockapella. Nice version of the Folgers jingle too.
My selection would probably be Brian Vander Ark although there's quite a few artists that I listen to that I think deserve more credit, musically, than most pop-stars do today. NEway, Brian Vander Ark was / is the lead singer of The Verve Pipe and I think his voice is pretty distinctive. I love his first (only) solo album because I really enjoy his fairly unusual melodic lines, harmonies and meaningful lyrics.
You might think that it's odd that I chose a single male performer considering that a good majority of my musical collection (that I listen to daily) is single female artists. I did anyway.
Maybe, after everyone has posted, I'll try to get some links up so people can listen to the artists (at least a song or two) that have been selected.
Posted by: languorous at February 3, 2005 05:32 PMThe Gotan Project-a unique, salsa inspired, instrumental group that sometimes incorporates a hip-hoppy type beat into their music. In any case, it is very relaxing, totally cool and so worth finding out about. (I dont know if salsa is the right word, but listen and determine for yourself).
Posted by: Lori at February 3, 2005 06:34 PMyeah, here here, great topic, Im trying to come up with just one answer, because there are so many for me, just give me a day or two :-)
Posted by: Jon at February 4, 2005 02:18 PMAlright, I've been thinking quite a bit about this one. Quite honestly, there are at least a dozen bands I could put in here, but for once, I'm going to abide by the poll rules and only mention one: The Navigators.
They're one kick-ass rock band with a little folkish twinge (three-man last time I saw them) and a singing drummer. There's an old EP floating around with some good stuff on it, but they're really on fire when you see them live. They just released a new album which I haven't heard yet, but look forward to buying.
Posted by: Jason at February 5, 2005 01:17 PMAngie Aparo-- when this guy toured with MB20 in 2000, I thought he would catch on for sure... but other than Faith Hill's horrendous cover of "Cry," he has achieved little success. This guy's voice is awesome and the band is tight. Buy "The American" now.
Posted by: Robb at February 6, 2005 01:30 PMYeah, definitely Angie, I'm also a big fan. I don't know too many people that have supported him by buying all of his albums but, I've done my part :-)
Posted by: languorous at February 6, 2005 03:59 PMHe has more than the one?
Posted by: Garrett at February 6, 2005 04:04 PMHere here on the Angie, he is a very cool guy. I fought hard to pick just one, because I listen to so much music, but I think I have it narrowed down. Hootie and the Blowfish. Many shrug them off for a couple hit wonders, and do not give them the credit they deserve. I have all of their studio releases, and they really cover a variety of styles from pop, rock, folk, country, soul, you name it they incorporate it into their music. They put on a great live show and our much more musical than what they have been credited for. I urge anyone who stopped listening after "Only wanna be with you" to get the rest of their albums, its good music to listen to anytime!
Posted by: Jon at February 7, 2005 04:31 PMI also support the Angie sentiment but do not own any of his cds... but I love listening to Tom's:-)
Posted by: Karen at February 7, 2005 06:12 PMI never thought I would hear the name "Hootie and the Blowfish" again. I suppose this now shows my lack of musical taste ;)
Posted by: Lori at February 8, 2005 06:04 PM