Music

My taste in music can be a little hard to define. Most of the bands I listen to now fall under the category "alternative", which is in itself vague. I like funk, rap, psychedelia, gothic, and much more. A strange mix. Each has its own appeal, and each suits a different mood. I tend to listen to music that matches my state of mind rather than using music to generate a state of mind.

My current "best of all time": Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy. They are a rap group that has lyrics with extreme social conscience. Every time I hear them, they blow my mind. The lead in this band is Michael Franti, who now is the rapper/singer in the group Spearhead. Since I can't find any links to the Disposable Heroes, I provide one to Spearhead, which is nearly as cool.
I also have an affinity for bands on the music label 4 A.D. Many great alternative bands have originated here. The common thread: they are all original and unique. Some of their better known bands include Bauhaus and the Cocteau Twins. My favorites include Dead Can Dance, Lush, and Ultra Vivid Scene. One of my favorite things about this label is the graphic designer who does the majority of the cover art: Vaughan Oliver.

Other current favorites:

Lenny Kravitz, who has more soul than anybody else who plays Rock & Roll. No great links yet.
Luscious Jackson: Hard to describe. An all woman part rap part alternative band.
Dead Can Dance: A gothic/Irish folk band with an amazing ethereal sound. I'm not religious, so this is as close to heaven as I'll ever get.
The Beastie Boys: How does this fit with the rest? I have no idea. But they ROCK!
Seal: Soulful and mellow. It's not typical of my tastes, but he's one of my favorites.
Other links to check out:

Revised: 12/21/95
e-mail: svijan@umich.edu