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
Six, count them, SIX great new records out today. Do not pick one of these, buy them all. If you only have enough money for one right now, open an Amazon credit card. These albums are worth going into debt for. Just see if I’m not right: Lady Gaga – Born This Way You didn’t honestly think I was going to ignore this, did you? Look, stop acting all offended by her stupid songs and dance. She’s a professional provocateur and a master marketeer,... 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
Well, at first glance it might seem like there’s not much new worth listening to this week. But that’s why I always say, “skip the first glance, and go straight to the uncomfortable lingering gaze.” While this strategy has been ineffective in social settings, it has revealed a nice little cache of new albums for you to check out. I’m going to point you to five new albums, and five that are new to me. Once again, I’ll remind you I’m... 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
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