Numbers. Georgie James. Sensual Armed Forces. The Mighty Narwhale. Katie the Pest. Just a list of obscure bands I credit for bringing me some of the most joyous, redemptive moments of my short life. I believe that music saves lives, and at the risk of hyperbole, each of these bands has at one time in some way saved my life. Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love newer acts like Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros and Thao with the Get Down Stay Down. While lovely, dancing with girlfriend in front of her iMac is nowhere near same thrill as getting thrown into the drum kit and liking it,
At the risk of tipping you off to my Catholicism, I strongly believe in Guardian Angels. Especially ones that reach out in odd ways. Recent case in point: I pulled up my Last.fm recommended channel to drown out a fellow BoltBus passenger on a never ending cell phone conversation, After some Washed Out and a few other pleasantly unremarkable tracks…there it was. Like an ex you barely recognize but would never forget, wondering whether or not you’re hallucinating. 4-5 bars in I knew it was a Katie the Pest track I hadn’t heard. And I was thrilled.