Like the circle of life or the tides of the mighty oceans, our taste in everything from movies, television and clothes to life partners and cereal brands can ebb and flow with tremendous polarity.
Despite the bounty of options in this choice-based American world, one can easily find themselves in a rut. If you're catching yourself surfing through 60 GB of iTunes playlists and not finding a single thing to listen to, life can suddenly start to feel like that old adage about being stuck in the ocean without anything to drink.
Because of that, we at The Scene want to provide you with a couple choice acts that we've caught ourselves enjoying. Some have been around the block before while others are just sprouting up, but all are worthy of your choosy time.
Herman DÂne
Herman DÂne is a sweet indie folk outlet out of New York/Europe that has been flying under the radar for quite some time. The band has amassed a substantial underground following, especially in the UK, where it was invited to record with the legendary John Peel. The recently released album "Giant" on Source ETC. records features the band's first single, the infectious and lovable "I Wish That I Could See You Soon." With enchanting vocals and vaguely Paul Simon-esque horns lilting overhead, the song is borderline precious. What's better is the music video, which is nothing short of amazing with kids bopping around and bearded European folksters jamming with cartoon characters. Check out Herman DÂne at www.hermandune.com.
Busdriver
Busdriver occupies a space in today's hip-hop realm rarely appreciated in full. Rather than praising the virtues of ho's and bling, his lyrical prowess is self-deprecating and acerbic, a self-described "anti-MC." Not afraid to branch out, the L.A.-based Busdriver (aka Regan Farquhar) can be heard in last year's notable Islands song, "Where There's A Will There's A Whalebone." The man is energetic and delivers a powerful punch. He is a seasoned performer, rapping at age 9 and debuting in his early teens. Critics have described his flows as almost "surrealist" and Busdriver demonstrates his chops by not only professing love for the likes of N.W.A. but also Deerhoof and Built to Spill. Busdriver is overwhelmingly diverse, yet authentic in his hip-hop sensibilities. Check him out Friday night at the 9:30 club, opening for RJD2.
Lavender Diamond
Let's get real here. That freak-folk thing has been awesome but the world needs something more. Looking to charge the scene with a dose of whimsy and humor, New England quartet Lavender Diamond have split albums and stages with the likes of Devendra Banhart and company. The quartet's self-released EP "The Cavalry of Light" is warm and cozy but adequately foot-stomping, thanks to a rollicking percussion section on the awesome "You Broke My Heart." The band includes former members of the eccentric folk group Young People, as well as the meek and mousy vocals from Becky Stark. The band will release its first major LP on Matador Records in May and can be found at www.lavenderdiamond.com.
Nina Nastasia
Nina Nastasia is one of those folks who make young troubadours unbelievably jealous. She picked up and moved to New York City, and her morose, somewhat gothic folk songs immediately picked up a following. She released an album, "Dogs," on a small label and later caught the ear of everyone from John Peel to Steve Albini. Albini has said that of the countless albums he has worked on, Nastasia's "Dogs" is one of his favorites. She released her most recent album, "On Leaving," on Fat Cat Records. Nastasia is sparse and brooding, incorporating elements of chamber music and ornate instrumentation to create something somewhat otherworldly. Her MySpace page is the best way to check out her music: www.myspace.com/ninanastasia.
