I’ve been meaning to post this blog for a while now. Here’s the deal–as soon as my circle of friends discovered that I was writing a music blog for IFC, my e-mail inbox filled up with several band and album recommendations. I’d be a real jerk if I didn’t share these with you. In the same vain as “Employee Picks” at record stores, here’s what my friends suggest that you listen to:

(left: that’s me being body surfed into the ceiling at a recent karaoke party)

“Have you heard of The Gaslight Anthem? My buddy Dan likes them and I saw that they are touring with the Bouncing Souls and Tim Barry of Avail. I listened to the CD a couple of times–it’s not bad but I don’t know if it will stay in rotation.”
Randy F.

“She & Him–this is a great new band featuring actress Zooey Deschannel.”
Pete B.

“Someone showed me this artist’s video the other day, Lykke Li. Pretty cool.”
Toby L.

“I think at least one blog should be dedicated to Mike Patton and his post-Faith No More projects, of which there are many. He has his own label, Ipecac, and may just be the hardest working man in music.”
Rich B.

“Have you heard of The Organ? It’s my favorite band of the moment.”
Brian M.

Ed. Note: I believe The Organ has broken up (shh, don’t tell Brian).

“I would first suggest (that is, if you’re not already familiar with) El Ten Eleven. They’re an incredible two-piece with a whole lot of talent delay/loop effect pedals! There’s a pretty sweet video of them playing/recording a song from their self-titled first album called “My Only Swerving”. Just so it wouldn’t seem like you’re writing about them randomly, they wrote a good portion of the score for the film Helvetica (yes, the film about the font) and that just came out on DVD.

There’s another band out there (Brooklyn-based) called Ola Podrida. Their frontman, David Wingo, wrote the score for another amazing, criminally under-distributed, ultra-indie flick called The Great World of Sound. Both the film and the band are well worth checking out!”
Jacob S.

“Check out my new favorite band, I Love You Airlines, from NY.”
Sean K.

“Jim you best review my boys’ new album Widespread Panic, Free Somehow.”
Bryan W.

“You know what’s cool and coming soon to this side of the pond? Duffy. She’s AMAZING. Haven’t been as moved by anyone since Amy Winehouse, but that’s UNTIL Duffy. She’s not as dark/brooding, but definitely as deep.”
Jennie R.

“The new Mars Volta and the Into the Wild soundtrack are both AMAZING, and the semi- new Coheed and Cambria totally shreds!”
Marissa G.