Pimp My Jukebox...

[Sachin]

OK.. so here's the deal... my music collection is dated... The most recent thing I have is MIA's debut and Diplo's last CD before the favela one. Needless to say, I need an update in the worst way.

I tried using www.pandora.com, which is really cool, but doesn't always work for me because it's too much in my comfort zone. I want to break out and explore bands I've never heard of, sounds I didn't think were made, etc.

So what should I be listening to?

I'm willing to give anything a shot, but I like music with strong harmonies, moderately complex melodies and strong vocals. While I'll occasionally listen to a Diplo, I'm not gaga over instrumental techno. I like real instruments and the human voice.

Any thoughts?

Sachin

[sch2383]

New Pornographers - I'm not sure what to call them, power pop? They have an absurd hook to song ratio, make you want to move around (ok dance) and all in all are a fun band to listen to. Any of their 3 albums (Mass Romantic, Electric Version, Twin Cinema are good buys.

Neko Case - Sings part time for the New Pornographers, but also does amazing solo work. She has an incredible voice that few, if any, can match. Case gets lumped into the country/alt-country genre, but that is more her early work. Her stuff now really cross so many geners it is hard to put in just one. She just put out a new album so it wouldn't be that hard to find reviews on her. Check out 2002's Blacklisted and the recently released Fox Confessor Brings the Flood

Spoon - One of the best indie rock bands going. Lead singer Britt Daniels has one of the best male rock voices and is a killer songwriter. I like 2005's Gimme Fiction best, but all their albums are quality buys.

Sufjan Stevens - the darling of 2005. His album Illinois (or Come On Feel the Illinoise is stunning. All the songs are tied to the state of Illinois in some way and the album is full of intricate vocals and instramental tracks.

[Belgian guy]

Check out the Arcade Fire and The Magic Numbers.