Comments on: Needle in A Haystack

By: Erik North

Erik North — Fri, 29 May 2009 14:41:43 +0000

Being the big Linda Ronstadt fan I am, I have looked for other like-minded female artists like her and Emmylou Harris. This was how, through a process of Internet searching, I came across Tift Merritt seven years ago. Her 2002 debut album BRAMBLE ROSE was being very favorably compared to Linda’s HEART LIKE A WHEEL and Emmy’s PIECES OF THE SKY–Americana, but also with that “old school” country-rock feel to it. Since then, she has made two more studio albums (TAMBOURINE; ANOTHER COUNTRY) and a couple of live ones; and her genuine spunk and intelligent, heartfelt songwriting have really caused me to name her my favorite female artist of this decade in ANY genre.

By: Annie

Annie — Tue, 26 May 2009 23:51:58 +0000

I have discovered a lot of new music (or, at least music that’s new to me) on Last.fm. I like the idea of “if you like this artist you might also like this”. I’ve also checked out recommedations from sites like CU and The 9513. I also try to check out opening acts when I go to concerts. I found Billy Falcon when he opened a show for Don Henley years ago, and while he never had huge success, to this day I remain a fan of his music.

By: J.R. Journey

J.R. Journey — Mon, 25 May 2009 17:13:02 +0000

Sites like this one and The 9513 have been the biggest factor in my musical discoveries in the past year or so. Whether it was a direct recommendation in an article or review or even someone personally saying ‘hey you might like this too’, I’ve seriously upped my collection and streamlined it at the same time after I started reading the country music blogs regularly. The streamlining stems from ridding myself of a lot of the mainstream stuff to make room for some of the fabulous obscure stuff.

By: Leeann Ward

Leeann Ward — Sat, 23 May 2009 15:28:13 +0000

Actually, back when I listened to the top 40, I liked to catch the lower half too, for the same reason. It hadn’t been overplayed yet, unless it was on its way down, of course.

By: Kent

Kent — Sat, 23 May 2009 14:15:41 +0000

I have some new stuff on country blogs like this one and Roughstock.

When I’m listening to songs on YouTube, I take a look at the related videos, which often have some different artists that can be interesting.

And finally, I just listen to the American Country Countdown top 40. Some of the stuff on the lower portions of the chart are lesser known and usually not as known to me.

By: William Ward

William Ward — Sat, 23 May 2009 02:12:37 +0000

I’m pretty heavy into using the same technique Steve mentioned; I often utilize the “friends of musical friends kind of thing.” I’ve noticed it is especially effective if you concentrate on younger/newer artist as they often have other talented artists that are not already well-known.

Starting with Nickel Creek and branching off I think I discovered about 15-20 artists I currently still really enjoy. That was the biggest goldmine I think I have ever run into.

By: Leeann Ward

Leeann Ward — Fri, 22 May 2009 22:30:34 +0000

Thanks, Matt. I’ve run across Barnes as a result of my routine Vince searches in the past. He doesn’t really do anything for me though, probably because of the R&B thing that you mentioned.

By: Matt B

Matt B — Fri, 22 May 2009 21:46:31 +0000

Lee Ann, Dave Barnes (while not a country artist) has featured Vince on a track or two during his career. I’d recommend him if you like an acoustic pop/r&b/rock hybrid.

By: Steve from Boston

Steve from Boston — Fri, 22 May 2009 18:43:14 +0000

I could name a few of those bloggers that have helped me as well, lol…past and present company included. I have learned so much right here. ;)

By: Leeann Ward

Leeann Ward — Fri, 22 May 2009 18:04:50 +0000

Good ideas, Steve. I do some of those too.

I didn’t mention it in the post, but another way I find music is through blogs, of course. There are certain bloggers that I know have tastes that are similar to mine.