Here’s some stuff that I’ve been putting in heavy rotation recently:
Play – Moby
I don’t listen to much electronica, but this guy is pretty popular. This album actually samples a lot of folk and blues, so it’s very interesting. Downloaded on eMusic subscription.
A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out – Panic! At The Disco
These guys are pop-punk, if anything. I recently tried to find some current acts that I like (instead of my typical pre-1980 tastes) and this was the only attempt that didn’t thoroughly disgust me. Their lyrics are less than amazing, but at least they’re a musically original group playing on the top-40 stations. Downloaded from iTunes.
PERCoLAToR – Jim Weider
Very similar to Steve Kimock, with more mellow guitar lines. The rhythm guitarist (Mitch Stein) and the drummer (His Awesomeness Rodney Holmes) are from SKB, in fact. Downloaded from eMusic subscription.
Dub Side of the Moon – Easy Star All-Stars
A really good reggae cover of Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon. Usually you don’t mess with the classics, but this one is actually really good. Downloaded from eMusic subscription.
Begin to Hope – Regina Spektor
Think Tori Amos, but not annoying as hell. OK, there’s more to Spektor, a Russian Jew with an absolutely heavenly soprano and an interesting approach to the piano. Good late-night music. And hey, since she’s from Russia, I downloaded her album from there as well (wink wink, nudge nudge, say no more).
Three Quartets – Chick Corea
Great jazz improv, with monster drums care of H.A. Steve Gadd. From the eMusic collection.