On the Rock with Darin McWatters

Hey friends, I’m in the mountains this week and my internet connection is spotty at best, so I’ll keep it brief. There are four new albums out today that you should spend some money on. At least one that is an absolute MUST buy. Peter Bradley Adams – Between Us This is definitely my pick of the week. Peter Bradley Adams is the best singer/songwriter in America right now. You’ll definitely recognize the sound, cause his songs get placed in... Read More

On the Rock with Darin McWatters

Dangit, there’s a ton of great new records out today. Why they don’t spread these out some, I’ll never know. If movies about rock bands have taught us anything, it’s that record label people are jerks. So maybe this is the proof. Regardless, here are the records you should check out this week. I’m putting them in the order of my confidence in their excellence. The ones I’ve heard in their entirety and like at the top, the ones I’m guessing... Read More

On the Rock with Darin McWatters

I am SO sorry this is late. I was so busy Memorializing on Monday that I forgot to get my thoughts in order for this post, and now it’s practically Wednesday already and I haven’t told you what records to buy. So, rather than delay any further here are the new records you should check out this week: My Morning Jacket – Curcuital If you like new music that sounds like old music, you probably already own some My Morning Jacket. I first heard... Read More

On the Rock with Darin McWatters

Oh man, there is NOTHING coming out today that I’m looking forward to. The new one by Austra is ok, and The Elected will probably be alright, but even those aren’t like…sure bets. Don’t even mention Moby to me. So instead of recommending albums coming out this week, I’m going to give you the names of the ten best records I’ve bought in 2011 so far. This is based on my individual song ratings, replayability, and overall memorability. Keep... Read More

On the Rock with Darin McWatters

Lots of schweet new records out this week. More than a sensible person should purchase in a single seven day period, so I’ll put these in purchase order for you. Buy as many as you can afford and then come back to the list later. Or rob someone and get them all now. Okkervil River – I Am Very Far I love Okkervil River. I would marry them if I weren’t already married. I may marry them even though I am already married. I’ve heard most of these... Read More

On the Rock with Darin McWatters

PSheesh, it’s been a crazy weekend and I haven’t had a ton of time to think through what to recommend to you this week. So, I’m going to keep it short and sweet. A couple of these are no brainers: Emmylou Harris – Hard Bargain Emmylou Harris is unequaled when it comes to great songs, piercing lyrics, beautiful emotive delivery, and overall southern effect. She is a national treasure, give her your money. Explosions in the Sky – Take Care,... Read More

On the Rock with Darin Mcwatters

First, let me start by saying that I’m only telling you about records that I personally think are interesting. I’m not guaranteeing that YOU will like them, and I’m certainly not planning to talk about albums that seem lame to me. For instance, I know that the new TV on the Radio comes out tomorrow, but I’m not listing that. See what I mean? Second, let me give you a sense of how I choose my favorite albums. It’s all about great songs.... Read More

Darin’s Discography (and Other Alliterate, Terrible Titles I came up with)

I had this flash of brilliance as I looked down at Twitter on my phone as I looked at his weekly recommendations. The idea was too good to be true, so I immediately began trying to quench my excitement. I quickly crafted out a non-chalant text. It had to make him seem like we had something to offer him and that I wasn’t over-eager — it might scare him off. “Hey, I have an offer for you.” “I’m not cheap,”... Read More