Dedicated to Paul and Jimmy
I’ve been thinking about starting this blog for a long time. I love music, and there’s an abundance of incredible artists out there who deserve to be heard and appreciated. Just what the world needs—another white guy sharing his unsolicited opinions, right? Well, with everything going on, I’d argue that sharing good music is a mitzvah.
I grew up in a home filled with music. My siblings, considerably older than me, were hippies, so my earliest musical memories are steeped in the sounds of The Byrds, Simon & Garfunkel, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and the soundtrack to Hair. Meanwhile, my dad had stacks of 8-tracks from Columbia House, filled with easy listening versions of popular songs from the ’60s. That early exposure sparked my love for music and inspired the title of this blog—431 Morris Avenue—the address of the house I grew up in.
So what’s this blog about? Simply put, it’s a place where I will share great songs and artists that more people should know about. While I love a wide range of genres, at the moment my heart beats strongest for indie pop and singer/songwriters. This first post will most likely be the longest. Future posts will be more succinct. And just so you know, this blog will always be free to read and free of ads.
I’m keeping this space positive, upbeat, and (mercifully) free of politics and current events. Occasionally, I’ll throw in book and TV recommendations, too.
Random thought: What’s the aural equivalent of mouthfeel? Just pondering the subjective nature of what makes music “good.”
For my inaugural post, let me introduce you to one of my favorite bands right now: Blind Pilot. Hailing from Astoria, Oregon, and led by singer-songwriter Israel Nebeker, their sound is a stunning blend of indie pop and folk rock. If you’re into Lord Huron, Band of Horses, Jack Johnson, The Shins, or Iron & Wine, you’ll love Blind Pilot. Dawn and I saw them over the summer at a tiny club in Bushwick that barely held a hundred people, and then again recently at a sold-out Bowery Ballroom show. They’re incredible live, and their albums are pure joy. They deserve a larger audience—so here’s me doing my part.
Stay tuned for more music recs. Hope you find something you love.
Musical Quote of the Day – “Without Music, life would be a mistake”. Friedrich Nietzsche
3 Rounds and a Sound
Go On, Say it
Keep You Right
Nice origin story for the blog.
(Dotted line to your 60s hippie music; going to see Richie Furay this weekend.)
You are right - a Shins fan will like Blind Pilot